The Joy that fills our hearts is abundant and should reflect directly upon
others so that they may see Whom we belong to. We should always be proud
of our relationship with the Lord and make it a point to encourage those 
who don't know Him and lead them to the only One who is able to save their
eternal soul. The impact that each of our lives can have on society is 
immeasurable and should be used to bless, encourage, strengthen and uplift
all who are down or discouraged. Never underestimate your ability to be an
encourager because the Lord who saved you from darkness to His light has 
also equipped you to be a blessing to your fellow man. (John 13:34-35)

I hope you are encouraged and uplifted by today's message to be a blessing
to those who are discouraged and allow your light to shine brightly into 
their lives.


THE ORNAMENT ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE

There were more beautiful ornaments than Nell, but none could do the things
he did after the lights went off on the tree. Nell helped the ornaments 
stay in good condition, and he listened to their comments about trying to
cope with always being beautiful.

There was one ornament, particularly this season, that had a problem. It 
was the jack-in-a-box, which was a gift given to the family that year. 
Well, it seemed that Jack was lonely because he had spent so many holidays
with another family that he felt abandoned. You see the other family moved
out of town and decided to give away some of their cherished possessions to
their friends.

Nell talked to Jack that night about how, he, a cardboard angel had come 
into the house. He was lonely, too, in the beginning, but he started to 
talk to the other ornaments each night after the lights were turned down.
They told him how they missed their families. It seemed eventually that 
each were noticed by a special guest and touched with great care. When 
this happened, they became loved again. Nell thought for a moment and told
jack-in-the-box to just wait a few more days until the Christmas party. He
was sure to be noticed and appreciated then.

That day arrived and Nell was right because on that Saturday evening the 
children had their annual party before the adults dinner later that night.
It was then that a small boy reached his hand up to the branch on the tree
and touched the treasured jack-in-the-box. It was a thrilling time for 
Jack to feel needed once again. The boy kept saying he had never seen such
an unusual toy and so well made. The owner of the house looked at the 
smile on the boy's face and brought over a small box so Jack would not get
tossed around on his journey to his new home.

“Please, the toy is yours,” said the kind man. The boy was so thrilled 
that he lifted the toy from the tree with such care it felt brand new again.

“Merry Christmas Nell,” shouted Jack. He was then safely put away in the
cozy container until he could be opened again with great care and admiration.

“I will never forget our friendship and what you taught me,” were Jack's 
parting words to Nell. Then Jack was taken out of the home by the boy who
was smiling happily while taking one last look at the ornaments still 
waiting for a tender touch. “Blessings to you Jack,” cried out Nell. A 
tear came down his little angel eye, as he was so happy for another 
ornament had been loved.

After the lights went out that evening, Nell, felt a feeling of contentment
and no longer just a plain cardboard angel. He felt he had a special
purpose and tonight proved it. He had made another ornament think happy
thoughts so it would look brand new sitting on that tree.

Today let us think happy thoughts so our faces will look cheerful as we 
greet the day. We can be just as brand new at 92 as we were at two years
old if we just smile at the world and allow our light to shine brightly.

Author Unknown


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus declares, “You are the light of the world. A city 
that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put
it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are 
in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

1 Timothy 2:1-4 “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, 
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings
and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to
the knowledge of the truth.”

John 13:34-35 Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love
one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this
all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

2 Corinthians 4:15-17 “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant
grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the 
inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but 
for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.


Today’s Selected Poem: MY REDEEMER LIVES
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem154.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: BROUGHT THROUGH THE TRIAL
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony167.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry