Whew, finally, the last piece! I just finished a puzzle that was started at Thanksgiving during the five days while my kids were here. We all worked on it, but I will have to admit they did the hard parts that didn't make sense, like the background that was all one colour. That's what separated the patient from the impatient. Only a puzzle lover could understand the jubilation and explosion of emotions of finding just the right piece!

As I read Scripture about the birth of Jesus, I see pieces of another puzzle coming together. The Bible is a giant puzzle that fits perfectly together, if we have the patience to gather its pieces. As I started through Matthew, I highlighted each reference from the Old Testament.

Matthew 1:22-23 – All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" — which means, "God with us." (NIV)

Matthew 2:5-6 – "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" (NIV)

Just as I pick up the right piece of my puzzle and put it into the perfect place, prophecy from the Old Testament fits perfectly into the Christmas story. Amazing, isn't it! I get so excited as these perfectly shaped pieces of the perfect plan fit together. We tend to forget that the beautiful story we think about at Christmastime or read on Christmas Eve was not an isolated event, but it was that vital piece of the puzzle that brought redemption to us all.

Is the puzzle finished yet? No, it will be finished at the return of Christ, and then, we will fully appreciate the beautiful plan that God set into motion. The puzzle will be complete, and we will see fully things that we see only in part for now. Praise His holy name!

In the same way that God has a great plan for the world, He also has a plan for you and me! There will be times when the pieces of our lives seem not to fit together, when parts of the puzzle don't make sense, but rest assured; there is a plan!

Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

That means that even though our puzzle is not coming together right now, it will eventually, because God is the master puzzle lover, and He rejoices as each part of the plan He has for you comes together. God has all the pieces. Trust Him to show you His plan day by day.

Whew! I feel another thousand-piece puzzle in my near future. How about you?

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for fitting together all the pieces of Your wonderful plan for our lives. Amen.

John 16:22-23 – And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (KJV)

A familiar tune that's heard throughout the Christmas season is Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas". Whether it's Presley's powerful voice, the strings of some instrumental, or the strains of friends pouring out their hearts in song, it is traditionally counted among the contemporary classics of Christmas music.

And although the words refer to the heartache of a love lost to someone else, it reminds us that there are those for whom Christmas is a pretty blue time — black, even — for they are without someone they love. Their loss is through death or impending death, and yet they must function in a world of joy and festivities. They hear repetitive phrases at checkouts telling them to "Have a good Christmas", or wishing them a "Merry Christmas" at a time when their world is falling apart.

Some churches and organizations have a special ceremony to acknowledge "Blue Christmases" where people can go and share their sorrow in a safe and understanding environment.

The world cannot stop around them. Store clerks cannot foresee their pain. What we can do, when faced with someone's pain in the midst of our joy, is to simply say, "I'm sorry". Perhaps in those few words, we are a part of God's answer to what they ask of Him. We can acknowledge their pain and let them know we care. By our actions we demonstrate how Christ's love may work through us to begin to ease their pain.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, help us to remember those for whom this is a painful and difficult time of year. Help us to be understanding of their reactions and of their needs. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Matthew 18:4 – Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (ESV)

Our young son has been responsible for setting out the Fisher-Price Little People Nativity set at Christmastime since he was a toddler. He loved placing the colourful, chunky people and animals in their places within the Christmas story that was unfolding inside his plastic toy creche.

One year while we were decorating, I noticed that he had added to the scene. All his other Fisher-Price Little People had joined the holy family, shepherds, and wise men. A line had formed, and a motley crew crowded around the baby Jesus: Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Joker, a mechanic, a kid with cotton candy, and a clown were among the group. There were people of all ages and colours. There were good guys and so-called "bad guys". All were accepted and welcome at the feet of Jesus. My son thought that everyone should be included and present as the baby King entered the world to save us. I both laughed and cried at the sight of the eclectic mix of visitors that my son had brought to surround the Christ Child. Whimsical in its presentation, it depicted a scene of peace, love, and collective worship among peoples of varied backgrounds.

