One Solitary Life

Billy Graham Library Live Nativity

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put his foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself. He had nothing to do with this world except the naked power of His divine manhood. While still a young man, the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying—and that was his coat. When he was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone and today He is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that One Solitary Life. 

By James Allan Francis (1864-1928)

The Billy Graham Library is a wonderful place to visit.  Live Nativity, Christmas carolers, real animals, reading time (above) and carriage rides...perfect for remembering what the season is all about.

The first time I heard 'One Solitary Life' was at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockette's in New York City years ago.  I wasn't a believer, and yet I remember being so touched by this story by James Allan Francis.  It is beautiful.  Now, that I know Him personally, I cannot read this story without tears.
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Today, I am reflecting on Christmas and what it means.  I look around and see all the decorations that I have had fun making or displaying.  Jesus wasn't fancy.  He didn't care about all the glitz and gold.  He was simple and probably wouldn't have cared for all of this.  I crave to be simple and to honor Him on His birthday, yet I do love to decorate and make everything cozy and warm.  There is a balance and that is what I have to find.  Balance is what I pray for tonight. 

I pray you are able to find your 'balance' this holiday.

Blessings to all of you, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for stopping by and visiting me at Three Pixie Lane.

XOXO,