Wrapped in His Promise
We are one day away from the New Year. Today is a great day to look back over the month and realize that everything we need for the future is wrapped up in the promise of the manger.
The Christmas story isn't just a sweet memory. It is a guarantee of God's provision for everything to come. The most powerful promise we have for the next twelve months is affirmed by the fact that God has already fulfilled the ultimate promise.
Paul’s words to the Philippians are a beautiful summary of the meaning of Christmas (Philippians 4:19, KJV): "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Feathered Friends and a Faithful Father
The sound of hedge trimmers filled the air as workers buzzed about our property, giving our shrubs their annual haircut. While the trimming certainly improved the appearance of our garden, not everyone was thrilled with the landscape makeover. Our feathered friends, who had made these hedges their temporary homes, were notably disturbed by this disruption to their peaceful existence.
Day after day, I gazed out my bedroom window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the familiar birds that usually frequented our feeder. The garden seemed eerily quiet without their cheerful chirping and playful acrobatics. My heart sank a little each time I noticed the untouched birdseed on the driveway outside my office.
When I expressed my concern to Jason, he offered a suggestion that was both practical and profound. "Why don't we make an extra effort to show them we still care? Let's put out more food than usual, maybe even some special treats."