Notes from this week's podcast: Remembering a Few of My Favorite Things This Christmas & Prayer

What does Christmas look like for me?

We want to remember Jesus and build memories -- with Family and Faith. 

1) My favorite activity: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (at my church)

Remember Jesus -- to focus on the birth of the Savior. We look at the cross but we see the manger. He's no longer in the manger. He went to the cross. And now He's with the Father. 

We light the candle. He truly is the light of the world. But, He's the light in my heart because, without the Savior, I would be in utter darkness. 

2) My favorite decoration: the Nativity scene

It is such a visual to remember what Jesus did: that He laid down in Heaven His shekhinah glory. And He came to earth at this time, this season, in a humble way -- in a manger. Why? For you and for me. 

And His parents -- Mary and Joseph -- in their humility were willing to serve God, to sacrifice their lives. 

It's a remembrance -- not only of the Savior but of humility. "Jo, walk humbly with the Lord your God today. Fall on that Rock, deny yourself; take up the cross; follow in the footsteps of the Savior."

He could've stayed in glory. But He willingly came and gave His life for you and for me. For that we rejoice. He is the peace. He is the peacemaker. He is our Redeemer.  

3) My favorite time: Christmas morning

We have a big Christmas breakfast. But my most special time is just me and the Father. 

I thank God for my family . . . I thank God for the joy to serve Him. I praise God for the Word. 

4) My favorite people: My family 

Is everything perfect? Of course not. But God is perfecting us. God is sanctifying us. So I take my family where we are, and we journey together in this precious time. 

5) My favorite scripture: Isaiah 9:6

He is called Wonderful Counselor -- He is my Wonderful Counselor. He is the mighty God -- Remember through the year how He has been mighty. He is the Everlasting Father. He's the Prince of Peace. 

As we walk through the remaining days of this season, that we might truly walk in the counsel of the Word of God and see the mighty move of God, the mighty God who is love and know that He's everlasting. (He's right there with us.) And walk with the peace of God. 

(The prayer begins at 14:43)

Scripture for further study: John 9:5, Micah 6:8, Luke 9:23, Matthew 5, Isaiah 9:6, 26:3