"The Least of These"

As Christmas soon approaches I cannot help but think back to that very first Christmas. I wonder what it was actually like in comparison to the sweet scenes that we set up all over our houses to represent the first Christmas. I wonder why God chose Bethlehem of all places, but I am so thankful that He did because Bethlehem truly was the least of these. 

In the Old Testament book of Micah, Bethlehem was described. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." 

Bethlehem was not as important as other cities such as Rome or Jerusalem, yet God chose Bethlehem. He chose Bethlehem just like He chose Israel to be His people, like He chose David to replace Saul as King, like He chose Paul to write so much of the New testament. Paul describes himself in 1 Corinthians 15:9.
 

"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be
called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."

Ephesians 3:8.
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this
grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ; "

I am thankful that God continues to choose "the least of these" and that I have the privilege of knowing Him. If Jesus were here today to celebrate Christmas I think He would spend it serving the least of these. Who are the least of these in your community and in your life? How can you serve them this Christmas season?

- love, briana -

"Alomst Done!"

I can see (barely) the light at the end of the tunnel! This semester has been the best semester ever, and I have learned so much about the world of today's public school teachers!! It has been really great, but I am glad that it is almost over! Had I been more on top of things these past two weeks I would have already turned in a paper that was due Thursday night, but I haven't yet and that will be done today. I either shot myself in the foot big time or it will all turn out fine. I'm hoping that it will turn out fine. We'll see! After I turn that in today I just have a math project to do that will count as our final for the semester. It's a big project, but I have a week so it shouldn't be too bad! After that I am done!!! I am kind of excited about going back to working a lot. I miss it actually! Which job you ask? All of them! I still serve at Steak 'n Shake every now and then as well as work at Homewood Suites at the front desk. And now I nanny a little boy two or three days a week (in a row) and love that. Hopefully I'll be able to work a ton and save up some money for the future! I hope everyone is enjoying the first few days of December! 

- love, briana -