Friday, December 24, 2004
The Blessing Tree
"I read about a young couple whose business had failed, and they had little money to spend at Christmas. They were going to have to move out of their house after the new year. But they didn't want their holiday season to be spoiled because of it. So they decided to throw a party. Whe n the guest arrived, they saw a cedar tree decorated with one string of lights and small rolled-up pieces of paper tied to the limbs with ribbon.
'Welcome to our blessing tree!' they said, beaming. 'In spite of hard times, God has blessed us in so many ways that we dicided to dedicate our tree to Him. Each piece of paper describes a blessing He has given us this year.'
This cuple has faced more trials since then, but they have chosen to stay focused on the Lord. They often remark that the Christmas with the blessing tree was one of their mjost beautiful, because they could testify as Mary did:'My spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour...He who is mighty has done great things for me' (Luke 1:47-49)
Whatever your difficulties, they needn't spoil Christmas, for nothing can spoil Christ! Like this couple, stay focused on Jesus and seek ways to share His blessings with others--perhaps through your own blessing tree." --JEY
Wow time passes fast, it's Christmas Eve!! Argh...if it could only snow now, everything would be perfect:) Well the above story is juz one of the devotionals tt really spoke to me:) I guess we really should give thanx for watever we have despite tt we may be going thru tough times.
I juz finished Christmas shopping today. The presents r official under the tree. Ok i still have one more gift not bought & one more not wrapped...but I will get to it...*sigh* I think my siblings have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Pretty packages merely hide, prices paid but He paid the highest price. Hope I will have the chance to remind them the reason why we celebrate Christmas, the reason why He came. So indeed To give meaning to Christmas, give Christ first place.
'Welcome to our blessing tree!' they said, beaming. 'In spite of hard times, God has blessed us in so many ways that we dicided to dedicate our tree to Him. Each piece of paper describes a blessing He has given us this year.'
This cuple has faced more trials since then, but they have chosen to stay focused on the Lord. They often remark that the Christmas with the blessing tree was one of their mjost beautiful, because they could testify as Mary did:'My spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour...He who is mighty has done great things for me' (Luke 1:47-49)
Whatever your difficulties, they needn't spoil Christmas, for nothing can spoil Christ! Like this couple, stay focused on Jesus and seek ways to share His blessings with others--perhaps through your own blessing tree." --JEY
Jesus came--and came for me!
Simple words, and yet expressing
Depths of holy mystery,
Depths of wondrous love and blessing.
*****
Wow time passes fast, it's Christmas Eve!! Argh...if it could only snow now, everything would be perfect:) Well the above story is juz one of the devotionals tt really spoke to me:) I guess we really should give thanx for watever we have despite tt we may be going thru tough times.
I juz finished Christmas shopping today. The presents r official under the tree. Ok i still have one more gift not bought & one more not wrapped...but I will get to it...*sigh* I think my siblings have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Pretty packages merely hide, prices paid but He paid the highest price. Hope I will have the chance to remind them the reason why we celebrate Christmas, the reason why He came. So indeed To give meaning to Christmas, give Christ first place.
// posted by grace @ 1:12 PM 
