Category: Christmas

Gift of Healing

Posted on by Susan Panzica


Thanks again to my dear friend Cheri Bunch for sharing this story of love, loss, and new life.

 There really wasn’t much of a relationship between us anymore. We had to see each other once in awhile but it wasn’t ever because we wanted to. We are family and we share mutual love for other members in the family.

Holidays were extremely difficult for us. Especially Christmas. This loved one, so to speak, did not ever like what I purchased for her. She was very vocal about her disapproval and if she did like it she refused to say so. It was a member of the family who was highly esteemed by others and it would be dreadful if I didn’t purchase anything for her.

Truth is, I didn’t purchase anything for her for a few Christmases. I got weary of trying to please and I decided that there were others out in the world that were in need and want of gifts. I would carefully spend my time and energy, that I would have spent shopping for her, on those who would appreciate my efforts. After all, Paul instructed us not to give under compulsion. (2 Corinthians 9:7 NASV)

One Christmas I felt like the Lord wanted me to get a gift for her. I bucked at the whole idea for awhile explaining to Him all the reasons that it really wasn’t necessary. He disagreed with me, I could feel His disapproval. I began to plead with Him to show me what I could possibly do to bless this person.

He was faithful and I acquired a splendid idea.

I asked each one of my children to write special memories they had of this person. All five of my children wrote some really special memories down about times they had spent in her home, vacations when she had joined us, and stories she had shared with them over the years. Tears ran down my face as I read them. I was so moved by how much this person had meant to my family. They loved her so much. I was blessed by all the ways they shared about how she had blessed their lives.

Their stories inspired me to write my own testimony of special times I had shared with her in the past. I asked my husband to share his thoughts as well. I compiled each child’s story and ours into individual red or green folders. I alternated them when I stacked them up and tied them together with a beautiful Christmas bow. They were beautiful inside and out.

I received a beautiful thank you note the week after Christmas. She loved the gift, calling it thoughtful. She mentioned that she was blessed that I had put so much effort into my giving. It was the most inexpensive gift I had ever given her, but it pleased her the most.

That Christmas a healing began to take place in our relationship. We are a much happier family these days as a result. I began to pray diligently for this dear loved one. Over time our hearts have softened toward one another. The Lord certainly knew what He was talking about! He had a gift in mind that would heal both of our hearts.

“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share …” 1 Timothy 6:18

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In Search of Bethlehem’s Babe

Posted on by Susan Panzica

My dear friend, Lynn Mosher, from Heading Home is sharing today’s message, and two more before our 40 Days are out. I’m so grateful to her for her skills and her heart. Thank you, Lynn, for this beautiful reminder of that holy night.

As darkness swallows up the day, the black-velvet expanse of night displays a bazillion, shimmering constellations.

Shepherds gather around a flickering fire to dispel the evening’s chill, the flames casting a warm glow across their faces, while others keep guard from the watchtower.

Peace and quiet surround them, except for the soothing crackle of the fire.

Their flocks lie still, serene.

The night’s shroud abruptly parts, revealing the radiance of an angel of the Lord. The shepherds fall on their faces, trembling.

The angel assures this cluster of caretakers, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 NIV)

Heaven then severs the night sky to display more of its glory, unfolding a host of angels, as their voices ring out, “Glory to God in the highest. On earth, peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NKJV)

Rising to their feet, the shepherds agree, “Come on! Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15 TLB)

One unusual star emblazons the eastern sky; one divinely-appointed beam of light illuminates the way to this heralded wonder.

Weaving their way through those rushing to find a place to stay, those having been summoned here to register for taxation, the shepherds follow the beam of light, seeking the site of this new Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths.

From a chorus of angelic voices to the clamor of the street, a multitude of sounds reaches their ears: the bleating of sheep, the braying of donkeys, the lowing of cattle. Suddenly, the cries of a newborn resonate above all the rest.

Finding their way inside a stable, the shepherds find the Babe of Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a hayed trough.

The shepherds encounter the Savior of the world. What they sought, they found.

Oh, to know the wonder of that holy night. To follow the Light, to find the Babe of Bethlehem.

