Many of you know that I'm a fairly "new" Christian. I didn't come to know the Lord until the summer of 2006, at the age of 34, when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I was so lost and not knowing my purpose, but my eyes have been opened to the greatest gift of all! I often wonder, why did I have to be lost for so long, but I am so thankful that He never stopped seeking me. I am so thankful to have been found by the lover of my soul . . . my God.
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| From Karla Dornacher's Blog |
I feel hesitant to admit this, but many years ago when we would celebrate Christmas, there was no focus on Christ. I vaguely remember saying to the kids something like, "Christmas is about Jesus' birth, but that's not the reason we celebrate it." Those aren't the exact words, but that's the basic gist of it. Admitting that has me in tears. I cry out to Him, please forgive me, Lord. I'm so sorry. I didn't know.
I can remember singing all of the Christmas songs as a non-believer, and truly not having a clue as to what they meant. I can't help but think how sad that is. But now, it's an entirely different story. I know what it all means, and I can shout it from the rooftops! I now know the true meaning of Christmas -- celebrating the birth of my Redeemer, my Lord, and my Savior -- not just at Christmastime, but everyday. WOW! The magnitude of it has me completely undone.
I had originally planned to share a Christmas song today, but this one seems to be very fitting any day of the year. It's what I say to Him everyday -- How Great Thou Art! Lord, How Great Thou Art! Enjoy and be blessed! Love, Michelle
Such a wonderful post, Michelle. I'm so blessed and honored to call you friend. And I love hearing more of your testimony. I'm always amazed when people come to faith in Christ as adults because I've heard that's pretty rare. Which makes you pretty special:) Praying you and your loved ones have the most wonderful Christ-filled Christmas ever!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful:) Thanks for sharing so honestly. Puts a smile on my face to hear how He's turned your life around. That's the beauty of Christ!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Laura and Susan! Your kind comments mean so much to me. : )
ReplyDeleteIf you don't mind me asking, how long have the two of you been Christians? Were you raised in Christian homes?
Sweetest blessings and Merry Christmas to both of you!
I remember seeing this on TV when it happened and I broke out in cold chills. That Carrie can sing, and when she sings for God's glory it's even more powerful.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Jackie
Beautiful post Michelle. When I read "I cry out to Him, please forgive me, Lord. I'm so sorry. I didn't know." It struck me that non-believers really don't know. We need to tell them. We need to pray for them. We need to love them. Thanks so much for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Michelle, I was raised in a Christian home and "got saved" as they say at age 12. When I was baptized I had the most glorious experience. Right after I felt incredibly clean ("Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow" like the Psalms says). It's something I've never forgotten - a foretaste of heaven, perhaps:) But really, I didn't understand what it meant to surrender to Christ, or really walk with Him, until my 30's. I spent a lot of years with wrong thinking about Him and myself and was into works.
ReplyDeleteThx so much for asking. You're so thoughtful.
Jackie: Thank you so much for stopping by! I agree with you 100%! Carrie is an amazing singer! I cry and get goosebumps every time I listen to this song. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteCathy: Thank you so much for being here! It's always so nice to see you. : ) You're so right, we do need to tell non-believers and pray for them. I have family members who think it's basically crazy to believe. The thing about that, is that I know what it's like to be in that place. I've been there. I also know that God works miracles and changes lives every day. I continue to pray that what happened in my life will happen in theirs.
Laura: Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your testimony as well. It's always a blessing getting to know you better! (((HUGS)))
Merry Christmas!