"What?" she exclaimed. "Only two more sleeps until Christmas?" said every mother who hadn't started her Christmas shopping until the last minute.
That was almost me, but I managed to get my act together in the final few days and, with lots of prayer and minor miracles, no one knew any different (maybe just a little bit). 'Flying by the seat of one's pants,' I think it's called.
Thankfully the task I began was seen through to its completion, even if it was a little close-to-call. More importantly however, the majority of our family time was spent celebrating the real meaning of Christmas - God with us.
God with us
Now with the new year almost upon us, it is a great time for reflecting upon the completion of one year and celebrating the beginning of a new one. God has brought us through countless events that if we had known of beforehand, we may have scratched our heads in concern.
But knowing that God is with us means that regardless of what the new year brings, we can be assured that God is already there, he has already gone before us just as he has in previous years.
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy chapter 31 verse 8)
His love never fails
His plans for us are good. We can not even wrap our heads around what he has in store for us but we can have peace about it.
He promises to bring to completion the good work he has begun in us, which means he will not slumber - we are his workmanship, an ongoing work in progress and I like that.
How boring it would be if we already knew everything - no more mysteries to explore and discover. But instead, we must take one step after another knowing that where ever he leads us, he is the good shepherd and we should follow.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." (Psalm chapter 32 verse 8)
A big adventure
May this next year be a big adventure for you. May God reveal to you unknown treasures. May God reveal in you gifts you never knew existed before as you carry the wonder, light and joy that your Father in heaven has placed within you to share with those around you.
"This is what the Lord says to his anointed...to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." (Isaiah chapter 45 verses 1-3)
May God's blessings be upon you and yours in the coming new year.
Rebecca and her husband Tony, have four children and live on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Rebecca loves writing children stories, interest articles and teaching piano. She is grateful for a God who loves us.
Rebecca Moore's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/rebecca-moore.html