Lord, take me to those fields filled with Your glory. Draw back the black curtain of my night and spill out the glory of Your heaven.

Lead me to that humble manger that I may learn to make my heart a humble manger-place for You. Reveal my life’s emptiness and fill it with the same joy of heaven that filled that night’s air. Guide me always by the Light of Your Life.

Give me willing knees to crouch before You in lowly reverence and awe. Give me listening ears to hear the rush of angels’ wings, to hear their glorious hallelujahs and the holiness of their worship.

Oh, that my heart would always be filled with the glory and wonder of that precious night.

Have you encountered the Babe of Bethlehem? Have you sought and found the Savior of the world? I pray your heart will be filled with Bethlehem wonder and glorious worship this Christmas.


—–

Dear Lord,
May we take this message to heart and instead of running all over the place, let us run, run, run to You.

Christmas Cactus

Posted on by Susan Panzica


Today I share a reflection from my pastor that he sent out last week to our church body and extended church family. I was blessed, and I believe you will be too! Thanks, Pastor Steven!



 I have a plant in my office called the “Christmas Cactus”. It is not like the cactus you might think of in the Wyoming deserts but more of a tropical cactus found in South and Central America. They are most often found in the forks of tree limbs where they grow in decayed leaves and other natural debris that accumulates there. What is most amazing about this plant in my office is that it blooms once a year (although some will bloom more often). They bloom at this time of year, the Christmas season and hence get the name, “Christmas Cactus.” The flowers on my plant are pink and white but also come in red and peach as well. It is a beautiful plant; (and I thank Donna Bolster for taking care of it each week because if she didn’t it would be a dead plant!)

The Christmas Cactus is a constant reminder to me of the beauty of the birth of Jesus. Just as the cactus is found in the forks of tree limbs, among leaves and debris, Jesus was born in what is described as a manger, certainly a place of lowliness and obscurity. Like the cactus, the beauty of this life is not fully realized or known while it grows largely ignored by the world. But once discovered, the splendor of the life is majestic and mystifying. The fact that it blooms once a year and begins to bloom at just around the time of the beginning of the Advent Season symbolizes much about the birth of Christ. In the midst of the cold and darkness of winter, while everything around is dead and dying, there is this life blossoming forth giving a breath of light and beauty. The flowers burst forth and if you take the time to slow down, look at it, admire it, appreciate it, you are truly amazed. Just like the Advent Season; we can let it bypass us and rush us right up to Christmas day or we can take time every day to slow down, admire and appreciate the birth of Christ and be amazed by the fact that God became a man for us. The Christmas Cactus helps me to do that. It is a powerful symbol and reminder to me that Christ has come and reconciled us to the Father, bringing life out of death, shining light in the midst of darkness. It reminds me of an old hymn, Crown Him with Many Crowns, that we sang back in the old days but is beautiful and powerful (even though it’s not a Christmas song!). The last verse says:

“Crown Him the Lord of heaven!
One with the Father known
One with the Spirit through Him given,
from yonder glorious throne
To Thee be endless praise,
For Thou for us hast died
Be Thou, O Lord, through endless days,
Adored and magnified!”


The more familiar Christmas Carol, O Come, All Ye Faithful, implores us to: “Come, let us adore Him, Christ The Lord!”

The Advent/Christmas season is often a battle of wills, of time and of activity. We are forced to make choices on where we will go, what we will buy and whom we will spend our time with. If we are not careful, we can become so busy (and busy with good things, I might add), that we miss the birth of Christ! Perhaps we need a daily reminder to stop and be amazed at the birth of Jesus. We need time, every day, to “come and adore Him.” This year, a Christmas Cactus is helping me to do that. You may want to buy one for yourself or for someone else and tell them the powerful symbolism behind it. Something so simple can have such profound impact. They say that the Christmas Cactus can last for hundreds of years. (I can only hope that Donna will be around to keep on watering my plant!) In other words, this story, this story of the Christ event, can be taught and passed on for generations to come. I think that’s a story we need to tell, proclaim and pass on. What do you think?

