December 2nd

I just started reading a book today that I had picked up a long time ago. It is entitled, "Bravehearts, Unlocking the Courage to Love with Abandon" by Sheron Hersh. She has many profound things to say, but one challenge she issued was to read John chapter 19 in its entirety every day for a month. You can read this chapter here (you could actually read it in a different translation every day on this site). This chapter records the crucifixion of Christ. It clearly lays out for us the abuse that Jesus suffered as he willingly took on our sin and shame so that one day we could stand clean before God. It is a clear representation of his love for us.

Those thoughts led me back to the verse I shared yesterday and how it all started at the birth of Jesus. Then I thought of the peom In the Bleak Midwinter - Christina Rosetti 1872 that ends with refrain...

What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him —
Give my heart.

My heart - that's what God wants from me, not anything that I can do for Him, but just my adoration and devotion TO Him. This Christmas I want my gift to Him to be my heart. Maybe by laying it out here, I will be committed to seeing this challenge through. It will be interesting to see what God has in store for me as I read and study this passage. I'd love to hear any insights that you have as well.

For those of you who have a Christmas village to put up this year, check out this post. She demonstrates a very nice way of setting up all the houses at different heights and lighting the scene.