Our Home on the Range Christmas
Tuesday, the 23rd I traveled to Rusk TX to celebrate a sweet and tender Christmas with Larry, Staci, Payton, and Alexia. The beautiful Epiphany Ranch gated entry welcomed me, followed by corn-hole gaming, laughter that Payton and I were winning big time, when Larry’s big final last pitch effort, carried he and Staci to victory.
There is something to be said for being out in the open air around a warm, blazing fire, handily built by Payton, and looking up at the brilliant display of God’s handiwork in the big East Texas skies, that included stars AND satellites moving across the skies. A quiet, peaceful surrender of ourselves to God’s majesty. Certainly these skies paled in comparison to the night Christ was born beyond compare, especially with that one brilliant star that guided the way for the shepherds and eventually, the three kings.
With building materials and windows still delayed, the family cabin isn’t completed yet, so our celebrations were in their spacious and comfortable RV. Not king-sized space, but on the other hand – maybe it was King-sized because we were exchanging our gifts, honoring the King and the gifts He received from the three kings. And the space, with the fireplace and comfy seating made for precious time of family gifting exchange and love.
The next morning, after all was said and done with a delicious, outdoor-cooked breakfast (seen here by Chef Larry), we were about to say our good-byes, when Staci said, “Let’s all tell why we love Jesus so much.” Each one began their sweet “love talk” to and for Jesus. In our eyes and hearts, He is famous and way more than a celebrity in our lives.
When it started with Alexia, I was already tearing up as I was trying to weigh the amount of gratitude and love I have from this One Who we were celebrating. On to Payton and then Larry offered his words of love and devotion. Staci, always articulate, conveyed her heart of her love. Obviously, their words are vague to me because I was having my own love affair as I was thinking of what I could possibly put into words. By this time, I was so emotional I had to use the Christmas paper napkin because of the water works flowing from my eyes and nose!
It was my turn. Though I don’t remember all I said, I do remember I said this. “Jesus is the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow. So many search for happiness in things and places, but true happiness is only found in Jesus. I have found joy and happiness in Him. He is my everything. He is my thirst quencher. He is my great Hope and He is my heaven on earth. I always have Him with me so I am never lonely. When I see this little baby in the manger, I am seeing the face of God. I see the face of God in each of you. He is my loving Lord and Savior and because of His love for me, I will see Him face to face one day in heaven. Because of Him, I will see your daddy and papa’s face and many others again one day. I love Him so much.”
And, for you, my dear and beloved friends and family, I give you Jesus today. Please receive Him as the ultimate in Christmas gifts. I promise you true happiness and fulfillment is found in Him, in loving and serving Him. I give you Jesus — He’s the peace that passes all understanding. I give you Jesus — He’s the perfect love that casts out all fear. I give you Jesus — He’s the water that you drink and never thirst again. I give you Jesus, my friend, I give you Jesus.
