{ Unwrap Jesus } Come Alive, Hope Again (DaySpring Christmas Gift Giveaway)
I didn’t think I’d end up where I am today.
I’m writing my first book.
And it’s harder than I thought. There are so many ways to tell a story, to make a point. Which way is best and what if I chose the wrong way?
How does a girl who was never given a voice think she could suddenly start writing anything beautiful or worthy of print?
These are voices from the past. But, still they buzz around me, as I tap-tap-tap my way forward.
My search for God’s guidance really isn’t about a book after all.
Because every year, the journey to find direction and guidance is always present in each of us.
We may be traveling through different journeys — maybe through joblessness and disappointments or maybe through the excitement of new relationships or opportunities ahead.
We face the same obstacles: which way should we go and what if this journey is too much for me?
The steps ahead aren’t clear, but we can’t stay put. We sense God calling us to go. We are compelled to move out and see.
We share one thing in common. It makes us sojourners: God keeps our hope alive.
When the Star Paused
I think of the wise men. How ecstatic they were to discover the star back home in the East! What joy there was in the anticipation, as they made preparations, checklists and geared up for the adventure ahead.
But, I wonder how they felt when the star stopped above Jerusalem — when they met King Herod and no one in town even had an inkling of the good news.
The star was actually on pause. But, they didn’t know it.
Are you finding yourself at a pause along the journey of faith — where you wonder too if where you are, is where God wants you?
Be assured. God has not forgotten your way. Just like the star stopped at Jerusalem, until the wise men received new information, they stayed and waited. They had questions and yes, I imagine perhaps they considered turning back too. But, they didn’t.
God was faithful.
“After [the wise men] heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”Matthew 2:9-10
The grand finale of Christmas is the scene at the manger. When the star finally moved out again to lead them to Bethlehem, the wise men eventually found what they were looking for.
According to Ian Strachan of Today in a Manager, the journey to find baby Jesus took the wise men one month.
They walked that journey one day at a time.
They didn’t know how long or where it would lead them.
They only knew one thing: they had to follow.
And they followed in the dark.
We can only imagine what the everyday challenges and triumphs were.
As much as we’d prefer traveling by day when everything is crystal clear, we make our biggest strides in the walk of faith — at night.
No matter what, the wise men kept their gifts safe — and oh, this is my favorite part of the Christmas story this year. They presented their gifts to the new King and I can imagine what joy there was to finally lay it at Jesus cute little feet.
A Royal Baby’s Registry
There’s a baby registry echo’ing in the Christmas story. What gift are you keeping safe with you this year for Him?
Gold – a tribute of something you’ve received this year?
Frankincense – a special prayer to offer to Him? (Frankincense was an incense used for worship. In Revelations 8:4, God tells us our prayers rise as fragrant incense to Him.) ”And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”
Myrrh – a loss or sorrow you can share with Jesus. This too is an offering to Him. It’s ultimately why Jesus became God-With-Us, taste pain so we can have hope beyond the dying.
As we walk these final days into Christmas, remember we have what it takes for the journey.
We have a beautiful star moving within us. Jesus.
Keep following. No matter where you find yourself on this journey. It might not look the way you expected. Faith still leads us. We can keep walking ahead, friends.
Smile. Jesus is our hope. And He is alive in us again this Christmas once again.
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As I wrestled with words this month, I realized the gift I can offer Him this year is my voice, come what may. I may find myself waiting for guidance, but I have the final destination in mind: Jesus. Together, we can unwrap Jesus this Christmas and encourage each other in the days ahead. Merry Christmas, friend!
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Where are you on the journey of faith this Christmas?
What gift will you offer to Him this year?
Pull up a chair. You know I love to swap stories. Click to share a comment
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A DaySpring Christmas Giveaway
DaySpring is running a Christmas clearance sale and is sponsoring today’s Christmas giveaway.
DaySpring is giving away a $50 Coupon Code to one Faith Barista winner!
