Dear Lord,

I praise you for your grace and Mercy to us…

You gave us the gift of your love through your son Emmanuel…God is with us.

How incredible your love and concern is!

My most sincere prayer this Christmas is for those who don’t know your joy and peace.

May the light of your love…illuminate their hearts…

that they may see who you are and reach out to take a hold of your precious gift of Jesus.

Please Father, I also lift up to you those whose faith is being challenged and persecuted. 
Keep them strong and under your wing.

To those of us who are celebrating Christ’s birth may we rejoice in the hope of your provision…that this…is not it…
Heaven is our home!

In the precious and powerful name of Jesus…Amen!

Merry Christmas,

Caprice <><

How would I describe joy?

It is that state of being in which a “delight”…
warms you from head to toe…

A warmth comes from the simplicity of
loving God and loving others.

The reason I can experience this special love is
I opened my “Christmas Gift”.

The gift of Jesus…

Isaiah 9:6,
“A child is born to us! A son is given to us! 
And he will be our ruler. He will be called,

“Wonderful Counselor,”

“Mighty God,”
“Eternal Father,”

“Prince of Peace.”
(GNT)

Joy is a result of our truly understanding the relationship
offered to us through a tiny babe in a manager.
 
Luke 2:8-14,
“There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood.
They had set night watches over their sheep.
Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and
God’s glory blazed around them.

They were terrified.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. 
I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is 
meant for everybody, worldwide:

A Savior has just been born in David’s town,
a Savior who is Messiah and Master.
This is what you’re to look for:
a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing

God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.”
(MSG)

The God of creation, the all-knowing God…
provided us with a way to experience relationship with Him,
by sending His son to us.

The angel said,
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

That good news is the gift of God to us and it does provide great joy for those who believe!

Let’s remember to keep in step with the spirit this Christmas
and fill our hearts to overflowing with JOY!

In the harsh reality of a world gone mad with hate and confusion…
don’t let the Joy of loving God and loving others get lost.

The answer can only settle itself in four little words…

The JOY of JESUS!

Merry Christmas!

Caprice <><

Prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, we praise you and rejoice this Christmas for 
your gift to us in your precious son, Jesus, Emmanuel! 
God, you are truly with us and we are so grateful for your spirit and the gift that it gives through your power! 
Help us to keep your Joy at the center of our Christmas and to share that Joy with others. 
Father, I lift up to you those who are struggling this year to find joy amidst the pressures of this world. 
I pray that you give us all the ability to grab a hold of your hand in order to keep in step with your Spirit, 
so that we may embrace the fruit that your Spirit provides. 
In the name of Jesus we celebrate this Christmas! 
Amen.

We came to the mountains to celebrate my husband’s birthday…

But alas…no snow…
California has been in a drought,
as the rain fell we prayed and hoped for snow.

That night the rain was beginning to thicken and by the next morning… 
soft white flakes fell from the gray sky and the air became still.

As the snow continued to fall…
The brown puddles began to disappear…

A white blanket erased the memory of where it had once laid.

I stood there taking it all in, as the rest of the family headed into the cabin.

What is it about a gentle snowstorm that brings peace to the soul?

Could it be that everything becomes…

Fresh
White
Clean

And like new again?

"Grace means undeserved kindness.
It is the gift of God to man the moment he sees
he is unworthy of God's favor."
-   Dwight L. Moody

I think that every so often we all need a blanket of snow to fall upon our hearts and minds…
a good prompt of the favor we have been given.

The beauty of the snow is a gift…it brings a symbol of God’s gift to us of His Grace.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear

The hour I first believed.”

John Newton (1725-1807)

 

Matthew 11: 28-30, 
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? 
Come to me.

Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. 

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” 
(MSG)

 

This Christmas receive the gift of a new snow…the fresh start.

Merry Christmas!

Caprice <><

 

For more information regarding a new and fresh start 
either make a visit to your local church this Christmas 
or click on one of the links listed below.

https://www.lproof.org/AboutUs/OurMission/PeaceWithGod.htm

http://www.harvest.org/knowgod/

http://rickwarren.org/know-god

http://peacewithgod.net/