God’s blessings,


Pastor Steven

10… 9… 8… 7…

Posted on by Susan Panzica

10 Days until Dec. 25th…
10 days to shop
10 days to wrap
10 days to bake
10 days to decorate
10 days to attend children’s programs
10 days to sit in traffic, wade through crowds, send cards, visit family & friends, …
10 days …

“I took the challenge!” My friend, Kathy, shared that she seriously took up the 40 Day Focus challenge and has been pursuing opportunities to keep Christ the focus of these past 30 days and the 10 days to come. From daily devotions (courtesy of Eternity Café, thank you very much) to going to gospel concerts to attending our Live Nativity to simply breathing in His presence, every day she has been intentional in spending her time on what is really important.

We all have the same amount of time. We can’t make time, we can only spend it.

So in the next 10 days, how can we be intentional to focus on what’s REALLY important? Share your thoughts, what you’ve done, what you still want to do…

Lord, You are what’s REALLY important, and I pray that we would keep you in the forefront of our minds as we go about our activities over these next 10 days. Help us to eliminate unnecessary distractions, and to spend our time wisely. May You speak to us and through us.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Eph. 5:15-17

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Holiday Hassles

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Susanne Scheppmann, speaker, writer, and part of the Proverbs 31 Ministries team graciously shared this post with us today. 

 

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,

in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” (Isaiah 32:18 NIV)


My husband, Mark, hauled in the mummy-wrapped tree from the garage. He propped it upright. Dust flew as he began to peel away the cellophane with his usual exuberant self-confidence. I watched with trepidation. I felt the familiar festivity stress begin to surface. The “holiday hassles” seem to begin when the Christmas tree goes up. However, as the clear protective wrap dropped from the branches, I saw the exact same Christmas tree from the year before. A quiet peace oozed into my spirit as I felt my dread of the evening’s work disappear as the adorable gingerbread tree emerged.
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It began at a charity Christmas tree auction last year. We bid on a uniquely decorated artificial tree. Cookie cutters, dough-like men with painted clothes, and brightly embroidered felt ornaments hung on its boughs. Every piece promoted a gingerbread theme. Because of the tree’s popularity, we needed to keep bidding higher. But finally, we won the bid and took our treasured tree home.
However, after the holidays a dilemma arose. How would we store the tree? I knew if we removed the decorations, we would never be able to recreate the perfection of the original. Mark decided to wrap the gingerbread-adorned decoration in plastic wrap and store it the garage. I thought he was cuckoo. We live in the desert where the temperature can rise to over 115 degrees in the summer. I pictured rodents snacking on the flour and salt mixture of the gingerbread men. I envisioned creepy bugs moving into the newly-planned insect community. I argued against the scheme—to no avail.
Although I had predicted dire results for the tree, it now stood in its perfect gingerbread attire. It dawned on me that we had “put up” our tree without any fuss. Only a bit of dust needed to be wiped away. We didn’t experience any tangled lights, burned out bulbs, or snarled metal ornament hooks. Instead of hours of exertion, we popped a bowl of buttery popcorn and watched our favorite Christmas movie.
I realized that I tend to make my own Christmas stress. I could have insisted on storing the tree in a hundred boxes and then taking hours to figure out how to reassemble it. But because of my husband’s ingenuity, we gazed at our prized tree without expending a lot of time or energy.
So from now on, if there are places to cut corners in the hustle-bustle of Christmas, I intend to do it. The key is finding out creative ways to keep Christmas simple, yet meaningful. I will keep certain traditions that I truly enjoy– making fudge and Christmas cookies. But because I haven’t been able to bake a decent pie crust in twenty years, I am going to buy the pumpkin pies. Instead of wrapping presents, my gifts will go into those blessed gift bags. And I think, while I am out purchasing those bags, I am going to buy another industrial size roll of cellophane. I just might be able to plastic wrap the tree, the wreath and who knows what else to avoid holiday hassles for next year.

