Take the Bitter with the Sweet!

In Revelation 10:8-11 John is told to take and eat "the little book."  This book would taste as sweet as honey, but would upset his stomach.  In other words, the message in the "little book" means that God's brings us grace, love, and mercy; but--when rejected--it brings judgment.

I also look at it another way--life is both "bitter and sweet!" We had a somewhat "bitter" Christmas get-together on Friday night with my son's family.  He was sick....and, after they left our house, on their way home, his wife had an auto accident (much damage to the car, but everybody was okay).  However, some very "sweet" things happened  Christmas Eve Day:  Our neighbor surprised us with two restaurant gift cards; and, my best friend invited us over to her home for dinner.

Remember the old movie, "City Slickers?"  The 3 friends were asked what was their WORST DAY and what was their BEST DAY.  The one friend said, "The same day!"  What he meant was this:  He had an abusive father--but one day (when the son got big enough), he kicked his father out of the house!  And that was the BEST DAY!!!  Bitter became better--all in the same day!

Life has its ups-and-downs.  We just need to "get up" when we're knocked "down!"  Get up and begin to see Jesus in our circumstances. 

Mary and Joseph had much to feel "down" about--alone, away from family, misunderstood, in a strange city, giving birth to a baby in a stable.  BUT, they had much to celebrate....the birth of the Christ child!  No family to share with....but angels came--shepherds, too.  They were not alone!  God surrounded them with His love...and His love (His Son) was in the midst of them.

Oh--Holy Night!  Holy, indeed!  What a sacred time!  I pray we cherish this sacred time--remembering the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.