We asked some people at Creekwood to answer one of two questions:
“What is your favorite Christmas carol, and what does it tell you about God?”
or
“How do you hear God speaking in the world today?”
We hope you find hope, love, joy, and peace as you hear God speak through these daily devotional reflections.
Aaron and I married October 2, 2004. By Thanksgiving of that same year, we learned that we were pregnant with our first baby. I was home alone in our drafty little rental that was literally falling in the middle. There was a huge window that span across the front, and I remember staring out that window for what seemed like forever as the tears rolled and the fear set in. How was I ever going to provide for her?
We were not ready! Aaron was working part-time as a “self-employed” autism therapist, finishing classes at UNT with hopes of graduating in a year and a half. I was working full time but was spending, what seemed at times, more than what I was earning just getting to and from. Our cars got us from Point A to Point B but, in my eyes, were not suitable for our new precious bundle. My plan, you know – the one you dream up for all the years, was not coming to fruition.
Sweet Adeline arrived in July of 2005 – this baby changed everything- and quickly! Aaron graduated, we bought “new” cars, moved to a nice little house that stood strong with a great front yard and even greater neighbors. Looking in her eyes, I experienced for the first time, what true love was. Don’t get me wrong – I truly love Aaron – BUT that baby y’all! SO MUCH LOVE!
We were so thankful to God for giving us Adeline and for the strength and guidance to get us from where we had been, to where we were, and had total faith that where we were headed was going to be even better. Our plans and dreams had changed to becoming our best selves for our new baby.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, has a story of her own that is shared through one of my favorite Christmas songs, A Baby Changes Everything. The song is telling of the fears, insecurities, and unpreparedness that Mary felt when she found out she was pregnant with Jesus. I’m sure Mary too had dreams of her own – to marry Joseph, settle in a nice home, and THEN begin a family. But her plans had to change – and quickly! During this season, my heart swells for Mary as she glorifies God for choosing her. She dries her eyes and prepares for what is to come. The song takes us through several moments that her precious bundle changes everything – the world; providing unconditional love and eternal life for every person yesterday, today and tomorrow – Hallelujah!
Looking back on this time in our lives as newlyweds, Aaron and I often chuckle. Plan? What plan? We know all too well how in a moment’s notice our lives can be steered in a different direction. But what we do hold true is the vow we made to each other and God all those years ago and we know we are in great hands.
If you would like to have a listen visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1g1hp_Eb3o
Many Christmas blessings to you.
Allison Hicks (Director of Children’s Ministry)
