This is Our God

freely you gave it all for us
surrendered your life upon that cross
great is the love poured out for all
this is our God

lifted on high from death to life
forever our God is glorified
servant and king rescued the world
this is our God

This song from Sunday's service perfectly describes the reason for my joy and sweetness of the season. What a perfect gift! The ultimate sacrifice from One whose love for us can never be surpassed and whose advent authored Christmas 2,000 years ago. What is so substantial about Christmas is God's gift in Christ and always, but especially during this time of year, I am reminded of the great love poured out for us. Such a simple yet profound message I reflected on as I watched my 2 year old stare wide-eyed at the sea life in the Bass Pro Shop aquarium! One little hand was pressed up against the enormous glass as his other pointed at all the different colors, sizes, and species of life teeming in that comparatively small space. As I took a step back to capture that moment on my camera I was able to take in the picture as a whole. Deer, elk, birds, and pine trees were displayed on the snowy landscape above. In every niche the Lord created he created life to fill it, to enjoy it, to enjoy camaraderie, companionship, and love. Because what is the point after all of life except to know Him, to enjoy those He has created, to be an example in love, and to live and learn in good fellowship. I can remember being very young and reading my precious moments bible. In Genesis I read that there was nothing, and then God created. I would try to reflect on what it meant if God had not created, on a world of nothingness. To not know my family, my friends, and the God which brings meaning and purpose to all...tears fell on my 7 year old cheeks as joy flooded through my heart. True joy is Knowing that the God we serve loves us so dearly He brought us into a world to enjoy and understand love in its purest form. Which brings us back to the Father of all creation. Because of all these gifts that have been given we are enjoined to look to the giver and realize that we are so privileged to be a part of the most important relationship of all. So thankful this season for God's perfect gift in Christ and for all of you we call family and friends! You are so loved! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Derek, Tara, Kaleb, and Ashton

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17