The Word became flesh

I've had this line from a Christmas song running through my head...

"The Word made flesh, now dwells among us, Christ is come."

Have you ever really stopped to think  about this?! The God of the Universe, the One who created the stars and holds everything in place, the One who made us, He came here to live among us. Sinful lowly mankind! What in the world?!?! How can this be?! It's either some kind of crazy or some kind of wonderful love. And what love that must be?!?! When I really stop to ponder, I don't get it. I don't understand that love. I struggle to love others. To truly love them. Not for what I get in return but just to love them for love's sake. I'm too often selfish and wanting something back from them and when I don't get it, my love falters. 

But God. 

His love drove Him to earth. Not just to live here but to love, to reach, to serve and then the ultimate act of love...He dies for me. For you. Even though we didn't give him anything in return. Even though we often turn our backs. Even though we mess up and put other people, other things first. But still He came. Still He dwelt among us. Still He died for us. 

Amazing love. I don't get it but I choose to accept it. 

Check out the rest of the song here....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8NuheUzWNbM

Advent is here!

Advent is one of my favorite times of year. I love everything about the time leading up to Christmas. The lights, the decorations, the choosing of gifts, the anticipation of seeing their faces when they open the wrapping. Well okay, maybe I don't love everything. I don't enjoy the insanity of shopping. I don't like the focus on getting gifts. I don't like the stress people place on themselves or others. But there truly is beauty in Advent, in Christmas. Advent is about the arrival of Jesus. It's about prophecies long foretold now being fulfilled. And it's about the greatest Gift ever given. A Savior who is Christ the Lord. And that is what I love about Advent. 

This year I am celebrating Advent in 2 personal ways. First I'm going through an Advent Bible study called Love Comes Near by Jenni Keller. I got it through the Hello Mornings website and it was quick and easy to download and print. The second thing I'm doing is the Christmas Scripture Writing Plan pictured above. I found the photo on Facebook and there was no source listed. Since I really enjoy journaling and writing, it seems like a good plan for me. 

With my kids I'll be using Star From Afar for Advent. It came in the mail yesterday but I'm on a business trip so I haven't seen it yet. It looks to be a great activity to do with the kids though. 

I'm excited about Advent and eagerly anticipating Christmas. I hope you are too!!