In the midst of the chaos and clamor, the twinkling lights, and the holiday shopping, there is a miracle unfolding… a gift designed with you and me in mind.
Beneath the baking and wrapping, the decorating and singing, there is a sound . . .
It is soft, yet it is loud.
It is holy music.
May we strive to hear it. To bend low and listen. To focus on the Christ child. To hear the heartbeat of Christmas.
It’s absurd – – this crazy love. This baby in a barn, come to earth to save the world. Angels singing, shepherds wide-eyed and amazed. Christ child sleeping next to goats, sheep, and camels.
Can you smell the hay? The scent of ordinary mixed with holy.
Can you feel the uncertainty of the young father and mother? The timid love, the wide-eyed wonder, and the pondering of sacred plans.
Can you see the star shining bright, beckoning us to come bend near?
Come and see. Come and breathe it in. Come and hear the heartbeat of Christmas.
There are labor pains, strong and unrelenting, as a teenage mom gives birth to Love, and Life, and Mercy. The Savior of the world has come!
Mary ponders this grace unveiling. This power, might, and strength wrapped up tight. This miracle in a blanket, laid in a trough. And she hears the heartbeat of Christmas.
Miracle upon miracle. Love stoops down. Redemption comes to earth.
This is it!
This is all that matters.
A God who sacrifices all. The gift of an infant child, the Messiah. The gift of salvation.
The Gift that will bleed for you and for me.
Grace overflowing,
Outlandish mercy.
Redemption unleashed.
The God of the universe has bent low to whisper. May we all lean close.
Don’t miss the sound of this life-changing music. Pause amidst the chaos and consider this crazy love. Let Grace fill your soul.
Listen to this everlasting song. Listen to His voice. Listen to the heartbeat of Christmas.
In His Grace,
Sherri
****** THIS POST IS A PART OF THE CHRISTMAS BLOG TOUR ******
Blogs by Christian Women Christmas Blog Tour (http://wp.me/p4YjKM-MX) takes you on a tour of 8 different blogs over the course of 3 days. The next stop on the tour is over at Gwen Williams’ blog, The Journey of Healing. Link: http://www.thejourneyofhealing.com
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The Bug says
Lovely! The season is so crazy that it’s good to remember to just stop and listen…
Sherri Autrey says
Yes, Dana, you’re right. It can get crazy with all the preparations and celebrations. I have to make sure I take time to slow down!
Susan Bricker says
Sherri, what a beautiful and inspirational post! What powerful truths! I am blessed to be a part of the blog tour with you blessed ladies! I am glad I was able to find you through the tour! I love how you write, so beautiful! Blessings!
Sherri Autrey says
Thank you Susan! I’ve loved reading everyone’s posts on the tour! Merry Christmas!
Heather Olson says
Thanks for sharing! This was a beautiful word picture of the true reason we celebrate this season! I’m honored to post alongside you today Sherri! 🙂
Sherri Autrey says
Heather, I loved your post! Merry Christmas!
Michele Morin says
Sherri! What fun to be featured along with you on the Christmas blog tour! I have so appreciated your focus here on the message of Christmas that comes clear when we lean into the beauty of actual events that occurred at a place and a time and to real people! Thanks for leading us on that journey into truth today!
Sherri Autrey says
Thank you Michele! I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s posts!
Wanda says
Such a sweet reminder to slow down and enjoy the sacred hushed moments, Sherri. In the hustle and bustle of the season, we can miss out unless we are intentional about tuning in.
Sherri Autrey says
Wanda, I’ve had to remind myself of these truths all season long. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the preparations, so I definitely have to be intentional to pause and soak in all the special moments. Merry Christmas to you & your family!