i have been contemplating the horrific event from last week and the evil that is present in our world.
my heart breaks for the losses of family and friends and for the innocent children who were gunned down senselessly.
i cannot imagine BEING one of those parents or being the parent of the man who orchestrated and carried this evil out.
as darkness and sin waxes worse and worse in our world today, there is this great opportunity for the Light of the world to shine brighter than ever.
after all, darkness is simply the absence of Light, and people around us need to know the Truth of that Light Who came to save us.
Who came to save them.
He is no respecter of persons.
i am the same as the murderer.
only saved by His wonderful grace. sinner, still.
but now, i am a Light bringer.
so what better opportunity do we have to share Him than the season that we celebrate His birth?
it's like an open door that God is just waiting for us to walk through.
do you know anyone that needs to know?
has the Holy Spirit whispered in your ear as He has mine?
i have come up with some pretty lame excuses as to why, "i can't, Lord!"
"what will they think?"
"will they be offended?"
"i don't know what to say!"
"now's just not the time."
i have struggled to present the Gospel to them because they are people that i don't see on a regular basis.
my hairdresser, the owner of a shop that we love, our neighbors, the librarians and so.many.more people.
my prayer is that God will use this to plant a seed.
to open the doors to greater conversations than, "soooooo.....how 'bout that weather!?".
that as i grow these wonderful friendships, i am able to share with them my Best Friend.
who knows how God will stir in their heart?
i know this comes a bit late in the season, but i think all of our grieving hearts needed days to process what has happened and love on our families.
i am so grateful for my children, and that they are here with me.
my hearts aches with the families that are enduring such grievous loss and pain, especially during such a joyous season.
it would never, EVER be easy, but Christmas...it just seems worse. ya know?
my prayer is that hearts would be turned to the Babe in the manger.
the One who came to reconcile us from sin, such as we have seen of late.
the One Who radiates HOPE and longs for us to look up.
may we look up.
may we pray.
may we reach souls for Him.
He is the answer.
with the help of my dear friend, Jennifer, i was able to bring this printable to you.
i designed it, and she so graciously(and quickly) made it so that there could be four on a page.
my computer and brain have limitations. :)
thanks, dear friend. :)
they are nice to just hand out as is, or to attach to gifts.
they spread a message of Hope and the true Meaning of Christmas
what you will need:
printer
paper (i printed on cardstock for weight)
hole punch
twine or ribbon
exacto knife(for the slit for the candy cane)
candy canes
i hope you all are having a wonderful week!
i treasure your friendship SO much...each and every one.
you are a gift to me!
sending lots of love your way, dear ones.
xoxoxo,
mary
I love your heart.
ReplyDeletexxoo
Just love this whole post... and LOVe the candy cane message!
ReplyDeletesuch a great idea. love this.
ReplyDeleteYou know I love this already! Thanks for the shout out my dear! I think i will make some for my girls class :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. This was so kind of you to share with us!
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