A little Christmas encouragement from our family to yours …
             Picture Joseph a carpenter by trade and accustomed to making things fit, making everything square, and following the design for the particular craft he was building. Yet the design of this pregnancy was much beyond Joseph’s plan. He had to accept that he was not the master builder here.

Did he struggle with frustration that this was not as he had planned? A stable vs a home, fleeing to another country to protect the life of Jesus, returning to a new city away from his family, etc. Scripture doesn’t say; maybe or maybe not. What about you? Do you have any “disappointments” that you are struggling to see as “His appointments” and release your design to His design? I know I do!

Be encouraged this Christmas that although this might not be your original design, the God you serve directed nations, kings, people and all the heavens to complete the greatest rescue plan ever imagined for the sins of many: Emanuel “God with us”. 

Each Christmas we celebrate this and remind ourselves that the greatest Present is God’s Presence: “I will never leave you nor forsake you”.

“He (Joseph) might not have had all the answers to his questions, but the most important one was answered; I am not alone. Take this next step. In a man’s heart he plans his path but the Lord directs his steps. Emanuel God has entered your world. God is with you! Trust and Obey!” Max Lucado

May you and your family experience the gift of God’s presence, Emanuel, in a new and fresh way this Christmas. May all those around you see that this gift of Jesus is wonderful! Truly, life is found in knowing Him!

We love you and are so thankful for how you enrich our lives,