"And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
~ Isaiah 40:5
Something wonderful happened recently while I was gathering up our Christmas decorations. The shelf where I’ve been keeping my father’s old stenographer’s notebooks filled with his sermon outlines caught my eye, and I found myself stepping over to look through the chronicled arrangement I’d created in his honor, remembering. . . .
After Dad’s Homegoing in 2014, I was blessed to receive these notebooks, as well as several of his diaries, along with devotional notes he’d written while studying the Bible. For nearly a decade, I have been reading through the inspiring writings, and this year it occurred to me how significant a gift they would be for the younger generations of our family.
So, with Christmas carols filling the room and snowflakes falling outdoors, I began choosing the sermon notebooks, planning to wrap them beautifully as spiritual heritage presents.
As I read the expressive words, my own heart was filled with precious memories, and I could almost hear Dad’s voice as he stood behind his church pulpit.
What better gift? I thought, gently turning the yellowed pages, Dad’s clear, motivating messages of God’s love there before me.
As I quietly pondered them, I was reminded anew of the blessed calling of every believer to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the news of a Savior who welcomes us to bring our weary hearts and heavy burdens in exchange for His rest and perfect peace. (Matthew 11:28) Such news has the power to truly change the world.
This Christmas season, and all the year through, may we find ways—whether unique or ordinary—to share the joy of experiencing God’s love. His Son, the Christ Child born in Bethlehem, sent from heaven to earth, is the greatest of gifts.
Thankfully, Christmas was just the beginning of the Jesus’s story. Following his death and burial, He rose with power and glory from that cold grave early Easter Sunday morning, so we might receive His life, and eventually a glorified body. Life everlasting for evermore!
A blessed Advent Season to you, dear friends,
—Beverly Lewis
1) The cover designer for my next book, The Christmas House (coming Fall 2025) has already begun the work--and he even let me choose the professional models for my Amish characters! It's incredibly exciting. I'll be sharing more soon about the cover reveal.
2) Three brand new Christmas cards are now available from my Amish Cheer card line, with my artist-sister, Barbara. There is something for everyone on your Christmas card list, and I can't be more pleased with what we've created!
3) I'm praying that this Advent Season is bright with God's love, cheerful with the sounds and beauty of the season (think snow!), and peaceful because of the Holy Spirit's very presence. Thank you for another wonderful year of kindness and unbelievable support related to my books, and your lovely Facebook comments, and faithful prayers for my family and for me. I am very grateful for you!
