Category: Christmas

The Calm of Christmas

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today, I thank Pastor Jan Rizzo of the Maranatha Church of the Nazarene for contributing this beautiful post. May we take heed to her words and experience true calm!

What an odd definition of Christmas with all that we find ourselves doing this time of year! The Calm of Christmas enables us in the midst of our busyness to stop and ponder the true meaning of this glorious time of year! For it is not in the giving, as wonderful as that may be; but it is in receiving the One who came for us and desires to live within us.



The Apostle Paul in Galatians tells us that In the Fullness of Time God sent His Son to redeem (4:4-7). That time in history was anything but calm with persecution under Roman domination and a people waiting for the Messiah. But in the middle of such history … His-Story began and The Calm of Christmas heralded throughout the sky as the angels proclaimed: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14).


Someone once said … it is not easy to hear the angels sing. There is so much in our lives and in our world that would persuade us that there is no angelic music, and certainly nothing to sing about. But if we listen with faith, we can hear the angel’s sing, and we find that we also can sing!


It was The Calm of Christmas that enabled Mary to say: Let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38) as she lived in calmness of strength and pondered all things in her heart. It is the calmness of faith … not an easy faith … but a faith that still believes when life is anything but calm that enables us to say yes to what God has for us!

CeCe Winans states: Faith is about how you live your life in the meantime. How you make decisions when you don’t know for sure what’s next. What you do with yourself between the last time you heard from God and the next time you hear from Him is the on-going challenge of the life of faith.


Has your faith been challenged in 2009? If yes, then I pray The Calm of Christmas brings you serenity, quietness, stillness and peace as you ponder the true meaning of this year … as you say let it be to me according to your word … as you sing with the angels and as you live by faith in the meantime.

Pastor Jan Rizzo, Maranatha Church of the Nazarene, Paramus, NJ

Joseph Mohr penned the words, “Silent night, Holy Night…  All is calm. All is bright.”
Dear Lord, may we experience such calm in the midst of the busyness.

The Checkout Lane

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today, we have a gifted writer, Lynn from Heading Home, as our guest blogger. And you can read my post “How Can It Be?” on her blog at www.lynnmosher.blogspot.com.

The Checkout Lane

With the parking lot full, finding a space was almost impossible. Shopper after shopper filed in the store’s front door, list in hand, and most lacking the Christmas spirit.


The lines at the checkout lanes stretched halfway through the store. As angers were on the verge of erupting, loneliness carved a swath through the throng of shoppers, fighting for a place in each line.


“Why don’t they have more checkout lanes open?” complained one shopper.


“I don’t know. This is so depressing,” grumbled another nearby.


Each lane had its share of Grinches and lonely hearts, each moaning over all the congestion. In one lane, stood a mother with three small children in tow, all whining and wanting everything in sight.


In the next lane stood another mother with her three little ones, all in a joyous mood. Six year-old Olivia asked her mother, “Mommy, why is everyone so grumpy?”


Lowering her voice so others wouldn’t hear their conversation, Olivia’s mother whispered, “I’m not sure, dear. I think everyone is in a hurry, and they don’t know the meaning of Christmas.”


“Don’t they know it’s Jesus’ birthday?”


Trying to shush Olivia, she lowered her voice again, “I guess not. Some people just don’t know.”


“Well, why don’t we tell them?”


“I don’t think this is a very good time, dear.”


“Why not, Mommy? Didn’t you say it’s always time for Jesus?”


“Well, yes, I did, but…”


“Well, let’s tell them.”


Overhearing their conversation, those standing near this family began shifting their weight from one foot to another, uncomfortable as to what they might hear next.


The mother began to silently pray, “Oh, Lord, if You desire others to know it is Your birthday that they’re supposed to be celebrating, then please resolve this situation.”


Olivia bowed her head and thought for a moment. Then, a very soft, little voice began to sweetly sing…


“Away in the manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.”


