Christmas cards are one of my favorite elements to the celebrations at Christmas. I enjoy receiving them. I enjoy sending them.

I’ve recently heard that one of my friends takes all of her Christmas cards and places them in her devotional book for the year. As she gets to a card, she spends that day thinking and praying for that specific person or family. What a great way to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long!

For our family, we create our own card each year. All through the year as we are out and about on photo shoots, we’re on the lookout for a special tree or a unique scene.

If we don’t find it out there somewhere, we search through the thousands of pictures we’ve already taken. We spend time searching for the perfect photo.

In the past we’ve written our own verse to go inside. Here is one example.

“Christmas is more than decorated trees,

And gifts placed under evergreens.

It’s more than just a holiday,

In truth it’s about a tiny babe.”

I didn’t say it was good verse writing. But it was an attempt each year to create something special for family and friends.

We’ve gotten a bit lazy. We create a card on one sheet of photo paper with just a small note. Not like the old days.

God sent His own Christmas card. Oh, it isn’t like anything we have ever seen before, for instead of being carried by the US Postal Service, it was carried by an angel. This was the message.

“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 – NIV)

This is where the reinforcements were called in. Suddenly, the angel was accompanied by a great company of heavenly host. They all praised God and said,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14 – NIV)

Now that is a Christmas card no one can top!

God’s message to the shepherds on the hillside is the same message God has for each of us. It is good news of great joy, for without the birth of this tiny baby there wouldn’t have been Jesus the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

God continued with His card sending. We have an entire book filled with His messages. They are all wrapped up neatly within the bindings of our Bibles. What a message He proclaims!

The Christmas cards I receive each year are placed in a prominent position in my home. They are special to me. Occasionally I will walk by and pick up each one and re-read the message enclosed.

I’m thankful to be able to pick up God’s Christmas card and re-read His message as well. It has become part of my daily routine.

Do you spend time reading God’s Word on a daily basis? It has a message specifically for you. It is filled with wonder, surprise, love stories, tenderness, miracles, gifts, hope, grace, and so much more. Regardless of what you are going through, you will find a special message from God that will touch your heart.

I pray that as you receive Christmas cards this year, you’ll think of the special message God sent those many years ago and have a renewed sense of wonder about the whole event.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna