Homegrown Journal

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Devotion

Great love, great gift.

The word “great” has always been one of my favorite words. It brings with it the idea things couldn’t be much better, that the world is upright, that the shadows are absent and the sun is bright. It takes a lot of good to be great. The seasons of my life have brought countless good things. The great things of my life are written on the pages of my story in bold print. The story begins with the ending, and it goes like this: In the beginning, God … .

The greatest of all gift givers gave me the ultimate gift in Jesus.

Reflecting on Christmas past brings thoughts and memories, reminding me of His goodness.

The “bestest” Christmas as a young 18-year-old was in 1975. My grandparents were in town for the holidays. The festivities were dripping with laughter and joy. My sweetheart, Jimmy, asked me to go to the movies to see the infamous film Tidal Wave. It was a poorly made movie, filmed in Japan. The actors’ mouths did not match the English words spoken. The tidal wave was massive; the subtitles were too small to easily read. It was great! That’s about all I remember except for the hand I was holding, the most unforgettable. Going home after the movie that night, my Jimmy parked the car and pulled the beautiful diamond ring from his pocket.

“Will you marry me?” YES!!! A thousand times YES!!

Years ran into years, children came, grandchildren were born, the good continued. Hard times were few; blessings were abundant. We held each other close, Christmas after Christmas. Living life without him is difficult, but the constant reminders of God’s goodness continue.

Christmas may not look the same, but the greatness of that day does not waiver. A baby was born. He was tiny, frail, dependent upon His mother. Wrapped in a blanket of royalty, serenaded by angels, the King came to earth. His purpose established. The story of His life penned by the very hand of His Father. God in the flesh, Immanuel. The Giver of good gifts. Perfect in every way. The Christmas of all Christmases, Jesus. His birth brought joy to the shepherds. His death, life to His people. The never-ending story of incomprehensible peace.

The Lamb of Life, the Savior.

Yahweh. LORD. I am who I am.

It’s Christmas! Celebrate His goodness! Greater is He!

Pray

Lord Jesus, oh, how you are loved! This Christmas season, let us take time to dwell in your presence. As we reflect upon the baby in the manger, let us remember you are the conquering King! May your peace reign, your Word resonate in our hearts. Let us love as you love, and help us serve faithfully as we look forward to your victorious return.