Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
Luke 2: 11-12 (KJV)

I have a dear friend—a gentle, gracious, humble person—who has a wonderful and curious habit.

For every time he is sees anyone, he will say “hello” and then add—

“It’s a great day to be alive!”

Every time. Everyone. 

He believes it, lives it and shares it. 

No matter what. Every time he sees you, no matter how many times, or how recently, in any given day. 

He played in the National Football League as a defensive back with the Detroit Lions for 14 years, for which he was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and after retiring from playing he coached in the NFL for 45 years.

Careers which had to be marked with a lot of ups and downs.

Rain. Shine. Disappointment. Joy. Heartache. Win. Loss. Success. Failure.

“It’s a great day to be alive!”

From where does it come? And how does it stay? All the time.

Read this verse from the Gospel of Luke again—

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Right there. From morning to night, in family and fame, wins or losses, personal and professional losses, and in moments of wrenching heartaches and exhilarating joys, he could always claim and say—

“It’s a great day to be alive!”

Because of his Savior. Because of the Baby lying in a manger, in a stable, the One whose birth we will celebrate again in few weeks.

The One whom my friend draws close to, and the One who draws my friend close. 

That’s where it comes from that causes my friend to say that, and to bless someone, each time.  

From his Savior. His Jesus. 

Filling every moment of every day of his life, with all the strength, joy, peace, power and hope he would ever need for the day.

He draws close to his Savior, as his Savior draws close to him.

Sounds like a plan.

“It’s a great day to be alive!” Always.

Amen and Amen!

In His Name–Scott

PS. Be blessed by listening to “Draw Me Close to You” sung by Michael W. Smith. Click this link—