Dear Lord, remind me this month not to let holiday hassles steal my peace and joy. Help me find ways to save time and energy, so I can rest in the true meaning of Christmas, which is You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

By Susanne Scheppmann Proverbs 31 Ministries http://www.proverbs31.org/

 

 
 
Oh boy! Did you catch it: “I tend to make my own Christmas stress.” Ouch! And how many of us can make that same statement? Now be honest 🙂 For me, it’s remembering the humble state of the first Christmas that helps me to let go of the excess that causes stress. What helps you keep the right focus?

This Little Light of Mine

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Many thanks to Maria Morgan for being my guest blogger again today. I will always think of you – and the wisdom in this post – when I hear that children’s song.

It was time. Time to bundle up, brave the chilly drizzle, and finish decorating our home for Christmas. I chided myself for waiting until the weather turned cold to finish this task. But at least I could check each strand of lights from the warmth of the house before heading outdoors.


I plugged in the first strand of Christmas lights. Nothing. I jiggled the cord. Still nothing. I unplugged the disabled lights and placed them in a pile to discard. The next strand wasn’t much better. Half of the lights shone brightly, while the other half were unaffected by the electricity coursing through the cord. Hmmmm…No amount of jiggling helped the lights spring to life, either. Another strand of lights joined the discard pile.


When I was finished, I looked in disbelief at the two piles of lights I had created – those to keep, and those to discard. The pile to discard was twice as large as the pile to keep. How could that be? I was sure I’d used ALL of these lights last year. What happened between then and now? The strands of lights had obviously been manufactured to glow vibrantly. Yet these same lights that had once burned brightly, now refused to shine.


I thought of the children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine.” The familiar verses encourage me to: let my light shine, refuse to hide my light, protect my light from being blown out by the enemy, and shine my light till Jesus comes. Wow! The task of plugging in Christmas lights reminded me of a valuable truth: I was created by God to let my light shine, pointing others to Him. The book of Matthew spells it out clearly, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” (Matthew 5:14,16).


When each believer allows his/her light to shine, the result is beautiful. Light illuminates the darkness and unbelievers see the Savior. Remember the half-lit strand of lights? They gave off a minimal amount of light. The same is true for the believer. When a Christian doesn’t shine as he/she should, those who don’t know the Savior remain in the dark. In order to make the biggest impact on the world, each Christian must do his/her part.


I have to admit, there are times when I’m a lot like the Christmas lights that refuse to shine. The days when I’m more interested in checking off that last thing on my ‘to do’ list, than giving a word of encouragement. The evenings I attend to my agenda, ignoring family time. The many chances I’m given to share the goodness of God, but I choose not to speak. All too familiar reminders of the lights that didn’t do their job.


Amazingly, my Heavenly Father is gracious and doesn’t discard me when I refuse to shine. He draws me to His side, revealing His unconditional love. Continuing to give me opportunities to shine for Him. As I humble myself and plug into the Source of Power, my light begins to shine brighter. I look for opportunities to tell others of my Savior. Earthly things fade into the background when I carry out what I was created to do: glorify my Lord.


Christmas is just a few days away. Is your light shining brightly? Plug into the One we celebrate this season, Jesus Christ, and know that your Heavenly Father will be glorified!






Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that I was created to glorify You. Help me to stay connected to You that I might shine brightly, pointing others to the hope of eternal life in Your Son, Jesus Christ. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.






*Maria Morgan is an inspirational/devotional writer. She is a contributor to Around About Cumming, and is currently working on a Fruit of the Spirit, devotional series. She resides in Georgia with her husband, daughter, two dogs and cat. Visit her website: http://www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com/

Is it too late to be good?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Santa knows who’s been naughty or nice.
And he’s making a list,
and he’s checking it twice.

Or so the song goes.

He sees you when you’re sleeping,
when you’re awake,
when you’ve been bad or good.

So what does the songwriter tell you to do about it?

You better watch out,
you better not cry,
and you better be good for goodness sake.

Last week, I saw a plaque that read –
Is it too late to be good?

Well, according to Jesus, none of us are good (Mark 10:18). Nope, not a one.
Umm, not exactly Christmas cheer, huh?
Well, actually what Jesus said is, “No one is good – except God alone.”
And frankly, that’s pretty cheery.

God is good.

And because He loves us, He imparts Himself (and His goodness) into us.
And as we yield to Him, we develop Crist-likeness, which is very good.
And it’s never too late to be very good!

We keep striving to become good enough, but in our own strength it’s impossible. It is impossible for Jesus to love us any more than He does already, or to love us any less. He knows everything about us, and loves us anyway!




We can’t earn anything in God’s economy because He already paid the price.
He knows when we’re sleeping and when we’re awake, and so much more:

from Psalm 139
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.


You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.


You go before me and follow me.
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.


If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.


I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.


You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.


You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.


Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Search me.
Show me.
Lead me.
And if I can’t be “good”, help me each day to be better than the day before.
Jesus, Yours is the only list I want to be on.

Happy Birthday!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today’s post is from my gifted friend and mentor, Penny Musco, freelance writer, actor, and author of Life Lessons from the National Parks. Happy Birthday, Penny!!




The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things… Acts 17:24, 25






Today is my birthday!


Why haven’t I received your present yet?


What? You didn’t know? All right, that’s a legitimate excuse.


But now that you do know—where’s my gift?!


Just kidding. Sort of.

I blame my mother entirely for raising the bar so high for my birthday. After all, it was her (and Dad’s) fault that I was born in December. But she went out of her way to make a big deal of my birthday so that it wouldn’t get lost in the Christmas rush. For one thing, I always had a party. My most memorable was when I turned 16—Mom really pulled out all the stops for that one.

Sadly, as an adult, I still crave a lot of attention on my birthday. I get miffed very easily if those close to me don’t fete me in the way I think I deserve. And woe to anyone who sends cards or presents late! As I like to remind everybody, me ‘n’ Jesus share the same birthday month, therefore I’m extra special.

Okay, so His birth wasn’t necessarily in December, even if that’s when we celebrate it. But—bear with me on this—He and I are a bit similar when it comes to birthday honors: we both desire them.

Oh, unlike me, He doesn’t need the recognition. As the apostle Paul preached to the Athenians, God isn’t affected by anything we humans do or don’t do. His position, power and plans aren’t altered one whit by us driving ourselves crazy trying to find the perfect gifts, baking dozens of cookies or sending out hundreds of cards, nor by any of our other Christmas activities.

No, but God wants the recognition. Not in an imperfect, egocentric way like me, though. Incredibly, I believe it’s for our benefit! “Stop,” He says. “Don’t get yourself all tied up in knots. Look at Me. I came to save you from your sins and bring you joy. That’s what I’m all about. Honor Me, and everything else will fall into place. Because only in Me will you find the rest and peace and strength you need” (from Psalm 46:10,11; Matthew 1:21; John 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:30; Matthew 6:33).

The thing is—when we do that, we can’t help but exalt, glorify and thank God even more! Now there’s a tradition that should be at the top of our Christmas to-do list.

So really, forget about me and my special day. Save your presents—and your presence—for the birthday that really matters.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part, —
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

—Heaven Cannot Hold Him, by Christina Rossetti

Penny,
From one December birthday baby to another, thanks for sharing and putting things in proper perspective.

Do You See What I See?

Posted on by Susan Panzica
It’s funny how two people can look at the same image and see two different things.
But once it’s pointed out to you, you can see both!

Today, I’m having a little fun with the popular Christmas carol, Do You See What I See?

Do you see what I see?

Some see: sweet little baby Jesus
I see: the Savior of the universe, Creator God, who reduced Himself to a single cell embedded in the womb of a humble virgin, that He might become as one of His subjects to live like them, to die for them, to rise again providing victory for them.

Some see: plastic figurines of nativity characters
I see: depictions of real men and a woman who lived 2000 years ago and were used by God in the incarnation of God the Son. Unlikely people who were led to participate in the event that changed the course of human history.

Some see: twinkling lights adorning houses, trees, windows
I see: images of the Light of the world, eliminating darkness bulb by precious bulb

Some see: jolly old Santas
I see: a portrayal of Bishop Nicholas of Myra, a godly man with a reputation for secret gift-giving to the poor, who worshiped Jesus with all his heart

Some see: paper wrapped gifts under the tree
I see: demonstrations of love for family and friends representing the Gift that came wrapped in swaddling clothes

Do you hear what I hear?