Enter To Win:
1. Share a comment or blog post by Midnight Sunday 12/25/11.
For Extra Entries:
2. Subscribe to Faith Barista and leave an extra comment letting me know.
3. Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (Click the “Share/Save” button below) and leave extra comments letting me know.
* CONGRATULATIONS TO * Our Inspired Art Giveaway winner: #48 PJ & to our 3 winners of Today In a Manger : #60 Christina Burrell, #63 Shannon, #30 melissa C. You’ll be contacted for mailing info!
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*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***
Faith Barista Jam Thursdays – I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post. Keep faith fresh with a faith prompt and add your voice to this community.
Today’s 12/22 topic: Which character in the Christmas story is speaking to you?
*Special Topic for January 6, 2012!*
Our next Faith Barista Jam will start up in the new year (Can you believe it?)Share one word God is putting on your heart for the new year. (Read the One Words you chose for 2011. Click here.)
Share your post by clicking on the blue button below “Add Your Link”. You can also share directly by simply commenting below.
Keep a lookout for:
*1. Ways to celebrate Christmas simply.
*2. Inspiring moments that fill you with God’s love, joy, peace, or hope.
*3. Encouragement to see Christmas in a new way.
*4. A Fresh Take on the Gift of Jesus.
Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.
Please place the “Faith Jam” Badge in your post and help build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community. Thanks!
Grab the HTML Code For the Faith Jam Badge
Who knows? Maybe you’ll get a special message you didn’t expect.
On second thought, if you take up the journey – I know you will.
Build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community: Link back to Faith Barista or grab this month’s special Christmas Faith Barista Jam Badge to place in your post. Click here.
It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!
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Tasha on The Top 5 Lies of Perfectionism (Starting New Principle #3)
atshaibu on Break Out Of The Shell Of Rejection: Four Golden Rules of Fearless Living
Lori on Why You Are Already Amazing – A Book Shower Gift for Holley Gerth
Lindsey van Niekerk on Break Out Of The Shell Of Rejection: Four Golden Rules of Fearless Living
Katy on Break Out Of The Shell Of Rejection: Four Golden Rules of Fearless Living
The Magi have always played a strong role in the original Christmas story ever since I read “The Gift of the Magi” by Longfellow, and even after I learned they weren’t really present during the first Christmas. I have surmised that Daniel (Old Testament prophet and one-time leader of the magi) had a hand in the scrolls or studies that lead these first century magi on their journey to find the baby who is meant to be King.
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I never thought of sharing my loss as a gift to Jesus, WOW, what an encouragement!
Thanks again, Faith Barista!
Merry Christmas!
Ely
This post really resonates for me…thanks for the reminder to keep moving forward in following Jesus, just one day at a time, one day at a time, over and over… We are living and working in a remote area of Navajoland and face many challenges—we KNOW God called us here, we just aren’t quite sure what we “should” be doing day to day…
jecolorfulheart´s last [type] ..Magical Christmas Memories
(and by the way…for another drawing entry…I definitely reposted this on facebook—hopefully LOTS of my friends take time to read this!)
jecolorfulheart´s last [type] ..Magical Christmas Memories
For me right now it’s learning to keep serving and giving thanks in spite of the hard and the hurt.
Amy Nabors´s last [type] ..May It Be Done
Life is certainly a journey! I never seem to know what is just around the corner, but I’ve learned that it doesn’t really matter… Jesus is right here with me, wherever that happens to be, so I don’t have to be concerned with what might be next. Life hasn’t turned out the way that I had anticipated, but God has been and continues daily to be faithful. My next God sized assignment is also to write a book–I have absolutely no clue what it will be like, but God has a plan and I simply need to be still and wait and listen and write whatever He puts in my heart… an exciting and scary journey!
