"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." Ephesians 5:1-8
Candles flickering. Scent diffusing throughout the room. Filling. Glowing. Warming. Dispelling the darkness.
Shine! Our Light has come!
Be imitators of God.
Be loved. Love.
Give. Give thanks.
Light. Live as children of light.
What does that look like in this dark world? What does that look like at Christmas? In your hometown? In Uganda?
No impurity. No greed. No foolish talk. No idols. But rather, thanksgiving.
As we wait on Him, One who came down all for love, He comes to us. He spreads His love abroad in our hearts. And we can give that love away. We don't have to wonder if there will be enough left for us- He takes care of those who give! We cannot out-give God. And so we look for ways to love and give and light this weary world, like baby diapers and rice under our Christmas tree. Our gifts to those who have nothing.
For us, we are reaching out to a nearby babies home. The boys and I went to the babies home on Monday to love on the babies. We wanted to reconnect, since we hadn't been there since summer, and to find out what their needs are. The boys aren't really connected to need in a real way, and nor are they capable of truly comprehending. But this was our introduction. And it was good. And hard. These babies, in a full house, with lots of aunties, yet all alone. And it breaks my heart that I can't take even just one of them home. To our real home, with Christmas tree and cookies, with love and joy and brother-fights, and hope. But we will do what we can. And I'll play this song and this song over and over this Christmas.
I love watching Seth in action- he loves babies. Caleb isn't quite sure. So mostly he just handed toys to babies. And played with the toys. But it's a first step; it's a part we can play, and they will grow into it. I'm excited about that!
What first steps are you taking this year to be light and give Christmas love away?
Oh, my heart breaks for these babies. But I thank God for all the "aunties" and for you spreading the love and light of Christ there. Blessings to you, sweet sister.
ReplyDeleteListening to the songs now... Thanks for providing the links!
WOW. The kind of family you are building! I come away inspired and blessed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for going... For bringing to awareness the needs in this world.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
T
the picture of you loving on the babies – that's precious. The picture of your baby loving on the babies – that's even more so. And you're right – handing toys is a first step. And Kelly, thank you for your support last week – it's been a difficult week – words have such sharp edges sometimes. Anyway, I'm going down from posting 10 posts per week to posting eight – and that will leave me with more time to read the blogs I heart – and I kinda heart yours. God bless you Kelly.
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