Some hear: unlikely singers belting out holiday tunes
I hear: God’s word embedded in Christmas carols. His Word does not return void. Those unlikely singers are proclaiming the good news!

Some hear: well-wishers sharing “holiday greetings”
I hear: more opportunities to share the gospel “It is God’s responsibility to make people receptive; it is our responsibility to sow the seed.” Rick Warren

Do you know what I know?

Some know: that Jesus was a great teacher
Some know: he was a liar, heretic or lunatic
Some know: all about Him with knowing Him personally

I know: that Jesus is the foretold Messiah, the Savior of the world, who left His home in heaven to live a sinless life dwelling in and among His people and ultimately paying the price for their sins and mine.  
I know: that my life has meaning and purpose that I never knew before 
I know: that I have peace that is beyond understanding 
I know: that someday, in His timing, I will go to heaven and be with Him
I know: that you can know what I know

Dear Lord,
May we see what You see.
May we hear what You say.
May we know what You share with us.

The Best Gift

Posted on by Susan Panzica



Many thanks to my friend and dear “soulmate” Cheri Bunch of Seven Branches for today’s heartwarming post.
Mr. Baity’s Gift

Mr. Baity took my little hand and led me back up the ramp, “Let’s do it one more time.” I didn’t really need to. I had been over to the church every day to practice since the day he had asked me to be the Christmas angel several weeks before, but I happily skipped my way to the top for another run through. I was six years old and was in need of extra loving care. Our pastor, Mr. Baity, knew it so he asked me to be the most important angel in the program, the only one that got to talk, the only little person in the whole pageant.

My little brother had been in a near fatal car accident that year. The hospital had discharged him telling my parents that he would not live and that he could spend his final days at home.

I will never forget the day we drove in our driveway with my four-year-old brother in the front seat on my mother’s lap (no car seats in those days). It looked as if the whole town was standing in our front yard. We were surrounded by prayer warriors. Mr. and Mrs. Baity were there.

My little brother, my only sibling could no longer talk, walk, he was infant like in a four year old body. Mr. Baity believed that Chris would live, walk, talk, and be a normal little boy again. So he built exercise contraptions for Chris to do physical therapy on. Then he appointed teams to come and help with the exercises every day.

Chris needed a lot of attention. He had to have it. It saved his life. The amazing thing about Mr. Baity, I realize now, was that he not only had the wisdom to build the things that Chris needed to make him better, he was intuitive about a little girl being forced into the shadows. That is how I got to be the Christmas angel that year.

We lived right across the street from the church, the parsonage was right next door on the other side of the church so he and I would meet in the middle every day to practice my waltz down through the cloudy plank so that I could announce to the sleepy shepherds that Jesus had been born. I can still see the twinkle in Mr. Baity’s blue eyes as he would ask me to practice one more time.

I saw Mr. Baity years later when I was a young adult and I asked him if he remembered his thoughtful kindness to me. I was sad when he said that he did not remember our many practices with me descending down the ramp that he had made. I will always treasure the time he set aside for me.

The greatest gift I received that Christmas when I was six years old, was not something I could hold in my hand, rather it was the gift of one’s self. Mr. Baity gave me his time and attention. He let me do something special. He let me deliver some good news when there was so much trouble in our world at home. I quoted the verses that began with “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and goodwill to men” practicing it over and over and over. I have to believe that those powerful words were a much needed deposit into my little spirit.

Mr. Baity was so much like Jesus. Jesus came to give us Himself, so that we might be able to hear, say, and deliver words of hope to others like, “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and goodwill to men“.

Mr. Baity gave me an eternal gift that year. I will take the affects of it to heaven with me. At this time of giving special gifts, I want to include some gifts that are of eternal nature. I am praying that I will have a sensitive spirit so that I can deposit such a gift this Christmas. It will take more time than money and hopefully affect someone forever.

” … Unto us a Son is given …” Isaiah 9:6