Prospects

The stems and branches of last spring’s asparagus are lifeless. Only its “berries” distinguish it from the tangle of dead annual weeds beside it. The red fruits, said to be mildly toxic to humans, must be bitter because they seem to have been largely avoided by birds, deer, and rabbits.

Ah, but we know that life for this asparagus is not as dismal as it appears. Beneath the crusty snow and frozen earth, its roots are but resting, getting ready for spring glory, just as the rotting pods are preparing to sow countless seeds.

This humble plant can encourage anyone whose New Year’s prospects look dim. “Life may not appear very promising right now,” the asparagus reassures, “but newness and wonder are coming!”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –JEREMIAH 29:11 (NIV)

Thanks to Christmas

Thanks to Christmas, we can participate in parties, school programs, movie premieres, and parades. Thanks to Christmas, we can share activities like ice skating, sledding, sleighing, shopping, and standing in line with those we love. Thanks to Christmas, we can enjoy carols, cards, cookie exchanges, concerts, and candlelight services with friends and family.

If it weren’t for Christmas, we’d go to far less gatherings, get-togethers, gift exchanges, and goat reunions!

We visited Tonto and Jack today (Meels' and Blueberry's kids)...

...and Kolton (with Jack)...

...and Hunter (with Mr. Chubs)!

The joy of a great celebration,
    sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.

For a child has been born—for us!
    the gift of a son—for us!

                                       --ISAIAH 9:3,6 (MSG)

Better Than a Fairy Tale

When Christmas first came, the surprise wasn’t that it had come or where it had come—the virgin birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem had been foretold for centuries—but to whom it came. It didn’t come to the wealthy, educated, powerful, or prestigious. It came to nobodies.

Christmas first came to a poor girl when the angel Gabriel told Mary that she had been chosen to bear the Son of God. We don’t know what circumstances led Mary to say that the Lord had “looked upon the low station and humiliation of His handmaiden”. It seems that Mary had never known respect or popularity before Gabriel dubbed her, of all people, “O favored one”. (Luke 1:26-38, 46-55)

Nine months later, Christmas went public when angels proclaimed Jesus’ birth and whereabouts. The heavenly announcement--heralded with much noise, light, and fanfare—was not directed to priests or scholars, rulers or businessmen, but to shepherds. Held in disdain, shepherds would have been voted least worthy of front row seats to the angelic production of The Messiah or mention in numerous carols. (Luke 2:4-18)

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?  

--Angels We Have Heard on High

Jubilee

“He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree.” –Words of Mary, LUKE 1:52 (AMP)

  

Wonderland

Like many others do this time of year, I get up two to three hours before dawn. Today’s sunrise was well worth the wait, however. The daylight unveiled a winter wonderland so bright and dazzling that I was surprised it wasn’t preceded by a trumpet or heralded by an angelic choir!

 

Nine-month old Dazzle is wintering well

Bejeweled peachtree willows 

“He has made everything beautiful in its time….” –ECCLESIASTES 3:11 (AMP) 

Thirty-Four Carat Morning

Time and winter troubles appeared to have defeated these relics of summer. Bowed and brittle, their 34 golden petals gone and forgotten, the sunflowers’ glory days seemed over for good. 

But then, while most of the world slept, the hand of Grace reached down, dusting them with a million tiny diamonds of ice!

“We find ourselves standing…out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.” –ROMANS 5:2 (MSG)

When God Decorates Christmas Trees

My morning’s walk was cold but sparkly!

“God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.” –Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Mercy's Tree

Our little halls are decked merrily for the holiday season, but last night, a young dinner guest asked me why we don’t have a Christmas tree. I grinned, wondering how I could explain Mercy.

Mercy is our exceptionally lively, gravity-defying 4-month old kitten. Mercy sprints. Mercy bounds. Mercy vaults. Mercy even tries to climb walls--and gets higher than you would think. To survive Mercy, a Christmas tree would have to be anchored to the floor, tethered to the wall, and suspended from the ceiling!

The only safe place for a tree: high on our highest windowsill 

“Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us….” –LUKE 1:78 (AMP)