Silence fell on the checkout lanes. All that could be heard was the whirring of the cash registers. No one said a word.


Then, that sweet little voice began to sing again…


“Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.”


Just as a place was made for baby Jesus to be born so many years ago, a place was made for Him in the checkout lanes. Smiles erupted across the stone-cold faces of the Grinches. Peace swept across the store, carving a swath through the crowd of shoppers and banishing loneliness and the Grinch from the checkout lanes.


As you weave your way in and out of the stores this Christmas season, remember the Reason for the Season…it’s the celebration of Jesus’ birth! May the blessings of the manger find a place your heart.

Lord, we surely can be grinches ourselves from time to time. Help us to sense Your presence with us as we search for presents for others, and  help us to be patient with those who don’t know You. May we be a light in the darkness.

Susan

Rope in the Blizzard – Stop, Look & Listen

Posted on by Susan Panzica

In his book “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality,” Peter Scazzero shares a story about farmers in the Midwest who prepare for blizzards by tying a rope from the back door of their house out to the barn as a guide to ensure they could return safely home. During these fierce and dangerous blizzards, a farmer could not see the end of his or her hand. Many froze to death in those blizzards, disoriented by their inability to see, sometimes within feet of their own front door, never realizing how close they were to safety.

Peter Scazzero suggests a spiritual rope in the blizzard – the ancient practice of the Daily Office – stopping to be still with God a few times during the day. He writes:


Three times a day (Daniel) got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before… I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. – Dan.6:10; Ps. 130:5

Lord, help me to grab hold of you as my rope in the blizzard today. The idea of stopping to be with you one, two, or three times a day seems overwhelming, but I know I need you. Help me to be still and to wait patiently for you (Ps. 37:7). Teach me to be prayerfully attentive to you not only when I stop and pause, but also throughout the day. Amen.

The basic elements are “Stopping, Centering, Silence and Scripture.” Because of my ever-weakening memory, I just call these elements: “Stop, Look and Listen.”
Sometimes, the flurry of activity around me makes me feel like I’m in a blizzard. To combat the disorientation, I stop, close my eyes (unless I’m driving of course!) and take a slow, deep breath. I whisper a prayer and invite God in. Because in the blizzard, it is all too likely that I will forget to stop, I set the alarm on my phone to softly ring/vibrate three times a day as a reminder. I’ll try to read a Scripture but won’t feel guilty if I can’t. Just the pause can be enough to refocus me.

My husband’s office is located at a busy intersection in Paramus, NJ, the shopping mecca of the northeast, with 5 major malls in each direction from our building. The snarled traffic sits waiting through 3 or 4 light changes, even more as we get closer to Christmas Day. So each year, we put up a giant sign on the high turret that reads:

“JOY TO THE WORLD.
THE LORD HAS COME.”

Just our little rope in the blizzard extended to the travelers outside our doors.

our office





So as we shop, if the kids are driving us crazy, when the dinner burns, if the boss is unreasonable, when the traffic is unbearable (or sometimes, like today, when I was driving around just plain irritated for no apparent reason, and I grrrrrumbled at my windshield as if there was someone there, and I let that invisible person have it, ooops, but I digress, sorry!),
anyway, as I was saying…
when the blizzard is blinding, let’s grab that rope, tune in to Him and tune out the rest.

 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:2
Right here, my daughter, right here. Meet with Me.






Susan

Do You See What I See?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

******************************************************

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?


Do you see what I see?

Some see: sweet little baby Jesus
I see: the Savior of the universe, Creator God, who reduced Himself to a single cell embedded in the womb of a humble virgin, that He might become as one of His subjects to live like them, to die for them, to rise again providing victory for them.
Some see: plastic figurines of nativity characters
I see: depictions of real men and a woman who lived 2000 years ago and were used by God in the incarnation of God the Son. Unlikely people who were led to participate in the event that changed the course of human history.
Some see: twinkling lights adorning houses, trees, windows
I see: images of the Light of the world, eliminating darkness bulb by precious bulb

Some see: jolly old Santa’s
I see: a portrayal of Bishop Nicholas of Myra, a godly man with a reputation for secret gift-giving to the poor, who worshiped Jesus with all his heart
Some see: paper wrapped gifts under the tree
I see: demonstrations of love for family and friends representing the Gift that came wrapped in swaddling clothes

Do you hear what I hear?

