Christmas Time

So I've been doing a lot of thinking this Christmas.  I know, I know, Chad...thinking?!?  Yea it happens every now and again.  I feel like I've spent more time focusing on the purpose of Christ coming to earth, rather than the birthday itself.  Last Sunday morning before worship we sang "Born to Die" by Shane and Shane.  If you haven't heard it before, you should. It's EPIC.  It stresses that this cute, little, 6lb 8oz baby Jesus was born.....to die.  It puts a little different spin on the classic holiday tradition of watching the Christmas pageants and the wise men and shepherds and myrhh, etc.  It also makes you wonder.  Jesus as a baby.....now I'm no expert, but most babies don't know anything when they're born.  They don't know calculus, how to tie a sandal, or who Chad Ochocinco is.  But this was no ordinary baby.  This was God in human form.  Hmm....(sorry if I just wrecked your mind for a few minutes).

On a less confusing/philosophically-challenging note, we got to spend some time delivering gifts to some homes which may not have any other gifts coming this Christmas.  It's such a humbling reminder of how great most of us have it in our lives.  Getting to see these faces light up, and the tears rolling down the cheeks as we entered their home like Santa and the elves was just incredible.  These people have seen Jesus this year through wrapping paper and bows.  One home didn't have any Christmas tree to put the gifts under....  I felt so blessed to be a part of God's hands and feet in our own San Antonio community.  What was so great about this opportunity wasn't even so much that we were giving presents to a family in need of some love.  It was that we were opening the door to share the message about that little baby Jesus, who was born to die, that they may have life (John 10:10)

Remember someone this Christmas that needs to know the truth about the birth of Jesus.  And do whatever it takes to help them see it.

new...

Well, it has been a long while since I've posted on here, so it's time for an update.  I'm ridiculously excited about this next week!  I get to begin my new career in the fitness industry as a personal trainer on Monday. Today was my last day at the Depot, which was bittersweet.  I made a lot of good friends there, but I'm excited about this opportunity.  

God has been so good to open this door at this time, and I'm incredibly grateful.  I will hopefully be back on track, sharing updates in my life, what God has been doing, etc. real soon.  Quick heads up, if you are interested in the health and fitness arena, you can check out my other blog at chadhumphreyfitness.blogspot.com

wow....

It has been a very long while since I've written up a blog post.  It's been an interesting couple of days.  God's mercy and grace in my life have shone brighter than they ever have.  To be honest, it's rather painful.   I'm finding out that there are people in my life who have been strategically placed there for such a time as this.  I can't entirely see the tapestry of the Lord been woven in and around me, but I know I can hold on to the promise that He never lets go, and His will is "good, pleasing, and perfect" (Rom. 12:2)

I don't like being humbled.  I'd very much prefer to do the humbling myself, I've found it's much easier that way.  But none the less, when we consider the greatness of God, and the reality of our minuscule existence,  it's going to happen one way or the other.  But what's amazing is recognizing that His strength is perfected in our weakness, and His unending love and grace are greater than anything this world can throw at us.

Well, that's a good start for now.  I'll fill in with more later.
Love your faces :)