When I began doing women’s ministry, I balked at the idea of leading other women. But then I realized, I am no leader - I am a follower. I am not leading these girls on campus. I am following a God who knows the beginning from the end. He knows the words of my mouth, their mouths, the meditations of our hearts, and He will lead.

Even those of us who know Him by His grace are prone to honor our own efforts. Some people may say, “I’ve been a Christian for forty years.” Unwittingly, they may have done the same thing over and over forty times. Jesus is cajoling us every day to recognize Him in our life. He needs for us to be different.

He is calling us to grow, to change. Christmas is a time of new beginnings. Joy to the world!

The baby we celebrated yesterday is also the Everlasting Father, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, who existed at the beginning and will be forever.

When I hear the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth to Mary in the stable, I also think about our own design and creation. I am in awe that God would send His Son to be born of a virgin, with his own unique body, complete with individual fingerprints! Equally awe-inspiring is the fact that Jesus would live his life and die with us in mind. Absolutely amazing- our God loves, creates, redeems, and gives a purpose to each one of us through Christ. Now that is something to celebrate this Christmas morning!

These three words have power: Thy kingdom come - 1) to me, 2) to others, 3) to others through me, and finally, 4) quickly - I am ready to go, through faith in Jesus, my Lord and Savior!

The mountains in this part of the world are truly awesome, and they do reflect God’s glory in creation. But what can creation do to save us? Thank God he not only shows us his power, but also his love. Jesus began the reign of peace, the time that Isaiah spoke about as the “last days.” While Jesus did gather people to himself, he also sent his disciples into the world, and still sends his disciples today.

The pattern remains: gathering people to hear God’s Word and sending them out.

To whom is God sending you today? Who do you know that needs to hear of the LORD and his mercy?

As I look back on my life, I can see, over and over, all God saw me through. And the greatest gift and promise of all, Jesus, reminds me of this again and again.

Jesus gave life back to Lazarus. Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes. Jesus said to those nearby, "Loose him and let him go." I see our team as members of that crowd gathering around Jesus. He has given life back to Native men and women, and now we get to help them remove their grave clothes, their trauma and shame, so they can live life with Jesus, free and at peace.

We have the valiant champion, the strongest power, the Almighty on our side. As we get closer to Christmas Day, let us continue to remember who it is we are celebrating. It is not merely a baby in a manger, but the Savior himself in the flesh.

Jesus would come from Bethlehem, the house of bread, and the tribe of Judah. His mother would be Mary and His Father Yahweh in heaven. His name would denote His contribution to His people. Jesus, for He will save His people through the forgiveness of their sins.

As we await the second advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us remember that it is always more important to remember our identity is where we have come from, not what we have done.