Accepting the Change

But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. – Luke 1: 10,11 (NIV)

The beginning of the 2011 New Year came on this past Saturday and January 1st has gone into the pages of history – once again. Then too, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24th and December 25th 2010) flew by, but not without some wonderful memories. For instance, our youngest grandson (Ronald Jarin Jones), turned 6 years old last year and has grown like a weed and quite an astute conversationalist. Noting that Grandma and Grandpa elected to have a small (approximately 27 inches in height) Christmas tree that was centered on the dining table, said to us: “Your Christmas tree is too little! Why it’s not big enough to put decorations on it! All the gifts are on the floor; they should be under the tree! Why didn’t you get a big tree?" All of us chuckled at Little Ron’s observation and marveled at his select choice of words.

Ashley, his oldest sister, gave a thoughtful reply: “Christ Jesus came into the world as a little baby and he had to grow up; just like you will grow up one day.” As the second oldest sibling, Morgan added her remarks with a witty saying: “That little green tree is a fake one; made to look like its real…but it has tiny lights inside the limbs that glow like those on a big tree.” Little Ron peered at his sisters as if to signal that he understood what they said, but I was simply flabbergasted [overwhelmed with amazement]. I resolved that a change had taken place in my grandchildren – a change that was initiated by the spiritual nurturance of godly parents. I thanked God for the wisdom, love, and guidance that my daughter and her husband exemplified in rearing their children.

After a while, I pulled Little Ron to the side and told him that his grandmother and I actually ran out of room to put a large tree in our new home. We brought a great deal of stuff (over time) from the old house in High Point, NC to Mooresville, NC. I pointed out to him the chinaware Cabinet, buffet dresser, and the extra dining room table with chairs. He shook his head up and down, but fastened his eyes once again on the little Christmas tree. Immediately, I gave him a big hug and whispered in his ear that I loved him…just as Jesus did for the whole world. I don’t know whether or not Little Ron will remember everything that was said on Christmas day 2010 at Grandma Lillie’s and Grandpa Fred’s home, but I trust that God-in-Christ will reveal to him the real meaning of Christmas – Jesus came into the world through the womb of woman. He lived, died, and rose again to demonstrate the true love of the Father (John 3:16). Jesus is Lord! He came so that we will know how to get to heaven and most importantly, Jesus Christ will come back to the earth. Since he is coming back to ransom his church (the body of believers), just how should a true follower respond to such Good News?

Accept the change that God has planned. Titus 2:11-14 spells it out: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As I see it, because of Jesus, God has placed a new love in me and I have a desire to seek him like I never have sought him before. The lyrics from a Country and Western singer’s song ignited my spirit in this regard. From his album entitled "Merry Christmas Wherever You Are," George Strait mellowed something awesome with the words from the hit tune, I know What I want for Christmas. It goes like this:

It is the season for generosity
A time to give and to receive
My Christmas list consists of just one sweet dream

I know what I want for Christmas this year
An' I hope my note got to Santa on time
I'm a little bit nervous,
It's kind of a big thing I'm askin' for
I don't know if I deserve it but, boy, if I get it
I'll never ask for anything more
It shines(It shines)It's new(It's new)
And it's the one wish that I wish would come true
This year for Christmas I just wanna be with you

We can build a little fire
We can sit and talk for hours
We'll just have fun
You can tell me what you did Christmas mornin' as a kid
And we'll talk about all our Christmases to come

And if I hang a little mistletoe in every single doorway
I'm sure to get a kiss,
And is it too much to ask for a snowman kind of snow
to complete this singular wish?

It shines(It shines)It's new(It's new) I know what I want and nothin' else will do
This year for Christmas I Just wanna be with you

This year for Christmas I Just wanna be with you

It is easy to see that this song has to do with the ongoing love affair between a man and woman; a husband and a wife, yet it is a spiritual eye opener – to put Jesus at the top of the list and desiring to be with him not just on Christmas day, but every day. Accepting the change that has been made for you and I is well worth the effort. Selah