Talking about the joy and peace of Jesus is easy to express but hard to live, yet I take this moment to recall there have been many occasions when I have had joy and peace in the past twenty-seven years of following Jesus in the midst of crummy circumstances, which I believe was solely due to the love of Jesus I knew in my heart.
My ministry calling has been a unique one, and though I like kids, I was never blessed with my own children. Yet I have been tremendously blessed to be true friends and like an uncle to the two children of my dear friends who are like family. When the boy was very young, I frequently took him and his sister on walks. My little buddy was quick to let go of my hand to examine things I would point out such as bugs or mushrooms. Yet whenever I would start walking again, he was quick to say, “Hand!” I would always stretch my hand out to him and he would clasp it. In following Jesus for over twenty-seven years, I have learned I am never too old to exclaim to Jesus, “Hand!”
There is a Father in heaven who loves everybody. God the Father sent his one and only Son, the babe born to a virgin in a manger in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. Jesus was Immanuel, which means God with us. Though a helpless little baby, He was the Christ, and though about thirty-three years later He submitted to being helpless on a cross as He was crucified by Roman soldiers, He was the Christ. In fact, Jesus died on a cross for the forgiveness of sins of anyone. He was the atoning sacrifice for sins. Then He was resurrected. If you believe in Jesus, you will have eternal life in heaven with Him.
Merry Christmas, love, Hunter
