Category: 40 days

Simply Christmas

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today’s post comes from Susan Reinhardt over at Christian Writer Reader Connection. Susan is indeed a connector and has blessed me beyond measure with her insights and wisdom in the writing/blogging world. Her topic is one that is near and dear to my heart, just what the Lord has been speaking to me about.

Simply Christmas




I’m one of those people who jump into projects with both feet. Instead of making a few dozen cookies, I made 1,500. Rolling the dough, cutting out stars, bells, and tiny trees, glazing and decorating all brought back joyful memories. This intense activity also took days, kept me in the kitchen long past bedtime, and left me exhausted.

Shopping, wrapping, writing Christmas cards, and decorating the house with the same abandon blurred the true meaning of the season. They were all good traditions, but were they necessary?

Somewhere along the line, I realized my crazy Christmas preparations needed a healthy dose of moderation. I asked myself several questions:

1. Did the recipients care whether the gift wrapping looked like a work of art?
2. Did I need to make 10 varieties of cookies in huge quantities?
3. Did I have to write a letter in each Christmas card when a short note would work?

The other questions related to what would make Christmas a joyful time:

1. Did I make time to read the Christmas story?
2. Did I have time to laugh, drink hot chocolate, and watch a Christmas movie?
3. Did I relax and enjoy my family or stress out racing from one task to another?


Simplify is the name of the game these days. Jesus is once again the priority, my home is peaceful, and the joy is back.

—-

Thanks Susan. Here’s another question that someone asked me years ago:
If you do (or don’t) do this (or that), will it really upset the cosmic order of the universe?
I’ve learned to do less and enjoy more. I’m less frantic, more peaceful, less stressed, more blessed. I wonder what Mary, Joseph or the shepherds would say if they saw how today we honor the babe born in the simplest of circumstances.






A Time for Celebration

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I thank Maria Morgan, fellow blogger and facebook friend, for today’s post. Maria is an inspirational/devotional writer. She is a contributor to Around About Cumming, and is currently working on a Fruit of the Spirit, devotional series. She resides in Georgia with her husband, daughter, two dogs and cat. Visit her website: http://www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com/.

The bins stood open and ready to be unpacked. Each item I lifted out, had special significance. The ornate, lighted church was given to me by my parents. The Christmas geese were purchased in a quaint, little town. The whimsical, red elf was a treasure from childhood. Every piece brought back memories, putting a smile on my face.

Several of the bins were filled with silk poinsettias. Following a year of decorating with real poinsettias, the silk variety became a necessity. No muss, no fuss, and they could be used year after year. With everything unpacked, and seasonal music playing in the background, I was ready to transform our home into a Christmas wonderland.

Decorating for Christmas has been a tradition for as long as I can remember. My family enjoys putting up a tree with hundreds of twinkling lights. Poinsettias grace the top of our cabinets. A Christmas village enlivens the bookshelf. A nativity provides the focal point in our music room. Although a myriad of stories abound as to how this tradition got started, many of the items we use for decoration point to the One we celebrate this season: Jesus Christ.

Years ago, the Europeans were amazed to see that evergreens remained alive during the winter months, and even bore berries and fruit in spite of the frigid temperatures. They began bringing these plants into their homes with the hope that the evergreens would bring them new life and vitality. They didn’t quite grasp the truth. The evergreen is part of creation that points to the Creator. Even nature itself bears witness to the Author of Life. The green color of the Christmas tree, is reminiscent of this life – the life of Jesus Christ.

There’s an interesting story about the poinsettia. Legend has it that a young brother and sister had nothing to offer baby Jesus when He was born. On their way to church, they searched for something they could give Him. They were unable to find anything, and out of desperation, picked some leafy, green weeds and hurried into the church. When they laid their gift at Jesus’ feet, the weeds were miraculously transformed into dazzling red blooms. The gift they gave baby Jesus was more beautiful than any other gift He had received.

Although the story isn’t true, there’s no doubt the poinsettia plant described in the story is quite unique. Have you ever noticed it’s foliage? It’s star shaped leaves have been connected to the star of Bethlehem. The star that led the wise men on their journey to find the Christ child. The brilliant red hue of the poinsettia’s leaves point to the blood Jesus’ would later shed on the cross of Calvary.

