John 3:16 " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The greatest gift of all is Jesus. He came to be born so he could die for my sins. Christmas reminds me of how hard it was for God to send His Son down to earth. Let His Son be on earth for 30 years. Then to die the worst death in all of history. Praise be to God! Our sweet baby Jesus born to a virgin Mary and raised by noble Joseph. Lived among the fleshly men and women of this world. Praise the Lord again! Our Jesus didn't stay dead he arose triumphantly the 3rd day. He Lives! He Lives! I serve a risen Saviour! As I ponder this wonder this Christmas it has a brand-new meaning.

We lost our only precious daughter this year on March 27th. She was 26 years old. She was married for 7 years to a wonderful husband. She left 2 sweet children a 5-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy.

I never realized how hard it must have been for God to send Jesus to earth for those 30 years. Until I lost my daughter to heaven. I loved being her mom, best friend, and serving Jesus together for so many years.

I am truly glad she didn't suffer like our Saviour. My heart truly appreciates the God I serve in a different way this Christmas. I am so thankful my daughter accepted Jesus as her Saviour. I am so thankful I will see her again someday. I am thinking about how precious it is to know she is with Jesus just resting in him. Every day I miss my dear Michelle. But being a Christian now has more meaning than ever before. One of the greatest gifts on earth was my Michelle. God gave her to me to love, raise, love more, and then give her back to him.

As you go to Christmas this year think of how hard it was for God, to send Jesus to earth for 30 years, to let Him suffer, and then die for your sins. This of course brings the Ron Hamiton song to mind. "Born to Die"

Please ladies listen to this song this year and let it rest in your mind in a new way. Much love to all in this wonderful season of the year. I wish you a Merry Christmas 2022 and a Happy New Year 2023.

In Christ's Precious Love, Geri Jean Sanderson

Pastor wife of 1st Baptist Church of Troy, IL.

Founder of Ladies Precious Pearls Prayer Luncheon and face book page

1 John 3:16 "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."