14 children, 10 volunteers, 4 crafts, 2 songs, 2 games, and 1 story: This was an Extreme Christmas Celebration with the children at a church in our area:  

Hearts joined in joy! Celebrating the birth of Jesus with Exuberance and vibrancy only possible with children 12 months to 10 years of age. Flurry of busy hands, Excited chatter, Jubilant voices raised in song and Scripture memorization. Shouts of victory in games to the Rapt attention of the Christmas story. Love, appreciation, and cooperation, Culminate in celebration, for the Christ child is born! Tears of gratitude swell at the thought; Sharing Jesus with children young and old. Showing a way to pray and receive our glorious King.

To be given a part of building the Kingdom of heaven here on earth – what joyful overwhelm! This is what Christmas and Life in Christ Jesus is all about! To participate in planting eternal seed, watching as hearts fill, as Holy Spirit moves freely in our midst. Observing the heart’s capacity for love: Wounded yearning hearts find hope; Dry, parched hearts bloom with life; Forsaken fretful hearts find peace; Lonely, lamenting hearts find joy: All because of the loving presence of the Almighty! He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! We rejoice in the precious eternal Gift of His Son Jesus.

We thank God for drawing us to Himself, and for making all things possible. Whether people want facts and figures, or emotional experience – God provides all we need as His Truth is spoken and lived out in love.

Images by: M. Mckein, Stux, Gellinger

I pray that 2020 will be a year of God’s people seeing clearly the vision and purpose that God has for us. That we will walk intentionally, purposefully, into all that Father God has ordained. As Mark Batterson says: “Pray like it depends on God, and work like it depends on you.”

I pray you had an extreme Christmas celebration, whether it was just you and Jesus, or shared with others. And I pray your joy be complete in love as you press into the Lord’s plan, who He has called you to be for the sake of others in His Kingdom expansion.

Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12b-13 (NLT).

I would love to know what you believe the Lord is showing you regarding His plan for you in 2020.

Blessings,

Jacquie ♥

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