Hello Friends,
Shawna Rash did today's Advent devotional at His Kingdom Come and did a super job of it. The part that stood out to me the most was her quote of Jesus from John 17:24, the Amplified Bible:
I don't know about you, but I like getting gifts. Every year I decide I am not going to ask for anything and every year I find something that I just have to mention.
Can you imagine Father God asking Jesus, "What do you want for Christmas this year?" Jesus just grins and points at me and you and YOU. He can't help it. He just has to mention to the Father how much he longs to hold us and pour out his love upon us.
So there we are -- you and me -- waiting under the tree. That's where we first meet him and that is where we first open ourselves up to him.
Only this tree doesn't have tinsel and lights. It has cruel spikes and the Light of the World hangs there upon its branches.
John 17 is the last earthly prayer recorded of Jesus to the Father, and it is all about me and you. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus was able to endure the cross because of the joy set before him. It reminds me of when I was laboring to bring my 2nd child into the world. The midwife had set out a little diaper and gown on top of the baby warmer. Whenever the pains got too hard, I wandered over to touch the little garments and pulled in a deep breath of pure joy at the vivid reminder of what the outcome of my pain would be. A child would soon be in my arms. I imagine Jesus thinking much the same thing about you and about me.
Thank you for visiting my blog today. As you place your gifts under your Christmas tree, I hope you will remember that other tree and the One who waits for you there.
Blessing hugs,
Teresa
Challenges:
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - ATG (anything goes)
Word Art Wednesday - ATG
613 Avenue Create - ATG/twist paper piecing
Amusing Challenge - ATG/no digis
That Craft Place - anything mixed media
We Love to Create - anything mixed media/creative
Shawna Rash did today's Advent devotional at His Kingdom Come and did a super job of it. The part that stood out to me the most was her quote of Jesus from John 17:24, the Amplified Bible:
"Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given to me (as your gift to me), may be with me where I am."
"Don’t miss the fact that we are a “gift” to Him from the Father," Shawna emphasized.
I don't know about you, but I like getting gifts. Every year I decide I am not going to ask for anything and every year I find something that I just have to mention.
Can you imagine Father God asking Jesus, "What do you want for Christmas this year?" Jesus just grins and points at me and you and YOU. He can't help it. He just has to mention to the Father how much he longs to hold us and pour out his love upon us.
So there we are -- you and me -- waiting under the tree. That's where we first meet him and that is where we first open ourselves up to him.
Blessing hugs,
Teresa
Challenges:
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - ATG (anything goes)
Word Art Wednesday - ATG
613 Avenue Create - ATG/twist paper piecing
Amusing Challenge - ATG/no digis
That Craft Place - anything mixed media
We Love to Create - anything mixed media/creative
7 comments:
WOW. Just wow!!!!
Thank you.
Such a beautiful, heartfelt post Teresa. Thank you!
This is truly amazing artwork!
Love when Jesus speaks the very word that He knows will thrill our hearts....and it just jumps off the page! Humbled He used me to give this to you. Now you have blessed me with this beautiful piece of writing and art! Thank you! <3
Such an inspiring post, I feel ready to do mine xx
Wow! This is wonderful! That tree is amazing!! Love this! Such an inspirational post!!
I hope you have a lovely holiday season!
Thank you very much for joining us this week at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog!
hugs...
Melissa
Love the way you did this. So far enjoying Advent with HKC; my first time around. Love the tree on this. :)
The depth on the tree must have taken a while to do. It's amazing and awesome!
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