As we’ve journeyed through this series on “Home for the Holidays” I remember Pastor Jason first asking the question, “What do you consider home for the holidays?”
And it’s funny, because I can’t actually picture a specific home for the holidays. We moved a lot as I was growing up, not because of job reasons or anything in particular, just because my parents were on-the-move kind of people. I liked that about them, and I still do. They’re movers and shakers!
But my mom made every Christmas magical, no matter what home we were in. She went above and beyond to make that day special, and now becoming a mom myself, I see how much work it took behind the scenes to create that kind of Christmas magic.
This week we ended the series talking about warmth, in our relationships and ultimately, in what Jesus gives us…a true and lasting home.
But that kind of warmth in our lives and in our relationships doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes years of thoughtfulness, care, empathy, and kindness to establish a true and lasting “homey” feeling with one another.
As I was reading the Christmas story this weekend I came across a word the New Living Translation uses to describe what the shepherds should look for as they approach baby Jesus:
“And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
(Luke 2:12)
He was snugly. Doesn’t that word just embody warmth?
This year my son gave me a bright red blanket which I love. I wore it all Christmas Day to make sure he knew I loved it. And as I wrapped it around me, I thought about this word snugly. And how helpless baby Jesus was to need parents to even wrap him up and make sure he was warm.
How humble and profound that the Son of God would, in a way, become dependent on mere humans to keep him safe.
That’s how personal God is. That’s how deeply He loves. He didn’t just want to appear to us on earth, or stand from afar and send marching orders. He wanted to embody the human race so that His love would permeate our very souls.
Maybe this week, you can take a minute to wrap yourself in a blanket. If you’re like me, coffee must also be in-hand. And as you feel that snugly feeling, think of how much more Jesus wants to wrap His arms around you. How much more does He want to carry your burdens, heal you from the sickness you face, or quiet your mind with the greatness of His love?
It’s a special time to sit back and reflect, just like Mary did when she “pondered these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19)
And if you haven’t made Him your home yet…what are you waiting for?
And it’s funny, because I can’t actually picture a specific home for the holidays. We moved a lot as I was growing up, not because of job reasons or anything in particular, just because my parents were on-the-move kind of people. I liked that about them, and I still do. They’re movers and shakers!
But my mom made every Christmas magical, no matter what home we were in. She went above and beyond to make that day special, and now becoming a mom myself, I see how much work it took behind the scenes to create that kind of Christmas magic.
This week we ended the series talking about warmth, in our relationships and ultimately, in what Jesus gives us…a true and lasting home.
But that kind of warmth in our lives and in our relationships doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes years of thoughtfulness, care, empathy, and kindness to establish a true and lasting “homey” feeling with one another.
As I was reading the Christmas story this weekend I came across a word the New Living Translation uses to describe what the shepherds should look for as they approach baby Jesus:
“And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
(Luke 2:12)
He was snugly. Doesn’t that word just embody warmth?
This year my son gave me a bright red blanket which I love. I wore it all Christmas Day to make sure he knew I loved it. And as I wrapped it around me, I thought about this word snugly. And how helpless baby Jesus was to need parents to even wrap him up and make sure he was warm.
How humble and profound that the Son of God would, in a way, become dependent on mere humans to keep him safe.
That’s how personal God is. That’s how deeply He loves. He didn’t just want to appear to us on earth, or stand from afar and send marching orders. He wanted to embody the human race so that His love would permeate our very souls.
Maybe this week, you can take a minute to wrap yourself in a blanket. If you’re like me, coffee must also be in-hand. And as you feel that snugly feeling, think of how much more Jesus wants to wrap His arms around you. How much more does He want to carry your burdens, heal you from the sickness you face, or quiet your mind with the greatness of His love?
It’s a special time to sit back and reflect, just like Mary did when she “pondered these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19)
And if you haven’t made Him your home yet…what are you waiting for?
Erika Pizzo
Erika is the author of the blog erikapizzo.com where she encourages women to care for their mind, body, and spirit as they grow closer to Jesus. She also hosts the podcast “Temple Care” where she provides weekly messages of encouragement. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach with a chai latte in hand.