Gift Exchange

Welcome to the blog! This endeavor was put to the wayside for many months for the simple reason of choosing a name. The Lord gave me Ashes to Beauty from Isaiah 61:3:

" To appoint to them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that HE might be glorified." (emphasis mine)

As our family comes upon this Holy season of our Saviour's birth, we have chosen to not allow the noise of the world muffle the Reason for the season. The world has that covered. Everywhere my daughter and I went yesterday echoed "Happy Holidays." We already knew it would happen for each year more and more of CHRIST is removed from CHRISTmas. Tis, the reason for the season...a baby born in a manger to bring hope, redemption, peace and forgiveness to the world. To save that which was lost by dying on a cross for my sins. And yours.

With Christmas, comes lights, trees, decorations and presents....some you will love, some you won't. What will you do with those you cannot use or do not need? Many of us will get in the long return lines with some possible disgruntled clerks and exhange what you do not want or need, leave empty handed or with another worldly 'treasure.'

You see, I have to make an exchange daily. Moment by moment. My filthy rags and ashes for His beauty. In Isaiah 61:3, notice what the Lord Jesus gives us for our exchange. It isn't just another replacement for our return. It is something real and eternal and one that will last. The Lord gives us the oil of joy for our mourning, a garment of praise for our heaviness and yes, even beauty for ashes. For me and for you.

What are you holding on to this Christmas season that needs to be exhanged? It may be something no one else knows about. But you...and Him. Allow the only One who can exhange it for you, exhange it for you right now. It will be a good exchange and an everlasting exchange. A right exchange. Rest assured, He WILL give you beauty for your ashes. No long lines to stand in or confrontations with the clerk. And it will be an extravagant gift that keeps on giving.Unwrap it today. I promise, you won't regret it. Merry CHRISTmas!