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Week 4 of Advent-Sunday, 18 December 2022
Excerpted from the Happy, Meowy Christmas Devotional
I take such delight in those times that I am able to hold, Tiger Lily. Due to a few “tummy” issues, she can be a bit fussy when we pick her up or cuddle her too snuggly. We give her special food, and she requires a little TLC, to alleviate these symptoms.
As much as we have loved each of our cats, I can only imagine the joy that Mary must have felt when she held baby Jesus in her arms for the first time. I wonder if all of the events of the preceding months flashed before her eyes. I wonder if she was so filled with love, that her newborn—the very Savior of the World—would be swaddled in cloths and was tucked-in, near her heart.
I imagine that most of you have had some measure of this feeling. Whether you have tenderly held your own child, a family or friend’s baby, or a beloved furry companion … you probably have experienced the miracle, that is birth. And when it is the one that you have given birth to, or chosen to be part of your family—you feel love—that has no equal.
That is the kind of love that Jesus came so humbly to bring into the world. This Babe, born of a virgin, arrived, not with fanfare, but into a quiet little village. He was born near an inn where there was no room for He and his parents. He was surrounded by Mary and Joseph, shepherds, and those who sought to know the Messiah. Yet His life would change history. His grace, will wrap around every heart that willingly seeks His mercy. His hope fills every soul that makes room for Him as Savior (Luke 1 & 2).
I can’t know if you will have many or few gathered around you this Christmas. I don’t know if many or few arms, will embrace you in this holy season. But I can tell you this … the One Who was born in the manger would become a perfect, sinless, man. He would die at age 33, upon the Cross, to give you life. His arms were stretched out in an embrace. His eyes are filled with love and light. He is seeking those who will come like a child, to receive His gift of grace.
Take one step, make room. He loves you with an ever-lasting love, and wants to give you an ever-lasting hope, joy, and eternity in His presence. Will you humbly open your heart to let Him be Your Master and Friend?
Leaving a Paw Print
John 3:16-17, Ephesians 1:5, James 4:8, Revelation 3:20
2 Pause and Praise Creations ©
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