Fresh Inspiration From the Christmas Story

Merry Christmas ${contact.fname}!

2020 has been a year like no other! I realize for some of you this year has been one of great loss.  For others, it has been a year of courageously advancing despite circumstances. This has been a huge year of stretching and walking by faith for me!  For all of us it has been a time of reflecting on what really matters. This letter is my way of sharing some inspiration and holiday love.

A fresh look at the Christmas story

Each year I reflect and glean insights from the Christmas story.  Here are a few

1.   The Choice to Live Open-Hearted. 

We have the choice to live open or closed and constricted.  Love opens and fear constricts – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Mary’s response to the angel’s message announcing she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit is astounding! 

In spite of the fact that she would face shame, humiliation, even death for becoming pregnant out of wedlock, Mary CHOSE to open her heart and submitted her life to the Word. Her answer to the angel:

“Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” – Luke 1:38

If only we too could trust that God is good and believe Rom 8:28 that “all things are working for our good.” We would then give less attention to the news and our circumstances and more to God’s sweet Presence and the miracles that are trying to be birthed through us!

2.    The Importance of Protecting Your Vision

Mary left her hometown to stay with a distant cousin.  She chose a place where she could protect and strengthen her vision away from the judgments and words of others. She chose to share what God was doing only with those who would validate and honor her.  Contrast that with Joseph who shared with those that would mock and be jealous of His vision. We may not be able to move physically but we can guard whom we share with. Mary's cousin Elizabeth honored Christ in her!

“And blessed [spiritually fortunate and favored by God] is she who believed and confidently trusted that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her [by the angel sent] from the Lord.”  -Luke 1:45 AMP

It was in this safe environment of praise, the Holy Spirit spoke through Mary,

“My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior…

“For He who is mighty has done great things for me;

And holy is His name [to be worshiped in His purity, majesty, and glory]. - Luke 1:46-49 AMP

Mary's soul (mind, will and emotions) MAGNIFIED the LORD!  Too often it is our problems and circumstances that get magnified and our miracles get blocked. 

3. Despise not the “small things” 

So often in life and business, we are disappointed by or ignore the little things. We complain our business is not growing fast enough or speak of the things we lack.  It is here we are reminded a little child born in a manger would change the world forever!  Whatever we focus on expands!  Remember to be kind to yourself (progress not perfection) and celebrate and honor all the small things – they soon become big things!

I pray this Christmas season is a time of refreshing and renewing your goals, dreams, and visions. May your vision be rekindled, seasoned with faith, and manifested in 2021!

I look forward to sharing the New Year with you!

Praying YOU prosper in ALL things!

Brenda 

P.S.  If you would like a jump start on defining your vision, clearing the physical, emotional, and spiritual clutter and entering the New Year with a fresh mindset and strategies register now here www.Brendabyers.com/jump-start-2021