Small Things in Forgotten Places

This morning on the walk to school, we find that someone--an elf?--has begun to decorate the ignored, forgotten, and miserable little pine tree that grows in the woods.

We've seen the misshapen Christmas tree every morning for six years. But today, we find it cared for and decorated.

It's a very little thing, but we're filled with Christmas cheer. Tomorrow, we'll find more ornaments have come in the night.

Small, unexpected things found in forgotten and miserable places: Christmas cheer!

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Have a great Monday filled with small, unexpected things!

Considering Himself Nothing

This morning, I realize that the Christmas season--more than anything else--is about God who "made himself nothing" and "took on the nature of a servant" (Philippians 2).

It's unfathomable. The One who should be served, serves.

What would it mean for us if we "made ourselves nothing?" If we "took on the nature of a servant?" If we served instead of wanting to be served all the time?

Practically, I mean.

With God's power, I decide to do my husband's ironing. If you know me, this is indeed a supernatural act. My too least favorite household chores include ironing and vacuuming stairs. Let someone else do it! Why do I have to do it?

With God's power (going against my flesh, my desire to be served, and my agenda), I get out the ironing board. I get out the vacuum. It feels different this time. It feels like love, and I'm filled with joy.

When we make ourselves nothing, we are indeed "exalted to the highest place."

That's Christmas!
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Isn't it so hard to serve and not be served? 

Come, Let Us Adore

I'm standing in the kitchen listening to the old song, O Come, All Ye Faithful, and I think about how, since the 13th century, worshipers have praised Jesus Christ by singing this hymn.

I love the invitation, "Come let us adore Him." I think about the way one might stand in utter amazement and worship of something. You don't ask for things. You don't complain or worry. You don't do anything but adore.

Come, let us adore Him.

We are joyful, triumphant, and we sing in exultation!


O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him
Born the King of Angels:
Chorus:
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
God of God,
Light of Light,
Lo, he abhors not the Virgin's womb;
Very God,
Begotten, not created:
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above!
Glory to God
In the highest:
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing!

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Do you sometimes just adore Him?