The Gift of Exhaustion

The human body continues to amaze me. You go sit down for just a few minutes and your body knows what you need. Two hours, maybe four. Six hours, perhaps even eight hours later... all you did was sit on the couch for five minutes. And it's morning time. Its 3 am. And you may or may not have an idea that you were running low on fuel, but not fumes... at least not yet.

It's been a long year... that has gone by terribly fast. And on this Christmas Eve, in the frenzy of gifts and family and services and outreaches to the community and families in need, today is and will be a difficult day to balance. Plus some still have to go to work today!  (at least for a little bit)

Just remember, minus the appearance of the heavenly hosts and the star that lit up the sky,  Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem with little fan fair. None to be exact. Just the presence of Almighty God and the expectation of His beloved gift to humanity. In the final moments of insanity before Christmas day and the celebration of God's gift to us, through the exchanging of gifts with us, may we remember the gift that truly matters. As much as we love to catch up on rest, it's coming to Christ and the rest we have in Him that matters for all eternity.

For all those who are burdened and heavy-laden... REST. In the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, for deacons, administrators and staff (and pastors for that matter) worn out; physically exhausted, mentally-spent, emotionally weary from the activity and ministry of church and ministry. On this Christmas Eve, may they be strengthened and renewed; quickened in their mortal bodies by the power of God. Pray for the outreach and services that will continue today and tomorrow as we celebrate the birth and life of Christ. May many people experience His love and forgiveness and experience the greatest gift one could ever receive... the gift of One laying down His life for a friend. Pray many would receive that gift, for those who do are called the friends of God. And He is not willing that any should perish.

For the cause of Jesus Christ and the glory of God. May Heaven and Earth celebrate over the lives of those who receive Christ as the greatest Christmas gift ever given!!

-PNC

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