I have spent this day after Christmas putting away the life-size Nativity scene that I was inspired to place in our front yard. My husband and I started this new tradition last year, and this endeavor has given us great joy. We have found more fulfillment in assembling this Nativity than in any of the other decorating for this season. I have spent countless hours researching what the real birthplace of Jesus was like and just how that one night unfolded. I discovered that much of what we believe about the setting is based more on popular culture than on the words of Scripture. For example, the Wise Men were not there on the night of His birth. I will not be placing them into our Nativity. (I am glad because life-size camel are real expensive) Most scholars will not commit as to whether there were animals present but I believe the mention of a manger has to infer that some animals were around. We have one donkey, three sheep, three chickens and two peacocks that are hand-made or concrete. I learned that the multitude of Angels was into the thousands, but Ricky only agreed to place one, up high over the Crèche. I complied with just having one Angel since placing it, and the Star require climbing a ladder, and he is about to turn 62. My goal is to add a couple of shepherds next Christmas, and then I will be finished.
Placing all our Christmas décor away for another year always makes me feel a little dejected. I have cried a few tears today. I seem to be somewhat less joyful than in the days before Christmas. Maybe it is just the feeling we tend to have after a great time of celebration. I know that I have felt pain and grief from missing my Children that now live in Heaven. This year I am dealing with my 95-year-old Daddy just not being able to attend any of the family time gatherings. I am sharing my heart with you only because I want you to know that I have days of despair but I am praying and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and I will not remain in the valley of sorrow for long.
I am looking forward to the New Year and the many opportunities that I will have to share with others about my hope for 2017. The Spirit of God, dwelling in me, enables me to draw from a deep abiding JOY and PEACE that I cannot explain any other way but JESUS, my salvation.
He is the reason for my life to prosper and grow. I am looking forward in continuing to work with CWJC in teaching women to understand the Bible. I am looking forward to attending Lean Into Jesus Ministries, “WORTHY” conference on February 4. I am looking forward to Heaven and the soon rapture of the Church. I am looking forward to running after JESUS with:
Joy and abandon
Praise and worship
Faith and hope
Love and passion.
What are you looking forward to in this New Year? Remember Philippians 3:13-14 “ … forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Dear Jesus,
Help me to lean forward into You. Give me a double portion of Your grace and mercy and let my life glorify Your holy name. Amen.
Rebekah Marsh
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#rebekahmarshblogs
