March 19, 2026

Give Love

December 19, 2013 by

SeekingHimLogo

Each week during the season of Advent, our blogs will focus on a central theme which is associated with the coming of Christ—His Advent.  This week’s theme is LOVE.  Christians throughout the world celebrate Advent.  Some light candles or sing songs; some give gifts or  hang wreaths.  All of these are simple joyous ways of extending the celebration of Jesus’s coming beyond a mere 24 hours on December 25. Our prayer is that these devotionals throughout this season of Advent would help you to celebrate His first Coming and anticipate with the peace and joy of His second Coming.

* * * * * * *

Christmas is all so much about giving. Even the stingiest folks that we know…the ones with the ‘bah! humbug!’ attitude…understand the giving of the season.  Little children understand about giving; big kids, too.  So much of our conversation at this time of the year centers around the subject of giving.

Now…back to my first sentence.  What I first wrote is true. ‘Christmas IS all about giving.’  THAT is the absolute, total, complete, whole TRUTH!

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16

But, wait…let’s look at those words again.  God ‘so loved the world…’ His love was the motivation.  And what He gave (His only begotten Son, Jesus), well that’s love, too.  Almighty God has set the standard for giving—LOVE.  Giving should be all about love.

  • Just like God, love should be the motivation for our giving.
  • Just like God, love should be what we give.

And we, as His children, have been enabled and equipped to be ABLE to love.

…for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts
through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5

So, in the midst of the sewing, and the wrapping, and the baking, and the shopping, and all the other activities, here’s a challenge I would like to set before each of us: let’s purpose to give love!  I can only begin to imagine the myriad of opportunities that we will have to give love if we look to do so!  Start small, perhaps…give love by smiling at those you meet.  Whether wandering through the aisles or in line at the grocery store…look into the eyes of those you pass and smile.  (Oh!  And pray for them!)   Or go a little bigger…there are so very many needs in this world!  Go to a battered women’s shelter and sit and talk.  Visit an assisted living community and sing Christmas carols.  If we ask God to lead us and give us opportunity to show His love…I KNOW He will!

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:7-11

* * * * *

Oh Dear Father, You have shown such a perfect standard for giving.  And we thank You for that! And You have enabled us to show Your love by pouring Your love into our hearts.  Help us, Father, to reach out with that love.  Help us to go beyond our comfort level, and be love to those who need love.  May You be pleased by our obedience and our actions.  And may the love we show draw others to You.  Thank You for Your love, gracious Father!  We love You so!  In Jesus’ precious name, we pray.  Amen.  <3

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{Dairy Free} Cranberry and Cocoa ‘Nib’ Oatmeal Cookies

December 19, 2013 by

My inspiration cookie recipe for today is found here, and is one of my own creations. The cookie recipe listed below underwent a few changes, but the basic idea is the same. Enjoy!

{Dairy Free} Cranberry and Cocoa 'Nib' Oatmeal Cookies www.GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com #christmascookies

Ingredients List

  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup coconut oil OR Earth Balance
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3 cups steel-cut oats
  • 1/2 cup cocoa ‘nibs’ (Can’t find nibs in your area? Substitute chocolate chips or walnuts for a slightly different texture and flavor!)
  • 3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Preparation Instructions

  1. Maple syrup, sugar, and coconut oil (or Earth Balance) should be placed in mixer bowl and blended well.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla. Briefly mix again.
  3. Add all dry ingredients to bowl. Mix well.
  4. Remove mixer bowl from stand and add berries and cocoa ‘nibs’.
  5. Stir until just combined.
  6. Measure dough onto sheet pans by rounded tablespoon.
  7. Bake in 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
  8. Let cool on wire racks.

Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk (dairy free or regular, your choice!) or a hot cup of coffee. Delicious and healthy!

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Joseph’s Lullaby

December 19, 2013 by

gchcarolsbloggraphic

During the Christmas season, I often think of Mary.  I place myself in Mary’s shoes and consider how scared and confused and undoubtedly honored she must have felt that God had chosen her to carry baby Jesus for nine months and then to be His mother while on this earth.  Just as Mary was chosen by God, Joseph was chosen to be Jesus’ earthly father.  I let this part of Christmas slip by until I listened to Joseph’s Lullaby.

