Just a little something to get you in the Christmas spirit. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/LyviyF-N23A
Category: Christmas
Do You See What I See?
It’s funny how two people can look at the same image and see two different things. But once it’s pointed out to you, you can see both!
Today, I’m having a little fun with the popular Christmas carol: Do You See What I See? Once again, I’m over at Laced With Grace. Please click here to read one of my favorite posts from 2010.
Shhhh! It’s coming!
Shhhh! It’s coming…..But we have to shhhh or we’ll miss it.
The “coming.”
Advent.
Looking ahead over the next four weeks, the so-called Advent season, what do you see coming? It’s so easy to get swept up in the “what” – the seemingly endless tornado of cooking, decorating, shopping, wrapping, partying – that we miss the “Who”.
To continue reading, click here . Join me over at Laced With Grace today:
http://lacedwithgrace.com/?p=8673
Hark… God and sinner reconciled!
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
The good news, the heart of the story, the reason He came – “God and sinners reconciled.” As you celebrate Christmas this year, may you be filled to overflowing with the joy of knowing the One who came to die, who came to redeem you as His own. Merry Messiah-mas!
Col. 1:15-23
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.
This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I have become a servant.
And the Word Was Made Flesh
Lynn Mosher of Heading Home shares today’sbeautifully written, heartfelt poem. Many thanks, Lynn.
Advent King in straw-lined splendor,
swaddled gently at mother’s breast,
God incarnate in a pink suit,
not knowing yet His future test.
In the gentle hush of silence,
soothing sounds of cattle lowing,
angel hosts sing Him their praises,
all creation in glory knowing.
Destiny pressing upon His life,
as crossed shadow falls on His face.
The miracle of the manger
now filled with man’s future grace.
~~Blessings, Lynn~~
I pray you all have a most blessed Christmas. May the One who was born to die fill you with His presence.
Christmas Myth-Busters
Despite pageants, stories and pictures to the contrary, there is no innkeeper mentioned in Scripture. Luke simply says it this way: “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
The image of a cold-hearted scoundrel turning away the holy family is a part of folklore, but not part of the scriptural record.
The “Bethlehem Inn” was not like the Holiday Inns of today. Usually, the first floor of an inn was a stable for the animals owned by the travelers who stayed in the rooms above. There was little privacy at normal times, probably none during the census. The most private area for people would be the “fragrant” space reserved for animals. It was an act of kindness for Mary and Joseph to be allowed to share of corner of the first floor to deliver their Child.
What other images are part of our memory, but have no foundation in Scripture? Do you picture Mary and Joseph traveling alone from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a hugely pregnant Mary astride a donkey, solitary figures in dark silhouette against a blue background? It’s highly unlikely that they would be traveling alone. It wasn’t part of the culture. Bands of robbers roamed the highways. The other family members of Joseph would also need to be in Bethlehem. How about Mary running to see Elizabeth? Again, unlikely that she would be traveling alone from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Speaking of travelers, the magi are often pictured alongside the shepherds in a nativity scene, when they actually arrived up to 2 years after the birth of Jesus.
Those are just a few of the images that inhabit our minds that are not based on truth. The Scripture is silent about some details, and so our ideas are formed by popular culture instead.
But there’s plenty that Scripture is not silent about, and because of our familiarity with the story, we miss important messages. In Acts 17:11, Luke commended the noble character of the people of Berea when he said, “they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” I encourage you to search the Scriptures to see if what you believe is really true.
In your search, you will find nuggets there that will speak directly to your heart, words that you might have skimmed over in the past. I had this experience a few years ago when reading Luke 1. I knew that after her encounter with the angel Gabriel, Mary hurried to see her relative Elizabeth. I knew that when Elizabeth saw Mary, the baby “leapt in her womb”, and Elizabeth declared Mary blessed and herself favored because of Mary’s visit. And then, Mary began her “song”. At least, I thought she did. I totally missed a little statement by Elizabeth that spoke volumes to me 2000 years later. “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” Luke 1:45 NLT
Maybe it was reading in a new translation (something else I recommend), but seeing those words made me realize how blessed I am simply because I believe that God will do what He says. I need nothing else to be blessed. That verse was there all along, but I had skimmed over it for years.
This year, the fact that hit me was that the angels were rejoicing, this despite the fact that the object of their eternal worship was wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a filthy animal feeding trough. They rejoiced because of the reconciliation between God and His eternally beloved creation, His people, and if God was pleased, so were they.
As you read these 4 chapters (Matt. 1 & 2, Luke 1& 2) this year, in your quiet time or with your family, won’t you ask God to reveal something new to you?
I wrote a poem called “Mary Had A Little Lamb” which concludes:
For God did speak to Mary
And He spoke to Joseph, too.
And if you listen with your heart
God will speak to you!!
May He speak to You anew this Christmas!
Rhonda Schrock of “The Natives Are Getting Restless” and a contributor to “An Army of Ermas” normally writes downright hysterical columns about the life and times of her restless tribe. Today she shares a poignant reminder of His faithfulness for those of us who have suffered loss.
Over the holidays, I found my thoughts frequently turning throughout the day to friends who were facing a difficult Christmas. So many people lost this year…
First, in our hometown here in Northern Indiana, a local son was killed while on active duty in Afghanistan. His mother works at the middle school right up the road from our house, and he grew up in a church here in the middle of town. I will never forget seeing the caravan, including the hearse, come down Main Street on a bright Sunday in June, only days before Independence Day. His young wife and parents were devastated.
In October, our beloved school nurse, Diane Brown, passed away suddenly from the chemotherapy she was on for her breast cancer. She was such a bright-spirited, active, positive person. She left a legacy of hospitality and love for people from all walks of life.
Four days later, our close neighbor, Lisa Lengacher, a 39-year-old mother of 2, passed away in her sleep. She and I used to coffee together in days gone by, and her girls and our boys played in our back yards. There is still no explanation for her death.
How odd that both Diane and Lisa lived within one-third of a mile from our house.
Earlier in the fall, my parents lost one of their best friends, Joe Miller, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Joe was my very first boss and probably one of the best. He was a brilliant, largely self-taught businessman who left behind his wife and three sons and their families.
Other friends from days of yore lost their mother unexpectedly. This family of 9 children are now orphans, way too early, actually. The oldest son is only a bit older than Grant and I.
And last year, friends of ours lost their two oldest teenagers in a horrific crash, so this year they faced the second Christmas with two empty places.
So much loss.
In the last – oh, year or two? – I have found that my heart is beating more and more to the rhythm of eternity. Perhaps it’s aging. Maybe it’s growing and maturing. I’m not sure, but in the midst of such sorrow and devastation and pain and terrible suffering, I cannot help but think more and more of Heaven. And I remember that this is only temporary.
If this is all we were left with, this life with its deepest affliction, we would be of all men most miserable. But Heaven awaits. And this is how we persevere. This is not the end of the story. It’s really only the preface, the introduction. There is so much real living that’s waiting for us. We’re in training. Oh, it’s hard. How it hurts! But it will not last.
When I think of my life from this angle, things make a bit more sense. I want to hang in there, to persevere. I remember that we are made for something more. But while I’m here, there’s a work to be done. There is a calling to fulfill. Oh, let me not be found shrinking back from fear or unbelief or apathy! So many around need joy, need hope, need encouragement. Lord, strengthen my hands and establish my feet on a firm path that I may be found faithful when it’s my turn to fly away.
So thankful that He understands groanings that cannot be uttered,
Rhonda
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Draw Near
Thanks to Lynn Mosher of Heading Home for sharing this excellent post. What an awesome God that woos us to draw near.
Draw nigh to God……in holiness
Draw nigh in repentance, for the forgiveness of sins
Draw near…
…in silent adoration
Draw near in unrestrained awe and praise
Draw close to the Lord…
…to that Intimate Friend
Draw close to the Beloved of your soul
Draw alongside…
…kneeling as a petitioner
Draw alongside as a listener, in deepest affection
Draw closer still to the Babe in the manger…
…listen to the sweet sounds of the Newborn, as a foreshadowing of grievous sobs for a world of sinners
…smell the scent of the timbered cradle, as a harbinger of the distinctive fragrance of a destined, wooden cross
…see the Babe’s tiny hands reaching out, as impending vessels for prophetic iron spikes
…hear the gentle beat of His humble heart, as the antithesis of the future, rhythmic clanking of a metal hammer
Draw near to receive…
…a salvation so freely offered
…the power and strength you are lacking
…the guidance necessary to proceed through life’s events
…the tender touches of love to ease your pain and suffering
…overflowing streams of peace into your tired and hurting soul
…words of comfort and encouragement to soothe your broken heart and wipe away your tears
Draw near…
…in moments of anger
…in moments of praise
Draw near…
…in moments of emergency
…in moments of stillness
Draw near…
…in moments of deep sorrow
…in moments of great joy
Draw near…
…in moments of despair
…in moments of thankfulness
“Something better has been brought to us. It is God’s promise. And by that promise we come near to God.” (Heb. 7:19b Worldwide English) Therefore, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:22 NKJV)
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8 NKJV)
Draw near to the King of heaven and earth! Draw near to sing Happy Birthday!