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bonnie i love your blogs and i love dayspring.i gave my husband for christmas 2 mugs and 2 serving bowls.i am to sick to cook so that is why i got it for him.i have ankylosing spondylitis,yes the same deseas that sweet sara had.she was correct we each deal differently.my lungs are not affected but my spine and joints are.i just found out i have low thyroid.i sleep alot and sincethe begining of dec i have been extreamely tired.i would love to win this but i know i wont.
bonnie when i found your site i liked you on facebook
i reposted on facebook and google plus.i don’t have a twitter acount.i don’t even have a cellphone.
i already subscribe,that is how i keep in the loop when you write.i don’t want to miss a single post.
merry christmas and happy new yr to you and your family bonnie!
Love reading your blog!
Love reading what you have to say.
subscribe to you by e mail.
My faith journey has been teaching me to trust Him, unconditionally, no matter what, and especially when I don’t understand.
I stopped over from My Freshly Brewed Life, and so glad I did. I really enjoyed your post.
In Christ,
Laura
Me. All of me. This is my gift to Jesus this year. No walls guarding those parts of my life that I don’t want to change or give up. Loosening my grip on things/people/situations. Saying a final goodbye to the fantasy that I am in control of anything. Choosing to simply enjoy the adventure of life with Him.
I’m hoping to hit “pause” for the rest of the weekend and just rest at the manger. This is a very good post for me to read this morning (and yes, I’m a day late linking up.
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Thanks for your beautiful gift of words to us through this year, Bonnie. You are truly a treasure. May God bless you and your family with a wonderful Christmas. I’ll look forward to what He’s going to bring us all in 2012!
Lisa notes´s last [type] ..What will you unwrap on Christmas?
Thanks Bonnie, for another great reminder….
Grace and peace to you this Christmas…
May our hearts and minds have the same preparation for the celebration of His birth as we have given our trees, homes, tables…
Merry Christmas!!
marina
marina bromley´s last [type] ..My thoughts on Christmas and Santa…
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Thank you for all the articles that give us hope when we feel so lost and hopeless. I lost my husband of 34 years two months ago and I am feeling an emptiness only God can fill. These messages keep me focused on the positive side of life…people who care, lives changed, hope through faith. Thank you.
Last year I chose the word change although I’m still at the same place unfortunately. So this year, I am very reflective as I do believe change has to and will take place. This is the second of two very unhappy Christmases but it’s okay because it’s really shown me where my priorities are. Tomorrow will be a good Christmas even though a part of my heart is aching for something to change but you cannot force another person to change so I am working on myself with the Lord’s help. Hope you’re enjoying Christmas Eve and have a wonderful Christmas day!!!:)
Thanks, Bonnie! What a wonderful reminder, that we “take our biggest strides of faith at night,” when we’re in the dark in one form or another–I love your analogy with the shepherds being in the dark and needing to pause to watch the star–reminding us that even when we’re temporarily paused, God can still act within us–such a much-needed reminder! I so much needed to hear that this week–thank you so much! Merry Christmas and blessings!
I am finishing up a book now as well. Not sure if it is any good, but just getting it all out there and on page is so great. Good luck with your book! God works.
Lorilee @ Loving Simple Living.com´s last [type] ..Comment on Minimalist Christmas Day 2 by Amie
Thank you so much for this, Bonnie–thank you! I so much needed to read this! I love your analogy with the star, reminding us that the Wise Men needed to pause–even though they didn’t realize they were simply on pause, they might have thought they had hit a huge obstacle and had “stopped”–but then they finally reached the manger, and it was all worth while! What a magnificent image that is! And it’s so true–thank you for the reminder that God knows where we and hasn’t forgotten about us even if we feel paused! What a much-needed message that is! Love this! Thank you so much! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I like what you said about the wiseman. They stayed on their course and had faith that
the Lord was sending them in the right direction. We too have to be as trusting. Whether its writing your book or anything else. If the Lord gave you the vision he will give you what you need to reach the destination. God Bless!
Sistergirl´s last [type] ..New Years Resolution: A Christian Perspective