Since Halloween ended, we have been assaulted where ever we turn - retail stores, social media, mail(whatever form) - with invitations or instructions for Christmas celebrations. Lights, sales, trees, gift ideas, more sales and so on and so on. By now, just days before the actual holiday, we are weary of the overload to our senses. We tend to lose sight - buried deep under all the glitz and hype - of the reason why we honor this season at all.
Truly, the birth of JESUS, whenever it occurred, should be a cause for celebration every day. We who love HIM with all of our being should have break out joy and spontaneous worship- our best celebration at the birthday of JESUS-whenever we reflect on this event.
I am not sure when the first time was that I felt the nudge to ask HIM how He wanted to be celebrated on this day where we on earth choose to commemorate HIS debut in our world. Now, however, I always pause before the day to ask HIM! Interestingly, in other years I have spent it on a different continent, with a different group of people I adore, respect and love deeply, but to be clear I do not worship the ones I adore. We flesh out Christmas with food, presents, and all the other trappings that we have come to think of as a must for a good celebration.
As I ask Him each year how He wants to be celebrated, I hear Jesus say that He desires us to do things that reflect HIS character and sacrifice. This year I heard, “Love and heal my people and nations.” A tall order! Yet when I saw the expression of longing on HIS face, I knew HE was seeing orphans, single parents, those dying in addictions, the homeless, the isolated ones, thelost, and the prisoners. We bustle to make sure our families feel loved. In the USA, we get caught up in making sure that we are warm, we keep drives and sidewalks free of ice and snow, and that we reach our work deadlines and end of year goals.
Yet when I looked deep into the eyes of my JESUS, I do not see anything of that nor do I see any glitz or bright colored lights,Christmas shows, or decorated trees. These things are beautiful and they are not wrong but we can make them our focus. Back to the question, though, in the midst of all our lovely preparations, as to how we best celebrate HIM. How can we please and bless the guest of honor? I see people reflected in HIS eyes. HE loves people and wants relationships with them. HE wants them to know HIM. We are those who can be JESUS in the flesh,those who will set aside comfort and ease and tradition to touch and celebrate the least and lost ones.
Even when I travel internationally, I try to slow down and see as He sees. In the midst of some of the largest airports in the world, with people so focused on clearing security or finding their next gate, I pause, look at the hustle and bustle,and breath, “Oh GOD, let me see each one as you do.” There is always some angst about where will your seat be, and who will be next to you for the nine hour flight. JESUS sees each person when HE is sharing with me how HE wants HIS birth to be celebrated.
For Team Seasoned Heart yesterday, that meant for one of my team, and a fellow beloved missionary, spending four hours in CA Tortilla having a prayer meeting where we shook nations and peoples’ destinies. In the evening, it meant burning with passion, worship, fun, and sharing vision with a home group for taking HIS heart to the nations. “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light.” Is.9:2 We are that light.
This year may we cling to HIS goodness and daily seek HIS good pleasure for us to celebrate Christmas in a way that delights HIM.
TSH June Newsletter
Hannah Hunter
6/20/2024
What Cultural Mountain is Yours?
Hannah Hunter
6/1/2024
Good News for all creation
Hannah Hunter
5/18/2024
Iron Rod
Hannah Hunter
1/13/2024
Betrayed
Hannah Hunter
1/8/2024
War Paused
Hannah Hunter
12/23/2023
A Song of Hope
Hannah Hunter
12/16/2023
Home
Hannah Hunter
12/2/2023
Touchstone
Hannah Hunter
11/25/2023
earthquake and gentle breezes
Hannah Hunter
11/18/2023
Bulwark and Fortresses
Hannah Hunter
11/11/2023
Thanksgiving of November
Hannah Hunter
11/4/2023
Angels in Africa
Hannah Hunter
10/31/2023
Northern Gate of Africa
Hannah Hunter
10/31/2023
Fires of Revival
Hannah Hunter
10/31/2023
The Scepter and the Rod
Hannah Hunter
2/6/2023
The Secret Place
Zachary Hunter
2/2/2023
Labeling People as False Prophets
Hannah Hunter
1/24/2023
Healing Rifts
Hannah Hunter
1/16/2023
Expect Angel Visitations
Hannah Hunter
1/9/2023
January 2023 Newsletter
Hannah Hunter
1/5/2023
Human Perfected
Zachary J. Hunter
9/27/2021
Something Different
Zachary J. Hunter
8/28/2021
God's Movement Week 4
Zachary J. Hunter
8/10/2021
God's Movement Week 3
Zachary J. Hunter
7/31/2021
God's Movement Week 2
Zachary J. Hunter
7/24/2021
God's Movement Week 1
Zachary J. Hunter and Hannah S. Hunter
7/14/2021
Be the Change
Zachary J. Hunter
5/27/2021
Our Pledge and Declaration
Zachary J. Hunter
1/28/2021
The Cup of Iniquity
Zachary J. Hunter
1/15/2021
The Father's Heart
Zachary J. Hunter
1/6/2021
Joshua and Caleb
Zachary J. Hunter
12/31/2020
Elijah
Zachary J. Hunter
12/18/2020
How Important is Worship
Zachary J. Hunter
12/11/2020
Believe
Zachary J. Hunter
12/2/2020
Our Focus
Zachary J. Hunter
11/24/2020
Taking a Beating
Zachary J. Hunter
11/11/2020
2020: American Presidential Election and Aftermath
Zachary J. Hunter
11/4/2020
Daniel 10
Zachary J. Hunter
10/28/2020
Daniel 9 and What it Means.
