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“And Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah.” Mathew 1:16 (HCSB)

Oil painting was ever my fave in high school, but that sweet friends was decades ago. Not too many occasions to grab a brush and let my creative side emerge in this adult life. So when a chance to gather with friends for a paint night was an option, I seized the moment. And let me just say it didn’t disappoint – I absolutely loved it. We painted on wood pallets -a first for me – totally fun. My masterpiece was Frosty surrounded with fluffy snowflakes on a golden brown backdrop. Ever so pretty and the best part was the white lights shining through my snowflakes making them twinkle bright. Now before you become too impressed and think I’m quite the artist, the real trick was the stencils we used to trace the outline before a drop of paint hit the pallet. Painting was a whole easier than freestyling it.

Reminds me of the way we can trace Christ’s entrance into this world. From the very moment when sin was birthed in the garden, Christ’s redemptive story began. A long awaited Messiah. The One anticipated to come and set His people free. The very Son of God walking and talking with us. Isaiah 9 foretells His coming most beautifully. A child will be born, and He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Matthew & Luke perfectly trace His genealogy through the imperfect people, like us, to His arrival on earth in the manger. Eye witness accounts – not mere speculation. Makes believing a whole lot easier.

We are blessed with the Word of God which gives us an inside look at Christ’s birth and life. And as believers, we can trace His entrance into our life as well. Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect and trace the moment we accepted Christ and how that one tracing has birthed change in us. It’s also an incredible time to remember the greatest gift we can give Him is to share His story with others. Someone really needs to hear and see the masterpiece God has been painting in our lives. Makes this little light of ours shine the brightest when we are sharing His story in us.

“Father, You willingly gave Your Son to us – a babe born in a manger – a Savior for all people. May this Christmas be a time when we seize open doors and share Your story.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life