INSPIRASUNS

We are fortunate at our church to work with a local florist. He has been with us forever and supplies the flowers for the altar each Sunday. He also provides the decorations for the Christmas and Easter celebrations. Yesterday was the day that we transformed the church from Advent Season to Christmas and it was nothing short of stunning.

I opened the church early before Tom and his team arrived. Some things needed to be finished before they began their work. As I tended to those chores I looked around and thought again about how special this particular Advent Season has been. I’ve felt much closer to Father and His Baby Jesus over the past four weeks. He has spoken to me in many different ways and has answered prayers for discernment on many things. It’s a humbling experience actually, knowing that there is a God who cares so much for me, for all of us, that He hears prayers and answers them so clearly.

As I began to polish the torches secured to every other pew, and would soon hold beautiful arrangements, I noticed Tom and his team arriving. When I say team, ya, it’s a big team. After our “Good Mornings and Merry Christmas” greetings, Tom began to move around the church, inside and out, showing everyone the plan. I continued to work and watched as they carefully brought in arrangements for the windows, the most beautiful greenery for the altar, and wreaths that hung just so. Outside was pretty much the same, greenery over the doors and a beautiful wreath at the entrance. The theme was simple but yet so beautiful. Just reds and greens and plaid ribbons to accent it all. I watched as this team took such care in their movements. Everything was just so. They worked as if they were preparing the manger on that first Christmas.

I placed the candles in the center of each window arrangement, polished a few more pieces for the altar, and then made my way back to my office. Tom and his team finished the decor of the church and then on to the parish hall they moved. I ventured back to check on them a little while later and was struck again by the simple beauty. He and his team had transformed our holy place from Advent to Christmas. I know, I know, he does this every year, but this year, it just feels different.

As I stood in the church after Tom and his team had left, I couldn’t help but think about that first Christmas. Was the stable transformed that night? Was there a noticeable difference in the way it looked and felt before Jesus arrived? I can only imagine that the stable was filled with amazing light and warmth when Baby Jesus was born. We know there was a star in the sky that showed everyone where the miracle child lay. I believe there was an even brighter light coming from the manger. Yes, I can just imagine the transformation that night.

Friends, giving our heart fully to Father and His Son Jesus, that is where the true transformation occurs. He changes us, He shows us the total and unconditional love that He has for us. That is all He has ever wanted, to show us love and for us to return that love not only to Him but to each other. This Christmas Eve, may we be transformed into the image of that little Baby Jesus. May we share His unending love with each other.

Have a very Merry Christmas, my friends. I’m going to take a break tomorrow, but I’ll be back on Thursday.

Special Christmas prayers for Jan’s family, for those in Western North Carolina, and for sweet Emily Rea, may she come home soon.

Thanks to my friend Cookie Coleman for the beautiful sunset picture from Virginia last night, the cover of today’s little blog 🙂 .

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.