It was a beautiful reminder that Jesus came for all people, not a select few. I stopped right then and there to pray. I thanked God for the innocent faith of my sweet boy; that even at his young age, he already believed that Jesus is worth lining up for. I prayed that he would grow up in a world like the one that he had created in his playset — a society that recognizes its need for Christ and where everyone realizes they not only can approach Jesus but are invited. I asked God to help us to fulfill this holy purpose of drawing close to Christ and living in peace and love with all our brothers and sisters, and to be as welcoming as my son in introducing others to Jesus.

Taking a cue from my little boy, I invite us to look at things with Christ-centred hearts. Using something as simple as a decorative Christmas toy, my son had unknowingly ministered to me with his unspoken, but faith-filled, message. Drawing upon this type of childlike faith, perhaps add to your décor this season with something that visually shines light on the gospel message. May your Christmas decorations and nativity scenes speak to you and others in different, meaningful ways, and may it remind you of Christ's all-encompassing, unconditional love for all the Little People!

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the innocent faith of children. May they always believe that Jesus is worth gathering around and that they can approach Jesus just as they are. May we take the children's lead in being humble and welcoming in our divinely given task of bringing all kinds of people to Christ. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 3:12a – May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more. (GNT)

We visited a church in Florida on a Sunday morning; it was a busy, friendly church with about forty to fifty in attendance. The congregation was made up mainly of older folk, with a sprinkling of middle-aged ones, and about four families with children. We were warmly greeted and asked if we knew others visiting from Canada.

It was on a Sunday early in Advent, and the service was about an "Advent Attitude". So often we go through this season of the year with an attitude of "Let's get all this rush over with"; or "I really don't have time to do anything for others"; or "how will I meet all the demands on me?" Instead, in the sermon, an attitude of expectancy and love was espoused, especially "a rebounding, redounding, resounding love".

What is this kind of love? It is the kind of love that has us put others before ourselves. It is the kind of love that makes others feel special. It is the kind of love demonstrated in the gift of God's Son to us at Christmas.

As we go through the Christmas season, pray that we will know this kind of love, for both giving and receiving, remembering that the greatest gift has already come to us in the manger in Bethlehem. Ask God to give us an attitude of love, of "rebounding, redounding, and resounding love", that shows in our attitude towards others.

Prayer: Lord, help us to know Your love, love that rebounds, redounds, and resounds, as we look forward to celebrating the greatest expression of love, the gift of Your Son. Help us also to show this love in our attitude towards others this Christmas season. Amen.

Luke 2:10-15 – 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 clothes 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." (ESV)

Recently at a school nearby, I noticed a long line of children walking two-by-two around the perimeter cinder track being led by a teacher. Further back, I noticed more children and more teachers. Curiosity got the better of me and my dog as we looked through the chain wire fence to see the teachers parading all the school children around, and I pondered why they were there. What I noticed, to my surprise and also to the interest of Daisy the dog, was a pair of reindeer in a small pen for the children to come up close to. I assume Father Christmas was stationed somewhere about as well.

Not what you expect to see on a daily walk past the school playing field!

In my imagination, I was transported back two thousand years to the time of Jesus and wondered what it must have been like to be in the fields shepherding sheep when a whole host of angels broke forth, proclaiming, "The Messiah is here!" This was not the everyday event they expected. However, they were curious enough to go to Bethlehem and see what was unfolding.

Recently, Daisy dog had an experience she wasn't expecting. Caroline had gone off to care for her mother in Rochdale, and during her time away, we connected daily via the video app on our phones. During one call, Daisy dog was startled to see Caroline's face and to hear her voice on the phone! She tilted her head enthralled because she recognized that it was Caroline speaking!

Sometimes, when we pray and read the Bible, God speaks to us in an unexpectedly profound way, and we recognize our God's voice speaking through His Word!

Perhaps, like the shepherds, we may find ourselves with a revelation from God.

I wonder what it is that the Lord is making known to us today. Let's ask!

