Category: Christmas

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The Best Gifts

This morning my heart is filled with gratitude and joy.

God has graciously blessed every one of us with so many wonderful gifts.

“ He gives us everything we need for life and for holy living. He gives it through His great power. As we come to know Him better, we learn that He called us to share His own shining-greatness and perfect life. 4 Through His shining-greatness and perfect life, He has given us promises. These promises are of great worth and no amount of money can buy them. Through these promises you can have God’s own life in you now that you have gotten away from the sinful things of the world which came from wrong desires of the flesh.” II Peter 1:3-4 NLV

My heart is filled with gratitude this morning; God’s amazing love is overwhelming; His peace passes all understanding (that means I can’t figure out how I can have so much peace when things seem anything but peaceful) and His grace (giving me what I don’t deserve) is so marvelous!

Each day I have the opportunity to receive these gifts anew; each day I have the opportunity to share these gifts with others; each day I have the joy of saying thank you to my wonderful Father who has given these gifts to me!

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7 KJV

The gifts we have been given are not for our benefit alone. We have the opportunity to share them with others. The Holy Spirit is the giver of these gifts. He empowers us so that we become a blessing to others.

Just as our hands help our feet by putting on our shoes and socks or our sense of smell helps to keep us from eating something that is spoiled, our Spirit-given gifts help others in the body of Christ to grow and mature in the things of God.

“The Holy Spirit works in each person in one way or another for the good of all. 8 One person is given the gift of teaching words of wisdom. Another person is given the gift of teaching what he has learned and knows. These gifts are by the same Holy Spirit. 9 One person receives the gift of faith. Another person receives the gifts of healing. These gifts are given by the same Holy Spirit. 10 One person is given the gift of doing powerful works. Another person is given the gift of speaking God’s Word. Another person is given the gift of telling the difference between the Holy Spirit and false spirits. Another person is given the gift of speaking in special sounds. Another person is given the gift of telling what these special sounds mean. 11 But it is the same Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, Who does all these things. He gives to each person as He wants to give.” I Corinthians 12:7-11 NLV

We receive our gifts from God and then we use them for His glory.

No one is left out. Everyone receives. Share what you’ve been given. It will be a wonderful blessing to those around you!

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Jesus Came

Growing up our mom always had an Open House at Christmas. We didn’t live around family so she would bake and then invite our friends to just drop in for a while and spend part of their Christmas with us. When I grew up and had a home of my own, I continued the Christmas Open House tradition for many years because I love entertaining and filling our home with the love and laughter of friends.

Christmas can be a lonely and depressing time for some. Missing a loved one, being far from home…so many reasons. Think of that first Christmas night when God’s Son came to earth; separation for both Father and Son.

Now here’s the good news!

“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].” Isaiah 7:14 AMP.

Jesus came to those who were often left alone.

The shepherds were all alone in the fields when that first announcement came. The leper was alone in the crowd when Jesus reached out to him and healed him. The prostitute was left alone and uncovered in the presence of Jesus when her accusers slipped away. Zacchaeus was alone in a tree when Jesus invited him to come down. The thief was alone on the cross when Jesus took him to paradise. Mary was alone in the garden when Jesus called her name.

Jesus came. Immanuel, God with us, still comes to the lonely.

“ Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 AMP

Even when we are by ourselves, we’re not alone! God with us, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us…God with us!

“for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5b AMP

This year if your home is filled with family and friends or quiet and few, remember Jesus came to join you and that’s more than enough reason for a celebration.

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Christmas Traditions

What brings a smile to your face as you remember Christmases past? What things do your children request that you did with them when they were small?

In our decorating there are a few items that MUST be put out. Each person has their own personalized Christmas stocking, some of them made by my mother and now the rest that I have made.

Movies and books. I’ve been watching White Christmas since I was 8 and there are books at stories that were always a must.

What’s meaningful about the traditions of Christmas is not how big or expensive the gift but the memories that bring us together, things we share from the heart.

“Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.” Proverbs 22:6 CEV

The one tradition that is center stage is the reading of the Christmas story from Luke 2. When I was little, my daddy read it each Christmas morning. When Dave and I married and we took our kids to my parents’ home, my daddy read it. All the years that we had the kids at home Dave has read the Christmas story and even when they were all gone, the two of us sit and open the Bible and read before we do anything else. One year he read the story with our oldest daughter and family via Google Chat.

So many distractions try to rob our traditions, the constants in our lives, the things that bring us hope and peace.

Traditions are important reminders of where we’ve been and what God has done for us. The Jewish people had Passover to remind them of their deliverance from Egypt, something they were told to always remember and to teach their children about God’s goodness and power.

