To Be More Like Jesus

 It's the Fourth Sunday of Advent...We are getting closer and closer to Christmas and celebrating the birth of our Savior.  Today we lit the fourth candle on the Advent Wreath at church. Obviously, this picture doesn't have anything to do with an Advent Wreath, but it was such a lovely evening and it gave me such peace and joy and comfort as we enter this last week prior to Christmas, that I just thought I'd share it with you.

What you couldn't see in the above picture was that there was a whole flock of geese who had landed just before sunset on Still Waters Pond.

They were swimming around the island in the pond, checking things out. Some even went up on the island and walked around.  

And then they all slipped back into the pond and swam away into the sunset...

And this gave me such "Joy in this Place"...

It helped me to focus more fully on the true meaning of Christmas...putting things in perspective as we "wrap things up" (literally)  in preparation for our celebration.  I've been a little stressed as usual at this time of the year in getting everything done, tending to overthink what I think needs to be done...and I need to just stop and "rest beside the still waters" for a little while and let the Lord restore my soul from the hectic pace of the world.

This morning our church choir sang our Christmas Cantata, "Joy In This Place".  It is a relief to have that over with after weeks of practice, but it is also a joy to have shared the "Good News" of Jesus Christ coming to earth..."God with us",  to save us from our sins and give us hope, joy and peace for a better life here on earth and the hope and assurance of eternal life in heaven.  I have already shared this video on Facebook, but if you aren't able to see it there, then here it is again for you if you would like to listen to this joyful message:

As you can see, our choir was "socially distanced", and we are few in number since there are still several who are not able to attend church because of their health concerns. But we who were able to participate sang for the joy and glory of the Lord.  I hope you will enjoy this.

So what special things are you doing to celebrate Christmas this year? I know many are not able to be with loved ones or friends, but perhaps there are special programs you are watching or participating in...or any particular charities that you or your church or club or group supports during the holidays?  One thing I really love about our little church is that we give toys and gifts to the children of our local elementary school. There is one woman in particular in our church who takes it upon herself to start collecting new toys early in the year.  People donate funds to help, but she does much of it on her own, and by Christmas time she has collected enough toys to make sure that every single child in our school will receive some special gifts at Christmas.  (I believe there are more than 500 students now). Some of the ladies help her wrap the gifts and distribute them. It is a wonderful ministry as we are a poor rural community and many children would not have anything for Christmas if people did not help. I am amazed at the love and big heart of this particular woman who has taken on this ministry. She is truly an example to all of us.  I am sharing her picture here because I want you to see her exuberant spirit. I don't think she will read my blog, and she would be very humbled and probably embarrassed if she saw it, but this dear saint of God deserves some special accolades.  I know God already knows, and He takes good care of her...but to me she is a super hero. Her name is Norma.

Norma exemplifies the true Spirit of Christmas to me.

She also baked cookies and gave tins of them to many families in the church for Christmas.

I think what I want for Christmas is to be more like Norma in the New Year.

To be more giving, loving and do so with a humble spirit.

In other words, to be more like Jesus.

Yes, that is what I really want for Christmas. 

To be more like Jesus.

How about you?

Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas my friends.