December 2021
It's official! The holidays are here.
As of today, Thanksgiving, leftover turkey, and Black Friday are distant memories. Thanksgiving at the Shrader house was a time of family, many, many blessings, and too much food. Although Thanksgiving and Tom’s November birthday are bittersweet reminders of how much we miss Tom, God continues to love, bless, and guide us as His children. All Praise be to God!
I hope that your Thanksgiving was full of family, new and old traditions, friends, and sweet times.
Now that it is December, I find myself grappling with the truth of God sending His one and only son, Jesus, in the form of tiny baby, fully man and yet still fully God, to be born in humbleness and humility and to live on this messy, broken earth with us.
“For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
It is a lot to think about and, from a human perspective, it makes no sense.
Tom always talked about the fact that you can’t separate Christmas from Easter. God sent His son Jesus to be born AND to die. For us. The very first Christmas, when Jesus was born, was just the beginning. Thirty+ years later, Jesus did the ultimate. His act of self-sacrifice conquered death while reconciling us with God.
Think about that. . . Jesus came off His throne to be born in the form of a human, to live a perfect life, and to die a death He did not deserve. For us.
Okay, if we have been around the Christian block a few times, we know this, so what’s up?
Well, this year, I have struggled to be grateful and content with the MANY blessings God has given. In the last year, I have had more moments of “Really?” “How come?” or “Is that it?” then I want to count. I have been frustrated, all too often, because things aren’t the way I think they should be.
I hope my sharing isn’t too much for you. . . I know, I am spoiled and ungrateful.
In 2000, Tom taught a lesson entitled “Light of the World #1” at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/audio-archives/2019/6/8/light-of-the-world-1. In this powerful audio lesson, Tom talks about how as Christians we are to be light in the world, reflecting the love of Christ. We are called to be different and set apart, sharing love, truth, and grace with those around us. I hope you’ll take time to listen and enjoy hearing “young” Tom.
Back to me. This December, I am setting my heart and mind on God, His truth, His love, and His son, Jesus. Because, without Him, I have nothing. So, whether I am at home with my grand-dog, Finley, or out in the world;
Instead of complaining, I’ll thank God.
Instead of being frustrated, I’ll be content with things exactly as they are.
Instead of being self-absorbed, I’ll love those around me, finding ways to care and serve.
Instead of being prideful, I’ll remember Jesus has done it ALL.
Instead of focusing on me, I will focus on God and His saving grace.
I hope you will join me. This is the perfect season for us to step up and make the invisible God visible for all to see. Together, let’s be the light of the world and shine brightly!