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A Path to Christmas Compassion
by Nancy Quinn Christmas is a magical time when you're a child. And one of my many happy memories is the times my sister and I would sit at the kitchen table with a big bowl of popcorn, string and sewing needles. We'd string long strands of popcorn to form puffy white garland strands to decorate our tree. After our job was complete, we would step back to admire our work as mom plugged in the lights. Our glittery, magical tree would burst colorful light into the living room and little did we know that we weren't the only admirers of our handiwork! One evening, our little rat terrier Mitsy trotted into the family room with what looked like a string hanging out of her mouth. "What in the world?" Oh, no! She was coming to us for help to pull the long string out of her mouth. She had enjoyed a tasty garland snack and, as she crunched each tasty morsel, the string slowly descended into her mouth and quickly got caught in her throat. We helped our curious dog out of her dilemma, and vowed we'd begin decorating the tree a little bit higher the next year! Like my childhood pet, I too need to come to my Master to confess my sins and ask for His forgiveness, and sometimes, ask for His help to fix my messes. At times I have made choices that I think were right, but without prayer and waiting for the Lord's answer, I made wrong choices. The Lord is good and gracious, and patient. And I am eternally thankful and grateful that He loves me and will never give up on me. Isn't that a wonderful and warming assurance to know that we are always wrapped in His loving arms and He promises to never leave nor forsake us? As we make Christmas memories for our families this year, let's remember to reach out in love and forgiveness of those who cross our path who need our compassion and the love of Christ. Ephesians 1:7 "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Psalm 18:6 "In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears." Psalm 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." May God bless these words as I strive to encourage others in their walk with Christ. Please contact me if you would like to request a specific lesson that Lucy Mouse can teach your children or if you would like a coloring page to be sent to match the story! Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |