Weekly Encouragement

Honoring HIS Wishes
Saturday, December 23, 2017 by Hannah S. Hunter

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.

Share This Blog:


Previous Posts

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