This is a special time of the year. As you decorate your home with Christmas trees and poinsettias, be sure to prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of God’s Son. Let the Spirit of the season point you to the Light of the world!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6; KJV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Point me to You as I prepare my heart and home during this Christmas season. May I be a shining light, guiding others to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Rejoice!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Yesterday at my writers’ meeting, as our leader Barbara shared the Christmas story, I was struck anew with the image of the angels praising God for the good news that the Messiah was born. But, I wondered, why were the angels praising God for this?

Up until this point in the narrative, the angels served as messengers. But their primary job, their purpose, their very existence is worshipping the triune God in heaven (Is. 6, Rev. 4 & 5). Now the object of their worship is wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. If that was me, I think I might be a little depressed about that. Did they miss Him? Was the throne empty for 33 years? Could they know His future fate? The trials, beatings, betrayals, humiliations, and bloody death that would be part of His earthly journey?

And yet, Scripture tells us that the heavenly host praised God, saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

“Praise to Him in the highest heaven…
and on earth, peace…”

He in heaven, now He on earth. The angels are rejoicing over the reconciliation between God and His eternally beloved creation, His people. Miraculously brought together in the incarnation, the veil between heaven and earth is suddenly and briefly opened. The humble band of bedouins are given a glimpse of heaven. And they responded as we all should. They hurried to see the One that the Lord had told them about (Lk 2:15-16).

If the angels can rejoice for us and the salvation made available to us, how much more should we?

Like the lowly shepherds, won’t you hurry to be in His company?

“Rejoice in the Lord always.
 I will say it again: Rejoice!
…
The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious …
but by prayer and … thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus.”
Phil 4:4-7 NIV


Isaiah Tells Us

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today, I thank Cecelia Lester, who writes as Quiet Spirit, for this beautiful post that brings us a wonderful perspective.  

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:2, 6 NIV)

The world was full of sin. People chose to go their own way, the kings had chosen to do what they felt was right to them. They erected altars and shrines to pagan gods.


Isaiah prophesied that the people would find a way out of their sin though a ‘great light’. We now know that light to be Jesus, the Son of God.


People look forward to the birth of a child. The child that Isaiah spoke of would belong to the nation of Israel. This son would be a gift. He would reign over the land. His rule would be for the fairness of all people. He would act as a guide or a teacher for all who believed and listened. His influence would be eternal and He would be close to His children. He would bring peace to the nations.

In today’s world, we hear of soldiers waking up not knowing what will happen to them that day. Children, who live in war zones, arise each day to the sound of gunfire. Our newspapers relate stories of domestic violence and abusive situations right here in our community. With one exception, we face the same bleakness the people of Isaiah’s time lived through.

We have Jesus interceding on our behalf. Isaiah gives Him some comforting names, Wonderful-full of awe, Counselor-one who advises, Mighty God-a God of strength, Everlasting Father- one who will always be there for us. Prince of Peace- one keeps war and strife away.

During this season of Advent, I hope we can look at God through the eyes of the prophet Isaiah and learn more about Jesus.

How can this be?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Has a phone call or conversation ever delivered incomprehensible news and you wondered, “How can this be?” You’re not alone…

A devout priest, Zechariah was a descendent of Aaron. When his priestly division was on duty at the Temple in Jerusalem, he was chosen to enter the Holy Place. A religious man, schooled in the Scriptures, he was in a religious place where one would expect to encounter God.

Yet, when the angel appeared to him, standing beside the altar of incense, Zechariah was gripped in fear. Gabriel comforted Zechariah, telling him not to be afraid and providing the reason for his visit. He was delivering good news. Zechariah’s elderly wife, Elizabeth, would bear them a son. Not just any son, but a son to be named John, who would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would prepare the people for the Messiah who was also coming to the world.

When Zechariah heard Gabriel’s words, he questioned him. “How can this be?” as he and his wife were well along in years and therefore could not bear a child. Gabriel discerned that Zechariah didn’t believe, and condemned him to silence until at the baby’s birth Zechariah demonstrated obedience by naming him John.

Mary also had a visit from the angel Gabriel. She wasn’t near the temple, but in a lowly village in Galilee, called Nazareth. She wasn’t schooled in the Scriptures. She was a simple devout young woman engaged to be married.
Gabriel greeted her, stating that she was highly favored and the Lord was with her. Troubled at his words (not at the sight of him), he told her not to be afraid of what would happen to her, that she would miraculously bear a child. Hearing his words, Mary asked, “How can this be?” as a virgin cannot bear a child. Gabriel, discerning that she didn’t understand, explained to her about the Holy Spirit coming upon her, affirming that “nothing is impossible with God.” Mary responded in faith, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Two appearances of the angel Gabriel

-One is the place of highest esteem, the Temple
-One in the lowest of villages

Two expressing the same question, “How can this be?”
-One an unbelieving, though devout, old man
-One a believing, devout young woman

Two different responses by the angel to that same question
-One was rendered speechless for at least 9 months
-One was provided an answer to her question


So what can we glean from this?


