Chilly, Rumpled & Empty-Handed

I was flipping through this last night



and happened upon this


The Kings Christmas List by Eldon Johnson
about which the description says this,
"Emma can't wait to go to the King's birthday party, but is a homemade cake enough of a present? Along the way there, she bestows her cake and winter-cape to those in need. Now chilly, rumpled and empty-handed, what will the King think?"

Hello.
That grabbed me.
Chilly, rumpled & empty-handed 
approaching the King.
Wow.
Isn't that such the way that I want to show up in the presence of the Lord.
Not dragging my bags of money up to the gates of heaven, my fat IRA peeking out the top.
Not driving my supped up swagger wagon stepping out in my designer boots;
but empty-handed
because I
gave
it
all
away.
I just love that picture.

We are not doing the gift side of Christmas this year.
So if you typically receive a gift from us......I urge you not to wait in the cold by the mailbox. 
We're good with this,
the kids are totally good with this.
Christmas is our trip to China.
Christmas is pouring out the love of Christ to the least of these and caring for the orphan in a mighty big way.
And this no-present Christmas Christmas has been entirely refreshing.
No hussle.
No bussle.
Just us.
Doing what He has asked us to do,
showing up empty handed to His Birthday Party,
but holding two little hands that He so perfectly created.
And I can't think of a better birthday present for the King Himself. 


Luke 2:10 "But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”