Grace that was to be ours. Grace that saves us from all our sin. The heavens could not contain it! The angels had witnessed Jesus leave heaven to be born a man; this sweet babe, the salvation of mankind. What's not to shout about?!

The best Christmas gift we have received, and the one we get to share, is the opportunity to walk with Jesus.

Death comes with such finality. It leaves us reeling and yearning, with a tremendous sense of loss. It shadows us in darkness while we struggle in it. Yet, death is a part of life. Part of the Good News we celebrate at Christmas is God, through the birth of His Son, Jesus, has not abandoned us in this dark experience of death.

Most Native tribes have stories about warriors, but none who brings salvation. So, we start at the beginning.

For Mary, it must have been a time of great joy and terror. Angels talking about her conception. Elizabeth and John leaping for joy. Zechariah’s prophecy of the forerunner of the Christ child: ”You will give the knowledge of salvation in the forgiveness of their sin.” (Luke 1:77)

And Mary pondered.

Christ was still inside the womb and yet his specialness couldn’t be hidden from another unborn infant!

When was the last time you leaped for joy at the coming Christ?

Jesus grew from that baby in the manger to a man, crucified on the cross for our sins. He felt every shame, pain, and fear that we do. And because He understands, He desires to bless you, so you can be a blessing to others.

Jesus is the light, and it shines for all of us when we stop to see it. 

In God’s creation, we see his fingerprints everywhere, and when we look even closer, we can also see his plan for salvation and new life.