Just because we are in a religious place doesn’t make us holy. Like the saying goes, “Just because you are in McDonalds doesn’t make you a chesseburger.” Despite Zechariah’s expectation of meeting with God in the Holy Place, he was shocked and terrified at seeing the angel. Mary, however, fully experienced the presence of God in the humblest of locations. Unlike real estate, when it comes to experiencing God, physical location seems to be of little consequence.


What is of great consequence is the state of our heart. We can live a life as “devout and blameless” as Zechariah and still miss God. While we are encouraged to “study to show ourselves approved,” it must not be just head-knowledge. The simple faith of a young virgin must inspire our desire to know Him, and to be willing to serve Him in whatever way He leads.


Fortunately, Zechariah’s song (Luke 1:67-79) makes it clear that he now possessed great understanding and belief in how his child would fulfill the Messianic prophesies. This encourages me to realize that even when I stumble, there always remains hope in the future to make it right.

In her song (Luke 1:46-55), Mary doesn’t appear to have the depth of comprehension that Zechariah had regarding the coming of the Messiah. What she does have is the simple understanding that she is blessed because He was “mindful of her, His servant.”

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45

Do you believe that He will accomplish what He said? Then you are blessed! When we ask the Lord, “How can this be?” let us be sure to ask with the heart of Mary, believing and trusting.

Happy Chanukah!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today was the first day of Chanukah which began officially last night at sundown. Chanukah was one of my favorites times growing up.



• Playing dreidel games!
• Eating potato latkes!
• Eight nights of presents!
• Lighting the Chanukah candles!


As the eldest child in my family, I was allowed to light the candles. The procedure was to the light tallest candle (the Shamash), and use that candle to light the others from right to left, lighting one the first night, two the next and so on for eight nights. As I lit the candles, I would say the following prayer:

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu
l’had’lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein)
which means:
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)

Little did I know what the menorah and its candles were a beautiful reflection of the Light of the world that was to bring me from darkness to light.

Chanukah is usually overshadowed by the many Christmas activities. It is not a particularly important Jewish festival, and not mentioned in the Old Testament. Chanukah, the Feast of Dedication is an eight day celebration commemorating the revolt and the unlikely victory of the Jewish Maccabbees over the powerful Syrian Greeks who had invaded and oppressed Israel in 167 -164 BC (the period of time between the Old and New Testaments).

Jesus observed Chanukah (John 10:20-30), and it was during this Feast that Jesus publicly declared Himself the Messiah by proclaiming “I and the Father are One.”

Celebrating Chanukah includes the telling of the story of how the Syrian ruler, Antiochus, brutally oppressed the Israelites, forbidding the practice of Judaism and descrating the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar. Mattathias and his 5 sons, including Judah (nicknamed Maccabbee, the Hammer), led a rag-tag army in guerilla warfare for 3 years, retreating to the hills after each battle.

Finally, the Jews defeated the mighty Syrian army and returned to Jerusalem to find the Temple all but destroyed and the oil for the lampstand gone, except for a tiny amount enough for one day. The eternal flame of the Temple Menorah, central to the worship of Israel, had been extinguished. Although it would take eight days for the priests to consecrate more oil, by faith, they lit the Menorah. Miraculously, the one day’s supply of oil lasted those 8 days. Judah Maccabbee declared that these events would be commemorated annually at the Feast of Dedication, the Festival of Lights, Chanukah. A special menorah would be used that had nine candles, rather than the seven branched candelabra in the Temple, one for each of the eight days and one Shamash candle.

The lights of the menorah are symbolic of our relationship to Christ, the Light of the world. The tallest candle is called the Shamash which means “Servant.” The Servant candle lights the other candles. Likewise, Jesus who “came not be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45) imparts His light to us. He is the Light of the world (John 8:12), but He says that we are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14).

The Temple no longer stands, but God’s Word declares that we are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19) and the light of the word. How is our oil burning? Sometimes an oil change is necessary. Or perhaps we are simply a quart low. Maybe we feel like all we have left is one day’s supply. It is reassuring to remember that the Bible teaches that more oil is always available when the undying flame has been ignited in our souls.

