The True Spirit of Christmas: A time for Gratitude and Reflection

As I pause on this Christmas Eve, my heart turns to the true essence of this sacred celebration – the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. Beyond the wrapped presents and twinkling lights, I’m reminded that the greatest gift ever given wasn’t placed under a tree but in a humble manger in Bethlehem.

Looking back over this year’s journey, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Each morning I could rise, and work was a blessing. Every moment of peace in a turbulent world was a gift. The warmth of family gatherings, the laughter shared with friends, the simple joy of good health—these precious gifts have filled my days with grace and meaning.

My heart especially reaches out to those who are hurting this Christmas. I see you, dear friends, who are facing an empty chair at your table, whose loved ones have left this earthly realm this year. Your pain is real. I want you to know that while today’s sorrow feels overwhelming, I promise you that healing will come. Not to erase your memories but to transform your tears into tender remembrances of the love you shared. I miss my dad at Christmas, but I have hopes of resurrection, and that I will see him again, someday. Not in this world, but in heaven. That, is my faith.

Reflecting on that first Christmas night, I’m moved by its powerful message of hope rising from humble circumstances. Mary and Joseph, far from home, found light in their darkest hour. This reminds me—and all of us—that even in our moments of deepest sadness, we’re held in divine love’s embrace.

Whether you’re celebrating joyfully or quietly nursing a tender heart this Christmas, I invite you to join me in embracing the profound love that entered our world that holy night. In Jesus’s birth, we find our ultimate source of gratitude – the assurance that dawn always follows darkness, that love never truly ends, and that hope blooms eternal in even the coldest seasons of our lives.

As I bow my head in prayer today, I’m thankful not just for the blessings I can count but for the limitless love that counts us all worthy, that’s our pain, celebrates our joy, and promises us that better days lie ahead. This is the true spirit of Christmas – a love that transforms, heals, and makes all things new.

Merry Christmas my dear friends, and to those who don’t celebrate, have a fabulous and relaxing holiday. See you in 2025!

Much love, always! 🙂

Jesus is the Reason for Christmas

Embracing Kindness with Jesus at the Center is the True Meaning of Christmas.

As the world transforms into a festive wonderland, we should remember that it’s not just about the glittering lights and wrapped presents. Christmas, at its core, is a celebration of kindness, and there’s no better reminder than the heart-warming presence of Jesus. He is the reason for the season, although many have conveniently forgotten that in the feverish gift buying, adverts and consumerism that seems to have pervaded our society.

The True Gift: Kindness Beyond Wrappings

It’s true that the anticipation of wrapped surprises is undeniable, but let’s not forget the real magic – kindness. It’s an intangible gift that doesn’t need fancy ribbons. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture – that’s the essence of a Christmas well-celebrated.

 Jesus, the Anchor of Compassion:

In the hustle and bustle, pause to remember the true reason for the season – Jesus. His birth and life are the spirit of Christmas, encouraging us to love one another and extend kindness in every interaction.

A Resolution for Eternal Joy:

Life is temporal and things can change swiftly, so let’s love truly, and forgive quickly, that’s the true meaning of Christmas.

From me to you, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your days be filled with the warmth of Jesus’ love, and inspiring acts of kindness that create a ripple effect of joy in every corner of your life.

Much love, always! 🙂

The Irrefutable Light…

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”We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call to attention their shinning – they just shine.” Dwight L. Moody

What Jesus did and is still doing for humanity is simple. He became our light, he simply allowed himself to align with our frailty, weakness, and mortality and when he did that, we became one with Him when we believe. Jesus is the irrefutable sacrifice, the ultimate hope of eternity. In Him, we have the hope that even though our time in this world is limited, our joy in heaven is limitless.

The international rock star and social activist, Bono’s song about Yahweh capture my mood in this beautiful season, his quote on Christ was spot on. Please watch if you’ve got the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlKDG8TGJWM

”But with Christ, we have access in a one-to-one relationship, for, as in the Old Testament, it was more one of worship and awe, a vertical relationship. The New Testament, on the other hand, we look across at a Jesus who looks familiar, horizontal. The Combination is what makes the Cross.” Bono

I love this song below, it sent me down memory lane.

”Outside of the cross of Jesus Christ, there is no hope in this world. That cross and resurrection at the core of the Gospel is the only hope for humanity. Wherever you go, ask God for wisdom on how to get that Gospel in, even in the toughest situations of life.” Ravi Zacharias.

Jesus is our hope in this world of sin and imperfection. Let Him be your friend, He’s already mine!

I hope all my Christian friends would have a wonderful Easter, Jesus lives! And to my non-Christian friends, I love you still, have  a fantastic holiday!

Much love, always! 🙂

Inner Peace…

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(Photo credit: Marabelo)

I sat by the lake and the wind caressed my face.

I played with my hands and listened to nature.

I surrounded myself with quietness.

The Lake lady appeared.

She sat beside me and asked,

‘Are you troubled?’

‘No, I’m not,’

I replied with a vigorous shake of my head.

‘I was looking for peace,’ I added.

‘Only you can give yourself peace,’ She said

‘Yeah, I know and now I have it,’ I told her.

‘It’s noisy out there,’ she observed, and her eyes looked sad.

‘I don’t allow the noise get to me, I have found my peace.’ I said.

‘You’re the lucky one,’

‘There’s no such thing as luck, I decide to be at peace with myself

and the world I live in. It’s a beautiful world, I only need to open my eyes

and see.’

We listened to the sound of the lake.

And the mountains whisper,

‘Peace.’

This ‘poetic thought’ is symbolic, I hope you can get the true meaning. A place of peace is very easy. You’re the master of your destiny, you decide what course your life takes. You can have peace, if you want.

Have a nice weekend dear friends… Live well!

Much love, always. 🙂

The Stranger’s Gift.

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(Photo credit: Andy O)

His eyes glowed like embers in pitch darkness.

He groaned inwardly and scratched his head,

waiting for word about the stranger.

The stranger appeared unannounced, Lucifer ducked swiftly, shocked.

His golden eyes moved in anger, he swayed unsteadily and mouthed the words,

‘Impossible!’

The stranger’s eyes was full of power, he opened his palms.

Spirits of the underworld screeched in fear, all but one left

Lucifer’s side, Tyrus, his son.

The stranger took the keys from Lucifer’s trembling hands and volcanic ash spurted out.

Voices muddled up, demons fart in disgust, Lucifer was helpless.

The deep grumbled in protest, the core of the heart rumbled.

The stranger floated out of hell, the keys in his palms.

Oh death, where is thy sting!

Oh grave where is thy victory.

‘You are but a stranger to your own,’

Lucifer spat out and the stranger, whom is the Lord smiled,

‘My sheep hear my voice, my own are mine!’

The Lord floated out of the deep, and the core of the earth closed up.

He walked among the children of men.

Risen.

He has the gift of life.

He is alive forever more!

His name is Jesus, My Lord and Saviour!!

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Wishing all my friends a lovely fun filled Easter, I am a daughter of the King, I have been redeemed and proudly so! Like the man in the picture, my joy is indescribable. God bless you all…

Thanks for reading.

Much love always. 🙂