Some hear: unlikely singers belting out holiday tunes
I hear: God’s word embedded in Christmas carols. His Word does not return void. Those unlikely singers are proclaiming the good news!

Some hear: well-wishers sharing “holiday greetings”
I hear: more opportunities to share the gospel “It is God’s responsibility to make people receptive; it is our responsibility to sow the seed.” Rick Warren

Do you know what I know?
Some know: that Jesus was a great teacher
Some know: he was a liar, heretic or lunatic
Some know: all about Him with knowing Him personally
I know: that Jesus is the foretold Messiah, the Savior of the world, who left His home in heaven to live a sinless life dwelling in and among His people and ultimately paying the price for their sins and mine.
I know: that my life has meaning and purpose that I never knew before
I know: that I have peace that is beyond understanding
I know: that someday, in His timing, I will go to heaven and be with Him
I know: that you can know what I know




 

Do You See What I See
Said the night wind to the little lamb,
“Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite,
With a tail as big as a kite.”

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
“Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea,
With a voice as big as the sea.”
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
“Do you know what I know?
In your palace warm, mighty king,
Do you know what I know?
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold–
Let us bring him silver and gold,
Let us bring him silver and gold.”
Said the king to the people everywhere,
“Listen to what I say!
Pray for peace, people, everywhere,
Listen to what I say!
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light,
He will bring us goodness and light.”
Dear Lord,
May we see what You see.
May we hear what You say.
May we know what You share with us.
Susan

Do you see an old woman or a young one?

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?

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 they are presented with?

• 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.






Susan

The Real White Christmas

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Bing Crosby may have been dreaming of a white Christmas,
but Jesus can make it a reality for you.

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18

Scarlet was the color of a deep-red permanent dye, virtually impossible to remove from clothing. The stain of sin may seem equally permanent, but God can remove sin’s stain from our life just as He promised to do for the Israelites. God’s Word assures us that if we are willing and obedient (v.19), God will forgive and remove our most indelible stains. He will make us “as clean as freshly fallen snow” (NLT).
“Cleanse me, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7 Because David was truly repentent for committing adultery and murder, God mercifully forgave him. No sin is too bad to be forgiven! Sometimes, I feel separated from God because of having done something wrong. Do you? Well, nothing could be further from the truth. God is waiting for us to confess and repent, to “come clean” as the saying goes, so He can make us truly clean and restore that close fellowship that He longs to have with us.

May this Christmas be one of reconcilation with the God who emptied Himself, took on the appearance of a human and the position of a servant, died the death of a criminal – the death that we deserved, then rose from the dead in total victory! (see Phil. 2)
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night.
For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Where children pure and happy
Pray to the blessed Child,
O holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us to-day.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!

Susan

Live Nativity

Posted on by Susan Panzica

In the past week, my son has participated in two Live Nativities. He portrayed Joseph in our church’s 2 outdoor presentations. (That’s him in the bottom photo.) Then the following Saturday, he was one of the 3 wise men in another local church where he attends youth group. Both told the same story, but in two very different ways.

Our church is a smaller church, and the presentation was very humble. We had a meager budget, but made the most of what we had. Nearly everyone was involved – from the prayer team to the production itself to the refreshments that followed. The local press showed up (here are 2 of the photos that were taken). It was outdoors and attracted many passers-by. The script was taken right from Scripture. The music was fantastic. The animals all behaved well!
I helped with costumes and was amazed at how terrific everyone looked (of course, it was dark!!) At Thursday’s dress rehearsal, we wondered how we’d pull this off. It seemed we were just a bunch of ragamuffins. The pouring rain forced us to practice indoors, and there were many children who needed the experience outside. But when the nights came – from setup to cleanup – the gospel was shared in a beautiful way.

Yesterday, I went to see the other presentation. It was magnificent! It was indoors, and the front of the church was completely transformed. The show was a multi-media extravaganza. They had a “TV station” (GNN – Good News Network) that reported the unusual events surrounding the birth of the babe in Bethlehem. There was music, videos, live animals, and a list of participants 3 columns long. It was most impressive. No ragamuffins here!

I reflected on how two shows could present the same story so beautifully, yet so differently. We have all been given individual gifts from God that are to be used for the “common good”. In other words, the gifts that God gives us are to be used for the benefit of others. If we neglect to share the gift we have been given, others will be affected. I have one gift, you have another. No gift is superior to any other. I greatly appreciated the extravagant presentation, but in truth I preferred our humble one. Perhaps it’s because I witnessed our weaknesses, I saw God greatly glorified. Maybe it was just the simple telling (and singing) of the greatest story ever told without embellishment. We often think we need more money or more talents, but really, it is the simplest that is the sweetest.

If you are like me, you have been shopping, searching to find the “perfect” gift for friends and loved ones. Some will be extravagant, others humble. But in the giving and receiving of gifts this Christmas, let us keep in the forefront of our minds, the greatest Gift ever given – which was both humble and extravagant. Let us remember with appreciation the gifts He has given us, and not leave them unwrapped and unused. Let us give glory to the Giver of the gifts!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” James 1:17

Susan

Dear Jesus, Love dad

Posted on by Susan Panzica
For the past few weeks, our adult Sunday School class has been examining the “characters” in the Christmas story. Each person has taken a person or place mentioned in the story and presenting their insights as a result of their study. It has raised questions and provided much insight into this special portion of Scripture. On Sunday, my friend, Esmine, shared her “character” with us – Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. It was such a creative and wonderful presentation that I asked her permission to share it with you. Enjoy!!

Dear Jesus,
I am not sure how much time I have left on this earth so I am writing this letter to you so that you understand the circumstances surrounding your birth and understand the values I have tried to instill in you before you were born.

When I was just betrothed to your mother, Mary, she approached me and explained she was with child through the Holy Spirit. I want you to understand that usually it is our custom, that marriage be arranged by the parents, your grandparents. So your mother was chosen for me by your parents. I proposed marriage to your mother’s father and negotiations began. Your mother and I had a formal betrothal ceremony in which we both signed a marriage contract. This agreement bound us together and could not be dissolved without a divorce. Your mom continued to live with her family, while I started to build a home for us. I had expected to bring your mom home in about a year following the wedding ceremony. But after your mom’s announcement, I became depressed because I had grown to love her. Since, she was now considered an adulteress; her fate would have been to be stoned to death if anyone found out.
One night, an angel of the Lord appeared to me and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

I listened to the angel and married your mom. We endured a lot of ridicule and heartache because of the pregnancy, but we knew you were special and we placed it in God’s hands making our lives easier.

During that time, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census needed to be taken of the entire Roman world. Since, I am a descendant from the line of David; I took your mom from Nazareth to Bethlehem in Judea. It was a long, tedious journey for both of us. Your mom rode on a donkey, while I led the donkey. We encountered many travelers and rumors started to spread about King Herod looking for a special child to be born. Your mom was afraid, but I assured her that God would not have had us travel all this way to harm you. Shortly after we arrived in Bethlehem, your mom went into labor. So, I searched for a room, but there was no room for us in the inn. However, one of the innkeeper’s found a place in his stable for us. It was a difficult birth, but I helped to deliver you and as soon as you were born, your mom wrapped you in a cloth and placed you in a manger.

A few hours later, shepherds arrived at the stable to gaze upon your beautiful face. Your mom was so taken by what happened that she treasured all things and pondered them in her heart.

