This past weekend I was visiting a church in Wichita Falls, TX. While I was there, I was blessed and inspired by the pastor’s message. God reminded me of a powerful and wonderful truth!
I love Christmas and can’t believe it is only days away. I have to be honest. It’s easy for me to get caught up in the busyness of it all. It’s easy to make Christmas about ALL the Wrong things. Even good things, when put in the wrong priority, can become a burden at Christmas instead of a blessing. 
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Christmas is not about me. Not about my Christmas dinner menu. Not about getting every gift bought and every present wrapped.
Christmas is about others. It’s about giving love away. I mean, isn’t that what God did when He gave us Jesus? I know you’ve probably heard all of this before. So, here’s where I get to the point….
God has given me a burden to give the gift of love to my family, my friends & my community. I just want to see them all enjoy a full and happy Christmas!
However, I know that, in many of their lives, making Christmas special would require a whole lot more than a Starbucks gift card!
I think about my kids. They’ve, all three, written a number of Christmas lists over the past several weeks. And it’s important to me that their Christmas is memorable and special. That doesn’t mean I’ll be getting all the things on their wish lists. In fact, what I’d really like to wrap up for them are gifts of kindness, character, respect, wisdom and godliness to open up on Christmas day.
Looking outside our home, I think of the family in need this Christmas. I don’t know much about them but what I do know is that times are extremely tough for them right now. If I could, I would wrap for them the gift of a secure future, peace, and hope. I would give them the gift of constant provision and financial security.
I think of the cashier at a local store who will be missing her husband this Christmas day. He has recently been deployed and will be away from his wife and kids while my family gets to celebrate together. If I could wrap up the gift of comfort and joy, I would hand deliver it to her and to him wherever he is in the world.
I think of the family whose small son is struggling with cancer. I would love more than anything to wrap up the gift of healing for him this Christmas and to give them a promise of hope.
I think of the broken relationships I am aware of around me. While they may feel that their only option is to give up and walk away, I would love to give them a gift of restoration, renewed passion and a future.
I think of the husband that just lost his job and the heavy burden that weighs on him to provide for his family. If I could reach in to my pocket and meet his family’s needs for the next six months, so that the burden could be lessened, I’d do it. I’d like to wrap up the gift of confidence, peace and direction and put it under his tree.
See that’s the whole problem…I’m willing. I’m just not able.
BUT I HAVE GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY!!! Christ is willing AND able… HE IS ABLE.
Do you believe it? Have you considered it? What ever it is that burdens you…HE IS ABLE!
He is able to do above all we could ever ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20-21 says,
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
Perhaps this Christmas finds you hurting…
You’re anxious about the growth and wellbeing of your kids…HE IS ABLE
You’re doing everything you can and it’s still not enough to meet your family’s needs…HE IS ABLE
Your loved ones are far away and the loneliness is suffocating…HE IS ABLE
Your child is sick and you are afraid…HE IS ABLE
Your marriage is hopeless…HE IS ABLE
You’ve lost your job and you can no longer provide for your family…HE IS ABLE
Who is this CHRIST who says He is able?
The prophet Isaiah said it best when he foretold of Christ’s birth.
Isaiah 9:6b “And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Unwrap this truth and let it fill your life,
“And His name shall be called
Wonderful (inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration; extremely good; marvelous)
Counselor (our advocate to God and giver of wisdom and truth)
Mighty God (possessing great and impressive power or strength)
Everlasting Father (never ending, One who gives care and protection)
The Prince of Peace (royal ruler, who gives freedom from disturbance; providing quiet and tranquility)”
This is who Jesus is – the gift of God Himself in human form.
And guess what…He’s not only willing. He’s able.
MY CUP OF TEA
Okay I’m switching gears but I want to tell you about a great Christmas stocking stuffer. Lash Blast Mascara by Maybelline! I began using this mascara about 2 years ago and I love it. It’s under $10 and it doesn’t clump or goop up (Is goop a word?). It works as good as more expensive department store brands if you ask me. This mascara is not waterproof (I hate the work to get waterproof mascara off my lashes)but it stays on my lashes and keeps me from looking like a raccoon as the day wears on.
I think you’ll love it. Comment on this week’s blog and you will be entered to win a tube of this great mascara. The winner will be announced tomorrow.
I pray you all have a Wonderful and very Merry Christmas!
Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts! The winner of the Maybelline LashBlast mascara is…chosen by random generator…Tara Altenritter. Tara, contact us with your mailing address so we can get your gift to you! Congrats!
work at home - We have been a team of volunteers in addition to beginning a fresh plan in your community. Your website available all of us by using precious details to figure in. You’ve got conducted an impressive task in addition to your full group are going to be relieved for you.
Kim Hecksher - So well put and needed, Tam. So full of wisdom, as always. (((hugs)))
jen - hmmm…I need some new mascara!!
good thoughts on willing and able, btw. I love that He is able…more than able!
Pamala McMorrow - This is so much on the mark for what we need to hear this Christmas season. Thank you for sharing and letting the Lord use you to reach so many people through your blog. Merry Christmas.
Sherry Pickering - So true, thank you for the reminder! Merry Christmas!
Lauren Smith - Thanks for the reminder Tammy! How true that most people get caught up in what gifts they will give when the important thing would be just giving of their love, time, a listening ear, or a warm hug.
Tara Altenritter - Thank you for sharing Tammy and God Bless everyone! Great message and feeling inspired this morning!
Dawn Miller - Exactly what I needed! Our God is able! Thank-you!!!!
Todd Nelson - Passing on His truth… is the greatest way of giving this Christmas! Thank you Tammy!!
Katie - Very well written, as usual. Love you, Katie (AKA Heidi)
Sue Sweeney - Tammy, I am so thankful for this weekly devotional – I’m glad that you are willing and HE is able to give you the words. I pray God continues to give you the wisdom for this blog. And as for the mascara, I need a new tube and I’m gonna pick one of these up. My eyelashes are invisible, so I use it every day. God bless you and your family!
Heather Pancake - Thanks for this, Tammy! It’s just the right message for me today :). I am so thankful that God is able…!!!!!
Candie Baldridge - Loved the post! Thank God He is able because there are so many times I am not.
Barbara Harrington - Tammy You are so passionate about others and Thank you for opening our eyes on the real meaning of (Christ mas) You and Your Family Have A Very Merry Christmas and Thank you for these posts I look forward to them:)
Laurie Sadler - I heard your testimony on “He is Able” on Sunday night at ABC’s Christmas on the Hill and it spoke to my heart. I’m a “fixer”. I try to fix everyone’s problems and sometimes, as you know, there’s just not enough tools in my magic bag to fix everything. It’s not meant for “me” to fix it…that’s God’s job cause He is able…not me….Him. How much sweeter is the victory when we realize that the things that get “fixed” are because He is able and not anything that we have done. Love your Tammy on Tuesday posts and look forward to seeing Calling Levi at WPBC in a little over a week.
Tammy Monfiletto - Tammy-you always say the right thing that I need to hear. Merry Christmas to you and your family!