Merry Christmas!
Luke 2:1-20
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
Hello family, friends, and supporters!
Wow, Christmas is just in a few days, and while it doesn’t fully feel like it yet, there is so much business around me. Most people would say Christmas the busiest season of the year, but I truly wish it wasn’t that way. Dr. Seuss wrote in the Grinch, “It came without ribbons. It came without bows. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more.” I think he has a great point there. Christmas IS so much more than the gifts, the parties, the cookies, the perfect decorations… Christmas doesn’t come from a store; actually, it started in a stable. Jesus being born in that lowly stable, with only shepherds and animals to greet Him, was the perfect Christmas. There were still gifts but all focus was on Him. I must admit to myself being caught up in the busy too, with getting ready for Christmas, launching for the World Race, and trying to see family and friends, and I’m guilty of not fully focusing on the real reason for the season. But the last few days, I realized this and have been trying to be more intentional about reading my Bible, resting in Him, and preparing my heart for the day of His birth, to be like the shepherds, who praised and glorified God for the birth of His Son.
“Rest is holy, get some.” -Bob Goff
I saw this quote a few weeks ago, and I didn’t think much of it at first, but I’ve come to realize how very true it is. God asks us to rest. To come to Him, with nothing else. No agenda. Just you. Hebrews 4:9-11 says, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.” And it’s not just about keeping the Sabbath, as it reminds us in Deuteronomy 5:12-14, but also a DAILY resting in and with Him. So, in an attempt to take time to rest in Him, I learned a few things that I would like to share with you.
- I’ve been so defiant to taking time to rest. Isaiah 30:15, “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.’” Just the same as the Israelites, I wouldn’t accept it. I try to do everything myself, not wanting to ask for help. But…
- God seriously asks us to find rest in Him, so many times. But one example is in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in your heart, and your will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” God wants us to trust and rely on Him, for He is capable of everything. He is our strength.
- Now, when all I feel is darkness, I know God’s presence is still there. When I do not hear Him, I know He is still speaking to me, and even when I feel abandoned and alone, I know His love still surrounds me.
- The past few weeks since I’ve been home in Minnesota, I have usually seen a LOT of bald eagles. Like probably 7 or 8, and I just saw one this afternoon. I have always loved these beautiful and majestic birds, watching the soar high above me. But I believe this is one way of God talking to me and proving that He is always there with me, watching over me. Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not grow faint.”
- An acronym for REST…
Remember His goodness
Express your neediness
Seek His stillness
Trust His faithfulness
- Lastly, one of my favorite ways to take time with God is to sit with my Bible, a journal, a pen and a hot cup of coffee. Here are 8 types of rest I’ve tried to add to my life…
- Uninterrupted time with God
- Permission to not always be helpful
- Doing something “unproductive”
- Connection to art and nature and music
- Solitude to recharge
- A break from responsibility
- Stillness to decompress
- Dwelling in safe spaces
God, I come to You, for peace of mind. I give my mind to You. I set my mind on You. Capture my every thought. Quiet my heart with Your love, Lord. Speak Your peace over our lives as You spoke stillness over the stormy waters. Bring healing and restoration to the pain in our hearts from losing a loved one, enduring tragedy or trauma, from hopes dashes and dreams destroyed. You, the Resurrection and Life, breathe new life into these deadened parts of our souls. Spark new hope in us for the future. Teach us to be still and receive Your life-giving presence. Amen.
So, as we continue into Christmas, I encourage you to find rest in Him. Maybe that’s taking time to just sit and pray. Maybe it’s going on a walk out in nature. Maybe it’s reading your Bible. Rest looks different for everybody, so feel free to make it your own. God wants you. After all He’s given you everything, could you just give Him some of your time?
Lastly… a fundraising update!!
I am over 50% funded and hit my 10k deadline just a few days ago!! Praise God!! And thank YOU so so much! I can now launch in just a few weeks!!
But… I still have a long way to go to be fully funded by April. Below are several ways you can give if you can:
- Directly through Adventures in Missions, click the donate tab on my blog home or click HERE! (It’s also tax-deductible.) There you will have the option for the amount you wish to give and the occurrence in which you can give. So, if you want to donate a certain amount but can’t at one time, you can donate a smaller amount monthly.
- If you prefer to give directly to me, these are the best ways.
Venmo: @clleverich
Paypal: @clleverich
Check: Fill out to Adventures in Missions but please indicate who you are donating to, Clara Leverich, and send to Adventures in Missions P.O. Box 742570 Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
- Lastly, I made this super sweet design and partnered with Bonfire to put it on t-shirts, long sleeves, and sweatshirts! HERE! is the link to the website to order your own!
Again, THANK YOU!
Merry Christmas! Love, Clara 🙂
