Of Running, Stumbling, or Crawling...

I joke with my friends that the only "running" I do is if I'm being chased or about to be mugged. I think the "Runner's High" must be a myth... because the only thing I've felt when running is out-of-breath, hot, and sweaty. But I can appreciate the difficulty of a good race - whether a sprint or a marathon. I came across this video posted on a friend's Facebook page:

I cannot imagine the pain of a torn hamstring - or the crushing disappointment he must have felt when he realized his medal dreams were lost in this race. How determined he must have felt when he decided that injury or no injury, pain or no pain, he was going to cross that finish line one way or another. And how heartbroken his dad must have felt when he realized that not only was his son hurt, but was also being thwarted from his goals.

I love the reaction from his Dad - pushing through the crowd and security guards right onto the track to help his son... Taking on his son's weight to help him cross that finish line.

Put simply, that's what God does for you and me every day.

Jesus Christ came into the world as the ultimate demonstration of God's love.
This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.
I John 4:8-10 (The Message)

In two days, we'll celebrate Christmas. We'll gather with family and friends, eat too much, (some will drink too much!), open presents, and have a merry time. Many families will feel they can "check off" the "nativity duties" by attending their church's Christmas pageant, going to Midnight Mass, or donating to some charity organization. Then they are "free" get on with the more "jolly" aspects of Christmas...

I challenge you and your family to not treat Christmas as just a check-list of "TO DO" items. Take 5 minutes on Christmas morning to reflect on the true miracle we are celebrating. Remind your kids (again!) that it's not all about Santa, the reindeer, and the presents, presents, presents.

For Unto YOU A Child Is Born...
And HE will save the world.


That's worthy of celebration!!

Merry Christmas!
:) Mags