Prayer: Lord, we marvel at the magnitude of Your grace shown in Your incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. May we hear from You afresh today, and, like the shepherds, may we be amazed at what You are making known to us. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Ephesians 1:4 – For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. (NIV)

It was October, and Christmas catalogues had already begun to arrive. When we went to town, my granddaughters were thrilled to notice Christmas displays in the stores. They begged to wander the aisles that sported the latest Christmas wish gifts, as well as indoor and outdoor decorations. I, however, was feeling rather appalled to be bombarded so early in the year with the commercialism of Christmas. One thing had to be said, though: Marketers certainly are intentional when it comes to making plans to promote the season. They know how to plan ahead and then how to launch those plans to get people's attention.

As I considered this, I thought about God's intention when it came to Christmas. He was planning it even before the creation of the world. God is timeless. He knows all things. He knew that man would sin and need a Saviour to cleanse us of our sin and to restore us back into a right relationship with Him, our heavenly Father. God's intention for Christmas, the coming of Christ, was there from the beginning. We see the first foretaste of that intention in Genesis 3:15 when the Lord tells the evil serpent about Jesus: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (NIV)

In fact, there are a number of Old Testament prophecies that predict the birth of Christ, the Messiah. Isaiah 7:14 tells us that He would be born of a virgin. Jeremiah 23:5-6 predicts a righteous King out of the house of David, Who would save His people. Micah 5:2 states that He would be born in Bethlehem. Yes, God planned ahead; He had intention when it came to the first Christmas. Then He promoted the fact that Christmas, the salvation of the people, was coming, by getting the people's attention through the prophets.

As I considered these things, I was challenged by how intentional my Christmas plans are, or are they? How much attention do I really devote to the celebration of the birth of the Saviour, in comparison to the time that I spend buying, wrapping, sending, making, cooking, cleaning, decorating, and gathering? Where are the eyes of my heart focused? Are they on the Christ Child and what His coming meant for the whole world, including me, or have the intentional plans of commercialism diverted my focus?

God's plans for the first Christmas were intentional. I pray that mine, as well as yours, may be likewise.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Christ, the greatest Christmas gift of all. May our plans to remember His birth this year be intent on making Him the focus of our celebrations. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

Luke 6:38 – Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (KJV)

Christmas is coming, and as well as signifying and celebrating the birth of Jesus, it is a time of gift giving. We wander the stores for the "right" gift for family, friends, neighbours, and service providers. We want to choose something that will make them happy, something they have wanted, wished for, something that will give them great pleasure. But what gift will we give to God? What will we choose for Him?

What is something that He would want, that He might wish for? What can we give Him that will give Him great pleasure?

Though she may not have coined it, I think it was Dolly Parton who said a long, long time ago, "Our talents are God's gift to us. What we do with those talents is our gift to God." She surely has given her gift to God, and to many, through His gift to her.

This then, is what we may give to Him this Christmas. Whatever our talents, may we use them to their fullest, for Him. May we, through Him, realize and utilize those gifts He has given us; for in so doing, we will give to Him something that will give Him great pleasure.

Prayer: We thank You, Father, for even our most basic gifts: our sight that we may see for others; our hands that we may help; our ears that we may listen when someone needs to be heard; our hearts to open wide and share with others; our mouths to say kind words. May we use them well. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

I love pre-lit Christmas trees! What's not to love? We pull them out of the box, and WOW! — instant light. No untangling strings of lights or wrapping miles of lights round and round the tree. They are always perfectly positioned with each branch evenly lit. They are great — until those lights burn out — and that is where I am this year. I got one of my trees up, plugged it in, and waited to see the perfectly lit tree, only to find it was only partially lit up. What a job it is to find the bad light that keeps the others from lighting. Evidently, peer pressure is rampant in Christmas lights: one does it and the crowd follows. I even bought a little red tester gun to make it easier. With new lights to change out the bad lights, my husband and I tested everything that didn't twinkle. We worked steadily for two hours and tested a thousand lights. With each light that we replaced, we waited for it to be the one that would cause our tree to explode with light, but with each light, we became more and more frustrated. After we had tested every light with no success, I felt like a failure. One little light, and with all my powers, I could not find it. As I pined for my perfect tree, I remembered a Scripture that I just love.

Isaiah 40:25-26 – "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. (NIV)

I love this Scripture for many reasons, but I especially love the part that says, "not one of them is missing". I think God was driving His point with a little humour. Don't you love it?