Put yourself in Joseph’s place, as you close your eyes and listen to these words…

I believe the Glory of Heaven is lying in my arms tonight. 
Lord, I ask that He for just this moment simply be my child.

Joseph’s Lullaby  ~ Mercy Me

These have to be my two favorite lines throughout the whole song.  I can only imagine how Joseph must have felt knowing the Glory of Heaven was lying in his arms that night.  This song has challenged me to read through the Christmas Story from Joseph’s perspective.  When Joseph learned about Mary’s pregnancy, he did not want to publicly humiliate her so he decided he was going to break off their engagement.  How heartbreaking of a thought for him, but one which shines his true character through and through.  Mary was someone Joseph loved dearly.  They were planning to spend their life together and now this dream vanished before him—or so he thought until the angel appeared before him.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,
because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sin.”
Matthew 1:20-21

With confirmation from the angel, that Joseph was supposed to keep their engagement, Mary and Joseph traveled the long, nine-month road placed before them which led to that awe-filled moment where Joseph reached out into the Glory of Heaven.

I believe we can take a piece of Joseph’s journey for ourselves.  Just as Joseph held the Glory of Heaven in his arms, we hold the Glory of Heaven in our hearts with us everywhere we go.  Let us never take for granted this precious Gift we have been given.  Not for one moment should we ever rush what God is doing in our lives at this moment.  For what He is doing now is preparing us for our very own awe-filled moment with Him in Heaven one day. Until that face-to-face encounter takes place, let us just be His child.  Let us just be still and know that He is God and know that in what may seem like our momentary troubles God is achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs it all.

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

It is my sincere prayer that we reach for one thing this Christmas—the Glory of Heaven.

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Pignoli Cookies

December 18, 2013 by

One of the ways I like to mix up the variety of baked goodies included on a cookie platter is to include some cookies traditionally made in other countries.  Spritz cookies from the Scandanavian region, and Pfefferneuse from Germany, and French Madelines are among the varieties that we enjoy!  But the following cookies are a must-have!

Pignoli (pronounce it peen-yO-lee) cookies…a traditional Italian cookie. Their name comes from the delicious tiny pine nuts that are the outer layer of these yummy cookies.  Have you ever had one?  They are very decadent  with a softish, creamy almond paste middle and a slightly crunchy exterior surrounded by those delectable pine nuts. And these are very easy to put together. They are a tiny mouthful and so cute with all those toasted pine nuts on the outside. I think that they are a must for our cookie platter!  Be sure to hide a couple away for yourself!  They disappear quickly!

2013-12-18 00.20.30

These little morsels have a pronounced almond flavor that comes from the hit of almond three ways: the almond paste, almond extract, and almond flour. They are gluten free, grain free, dairy free but not sugar free!  You can bake them to be just a little on the softer side, so that just the outsides are crisp and the insides are super soft and moist; or, the way my husband, Robert, likes them—a little crispier and chewier by baking just 2-3 minutes longer.  Just keep an eye on them…the pine nuts can burn…you DEFINITELY do not want that!   Enjoy!

Pignoli Cookies

Ingredients:
1 can almond paste  *** 2013-12-17 22.49.02
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspooon vanilla extract
1/2 cup blanched almond flour
1 extra-large egg white, lightly beaten
6 ounces pine nuts
confectioners (powdered) sugar, optional

*** be sure to purchase almond paste not pie filling

Directions:

  • preheat oven to 325
  • line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • place the nuts onto a dinner plate
  • in a food processor, break up the almond paste into small pieces, and pulse with the sugar, salt, and almond flour
  • once the mixture is finely ground, slowly add the extracts and egg white just ‘til the dough comes together
  • dump the dough onto a piece of waxed paper
  • use a tablespoon measure to figure out the correct amount of dough and then pinch off pieces this size dropping them into the nuts (keeping your fingertips just slightly wet helps so much!)
  • then, working quickly, roll a piece of dough covered with nuts into a small ball and place it on the lined baking sheet
  • form all of the dough into cookies in this manner, placing them 1+1/2 inches apart
  • bake the cookies 20 to 25 minutes
  • remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes on pan and then completely cool on a rack
  • optional: dust with confectioners sugar before serving

 ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

♥  coleen

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The Greatest Gift of Love

December 18, 2013 by

SeekingHimLogo

Each week during the season of Advent, our blogs will focus on a central theme which is associated with the coming of Christ—His Advent.  This week’s theme is LOVE.  Christians throughout the world celebrate Advent.  Some light candles or sing songs; some give gifts or  hang wreaths.  All of these are simple joyous ways of extending the celebration of Jesus’s coming beyond a mere 24 hours on December 25. Our prayer is that these devotionals throughout this season of Advent would help you to celebrate His first Coming and anticipate with the peace and joy of His second Coming.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  1 Peter 4:8

Love is the reason that Jesus was born and died for us on the Cross. He loved every one of us enough to die for us. When he died Jesus cleared us of our sins, if we believe and accept His gift of salvation, because He loved us. Love is one of the main reasons that God sent His only begotten Son to us. Love radiated from this Gift on the very first Christmas night.

Christina Rossetti catches this in her poem, “Love Came Down at Christmas”:

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and Angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love Incarnate, Love Divine,
Worship we our Jesus,
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,

Love for plea and gift and sign 

That first Christmas the first Gift was given—love from God in the form of Jesus. Jesus’s love is divine because He is the Son of God, and He is the Savior of all mankind. Love was already present that first Christmas, but the birth of Jesus makes it more powerful than just an emotion. Love came from the heavens to wash away our sin. Love came down from heaven because of God’s love.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son
so that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Love resonates during the Christmas season, even as we live through the chaos called life. It brings us together to celebrate life—earthly and eternally. It is through love that we, as Christians, can show good will toward our brothers and sisters. It is with love that we serve our Almighty God and celebrate the birth of Jesus during this season. There are all types of love, but the divine love of God is the best of all. This love is why God chose to send His only Son to die for us and give us eternal life in heaven.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Gift of love that You gave us during the first Christmas. We are grateful that this Gift is available to be accepted by all those that believe. Let us show that love to all and bring goodwill to men. In Jesus name, Amen.

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The Gift

December 18, 2013 by

gchcarolsbloggraphic

Don’t you just love receiving gifts?  It makes us so excited when we are given a box with beautiful paper and a bow—and know that whatever is inside is ours!

I want everyone to think back for a few minutes to  the “BEST GIFT” you ever received?  Now…tell us: what was it?

I wish I could hear you tell me and to be able to hear the excitement and joy in your voice as you tell about that special gift!

There was one special Gift that was given to us all that will surpass all the gifts anyone has ever or will ever receive….  That Gift is JESUS!

But we must remember this gift can’t be ours unless we receive it by faith.  It can’t be of any use to us now or in our future unless we receive it  (Matthew 7:8 “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened),  open it (Revelation 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.)  and accept it  in our heart  (John 1:12 “But to all who believed him and accepted him, He gave the right to become children of God.”)   And then we need to make this Gift our own as He meant for it to be.

Many times, gifts we have received over the years become something left on a shelf that gets looked at occasionally, or eventually something that wears out…but this Gift is one that is “alive” and is hopefully sought after every day.  It’s a Gift that you get to re-open every morning when you open His Word and you get to experience a new part of the Gift given to you from when you first said ‘yes!’ to Him.

It truly is “the Gift” that keeps on giving.”

He was born in Bethlehem they say, there was a star to light the path to where He lay.  Rich or poor they came from far and near, cause they’d all heard the reason He was here.

He was the Son God sent to one and all.  Put on this earth, to hang there on that Cross.
Born to die so we could live. He had the birthday, we got the gift.

They wrapped him up with gentle hands. God hoped the world would understand.
Eternal life we shall receive. And all that He asks in return is that we just believe.

He was the Son God sent to one and all. Put on this earth to hang there on that Cross.
Born to die so we could live. He had the birthday, we got the gift.

There’s no way in this world we could repay the miracle He gave us on that day.

He was the Son God sent to one and all. Put on this earth to hang there on that Cross.
Born to die so we could live. He had the birthday, we got the gift.