Several days later, wise men stopped by as your mom was holding you. They bowed down and worshipped you. They presented you with gifts of gold, of incense and of myrrh before they left.

As I slept that night, an angel of the Lord appeared to me for a second time. He said, “Get up and take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” I awoke immediately and we fled to Egypt, where we stayed until I heard that Herod had died. An angel of the Lord appeared to me a third time as I slept and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” We left immediately for the land of Israel. When we arrived, I heard that Archelaus was King and I became afraid because I thought he would continue his father’s reign and come looking for you, so we went back to Nazareth. Life became uneventful after that.

I just hope that you realize the values I have tried to instill in you to always obey your Heavenly Father. I want you to use him as your guide and example. I just ask that you always take care of your mom. Do you remember the incident at the temple in Jerusalem? We searched for you for three days and found you in the temple courts being about the business of your Father. Well, you scared your mom and me to death. Because of all we had been through, we thought something bad may have happened to you. I never understood why you had to be in your Father’s house, but I understand it was your way of being closer to him.

May God continue to bless and direct your life. May his plan for your life be fulfilled. I love you very much.
Dad

Susan

Mary Had A Little Lamb

Posted on by Susan Panzica
This is a poem that I wrote for my children and the children of my church 13 years ago.
I pray that you will share it with your children during this advent season,
and that it will speak to hearts, both young and old.

Mary Had A Little Lamb
Mary had a little lamb.
His name was Jesus Christ,
He came to save this world from
sin and to give us eternal life.
He had a home in heaven
before earth’s time began.
He left His throne and majesty
to become just like a man.

He said unto His Father
“I go to do Your will,
It might not be what I’d want,
but I will do it still.
The people need a Savior
and so I must depart
Our home up here in heaven
to give men brand new hearts.”

And so His home he left behind,
and He came down to earth.
Mary and Joseph did prepare
for this sacred birth.
Mary and Joseph heard from God
when an angel did appear.
He told them not to be afraid –
With God, there’s never fear.

He spoke to Mary first, then to
Joseph later in a dream.
Told them they’d have the Son of God
Amazing it did seem.
They had to go to Bethlehem
for that was Joseph’s home.
There was nowhere for them to stay.
They felt so all alone.

But God did lead them to a place
that blessed Christmas morn.
For Mary was great with child
ready to be born.
It was not a royal palace.
It was not a rich man’s home,
It was in a lowly stable
through which animals did roam .

The shepherds heard the good news
while tending for their sheep.
“The Lamb of God was born this day,
He’s in a manger fast asleep.”
An angel had appeared to them
“Glad tidings,” he did say,
“in Bethlehem, there’s been born
a Savior for you this day.”

More angels then appeared to them
with praises greater still
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth, peace and good will.”

And so they ran to Bethlehem
and saw the babe so small.
They gazed in adoration,
then spread the news to all.

Later came the wise men
who traveled from afar.
Always looking heavenward
toward that special star.
They brought gifts and presents
for the new born King.
They fell down as they rejoiced
To Him they were worshipping.

The baby’s name is Jesus
which means that He will save
the people from their sins,
and He’d teach them to behave.
Thirty-three years later
He gave His life just like He said
Redeemed us all while wearing
a crown of thorns upon His head.

But now, He’s seated in heaven
upon His royal throne,
seeking salvation
for those He calls His own.

Now to any who will receive Him
He gives abundant grace –
to be called a child of God
and to gaze upon His face.

Now you can be a shepherd
tending to the needs,
helping the hurting, showing the way
as God the shepherd leads.

You can be a wise man
down on bended knee
or hands raised high with praise & awe
to worship His majesty.
Or like the wise men, you can go
traveling far or near
telling of God’s greatness
to anyone who will hear.

For God did speak to Mary
And He spoke to Joseph, too.
And if you listen with your heart
God will speak to you!!
Susan Panzica, © 1995