He Humbled Himself

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:1-11

You will often hear it told that Christmas is not about the presents, the decorations, the parties, etc. And indeed it's not. This year, however, God taught me this in a new way.

Christmas has probably always been my favorite time of year. I fall in love with the atmosphere of love and joy it brings. The friends and family... The hot cocoa... The christmas lights and gift giving. It usually gets me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. You know?

This year was different though. I didn't have that warm, fuzzy feeling I usually got as December rolled around. I was baffled for much of the month not understanding why I was not in a more joyful mood! I was incredibly frustrated some days, even!

But today, rather than search for a feeling that would be as steadfast as the sand under a wave, I kneeled in awe of my Savior: Jesus Christ. Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. He, who deserved to remain on his thorn at the right side of his Father in heaven, entered a sin-stricken world. "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the like was of men."

My Creator grew from a babe into a man. He was tempted as I am. He suffered - even to the point of brutal death. And all of this was by his choice. Because he loves me and you: sinners not deserving of any grace, any forgiveness, any love... But chosen, desired, even cherished by the Father!

I am simply in awe of this beautiful truth!! I don't understand how you cannot be!! I am humbled by the love shown. This love that left perfection, and entered into corruption. This love that lived and died that I might have a relationship with him. This love that gives me faith and light to walk in this dark world.

This love humbled himself. For you. For me.

And I kneel in awe of the precious name of Jesus Christ...
"Therefore God has exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

To Him be all glory and honor forever!!! Amen.

This is what Christmas is all about.

Between My Heart and Soul

Between My Heart and Soul

The stillness of my soul,
My heart cannot handle
Stirring up tumultuous waters
As it begins the battle
Between my heart and soul

It begins as a ripple
A question without answer -
A single bullet shot
Bringing about tension
Between my heart and soul

With a cautious stroke I
Tread the growing current
Entertaining idea
Contradicting thoughts swimming
Between my heart and soul

Current... Thoughts... each gaining speed
Threatening to wash over -
To replace the air with lies
To drown me in my thoughts
Between my heart and soul

My voice cries out for help!
To the calmer of the seas,
The one who walks on water
Only he can calm battles
Between my heart and soul

With feeble attempts I kick
Trying to stay above the
Doubting waves of my mind
That are flowing quicker
Between my heart and soul

"Stop!! be still." All is calm.
Not a ripple flows through
My Lord commands the waters,
my waters once rough now rest
Within my heart and soul

God know my anxious heart,
You hold my trembling hand,
And lead me through crashing waves
Whispering peace to my soul.

..........................................................................................................................................................
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;"
Isaiah 43:2a