The Gift  ~  Randy Travis


 On our Savior’s birthday, we got the gift.

Dear God,

As I think about Your sacrifice You sent to each of us I am joyfully excited for this Gift yet my heart is still saddened because there are some gifts that are still unclaimed, some packages that are still unopened by many!  How sad You must feel to think that the “Gift” is not wanted!  The greatest gift of all, God’s Christmas Gift, Jesus Christ, is still unclaimed by millions!  I pray Lord that before this year is done those millions will say YES to you and open “The Gift” you have given for free.

In Your name I pray. Amen.

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Gift of Love

December 17, 2013 by

SeekingHimLogo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each week during the season of Advent, our blogs will focus on a central theme which is associated with the coming of Christ—His Advent.  This week’s theme is LOVE.  Christians throughout the world celebrate Advent.  Some light candles or sing songs; some give gifts or  hang wreaths.  All of these are simple joyous ways of extending the celebration of Jesus’s coming beyond a mere 24 hours on December 25. Our prayer is that these devotionals throughout this season of Advent would help you to celebrate His first Coming and anticipate with the peace and joy of His second Coming.

Love.

Some things in life can only be shown or displayed in one or two ways.  Love is a verb that has numerous forms…tons of ways of expression. Books have been written about it, songs have been sung, and poems have been penned.  Jewelry stores relay the message that their product is how husbands can show their wives they love them around Christmas time, car companies do the same for wives and toy companies do the same for parents. Love seems to be everywhere.

Some people have the love language of receiving gifts—to some, material things help them to see how much you care for them and, to these people, Christmas is a great day of expressing how we feel. And to be honest, despite our attempts to say ‘I don’t do this’ but I think all of us enjoy receiving gifts; we enjoy being thought about, appreciated and loved.

But, as easy as it is to lose our peace and hope during this time of year due to the storm of holiday excitement, it is just as easy to lose sight of the one of the truest expressions of love—one of the greatest gifts we as a people have ever received.  And that is the birth of Christ.  I try to teach my kids that Christmas is a time of giving and it’s also a time of receiving.  But when they get caught up with a case of the “I wants,” I have to stop them and ask what Christmas is all about. I need to do this for myself as well; I need to remember the love of Christ that carries me not only through this season but through every day.

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7

Are there Scriptures  or songs you turn to when you need to be reminded of Christ’s love for you? How do you keep your eyes on the truest expression of love during this time of year?

* * * * *

Let’s pray: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your gift of Christmas.  Thank You for the gift of Your Son and for the gift of love—Your love and the ability to show love to others. Please help us to see the things this season that will keep us close to You this holiday. Thank You, Father.  In Jesus name we pray, amen.

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The Promise

December 17, 2013 by

gchcarolsbloggraphic

Michael W. Smith performed a date of his Christmas tour last December 2012 at my church, and it was my honor and privilege to be included in the choir that accompanied him and the orchestra.  It was in preparation for that concert that I first heard the song, “The Promise.”  The song is intensely beautiful and grand, with a lush orchestral score and choral arrangement.  Combined with the lyrics, it is a song of worship and promise that brings me to tearful and grateful praise – every time I hear it. (In fact, I made myself listen to it so often last year that I quit listening to the words – I was afraid I would start crying during the concert!) To me, it’s message is the essence of Christmas.

It often makes me sad around Christmas time, when I hear people wishing that the “spirit of Christmas” would last the entire year. It makes me sad, because it IS entirely possible – the “spirit of Christmas” is entirely within our grasp.  Granted, Christmastime is often stressful (perhaps even because you have to endure someone else’s stress or impatience), but what do you think of when you think of the “spirit of Christmas?”  Love?  Peace on earth?  A sense of joy?  Of hope?  Of child-like wonder and belief?  People giving, being generous, and watching out for others?  Or perhaps folks gladly volunteering time, money, and/or other resources to help the poor and those less fortunate?  What about a desire for beauty and an appreciation for what we have?  When you think about it – don’t all of those things describe Christ?  When the world wishes for the “spirit of Christmas,” ironically, they don’t realize that they are wishing, literally, for the spirit of Christ to reign.  Hallelujah!   One day, it will, and HE WILL!!

