Cheryl Shares ~ December 2010

Merry Christmas!

Ready or not… It's the big day!

Ricker Christmas 2010
We got a puppy for Christmas!!

God gives good things...

I wonder what Jesus was thinking the day God shared the plan: Operation “save the world.” God, the Father, would send His only Son into a sin-darkened, misunderstanding world….

“You’ll be born to a virgin. People will hate you, beat you, spit upon you and kill you; but don’t’ worry. You will rise to life on the third day.”

We know one thing: Jesus did everything His Father told Him. Nothing more. Nothing less. He acknowledged God in everything. Didn’t lean on His own understanding.

Then there was Mary. Imperfect like us, but willing (hopefully like us.)

“You’ll bear a son,” the angel told her. “And He shall deliver people from their sins.”

Her response? “Be it as you say.”

Your will be done. That’s how Christ taught us to pray.

Friend, every step of the way, may you have a Mary heart this Christmas season.

I hope you enjoy this little poem I wrote for you:

Christmas Heart
by Cheryl Ricker

On donkey’s back, the days drag long.
Beneath the moon, we must press strong.
Must honor God; must pay our tax,
must thank Him for what’s in our sacks.

When stomachs growl amidst this maze
we tell our mouths to fill with praise.
Salvation’s King is big inside.
to stretch us through this breathless ride.

The time has come. Contractions test.
No mid-wife here. No inn to rest.
A stable seems so cold and odd.
You say you have your reasons, God?

I buckle over. Cattle graze.
A press, a rip, my babe I raise.
Flesh soaked in hope, we hold our boy.
An unseen chorus echoes joy.

A bunch of shepherds step inside.
There’s not a room or place to hide.
One wipes a single trickling tear.
Somehow they know Messiah’s here.

On bended knee they’re free to share
what angels told them in the air:
how heaven opened up to sing
of our sweet newborn shepherd King.

Their glory story swells my heart.
To think I hold a tiny part…
Oh, God, who in my youth has blessed
me with Your Son across my breast,

I magnify you with my mind,
in times I see, in times I’m blind.
I love you, God of mystery,
who leads me, making history.

Two years in Bethlehem unfold
like reams of stories left untold.
I miss my family through the miles,
through baby days and wide-eyed smiles.

While asking how we’ll make it now;
some wise men step inside and bow.
With gifts I’ve never seen or known,
they make our humble place a throne.

I fall asleep from all the fun,
the gifts, the worship of our son
and wake to hear of jealousy.
King Herod’s mad. We need to flee.

He wants to kill our little child,
Death chases us fast, fierce, and wild.
En route to Egypt, hear our plea,
God, keep us from the enemy.

These people wonder who we are,
The wander-strangers from afar.
When whispers shiver through the air
we lay them in the Judge’s care.

My Joseph dreams another dream,
enough to make a mother scream.
With Herod dead, it’s time to move,
pack up our things, get in God’s groove.

We make our home in Galilee
fulfilling ancient prophesy.
We watch our son grow tall and wise,
respected in his brothers’ eyes.

We marvel at his purpose still.
He’s all about his Father’s will.
We groan to learn as years go by
our baby boy was born to die.

I watch them take Him to the cross,
I feel the knife, the stab, the loss;
The distance kills, but none compares
to what the Father/Son now bears.

Is this my babe who grew in dust,
who taught me how to live and trust?
The one who stretched my virgin womb?
Is this my babe inside the tomb?

How can he heal my broken soul
when sealed inside this stone cold hole?
A flick of light gives way to flame.
I rub my eyes and say his name.

My Jesus, you’re alive and well.
You conquered death, the grave and hell!
The dark has never been so great
that shows off light we celebrate.

It’s not goodbye, It’s see you soon.
When I sing praise, you’re in my tune.
We’ll meet again and when we do
I’ll have more my gifts to offer you.

Eternal treasure, keep me strong
when strength escapes and days drag long,
to live a life that says, “Get smart
and have a Merry Christmas heart!”

© Cheryl Ricker 2010

Feel free to forward this letter to encourage friends you care about most.

Love,
Cheryl

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