I couldn't help but contrast myself — who couldn't find one lost light less than an inch long — with Him Who created the starry hosts and called each one by name without even one missing. How often do I forget how powerful our Creator really is, and how often do I try, in my frailty, to do things on my own without trusting Him Who has "great power and mighty strength".

My pre-lit tree is now adorned with old-fashioned strings of lights. The branches are not perfect, but it is still twinkling beautifully, reminding me of the starry host that our wonderful Lord brings out one by one with not one of them missing.

As you enjoy all the lights everywhere you look this Christmas, think about the stars that God knows and calls by name. Remember that you are so much more important than even the stars in the sky. He did not die for the stars, but He gave His life for us!

Prayer: Lord, help us to trust more and more, not only in Your great power and mighty strength, but also in Your great love for us. Amen.

Psalm 25:5 – Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (NIV)

Traditions are those things that we do which reinforce our family's personality and link us with our past and our future. We see these traditions when we come to celebrate Advent and Christmas. It is because of our traditions that we have such a rich inheritance to pass on to our children. Our house has been no exception, and it's often the voice of one of our children that reminds me that we haven't done something yet.

It is so easy to get caught up with all the hype and the fuss surrounding Christmas that we lose our focus on why we are celebrating. This is why the Advent Jar has become a very important tradition in our house. The Advent Jar is a pint jar with a cup of shelled sunflower seeds and seven walnuts. The sunflower seeds represent all the things we need to get done for the Christmas holidays — Christmas baking, gifts to be bought and wrapped, cards sent out, and the list goes on. The walnuts represent the Advent preparations we would like to include, like a birthday cake for Jesus, time together around the Advent wreath, making things that would tell the story of Jesus birth, and the list only needs your own imagination. The interesting thing about the Advent Jar is that if you put the sunflower seeds in first, you will soon discover that there isn't room for the walnuts, but if you put the walnuts in first and then pour the sunflower seeds in around the walnuts, they all fit in! Everything fits when we keep our priorities in the right place!

Having our Advent Jar around during the Advent Season reminds us what Christmas is about, and it helps us to join in with the psalmist to say that God is our Saviour and that the waiting or hoping of Advent is central to the Christmas message.

Prayer: O God, our Saviour, we give You thanks for the hope we have during this Advent season. We thank You for the many traditions which help us to remember what is really important, but most of all, we thank You for the gift of Yourself, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Matthew 2:11 – And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (ESV)

We place several nativity sets in our home, and they range from cute to fancy to wooden to ceramic. I have saved bits and pieces from my mother's set and incorporated them into my own. Therefore, I wound up with multiples of each figurine, so I purposely display a few "extras" for various reasons and reminders. For example, a fourth wise man heads toward Bethlehem to represent the inspirational book by Henry van Dyke, The Other Wise Man, and the movie based on it. I also kept an additional small lamb to lay beside the manger, as written about in Max Lucado's children's book, The Crippled Lamb. I realize that both stories are fictional, but each one contains spiritually based reminders that are meaningful to me in my faith.

This year, I found that one of our "Cherished Teddy" wise men was missing the head from the camel (hobby horse) that he was holding. As I was looking at my broken figurine and considering whether I should order a replacement, I noticed that though the item in his right hand was broken, he was holding (and offering) a patchwork heart in his other hand. A thought immediately came to me that we are all broken in some way or another, but our brokenness does not make us discardable or replaceable. We have value to our God just the way we are. Additionally, we can give Him exactly what He is seeking — our patched hearts! So, I placed the heart-giving, broken wise man back in the nativity scene as another reminder with meaningful, inspirational significance.

Perhaps I have quite a large imagination to see these stories and reminders within our inanimate nativity sets. But if we all look at things with Christ-centred hearts, love, and the innocent faith of a child, we will see reminders, miracles, God-moments, and inspirational reflections all around us.

Prayer: Dear God, may our Christmas decorations and nativity scenes speak to us in different, meaningful ways, and may they remind us of Christ's unequivocal and ever-present love in our lives, as we keep Him at the forefront of our thoughts. In His name, we pray. Amen.