Aliveness, Jesus will teach, is a gift available to all by God’s grace.

Day #7 of Living Advent 2015 - 12/5/2015.  Today's focus is on what makes us come alive!
“Aliveness, Jesus will teach, is a gift available to all by God’s grace.
It flows not from taking, but giving,
not from fear but from faith,
not from conflict but from reconciliation,
not from domination but from service.

It isn’t found in the upper trappings of religion —
rules and rituals,
controversies and scruples,
temples and traditions.

No, it springs up from our innermost being like a fountain of living water.
It intoxicates us like the best wine ever
and so turns life from disappointment into a banquet.”
― Brian D. McLaren

And Pastor Michael asked us to consider when we felt as if we were coming alive!  This is an easy one for me (he did also note that this is an "easy weekend assignment."  I most felt alive during the births of my two children.  MAN, what amazing times for us and filled with excitement, terror (especially when becoming a parent for the first time!), joy, anticipation, love, and wonder.  All of those emotions and more!  The same things life itself are filled with.  And, just as it was for Mary and Joseph, it was for us.  What a blessing Alexa and Anna were (and are) to us and it was Christmas for us when they were born (and, frankly, they have been the gift that keeps on giving).

And, in respect to us experiencing Christmas every day, the joy that my kids bring me each day, watching them grow, mature, learn, fail and recover, succeed, etc.....it's like I am getting gifts and blessings constantly.  Being a parent is what allows me to experience Christmas every day.

The extra Psalm reading tonight is Psalm 103, entitled (in the source linked to the Advent Message) is Thanksgiving for God's Goodness.  And, yes, I thank God EVERY day (and night) for my kids and my family.