Don’t we, then, sisters, have the “spirit of Christmas” within us every day?  Doesn’t it live within us and want to shape how we live our lives?  Don’t we have the power to make others around us feel like it is Christmas every day?  Perhaps the way to win others to Jesus is to fill our lives with the Spirit of Christ daily.

My favorite verse from “The Promise” says: “……we will see Emmanuel, GOD is with us, GOD is for us, GOD IS IN US, we will see….”  The fulfillment of the promise of the God Child that will redeem us, restore us, heal us and free us lives in us every day!  When we allow that to really sink in, won’t it be easier to have that feeling of Christmas every day?  We can all have it. The world can have it.  Oh, dear God, that is my prayer this Christmas!

Merry Christmas, sisters! May the spirit of the Living God fill you this Christmas, and every day thereafter!  I hope you enjoy the song – I hope the praise in Heaven feels like this!

The Promise  ~  Michael W. Smith

Fear not, oh, Israel for there is peace still to come;a word to break the silence, a Promise set to bloom; the Promise to redeem us, one to free us; break this silence in the violence in our lives

Emmanuel is sure to find us soon; the mighty rule to Jesse’s star of truth; and bring us unto glory, tell His story; heal the broken and restore thee to His name

The star will guide us to the humble place; where Christ the King reveals His earthly face; and we will see Emmanuel; God is with us, God is for us, God is in us, we will see

We’re singing Hallelujah! We’re singing Hallelujah! Emmanuel, our God is with us

We’re singing Hallelujah! We’re singing Hallelujah! Emmanuel, our God is with us

We’re singing Hallelujah! We’re singing Hallelujah! Emmanuel, our God is with us

We’re singing Hallelujah! We’re singing Hallelujah! Emmanuel, our God is with us

Emmanuel, our God is with us

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Cookie Week – GF Chocolate Chip Cookies

December 16, 2013 by

2013-12-15 23.12.46

Cookies.  A lovely tradition of giving during the Christmas holidays.  There are cookies to make for exchanges.  There are cookies to make to fill tins and baskets that are given to friends and loved ones.  There are cookies to make for the cookie monsters in your own home! (I have one of those…do you, too?)

Our own Dana, Wendy, Amy (and me!) who blog here for At Home w/ GCH are each sharing a favorite cookie recipe!  Dana started us off last Friday with her Monkey Bites (Paleo Banana Chocolate Chip cookies).  They looked so moist and yummy!  And today I am sharing Gluten Free Chocolate Chip cookies. *See below for adaptation for a dairy-free version.*  Can’t wait to see Wendy and Amy’s delicious contributions later in the week, too!

AND…we will be having a ‘virtual’ cookie exchange over among our Girlfriends Coffee Hour – Fellowship group.  Come join us Tuesday through Friday as our sisters post a picture of their own homemade cookies…and possibly share their recipe, too!

My recipe for Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies starts off with putting together a basic mix.  I would strongly suggest doubling the ingredients so that you can make a batch AND have the basics mix set to go to quickly throw together another batch!  Or perhaps you could take the second batch and put into a large Mason jar and gift someone with it!  Just sayin’!!!

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix2013-12-15 21.10.34

(makes approximately 4 cups; enough for 4 dozen cookies)

Ingredients:
2+1/4 cups good quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup coconut sugar
12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Place all ingredients (NOT the chocolate chips) into a large bowl and whisk together well.  If using immediately, pour in the chocolate chips.  If not, pour the mix into a storage jar and add the chocolate chips right on top.  Seal well.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:2013-12-15 21.25.04
1 batch of above GF Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
8 tablespoons butter (unsalted), room temperature
2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
1+1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (NOT imitation, please!)

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 325.  Line two (2) large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
  • Beat together the room temperature butter and eggs to thoroughly incorporate; stir in the vanilla.
  • Pour 4 cups (or one batch) of the cookie mix into a very large bowl.  Stir in the liquid ingredients and thoroughly blend.
  • Drop balls of dough (approximately 1+1/4″) onto the prepared baking sheets.  Place the baking sheets (one at a time) into the freezer for 5 minutes to firm up.
  • After the chill time, put cookies (one sheet at a time) into the oven.  Bake for 12-14 minutes (depending on the size of your cookie balls) or ‘til the bottoms are beginning to brown.
  • Remove from the oven.  (I carefully remove the cookies ON the parchment paper from the cookie sheet directly onto a cooling rack—works beautifully!)
  • Store in an airtight tin or jar.  Enjoy!

