December 10, 2015

Especially at Christmas

Christmas ought to be a time of peace.  A time of quiet reflection.
However, it often isn't.  In fact, just the opposite can be true.
As Christians, we are called to live in the moment.
Even at Christmas.  Perhaps especially then.

To focus our attention on what is right before us.  And, give ourselves to it.
Just this day.  Not yesterday.  Not tomorrow.

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow
shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."  Matthew 6:34


It's so easy to borrow trouble from the past or from the future.
We don't have grace for the worries of either.  We are promised grace for now.

"...but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth to those things that are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:13b-14

We aren't guaranteed a tomorrow.  Today is all we are given.
And, by God's grace, we can live fully present in it.
We can trust our Great God for His provisions for this day.
He promises that He will supply all the needs of His people.

For today.  For always.  Forever.


As I've pondered these things in recent days, some things have become more clear.
We each have enough on our plates to deal with in the day in which we
find ourselves without looking too deeply into the past or the future.
We ought not to dwell in either of those places for long.

We have grace for today.  For this moment.
And, really, what more do we need?

Not that grace isn't available for the past or the future.  It is.
But, grace and strength are given by our gracious Heavenly Father
exactly when they are needed.  He is faithful to provide them to His children.
Not a moment too late.  Rarely early.  Always on time.

"My grace is sufficient for thee;
for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  I Corinthians 12:9a


We can trust our Great God to meet us where we are.  If we belong to Him.
We are called to seek Him for wisdom to know what it is we ought to do.
And, we are able to request His strength to accomplish the task.

And, that is it.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.

What a liberating and freeing way to live!  Simply wonderful.
By His grace and in His strength.  Day by day.
Moment by moment.  All for His glory.  Alone.

So, this Christmas, may we find the peace that only
the Saviour can give.  And, may we follow Him wherever He leads.
May the Manger lead to the Cross in our hearts as we worship Him.

Now and throughout the coming year.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!  I'm taking a little blogging break
and hope to catch up with you all early in the New Year.
Sending you big hugs and warm wishes for all things wonderful!

With Love,
Camille

10 comments:

KM Angel said...

Beautifully put! Merry Christmas to you and yours Camille.

Patty said...

Merry Christmas a little early!

Stephanie said...

Beautifully said, sweet friend. This was a wonderful post - one I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

May you and your dear family have a blessed and joyous Christmas! I, too, shall be taking a break to enjoy this time of year. Hugs to you!

Cinnamon said...

Merry Christmas Camille~ Happy New Year and many blessings to you and your dear family ♥

~Cinnamon

Pam said...

This is a good reminder Camille. I have often had to remind myself of these truths. Have a wonderful Christmas time and many blessings to you all.
Hugs,
Pam

Haddock said...

A well lit tree.
Enjoy the break , and Merry Christmas.

Katy said...

Beautifully written! I need to remind myself of this when my anxiety kicks in at times. Thank you for sharing your wisdom! Have a lovely, Christ-exalting week!

Warmly,
Katy

Heather said...

Merry Christmas, friend! Praying God's peace for you and your family at this time. XO

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Beautiful tree and love your pics of the lights. What a wonderful post! I found myself letting go of a lot of traditions this year and it felt good. Traditions are good, but too many traditions can get burdensome. Kids growing older changes some traditions I've noticed. Hope you have a great Christmas break and can find that peace each and every day through our Lord and Savior.

Camille said...

K. Angel ~ Thank you so much for your kind wishes! May the Lord bless you richly in the coming year. :)

Patty ~ Early is good my friend....thank you! Big hugs. :)

Stephanie ~ A break from blogging at Christmas has been a tradition of mine for a few years....it's a blessing to just breathe, isn't it? The Lord is so very, very good. Hugs! :)

Cinnamon ~ And to yours my sweet friend! Big hugs to you! :)

Pam ~ Many blessings to you and your family as well. Hugs! :)

Haddock ~ Welcome here. Thank you for your kind words. Blessings to you! :)

Katy ~ How wonderful it is to belong to our Precious Saviour! May you know His loving hand upon you all in the coming year. Hugs. :)

Heather ~ Thank you so much for praying....you bless my heart! Hugs to you. :)

Jackie ~ Yes, some traditions do have to be let go....it can be a good thing! So glad you are finding balance in it all....the Lord is so very good to us, isn't He? Big hugs to you! :)

With Love,
Camille