This year I pray that everyone would return to the joy of that first Christmas. The awe, the wonder and that hearts will declare with the angels:

“Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying, 14 ‘Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.’

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’” Luke 2:13-15 AMP

Like the shepherds let’s seek this wonderful thing the Lord has made known to us.

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Prince of Peace

15 days to Christmas…shopping, wrapping, baking, cards to write, parties to attend, dinners to cook, family to prepare for and the list goes on.

Are you feeling the faster pace, the hustle and bustle? It’s something I have to resist every year. Time to put the brakes on – slow the roll, take a deep breath, spend a few more minutes in prayer and breathe in peace.

“ For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Prince of Peace. What a wonderful name, what an amazing kingdom to rule – the kingdom of peace.

His path was set, His course was laid hundreds of years before His birth and then it was announced by angels.

“Today, One Who saves from the punishment of sin has been born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. 12 There will be something special for you to see. This is the way you will know Him. You will find the Baby with cloth around Him, lying in a place where cattle are fed.”

13 At once many angels from heaven were seen, along with the angel, giving thanks to God. They were saying, 14 “Greatness and honor to our God in the highest heaven and peace on earth among men who please Him.” Luke 2:11-14 NLV

Christ came to bring peace on earth, not the kind of peace we think about with no wars or conflicts but peace with God.

“ Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by the life of his Son.” Romans 5:10 CEV

This child, the Son of God, came as the Prince of Peace. He’s the one who said “Peace, be still” and the winds and waves ceased. He’s the One who rescued a prostitute from stoning and brought soul peace to a man named Saul, who had been arresting and persecuting Christians.

This Prince of Peace has invited us into His kingdom to experience this amazing peace.

“ I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn’t like the peace this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:27 CEV

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 CEV

Take a few more moments. Let the peace of God wrap around you like a soft blanket. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and make a silent prayer of Thanksgiving. “Thank you Lord for bringing me to a place of peace with You. Let my heart rest, knowing you are in control of my day and show me how to be an ambassador of peace to others. In Jesus name.”

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Undone by Love

I’m sure you all have a favorite Christmas movie and/or book, It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, Elf, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Did I list your favorite movie?

I have several Christmas books that have wonderful stories but one in particular stands out from the rest, “The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde.

I first read this story 51 years ago. I remember the exact place. It was December 1973. We were living in a small trailer on West Van Buren Rd in Phoenix. It was our first Christmas as a married couple. The Arizona Highways Magazine published it in their December issue. Since that year, I have reread it many times and recounted the story to groups large and small.

The story in a nutshell – is a selfish giant walls his beautiful garden so that children can’t come in and play. As a result, the garden remains in a state of winter all year round and the giant becomes grumpier. Then one day in the corner of his garden he notices that the birds are singing, and the trees are green…the children found a break in the wall and came in to play. The giant is so glad to see them that he runs out to welcome them.

All the children see the giant running in their direction and scurry out of the garden. All except one little boy who doesn’t see the giant coming because his eyes are filled with tears. You see he is too small to climb up in the tree and it makes him so sad. The giant lifts the little boy into the tree and the little boy rewards him with a hug and kiss.

On that day, the giant broke down the wall and the children were welcome to play there again. The children came to play with the giant in the garden but the little boy whom the giant had loved was never seen again and no one really knew who he was or where he lived. Years passed, the seasons came and went, and the giant became old and feeble and each day he looked for the little boy.

One winter’s morning, in the far corner of the garden the giant saw a tree covered in blossoms and underneath it stood the little boy, the giant could barely believe it eyes. He ran to the boy and as he got close to him the giant’s face filled with anger. He could see that in the boy’s hands and feet were the prints of nails. “Who wounded you, I will slay them he shouted.” But the child told him “No, these are wounds of love”. Then the child told him “You let me play in your garden once and today you shall come with me to my garden, Paradise.”

The giant gave love freely to one small child and it changed his life forever. Christ gave His love freely and He changes our lives when we accept it.

Today, we can share God’s love with someone, and it will not only change their life but ours as well. God’s love is the undoing of a selfish heart.

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Hard Decisions

I’d like to pose a question. What would you do if your fiancé came to you and told you she was pregnant, and you knew it wasn’t your child?

This is the dilemma Joseph faced.

In Jewish society of that day this was a man’s worst nightmare. To continue with the marriage plans was societal death. To separate himself from her was emotional heartache. What to do?

