Rescued

Every year before Christmas we have the kids join us for an all family service. They all gather around the front of the stage and I read the Christmas story and hold an impromptu interview with questions like, "What is your favorite thing about Christmas." John Blake MacManamy expressed the joy of seeing his father struggle putting up the Christmas tree. Others spoke of the gifts they wanted. There seemed to be an inordinate number of requests for new flat-screens in their rooms and sweet iPods. Back in my day we longed to get the new Sony Walkman (cassette, of course)! I'm sure there were many in the congregation that were thankful to get an orange in their stocking. But everyone always agrees... the best gift is Jesus.

So, last Sunday I continued a series called SERVE. I focused in on the rescue plan that God accomplished by sending a baby. If I were God (you may now rejoice loudly that I am not!) I would not have chosen this method. I would send in a crack team of shock & awe angels and established my dominance. You can listen online at BranchChurch.org. My 11 year old, Caroline, took notes during the service... Here is what she wrote:

What did God show me today? That Jesus could have come to Earth with all the wonders a king would have, but He didn't. He came as a little dude in diapers, so that He could die in my place. Why would a king die for his citizens? Why would God come as a baby? Why would the Creator of the world step down from His throne to save a broken world? Because He loved me! And He wanted me to live with Him forever even though I did not deserve it! The world who didn't want God and actually killed God got and invitation to live with Him and be a part of his family. We should have gone to hell, but God said, "I forgive you. You're my kid now and I love you!" He saved us from hell and picked us for His team:-) Merry Christmas!

Enough said... I should have let her speak!