Zachary J. Hunter
10/22/2020
Respect for God's Authority
Zachary J. Hunter
10/15/2020
What It is to be a Seeker?
Zach J Hunter
10/8/2020
Non-Debate
Hannah S. Hunter
9/30/2020
Odyssey Observations
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2020
Miracles in Motion
Hannah S. Hunter
8/27/2020
Unplug and Reset
Hannah S. Hunter
8/20/2020
Set Apart Not Aside
Hannah S. Hunter
8/12/2020
Did I Really Say That?
Hannah S. Hunter
8/6/2020
Silence, Stillness, Solitude, the Secret Place, and the Supernatural
Hannah S. Hunter
7/30/2020
Supernatural Season
Hannah S. Hunter
7/21/2020
tachycardia
Hannah S. Hunter
7/16/2020
Peaceful Protest
Hannah S. Hunter
7/6/2020
Piercings
Hannah S. Hunter
7/2/2020
Unshareable Glory
Hannah S. Hunter
6/24/2020
Ancient Roots
Hannah S. Hunter
6/16/2020
Perfect Love
Hannah S. Hunter
6/9/2020
Mountains Tossed into the Sea
Hannah S. Hunter
6/1/2020
Genesis of Nations
Hannah S. Hunter
5/26/2020
Torchbearers
Hannah S. Hunter
5/18/2020
Trilling and Aflutter
Hannah S. Hunter
5/12/2020
Mchungaji
Hannah S. Hunter
5/5/2020
Mountain Top to Mountain Top in Lockdown
Hannah S. Hunter
4/29/2020
Observations from the Shadows
Hannah S. Hunter
4/21/2020
He Called It! His Fast!
Hannah S.Hunter
4/13/2020
When Being Passed Over is Good
Hannah S. Hunter
4/7/2020
Alternate New Normal
Hannah S. Hunter
4/2/2020
Nor'easter Wheels Within Wheels
Hannah S. Hunter
3/24/2020
Stillness- the posture of Reshaping and Remolding
Hannah S. Hunter
3/17/2020
Dwelling in the Everlasting Flow
Hannah S. Hunter
3/10/2020
Godly Reprimand, Removal of Shame, and Redemptive Restoration
hannah hunter
3/3/2020
Essential Oil is Love
hannah hunter
2/25/2020
Going Into the Deeper....
hannah hunter
2/17/2020
Feet of Your Soul
Hannah Hunter
2/11/2020
Activating Our Children
hannah hunter
2/3/2020
Vigilant Observations
Hannah Hunter
1/28/2020
Commander in Chief
hannah hunter
1/21/2020
Heights of Hope
Hannah Hunter
1/16/2020
Shepherds Shielding in Storms
Hannah Hunter
12/12/2019
Shepherds Shielding in Storms
Hannah Hunter
12/12/2019
How did Jesus Celebrate His Birthday on Earth?
Hannah Hunter
11/27/2019
Paul and Pauline in this Season
Hannah Hunter
11/19/2019
A Day in the life of an Expat in Kenya
Hannah Hunter
11/11/2019
Conquerors in the Nest
Hannah Hunter
10/30/2019
A Look at Fear
Zach Hunter
2/22/2019
The Beauty of the Cross
Zach Hunter
2/15/2019
Turning Disgust into Grace
Zach Hunter
2/8/2019
Take My Faith
Tyler Robertson
1/12/2019
Love is really REALLY hard (but totally worth it)
Zach Hunter
1/5/2019
Is He Lost or Am I?
Tyler Robertson
12/29/2018
Pointing Fingers
Zach Hunter
12/22/2018
Sold Out Slaves
Tyler Robertson
12/15/2018
Stirring Deep Wells
Tyler Robertson
12/1/2018
Seasonal Suffering
Hannah Hunter
11/24/2018
God's Play Room
Hannah Hunter
11/17/2018
Voting Day
Hannah Hunter
11/10/2018
Homework
Tyler Robertson
11/3/2018
The Way
Tyler Robertson
10/21/2018
Battle Fronts
Tyler Robertson
10/6/2018
True Love
Tyler Robertson
9/22/2018
Mapacha "The Twins"
Hannah Hunter
9/15/2018
Venomous Snakes Thwarted
Hannah Hunter
9/10/2018
In His Arms
Hannah Hunter
9/1/2018
Follow Love’s Thread
Hannah Hunter
8/25/2018
Remanded Rest
Hannah Hunter
8/18/2018
Clueless Obedience
Hannah S. Hunter
8/11/2018
Same Old Days
Tyler Robertson
8/4/2018
A Child of Mine
Tyler Robertson
7/29/2018
He is I Am
Tyler Robertson
7/24/2018
Joy's Calm
Tyler Robertson
7/7/2018
The Dire Hour
Tyler Robertson
6/30/2018
Joyful Warriors for the Kingdom
Hannah Hunter
6/23/2018
Daughters of the Mountain
Tyler Robertson
6/16/2018
Daniel and Malicious Intent
Hannah Hunter
6/9/2018
Forge Me
Tyler Robertson
6/2/2018
Grieving Grace
Hannah Hunter
5/26/2018
His Revelation
Tyler Robertson
5/19/2018
Micaiah - I Stand With Him!
Hannah Hunter
5/12/2018
The Sense of God
Tyler Robertson
5/5/2018
Removing Junk from your Treasure Chest.
Hannah Hunter
4/28/2018
To know the pain.
Tyler Robertson
4/21/2018
Meeting my Maker
Tyler Robertson
4/14/2018
Stop! In the name of Love!
Tyler Robertson
4/7/2018
For Such a Time
Tyler Robertson
3/31/2018
Rejoice in the Fear!
Tyler Robertson
3/24/2018
In the Blood
Tyler Robertson
3/17/2018
Can't Fight the Need
Tyler Robertson
3/10/2018
In Everything
Tyler Robertson
3/3/2018
Let Freedom Ring
Tyler Robertson
2/24/2018
IT'S Coming.
Tyler Robertson
2/17/2018
Nailed It!
Tyler Robertson
2/10/2018
Complacency Kills
Tyler Robertson
2/3/2018
Measure of Faith
Tyler Robertson
1/27/2018
Darkest of Nights
Tyler Robertson
1/20/2018
Destination: Church Unknown
Hannah Hunter
1/13/2018
Peace 2018
Hannah Hunter
1/6/2018
Blessed Are the Servant Healers
Hannah Hunter
12/30/2017
Honoring HIS Wishes
Hannah S. Hunter
12/23/2017
How is Your Shine?
Lori Meed
12/16/2017
Beatrice-Bringer of Joy
Hannah S. Hunter
12/9/2017
Smooth Stones
Tyler Robertson
11/18/2017
Littered Valley
Tyler Robertson
11/11/2017
What Happened to the Church?
Tyler Robertson
11/4/2017
Antithesis of Rage
Hannah S. Hunter
10/28/2017
Truth Prevails
Hannah S. Hunter
10/21/2017
False Pretenses
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2017
Eye of the Needle
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2017
Wells Every Where
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2017
Underestimated Army
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2017
Third World Eyes
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2017
Songs of Joy in Drudgery
Hannah S. Hunter
9/11/2017
Spirit of Sanballat
Hannah S. Hunter
8/11/2017
Guardian in the Night
Hannah S. Hunter
8/11/2017
Sacredness from Kenya’s Wilderness
Hannah S. Hunter
7/11/2017
Pause
Hannah S. Hunter
11/7/2016
Perception, Prayers and Purpose
Hannah S. Hunter
11/7/2016
Tribes
Hannah S. Hunter
11/7/2016
Take Courage!
Hannah S. Hunter
10/21/2016
Kenya Elections 2017
Hannah S. Hunter
10/12/2016
Define Rest and Refuge
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2016
Soaring or Sailing
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2016
Life Threatening Worms
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2016
Mapacha, The Twins, and Micronutrients
Hannah S. Hunter
10/11/2016
Angel Awareness
Hannah S. Hunter
10/10/2016
When Seasons Come Too Early
Hannah S. Hunter
8/6/2016
RVP (Restoration Village Project) Kilgoris, Kenya
Hannah S. Hunter
6/15/2016
Kinsman Redeemer
Hannah S. Hunter
1/23/2016
Free Flow, Clarity, and Airlift
Hannah S. Hunter
1/16/2016
Synergy
Hannah S. Hunter
1/9/2016
Wilderness Base Camp
Hannah S. Hunter
1/2/2016
The General’s Tent – 2015 Posts
Hannah S. Hunter
12/29/2015
Control Held by None
Hannah S. Hunter
12/25/2015
Qualifications for Vessels of Honor
Hannah S. Hunter
12/19/2015