HOME for Christmas

I wasn't expecting to receive anything for Christmas this year.  No gift under the tree for me.  Not a big deal--funds are low and little ones are the priority and well, I already have THE GIFT--Jesus--and don't really need a thing.  

But I am receiving a gift--an unexpected gift, an extravagant gift:  Valentine is coming HOME for Christmas.  She's coming HOME--to us--for one week, Christmas week: December 23rd-30th.  And I am thrilled.  Beyond words.  Like I'm so excited that I can't fall asleep at night kind of excited.  

I know, I know.  You still don't know what happened--why she didn't return HOME to us in May like we thought she would.  Lord willing, and leading, I will write the story another time.  But today, I'm just grateful--really, really grateful--that she's coming HOME.

And here's what's going on in my heart right now.  I want to bless this girl.  For all she's gone through, and for all she's done for others--time and time again, giving all of who she is to and for others--this time, this Christmas, I want it to be her turn to receive.  I want our good God to shower her with gift upon gift--grace upon grace.

(reminder:  grace = a free gift that we don't deserve. 
 a free gift that none of us deserve).  

I'm thinking 
girly girl gifts, like make-up and clothes and shoes 
(another reminder: she lives in poverty, 
 and that's part of the reason 
 she was driven to do what she did)

I'm thinking 
a day at the salon--new hair and manicured nails and toes 
and whatever else she wants

I'm thinking 
money--to send home in her pocket, 
for her mother who has a tumor and needs surgery 

I'm thinking
gift upon gift
and
grace upon grace

All I know is this girl who was once lost is found
She's coming HOME
And it's time to p a r t y.  
Jesus-style.  
It's HIS birthday we're celebrating, after all...
and I think if He were here,
He'd do the same thing.

"But his father said to the servants, 

 ‘Quick! 

 Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. 

 Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 

 And kill the calf we have been fattening. 

 We must celebrate with a feast, 

 for this son of mine was dead 

 and has now returned to life. 

 He was lost, but now he is found.’ 

 So the party began."

                      -Luke 15: 22-24

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Merry Christmas to each of you!