Let us focus on the menorah, and remember that we have been illuminated by the Shamash, the Servant, and have an eternal supply of oil to keep the Undying Flame burning brightly in our hearts throughout the year.

Thank you, Jesus, for imparting Your light to us. May we reflect You, bringing light to people still in darkness. Thank you for the miracles You provided 2000 years ago, and still provide today.

Jesus, Light Of The World

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today’s post comes from Jean Matthew Hall of Encouraging Words for Writers. Tonight is the first night of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights (more on that tomorrow). So how fitting it is to share her poem today.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV)

Jesus, Light of the World
by Jean Matthew Hall

Jesus, Light of the World
Beautiful Light
Radiant Light
Illuminate the dark corners of my life.

Jesus, Light of the World
Soothing Light
Healing Light
Bring comfort in the pain of my life.

Jesus, Light of the World
Energizing Light
Power-giving Light
Revive the fainting dreams of my life.

Jesus, Light of the World
Transforming Light
Miracle-making Light
Feed the multitudes with the broken pieces of my life.

As light refracts through chiseled stone
Magnify Your brilliance through me, Lord.
As light reflects off polished brass
Make each moment of my life a mirror for Your glory.

Jesus, Light of the World
Peaceful Light,
Hope-filled Light
Shine through my cracks and chips
To show others
True life
Found in You.

 

Mary’s Song

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Many thanks to Elise Daly Parker for today’s post. Elise is a valued friend and gifted professional writer, and the author of Our Stories God’s Glory.

And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation…”
Luke 1:46-50



I am embarrassed to say I did not really know what the Magnificat, or Mary’s Song, found in the Gospel of Luke, was until a few years ago. I’m sure I’d heard it through the many years of attending church, but it was Amy Grant’s version below that really struck a chord. I remember listening to this song, back in the early 90s, when the song first came out.
I was tired from raising two young children and a teenager…and it was Christmastime. I was making little hand-painted boxes that were to be my gifts that year, back in the days when I actually did arts and crafts. It was late and the girls were asleep. I was overwhelmed by my self-imposed desire to make Christmas magical…and we were still living in the wake of a serious accident that had left my husband brain injured, changed, and without a job.
What I was so struck by was Mary’s “Yes.” Though she was uncertain, frightened, pregnant out of wedlock, she said yes to the Lord’s call on her life. I guess I related (though one might think that awfully audacious of me). I remember crying as I listened to the words of weariness, the contemplation of being chosen, and her utter dependence on her Father, her need for His very real presence as she walked down a path of uncertainty. Mary seems at once scared and awed that God would choose her to bear God’s only son.

And that’s how I was feeling too, frightened, yet honored. I was concerned that I was in over my head with babies, a teenage stepdaughter, and a brain-injured husband…and what was beginning to feel like a call to ministry. Could it be? You have chosen me, Lord? I think you’ve got the wrong girl. I don’t think I can do this…I think you’ve made a mistake. You tell us you never give us more than we can bear. Yet here I am.

Be with ME. Hold ME together. Pour over ME your holiness. Be forever near ME, Breath of Heaven.
The Good news, the awesome news is we are all chosen by God to do things we cannot do without Him. But we, like Mary, can do all things through Christ who gives us strength and never leaves us nor forsakes us. Amen!
Mary’s Song
Lyrics by Amy Grant
I have traveled
Many moonless night
Cold and Weary
With a babe inside
And I wonder
What I’ve done
Holy Father
You have come
Chosen me now
To carry your son
I am waiting
in a silent prayer
I am frightened
by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now
[chorus:]

———————————–

Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me, your holiness
For your holy Breath of Heaven

———————————–
Do you wonder
As you watch my face
If a wiser one, should of had my place
But I offer-all I am
For the mercy-of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me
.



Blessed… or stressed?

Posted on by Susan Panzica
It’s officially Advent, a time of expectation.
What do you expect to be for the next 25 days until Christmas Eve?
Blessed… or stressed?
Too often, particularly at this time of year, there seems to be too much to do and not enough day to do it!
Years ago someone shared with me a quote by Allen Redpath,
“There are enough hours in the day to do what God wants you to do…
…and no more.”

