New Life

Hey friends,

A few days ago, a sweet baby girl was born to friends of ours. Their pregnancy had its ups and downs and ups and downs. Family and friends prayed for her -- and them -- for months. I was out of town when she was born and had to wait three whole days to meet her. She's everything we prayed for: healthy! And she's beautiful, snuggly, and sweet.

Anticipating her arrival was a big deal for those of us who know her family. We waited. We planned. We celebrated. We prayed. We loved her before ever knowing her... and I'm just a friend to this special family.

This love for someone so new and special leads me to wonder about Jesus. How did His mom feel as she waited. And planned. And prayed. For Him. Who loved Him before ever knowing Him?

Two thousand years later... Christmas is fast approaching (less than 90 days, but please don't wig out about the shopping you need to start). Do you wait on Jesus? Do you wonder at the miracles He performed? Or that He still performs in us and through us to this day? Do you love Him even though you can't see Him? Is He a friend to you? Is He more than a friend? Is He your savior?

The anticipation of new life is such a gift, but it goes beyond the child. It's a reminder to us all to remember the gift of new life we are given. Take a minute to thank Jesus for the life He's given you. Thank Him for the second chance. Remember how you felt when you first asked Him into your heart!

Praying today for sweet Hartley Grace. May God bless her life as He watched over her arrival. May her parents be filled with love, wisdom and passion to raise her Your way.
Amen