Water ran from the faucet as I rinsed a piece of silverware in the kitchen last night. Christmas music was playing in the background. The familiar sweet aroma of the Hobbs family’s favorite soul food dishes wafted through the air.
The sound of the children’s laughter filled the room as they chatted and munched on the sugar cookies we baked and decorated together. The loving smile of my husband Kenya made me feel all warm inside as we worked as a team to get everything just right for Christmas day.
Then, in the middle of it all, I paused, thinking about how grateful to God I am for life, love, and the true joy of the season.
In that moment, right there, God spoke these words to my heart: “This is what the abundant life Jesus Christ came to give us feels like.”
Those who don’t know Him, sadly, don’t really know what it means to live.
It’s not about the material things we possess, though we should be appreciative of every blessing the Lord has so graciously bestowed upon us. But the kind of abundance Christ gives fills our world with an intangible, yet very real and felt presence that enriches even the simplest, most ordinary moments of our lives.
If you, like me, have invited Christ into your heart and home, and you sincerely allow Him to daily reign and abide in you, you can also feel His spirit dwelling with you.
And oh, how sweet it is!
No matter what kind of season we’re facing, life is still richer. Peace overflows. And joy is ever present. And you know why? It is only because of the great gift—God’s only begotten son, Jesus—who was given to you and me.
I am thankful for Him every day, but especially Christmas day, when our family sets aside extra special time to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Had He not come, we would not know what true joy, richness, and abundance feels like. Had not God wrapped Himself in an earth suit and took on the form of man to one day die a criminal’s death to save a wretch like you and me, where would we be?
Aren’t you so thankful for the gift of abundant life that Christ has given to you and me?
To remind you to celebrate the great, awesome wonder that is Jesus Christ, I am stirring one of my favorite passages of scripture into your Christmas cup of inspiration today. It is found in Isaiah 9:6 NIV and it reads, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, I simply pray you will be moved to worship Christ, the true reason for the Christmas season.
From the Hobbs family to yours, Merry Christmas and lots of love!
Now let’s pray.
Father, thank You for the abundant life You have given me through Your son Jesus Christ. Today, I worship and give You glory for giving me the greatest gift I can never repay! My heart overflows with gratitude and my soul cries out the words of Psalm 116:12, “How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?” I am forever indebted to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
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