So, if I’m too busy, the question that begs to be answered is,
“What am I doing that God doesn’t want me to do?”
It may be a good thing, even a very good thing, but not a God thing.
Not what He wants me to do, right here, right now.
Oswald Chambers said, “Good is the enemy of best.” How often am I busy doing a good thing and miss the best thing? How often am I distracted like Martha, rather than sitting at the feet of Jesus, like Mary? Martha of Bethany reminds me of Martha Stewart, who’s tag line was “It’s a good thing.” What Martha was doing was a good thing. Jesus and His crew needed to eat, didn’t they? They needed a place to rest, and Martha wanted them to be comfortable, didn’t she?
But Jesus said that Mary chose the better thing. It wasn’t that Mary never served. She did. But not when the better thing to do was sit and listen to her Guest. True hospitality makes the guest feel welcome and important, not impressed by the fashionable surroundings. And when your guest is Jesus, there is nothing more important than listening.
You might respond, “But I HAVE to ________________.” (fill in the blank)
Do you really?
• What would happen if you used lovely paper plates instead of china (like I did at Thanksgiving)?
• What if your children didn’t have to participate in all the sports/arts/music/scouts/etc. activities that are available to them?
• What if you purposely left a box of decorations in the attic this year?
• What if you bought fewer gifts this year?
• What if you used dollar store gift bags rather than wrapping each gift?
• What if you committed some time each day to be spent just listening to Jesus?
Ask yourself, “Is what I am spending my time on a good thing? or the best thing?”
Lord, help me sift through the many demands on my time and determine which is the best thing You want for me. Help me to not feel guilty or disappointed, but to enjoy the satisfaction of being in Your presence.

War and Peace

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Please forgive me. I know this issue won’t be resolved today, but here’s my little contribution to the discussion.

This week, the following headline caught my eye:

In ‘The War on Christmas,’ Christmas is winning
For increasing number of retailers this year, no more ‘Happy holidays’

The WAR on Christmas???

Who declared war on Christmas? According to the article, the American Family Association retaliated against the political correctness of retail advertising with Action Alerts calling for boycotts. It seems this pro-family, Christian organization has challenged retailers to use the word “Christmas” in their advertising as opposed to “holiday.” For example, for many retailers this year “holiday trees” are “Christmas trees” and “holiday shopping” is “Christmas shopping.” The article can be read in its entirety at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40260889/ns/business-consumer_news/ .

The article refers to this challenge as a “crusade” stating that many view the AFA’s tactics “as bullying, but Randy Sharp from the AFA rejects that. It’s not bullying, it’s consumer advocacy.”

Personally, I wonder about the wisdom of these tactics. While I grieve on behalf of my Savior whose Name has been cast aside in the interest of profits and political correctness, Christmas is about the Kingdom that Christ came to this earth to establish. And the hallmark of that Kingdom is love, not boycotts. Using earthly tactics for heavenly gain doesn’t honorably represent Christ who came as a servant though He is a King, who died a criminal’s death though He was the most innocent of any who ever lived, who taught us to turn the other cheek, walk the second mile, and love the unlovely. Maybe if instead of rising up in righteous anger, more time was spent on our knees, praying for those who don’t know the God we serve, we’d see a change in hearts which concerns Jesus much more than a change in advertising.

I feared boycotts and aggressive stances would cause a backlash to the backlash. And sure enough, today’s newspaper headline “War on Christmas” describes the atheists’ multimedia “strike against Christmas.”
http://www.northjersey.com/community/religion/Atheists_ad_blitz_calls_Christmas_a_myth.html

Using a giant billboard at the heavily trafficked entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel to NYC as their weapon, they declare “If the religious right wants a war on Christmas, this is what they’re going to get. If they want a war on Christmas, we’re going to make sure they know what one looks like.”

Well, I for one, don’t want a war.

In this season celebrating the Prince of Peace, about whom the angels declared, “Peace on earth, good will to men,” how is it that we are discussing war, the very thing that Jesus deplores? I do not believe we are to be doormats or ignorant. I believe that we are to be “wise as serpents and gentle as doves.” We should counter the culture with both righteousness and compassion.
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In Ephesians 6, Paul records the armor of God that we as His soldiers are to employ. There is only one offensive weapon – “the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” The word “sword” refers to a type of knife that is better translated as “scalpel,” a knife that is an instrument of healing, not of destruction or war. That is how the Bible is to be used, as an instrument of healing.
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Oh that we would be prayer warriors in this conflict, seeking salvation for the lost. That our hearts would be focused on the One who willingly left His throne to don flesh and bone that He might redeem us for His own. Let us remember that the war was already won at Calvary.



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