From a Manger to a Throne

Well ... yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause. Actually, no ... but there is a God who knows every one of us, knows our pain and our heartache, and sits with us, and breathes life back into our grieving, hopeless hearts. I preached to myself again tonight. If Jesus can go from a smelly, dirty manger to a King, victorious even over death ... and that same power is available to me ... I can surely rise from any unhappy place (not matter how smelly, disgusting, pitiful) to claim (really, for the 1st time) my place as an heir to the Kingdom... a princess ... beautiful and holy.

Last year, Christmas for me was about just simply surviving. This year, it is about RE-viving. I can feel the new thing God is doing. I really can. I must claim my glory. And you must, too. Our value and worth AND our happiness is NOT ... IS NOT!!... dependent on anyone around us, but is dependent on who is within us!

I used the lectionary reading from Titus tonite ... and it talks about how Jesus came to give us the power to say "No" to the things of this world that are not righteous and of God ... and to claim the holiness that God has for us, as his children and heirs. God has always been there for his children. He was there with Mary, experiencing whatever fear she may have had, and whatever judgement that fell on her as an unwed mother. He was there with Joseph when he made the choice to stick by Mary, and no doubt endured his share of derision. God has been there all along, and He is here for you and me today.

So tonite ... I am claiming my holiness. And I am claiming the physical transformation into a princess of God's own Kingdom!

This year, may you claim your place as an heir to the throne. I'll pray for and encourage you. Will you do the same for me?

Grace and Peace to you,

Beth