My Christmas List/Challenge

Today I uploaded my version of the Christmas Wish List on YT.

I had never made a wish list like so many other YTers, and I almost felt bad about not taking part in something that so many of my friends had, but there was never anything I could think to ask for.

I have always been this way. I am the worst person to press for an answer when it comes to something I need or want because I am content with what I have. I don’t mean that to sound boastful, but I live a very rich life. We are not rich $$-wise by any means, but we are not poor either. I come from a good, loving, Christian family; and I have been blessed with some amazing friends.

Sure! I have had my fair share of betrayal and disappointments, but that is to be expected – we make mistakes. We have even made mistakes when our intentions where for good. It is our human nature, but if we never felt pain then we have never loved. Because with love comes pain - they are inseparable.

People are going to let you down, but going through the hardships together and learning the importance of forgiveness makes a friendship/relationship that much stronger, and Christmas is all about love, forgiveness, and giving.

It was with this thought in mind that I came up with the idea for my Christmas List…or…Challenge, you might say.

Christmas is the one day we set aside out of the year to focus on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Of His own free will, He was born into this world only to die for the sins of mankind. He who knew no sin gave His life to pay the price for those who had offended Him. There is no greater example of love, forgiveness, and the ultimate gift.

Here is the link to my Christmas List:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57hbLGkbaAc

I just watched one of the most inspiring films called "Amazing Grace" based on the true story of William Wilberforce, a British politician and a devout Christian who fought to abolish slavery in Britain.

His pastor was John Newton, a former slave trader who turned from his wicked ways when he discovered God's endless grace and claimed it for his own. He is the author of the famous hymn "Amazing Grace".

After watching this movie, I was both happy and sad. I was glad to learn more about the lives of two great men of faith in history and being encouraged in my own faith, but I was saddened by the realization that so many have missed the real message of the song.

How many of us have sung or heard the song “Amazing Grace” sung, but have never really thought about what the verses are saying…

I know that I did. It was the first hymn my dad ever taught me as a child, and we sang it often in Sunday school and church. I was so use to hearing it, that it never really made any sort of impact on my life until the day a teacher of mine told me the real story behind the song – the story of John Newton.

Newton’s story:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Newton

God’s everlasting love overflows from the verses of this song that has been sung by many “popular” artists, and has been used in historical events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and September 11^th, but yet so many people have missed it. They have become so “familiarized” with it that they will sing it without a second thought and yet the answers to true happiness and fulfillment are within the very words escaping their lips!

I encourage you to read these words without thinking of them as a pretty song, but rather the grateful praise of a wicked man who found the light of God’s everlasting life and through God’s Grace has become a new man – a forgiven man.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.