December 25—Glory to God!

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14 (Full context: Luke 2:8-20)

Thinking back to ADVENT EXPERIENCES several came to my mind. The one I chose to share happened several years ago. At the time I was teaching Daycare Pre-kindergarten at church. It left a meaningful place in my Spiritual heart. It reminds me of the reason we celebrate Christmas and Easter. One Field Trip we took was to a Senior nursing home during the Advent Season. The children made Christmas cards to give the "grandpas and grandmas". The day before the field trip was a perfect time to share with the children the reason we
celebrate Christmas. "For today in the city of David there has been born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 The children could also share Jesus love with others.

The children sang "Away in the Manger" and " Jesus Loves Me ." Some of the residents sang with us. After the songs the children gave their Christmas cards to the residents. To watch this interaction was one of the best Christmas gifts I have been given. I then read the story from the Bible of Jesus birth closing in prayer.
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The decision was made to take the children to the nursing home at Easter time. They made crosses and a card to give the residents. It was a perfect time to share with the children the true Easter story and Christmas story. To share that Jesus loves them so much He died on the cross for them. That God wants us to love Him back. John 3:16 When we walked into the facilities one of the men sitting in his wheel chair, waiting for us said, "I knew you all would come again." It was a time of sharing the true Easter Story. What a blessing to the residents, children and teachers.

Father God, thank you, for the Advent Season. Be with us as we celebrate the true Christmas Story which led to the True Easter Story. We give praise to our heavenly Father for these events which have changed our lives forever. Amen

~Marge Elasky

Ornament Credit: Lee Narup