“The birth of Jesus Christ was like this: Mary His mother had been promised in marriage to Joseph. Before they were married, it was learned that she was to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was her promised husband. He was a good man and did not want to make it hard for Mary in front of people. He thought it would be good to break the promised marriage without people knowing it. 20 While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is to become a mother by the Holy Spirit. 21 A Son will be born to her. You will give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from the punishment of their sins.”

22 This happened as the Lord said it would happen through the early preacher. 23 He said, “The young woman, who has never had a man, will give birth to a Son. They will give Him the name Immanuel. This means God with us.” 24 Joseph awoke from his sleep. He did what the angel of the Lord told him to do. He took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have her, as a husband has a wife, until she gave birth to a Son. Joseph gave Him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25 NLV

A good man.

One other translation describes Joseph like this: “kind man,” or “man who always did the right thing.”

This had to be weighing heavily on his mind. I’m sure he had asked himself the question, “What am I going to do?” Did he seek the counsel of his own father or his closest friend? We don’t know. What we do know is that God sent his ministering angel to guide Joseph in this life-altering decision.

Mary was the mother of Jesus, but God didn’t abandon her in her hour of greatest need. No, He prepared the heart of Joseph to join in this advent-ure with her. It was important that they raise Jesus together. Teaching Him to love the Lord His God with all His heart, soul, mind and strength.

” That’s why a man will leave his own father and mother. He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person.” Genesis 2:24 CEV

Taking Mary as his wife and raising Jesus as his own son would not be an easy course. His business was probably boycotted because of the impropriety of their situation. There would be whispers and lost friendships, the critical stares as they walk the streets of their town.

Hard decisions to make? Let the words of the prophet Isaiah be your guide.

“So you will go out from there with joy. You will be led out in peace.” Isaiah 55:12 ERV

Just like Joseph who was wondering what he should do, let God guide you with peace. A life with Christ isn’t always an easy one; it will be challenging. However, nothing will be more rewarding than following His plan.

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And the “Advent”ure Begins

I have a confession to make that may surprise you. I didn’t grow up in a church that focused on Advent during December.

Oh, we had the typical Sunday sermons on the Christmas story, but the word Advent was not a part of our Christmas vocabulary. In fact, several years ago, when I wrote The Best Gifts of Christmas someone asked me about my advent book, and I wasn’t really sure what they meant.

However, each year after Thanksgiving is over my mind shifts to the activities and events of the Christmas season and I found myself writing in my journal today, “Let the Advent-ure Begin”.

And what an adventure it was!

“One day Zechariah’s group of priests were on duty, and he was serving God as a priest…11 All at once an angel from the Lord appeared to Zechariah at the right side of the altar. 12 Zechariah was confused and afraid when he saw the angel. 13 But the angel told him: Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John. 14 His birth will make you very happy, and many people will be glad. 15  Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. He must never drink wine or beer, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him from the time he is born.

16 John will lead many people in Israel to turn back to the Lord their God. 17  He will go ahead of the Lord with the same power and spirit that Elijah had. And because of John, parents will be more thoughtful of their children. And people who now disobey God will begin to think as they ought to. This is how John will get people ready for the Lord.

18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this is going to happen? My wife and I are both very old.”…23 When Zechariah’s time of service in the temple was over, he went home. 24 Soon after this, his wife was expecting a baby, and for five months she did not leave the house. She said to herself, 25 ‘What the Lord has done for me will keep people from looking down on me.’” Luke 1:10-25 CEV

Zechariah and Elizabeth were godly people. Little did they know they had a part to play in the coming of the Messiah. Old Testament prophecy said that the Son of man would be proceeded by “one crying in the wilderness”. This would be their son.

“Someone is shouting: ‘Clear a path in the desert! Make a straight road for the Lord our God. 4 Fill in the valleys; flatten every hill and mountain. Level the rough and rugged ground.
5 Then the glory of the Lord will appear for all to see. The Lord has promised this!” Isaiah 40:3-5 CEV

“ It began just as God had said in the book written by Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am sending my messenger to get the way ready for you. 3 In the desert someone is shouting, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord! Make a straight path for him.’ ” 4 So John the Baptist showed up in the desert and told everyone, “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.” Mark 1:2-4 CEV

The arrival of Christ was not happenstance. It was designed and orchestrated by God. The cast of characters was many, each had a part, not knowing that others were being enlisted in this grand plan. It was all designed to reconcile us all to God.

We also have a part to play. We are called to share the good news of the Gospel.

Let the Advent-ure Begin!

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Add A Little Twinkle

The hardest part of living in a “tiny home” is being quiet in the mornings when we have the littles here for a sleepover.

