How I Pictured It ~ Resting in His Light

Soul Refreshment:


Isaiah 9:2 ~ The people who walked in darkness 
   have seen a great light.

For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
   light! sunbursts of light!

We've quietly begun to decorate. Well, David did most of the work hanging all those lights out front. Indoors, I've started to set out the candles.  This year it's cranberry scented candles.


Lights and candles are my favorite decorations. There's something about the glow and warmth. So calming. It gets me thinking on how Jesus brought light to so many dark places in my heart and in my life.


I always pictured the manger scene to be warm, serene, sweet and .... perfect. I had a preconceived notion about the decor and aura. 


But, I'm sure baby Jesus cried. I'm certain His parents, Mary and Joseph, tried to soothe him. I don't doubt that the animals made their normal sounds and did their normal "business". I can't help but wonder if the hay was even fresh or the stable cleaned out when they arrived. It seemed to be a crazy-busy time of year. I bet there wasn't much light in that stable or cave either.


Still, in the busyness, Jesus was born. That precious little baby our promise of hope. Hope to bring light to our darkness. Darkness of loss, mistreatment, divorce, loneliness, abandonment, sickness...


Still, over the animal noises, the wise men worshipped "The One" who arrived with hope. Hope for healing and a better future. Hope for wholeness. Hope for love.


Still more, even in the foul smell and mess, the most beautiful gift and greatest miracle of all was given. The beauty of His making "all things" right. The miracle of Him making "us" right.


In the darkness of that stable/cave, his birth shone brightly. The smiles on the faces of Mary, Joseph, and the wise men lit up the place. The angels singing to the shepherds lit up the field. That one lone star shined so bright it lit the way to hope for three men. It lights the way for each of us, even me.


When we let Jesus into our busy, messy, smelly, imperfect hearts - He makes miracles happen. It's His specialty --To slow flow and un-rush us, so we make memories of the everyday moments. To become the fragrance that fills our lives and we spread as we let him lead us in our day-to-day. To have our imperfect hearts made perfect by one selfless act.

All required of us is to simply say...

 "Yes, Jesus. I believe you give this gift to me and I receive it."

"Let him in to the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out." ~ Max Lucado

So thankful Bonnie has us thinking on these things this December

The quote comes from Max Lucado's book

(we're reading this right now)

{Unwrapping Jesus} ~ Resting in His Righteousness

Resting in Jesus gifted me with being a part of this moment - okay, I'm tearing now.

Soul Refreshment

Galatians 5:22-23 ~

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Rest every chance I get to:

I’m looking forward to seeking out rest every chance I can throughout this holiday season. I want to soak in the people I love and be completely present in being with them. I don’t want to miss their personalities, quirks, the beauty of their individual characteristics, and the hugs. Oh yes, definitely the hugs. 

The more mindful I become of resting in soul, body, spirit, and mind I find myself more grateful, compassionate, and in tune to those around me. Selflessness is a freeing rest.  I experience more of His grace, as help, for my everyday details. 

But first...

Letting go of self-righteousness (justification): The Unrest

I must let go of past hurts, scars, and injustices. Holding on to them imprisons me to experience the pain constantly. It puts me under the control of that pain to the point I justify my anger and bitterness. It robs me of the joys He gives me. It steals the quality of my encouraging relationships. It keeps me in the dark and under the covers. Self-righteousness pulls inward. It brings turmoil devoid of rest.

His righteousness (justification): Complete Rest

I sincerely choose to open my hands and let God take them all. As quick as He’d like to. Letting go positions me to heal, forgive, and become. Letting go doesn’t make what was done right. It releases me to freely receive the gifts of His righteousness. His justification. He will create a right heart in me and with Him. I will focus on what matters most. The distractions of the past will become blessings for my present and future. 

He lovingly tailors those blessings to each of our unique needs. Now that is a revealing of how He loves each of us individually.

The key is to let go each time it occurs. An offense may happen soon as you are done reading this. Let go to be free and stay freed.

Be free to enjoy what He came here for. Here is where complete soul rest exists. Here is where it is freely available.

His birth and death reminds me to hope often:

His birth gifts me with a life of affection, exuberance, and serenity. A life better and fuller than what I would choose if I hold on. 

He was born and died so I could be free to love, give, receive, create, play and laugh as worship to Him. What a gift. What a beautiful and freeing gift. 

A prayer for us:

Lord, I pray that each of us receive your gifts of righteousness, joy and peace this season. That this will be the start of a truly free life. Help us to let go of each hurt, scar, and injustice of the past and present. Help us to let go of those who have done wrong to us as well. Let your forgiveness wash through our souls. Blow away those dark clouds that have hung over us too long. Shine your love, selflessness, creativity, laughter and ability to enjoy into our lives. Remind us to continually thank you for the littlest joys in our everyday. In Your Name, Jesus, Amen. 

Woohoo!!!


More Soul Refreshment from Bonnie's post on Monday:


Luke 2:11-12 ~ 
“A Savior has just been born…This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped…“

This season I'm looking for rest that frees me to enjoy His gifts. 

What are you looking for?

Bonnie's inviting everyone to unwrap Jesus all December long.