His Birth and Our New Birth

Oswald Chambers: MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST:12/25/08

http://www.myutmost.org/ (Select date)

" 'Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.' " (Matthew 1:25)
How do I know if Christ is living in me? It happens when I realize I am experiencing something out of my own natural character, especially in response to someone I am struggling with at the moment. On Christmas morning, John and I sat down to a lovely breakfast that my daughter had prepared for us, her two little ones and her "visiting" husband. I am trying not to presume, so I waited for some indication that it was OK with her to ask a blessing. I was blessed when I saw her reach out her hand to her 5 year old son, who then took his little sister's hand as the rest of us completed the circle. It was then that my son-in-law said in his off the wall and humorous way, "Let's say grace." Well, all of us spoke the word: "grace." Then God took over, and I was able with humility and courage to thank Him for His gift of Grace that this Christmas Day celebrated. Because the Baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He could be born in each of our hearts so that we could all, anywhere, anytime and in all circumstances experience His love and grace.

The tradition that I have grown up with is to call this special family time a blessing. For these little ones that I am now caring for, I am going to call it 'grace' , out of respect for their daddy. I love this young man and I pray that he will continue to grow in God's grace. I know it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in me that has a tender heart towards him. Christ demands this of me as He continues to shape my judgemental nature into the creature God intends for me to be. Please pray that this little family may be healed and truly experience the grace God intends for them. Like Mary, I must patiently wait for God's will to be fulfilled. I must not stand in God's way as He works His purposes out for those he loves far more than I do.