Their play/sleeping room is the loft, open to the living room and kitchen below. That’s where I sit each morning to read, pray and write. Not wanting to disturb them I try to sit as quietly as possible. No lights on except a night light that will aid them on their descent down the stairs and the glow of my laptop monitor. The only noise is the sound of the coffeemaker and my fingers on the keyboard.

We had a wonderful day yesterday. Turkey was a little slow cooking, but we had more food than we could possibly eat, the weather was perfect, the family time was wonderful, and the kids decorated the tree while Kaci and I cleaned up the kitchen and put away the leftovers. (Forgot to get the decorating pictures from Stephen but I’ll do that today).

The tree and the nativity on the back deck twinkled all night long. The kids did a great job.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,

Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine.

The holy-days (holidays) are a wonderful opportunity to let the light of Jesus shine through us to the world.

For those who are alone, it can be overwhelming. Movies and television specials show happy families, neighbors taking care of one another, love and generosity. Yet, many feel empty, frustrated and lonely.

That’s where we come in. I encourage you to be mindful of the reason we celebrate, it’s Jesus. Let His light shine through us to the world. His birth was announced as “good news to all people”.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing 15 so that you will be blameless and pure, children of God without any fault. But you are living with evil people all around you, who have lost their sense of what is right. Among those people you shine like lights in a dark world, 16 and you offer them the teaching that gives life...” Philippians 2:14-16a ERV

Now go shine and add a little twinkle to those in your world.

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Dashing Through the Snow

Oh wait – there is no snow and very little dashing. The sleigh is an enclosed black SUV and hopefully there will be lots of laughter. Our youngest daughter, son-in-law and three young grandchildren are coming today for Thanksgiving dinner and a time of decorating for Christmas.

You remember I told you earlier in the week about our Christmas tree cutting adventure last weekend with our oldest daughter and son-in-love. Well, said tree has stood stately through the week and will be the center of attention this afternoon.

I’ve been looking at pictures of our Christmas trees from years past. Some have been quite stately. They have stood strong through many years of cold snowy winters and warm sunny summers. Others were a bit more lean, having a flat side with short little branches because they grew too close to another tree and their growth was stunted.

Each tree had its own beauty and charm. Each tree had grown from a small seed that fell from the pinecone years before we had come. Each tree was a testament to God’s recreative power, and each tree took us to nature, God’s beauty and reminded us of His love.

Thinking about those trees, their imperfections, and their beauty, I was reminded that we are like those trees. We all have our own little quirks and characteristics, but we are all a creation of beauty designed by the Master Creator, our Heavenly Father.

“Let the gift of undeserved grace and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.” II Peter 3:18 CEV

Maybe you are a Charley Brown tree or maybe you are majestic like the tree in Rockefeller Plaza. Just let your light shine and bring joy into the lives of those around you.

“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. 7 Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.” Colossians 2:6-7 CEV

As we move from Thanksgiving to Christmas we’ll be oohing and awing over Christmas lights and decorations. Busy baking goodies and doing some final shopping. Making special gifts and most of all making memories.

Memories, hopefully, that are centered around Christ and His amazing love for each of us.

Let others see that you are God’s workmanship, created by Him to do good.

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One Night A Year

Merry Christmas everyone!

I’ve been sitting here quietly anticipating the waking of the grandkids. Soon the house will come to life, and it will be Christmas…

But why only one night a year?

I saw a headline on my phone this morning that because of the fighting, Christmas has been cancelled in Bethlehem. Really – cancelled?

Christmas is more than just a day on the calendar, it’s an attitude of the heart. Christmas is a person. It’s the knowledge of our Savior’s birth and the impact that has made on our lives all year through. And yes, there are many things that cause us to lose sight of that wonderful joy we experience this time of year and Christmas is often cancelled in our hearts.

Bitterness, loneliness, financial pressures, illness, anger, war and busy-ness all have a way of creeping in and driving Christmas out.

This morning’s picture is of a flower that only blooms one night a year and then dies. How sad! I never want Christmas to be like that. There’s a song on one of my favorite Christmas CD’s, I play it often, “One Night A Year”.

“Once again the presents are resting by the tree
Once again we worship the One who came for you and me
I hear choirs of voices as they’re singing out His name
Again we tell the story of how the Christ Child came

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

Once again around the world heads are bowed in prayer
Once again the promise of peace is in the air
But soon will come the morning and the feeling will be past
And I can’t help but wonder why the feeling only lasts

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year”

The prophets foretell the birth of Christ hundreds of years before it actually happened. Now, here we are hundreds of years later. May we always remember the event that changed the world and not just celebrate it one night a year.

“This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be ‘Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.’” Isaiah 9:6 ERV

Merry Christmas all year through!

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