*To make these cookies dairy-free, simply substitute 1 stick of butter-flavor shortening for the 8 tablespoons of butter; and purchase chocolate chips with no milk or milk products.  I use the Ghiradelli or the Enjoy Life brands.

 ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

Merry Christmas from mr. hayden and i!

♥  coleen

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Love Expressed

December 16, 2013 by

SeekingHimLogo

Each week during the season of Advent, our blogs will focus on a central theme which is associated with the coming of Christ—His Advent.  This week’s theme is LOVE.  Christians throughout the world celebrate Advent.  Some light candles or sing songs; some give gifts or  hang wreaths.  All of these are simple joyous ways of extending the celebration of Jesus’s coming beyond a mere 24 hours on December 25. Our prayer is that these devotionals throughout this season of Advent would help you to celebrate His first Coming and anticipate with the peace and joy of His second Coming.

 

The song, “The Christmas Shoes” can speak to us about love in heart-touching ways! Oh, to have the love and faith of a small child is such a wonderful thing. Little ones often teach us how to express love to others.

If you’re aware of this song, you know that a little boy desperately wants to get a beautiful pair of shoes for his mom before she passes away and meets Jesus. It’s a sad song, and maybe some don’t even want to listen to it. But some of the hardest or saddest experiences before us can teach our hearts about what’s really important. This song can teach us what’s important at Christmas time…or any other day of the year….love! So, I pause and reflect on this song…seeing how this small child mirrors the great love of God in several ways.

First, there’s the recognition of the little boy’s great love for his mom. (God loved us.) The little boy knew he wanted to do something to show his love for her and to give her what he thought she needed before it was too late. (God knew we needed a way to be reconciled to Him, so out of love He sent His Son to earth to be our Savior of the world.) The little boy went to the store and gave all he had to buy the shoes for his mom. And when he hit an obstacle and didn’t have enough money, he persevered, and asked for help and got it. Love would not let him stop! (God gave His most loved and wonderful possession–His Son. And when Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew the cost and what would take place in giving His life as a sacrifice; and it was there in the Garden that He cried out to God in prayer. God supplied His need. Jesus would fulfill God’s will for His life. Love would not let Him stop!) When the little boy bought the shoes for his mom, he ran home to give them to her on Christmas Eve. True and absolute love were expressed as he gave from his little heart of love what he thought she needed most—new shoes for her to wear when she would meet Jesus. (Jesus died for us and rose again…His ultimate love was expressed and shown for mankind! And THAT IS what we all need most: JESUS!)

I invite you to listen to this song packed with a powerful message of love for one another. Christmas time has beautiful packages, lit-up Christmas trees, colorful ornaments, fun traditions, events and parties, and so much more. But please, don’t forget about God’s love, our love for God, and our love for each other. Please don’t get so busy, that you forget about Christ this Christmas. Love Him, and love others. And remember that God first loved us.

We love because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19

And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
1 John 4:21

  • Do you know someone who’s hurting this season who needs more love?
  • Do you need to forgive someone who has hurt you?
  • Do you need to cook a meal for a family; or get a group together to go sing Christmas carols at the home of a friend or family who needs some extra love?

God expressed His love by sending His Son. How are you to show love this Christmas season or any day of the year? Listen to this song, and let it touch your heart in the way it needs to.

This little boy brought shoes—what will you bring to someone? How will you express love?

If you have the opportunity, go to youtube.com and listen to “The Christmas Shoes” written by Eddie Carswell and Leonard Ahlstrom ~ sung by NewSong.

Dear Lord,

Let us be mindful of Your great love sent in a precious baby Boy one starry night in Bethlehem. Let us be so changed by the power of Your love that we choose to love others in the ways You bring to our hearts and minds to do so. Let each new day be an opportunity to praise You more and to love others better than we have.

In Jesus’ precious Name I pray, amen.

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