This Christmas; Party from the Inside Out

Everyday my 5yr old grandson informs me how many days it is to Christmas, he is definitely excited this year. His kindergarten class had a Christmas pajama party to end the semester; even the teacher was in pj’s. Problem was, when it was time to leave school, and tables were being clean off, my grandson wasn’t ready to leave the party. The only way to get him out of there was to make a up a treat bag and take the party with us.

Another Kind of Party

Elizabeth (mother of John), had her own little party when Mary (mother of Jesus) came to visit her in the hill country of Judah. Mary was barely pregnant and probably not showing a visible bump, while Elizabeth was already at six months. Kind of hard to hide a six month pregnant bump, but Mary wasn’t surprised in the least as Gabriel, the angel had already informed her.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice greeting her, the baby she was carrying leaped in her womb. “She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sang out exuberantly.” You can read the words of her song in Luke chapter one. Here is a portion of the song as recorded in the Message Bible.

” The moment the sound of your greeting entered my ears, The babe in my womb skipped like a lamb for sheer joy. Blessed woman, who believed what God said, believed every word would come true!”

Oh and Mary’s response was, “I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.” Again you can read the rest of the response in Luke 1.

The Party Continues

Mary, Elizabeth and the yet to be born John were not the only ones filled with joy. Luke 2 tells us about a group of shepherds who were watching over their sheep at night when an angel appeared to them and told them about the birth of Jesus. No sooner had the angel told them when he (the angel), was accompanied by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises.

Immediately after the angels went back to heaven the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Jesus exactly where the angel had said.

When the shepherds returned to the sheep pasture, they were changed men. Seeing one angel is impressive, but a huge angelic host singing praises to God is another level of awesome…

…and the best was yet to come.

It was seeing Jesus, their Messiah that changed them. “The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!”

Party From the Inside Out

I am so thankful for the Son of God leaving the glory of heaven, willingly taking on human form to live among His creation. A life that would lead Him to His physical death on a cross. His death bought spiritual life for all who would accept His sacrifice.

Now, that is cause to celebrate this Christmas season. May we Let Loose, glorifying and praising God. Singing His song and may we sing it exuberantly.

Taking the party with us wherever we go.

Merry Christmas to you and your family from me and mine.

Helena

Looking to Jesus. Living in His Radiance.

Pausing for a few weeks, see you all back at Grace Lace and Polkadots in the new year.