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A Prophecy of Peace
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.
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6-7
Into the turmoil of our world, our families, our hearts, comes One who is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These names of the promised Messiah who came on Christmas always rivet my attention when reading this prophetic passage in Isaiah. Reflection on any one of those names stirs wonder within and calms my heart. But this Advent season a different phrase brought the peace into my unsettled world.
“The government will be on his shoulders.”
Like a placard, the words hung over a door through which too many uninvited concerns had paraded. Concerns that demanded urgent attention, shouted threats, and bullied my composure. Now the words of Scripture blocked out the noise and boldly declared, “The government of life, the government of your life, is not on your shoulders, they are on mine.”
The dictionary helps us understand what it means for the Lord to govern our lives:
• He exercises continuous sovereign authority over us
• He controls, directs, and strongly influences the actions that touch our lives
• He exerts a determining influence over us
• He holds our lives in check
• He prevails and has a decisive influence over our lives
Verse seven elucidates the blessings of our Lord’s government – nothing falls outside His influence (no end to the increase of his government), He rules with peace, justice and righteousness, and He is zealous to govern and accomplish His perfect will.
The Messiah has come and the government is on His shoulders. Let us rest under His loving reign until He returns to free us from the conflicts of this world and bring us into His Kingdom.
Today’s post comes from gifted writer and leader of our local writers group, Barbara Higby of The Hope Perspective.
Candy-Grams
Have you ever met someone and instantly connected? That is what happened in NC when I met my very dear friend, Joanne Kraft, from Blessed and Grace and Truth Living. Though we live a continent apart, it’s as if she’s right next door. Her writing is filled with humor, and today – a little lump in the throat.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given. Isaiah 9:6
For God so loved the world that He gave…John 3:16
Unfolding a piece of paper, Grace began reading off a list of names. “Jaden, Michael, Jake, Brittany, and Jessie…”
“What are you doing honey?” I asked.
“Our school is selling candy-grams, Mom. For $1.00 I can send a message and have a candy cane delivered to someone’s home room.” She smiled.
I know all of Grace’s closest friends and had never heard these names before. At eleven-years-old, her only income came from occasional babysitting jobs. Five dollars might very well clean out her piggy bank.
“Sweetheart, who are these children? Aren’t you getting one for Mackenzie?”
“I decided to do something different. Mackenzie is still one of my best friends, but she will get lots of candy grams. I decided to send them to kids in my school who might not get one.”
A lump began to form in my throat.
“Jaden is autistic. He sits by himself at lunch. Michael is really, really smart and gets made fun of by the popular kids. Jake is the boy I told you about at the library, the one who walks kind of funny, remember? He offered to give me his seat and girls walked by him and whispered, Jake-alert. Jake-alert. I could tell he felt bad. Kids encouraged Brittany to dance at lunch last week. She thought they were being nice, but they were really being mean. And, Jessie, well she is kind of chubby and sits by herself in class and doesn’t talk much.”
My child went on and on with her reasons for giving—I couldn’t help but whisper a prayer of thanks for my daughters’ heart. “What are you going to write in their message?” I asked.
“I’m not sure. I think I’m just going to write, Merry Christmas – God Loves You.”
“I’m sure they will love it.” I reached out and pulled her in for a hug.
God so loved the world that He gave. This Christmas season encourage your children to give anonymously. Lead by example and show them how it’s done.
• Drop off a plate of cookies on your neighbor’s front porch, ring their doorbell and run!
• Write out a Christmas card for someone and fill it with reasons why this person is loved by you. Don’t sign your name. Have your child address it and drop it in the mail.
• Take your child with you to the grocery store. Have them help you pick out food for someone in you know is hurting financially. Let your child drop the bag off at the house.
Remember, we are loved by a God who gives lavishly. Let’s remember to touch the lives of someone in His name by giving.
Who can you give to this holiday season?
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