CHOICES

Welcome to my day of choices.

Do I get up?

Do I brush my teeth?

What do I eat for breakfast?

Delete emails or save them?

Be polite to the scam caller or just hang up?

What do I eat for lunch?

Nap or no nap?

Dust or not?

And on and on and on.

Choices! Decisions!  

Yes.

No.

Maybe.

Whatever.

I just do not care.

Choices.  Decisions.  Does it ever end?

The list goes on.

What to watch on TV?

What to wear?

How to spend money?

Chocolate?

Coffee?

Life is one decision after another with each leading to either a wise choice or ----- disaster.  Okay.  All choices do not have earth shaking consequences but some do.

And the angel said unto them. Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke2:10-11

Life is one decision after another with each leading to either a wise choice or ----- disaster.  Okay.  All choices do not have earth shaking consequences but some do.  This is one of those choices.

For unto you is born......

Believe?

Don't believe?

My choice:  BELIEVE. What is your choice?  

May your choice bring you peace, joy and the assurance of eternal life.

Merry Christmas

REAL PEOPLE. REAL EMOTIONS. REAL DRAMA.

As I was wondering what to discuss in our Sunday School class, I came up with: Christmas: Emotions On Steroids -- Then And Now. Hopefully it will make for an interesting discussion. My goal is to put life into the Christmas Story. To make it real.

We hear the Christmas Story over and over. We might not know it word for word, but could tell it pretty close. That can be a problem. When we hear the same thing over and over, we can quit listening. Our minds wander. We forget the joy! We forget the people, the emotions and the drama were real.

Just think about Mary. There she is, minding her own business, when Gabriel came to her and said, "Greetings." Now how would you react if you were mowing your yard and an angel appeared saying, "Greetings."? Don't worry about your reaction. Mary was a bit un-nerved too. Luke 1:29: Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be." TROUBLED? Mary was not only troubled, but greatly troubled.

Just think about Joseph. Joseph's day was not going exactly as planned. (Ever had one of those days?) He had found out his soon-to-be-wife was with child. Wow. Can you image the back and forth going on in his head? And his heart? Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Enough to make anyone tired. Slumber gave Joseph the answer he was searching for. He had a dream. He not only had a dream, he remembered the dream and obeyed.

Yes, real people with real emotions and enough drama to be the lead story on the evening news. Maybe the networks will even break into the ball game with a news alert. Ok. In today's society, breaking into a ball game might be a stretch, but there is plenty of drama.

• A walk of 70 to 90 miles, depending on who is doing the measuring, by a pregnant teenage
• No room at the inn
• A baby is born
• Angels everywhere
• Shepherds arriving
• Wise Men headed their way
• A very mad King Herod
• An escape to Egypt

Real people. Real emotions. Real drama.

Do you remember my goal for the Sunday School class? "My goal is to put life into the Christmas Story. To make it real." That is my goal for all of us and we can accomplish this by not just reading about the birth of Jesus. Instead we need to close our eyes and picture each action. We need to open our hearts and feel each emotion. We need to allow the drama to unfold before us.

Take time - yes, we are all busy - and read MATTHEW 1:18 - 2:18 and LUKE 1:26 - 38 and LUKE 2:1-20

Once more read these verses by section or activity. Stop and consider the emotions each person would have been going through. Fear? Surprise? Anger? Frustration? What was going on around them? Was it quiet? Noisy? Dusty? What did the sky look like to the shepherds? What did it sound like when "a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' "?

Position your arms as if holding a baby and ask, "What did it feel like to hold Jesus?"

Jesus does not want you to read His story every year just so you can say, "Well, of course we read it. Doesn't everybody?"

Jesus wants you to read His story and proclaim, "Mary was with child and gave birth to a son. She named him Jesus. He is great and is called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God gave him the throne of David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

AMEN!!!

SHALL I BELIEVE HER?

I am sure that Mary was scared and uncertain when she spoke with Joseph. Would he believe her? After all, it was a bit far-fetched. Can you picture Mary approaching Joseph? Head bowed. Walking slowly. Asking God for strength.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 1:18 (KJV)

Can you picture Joseph, looking up, seeing Mary and wondering why she was coming toward him with such hesitant steps?

Now put your eyes on Mary, as she raises her head, and tells Joseph she is with child.

Now look back at Joseph. Is there shock in his eyes? Did he catch his breath? Did his world shake? Could he look Mary in the eyes?

As Mary turned and walked away, did he think, “Shall I believe her?”

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 1:19-21 (KJV)

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

AND NOW

As you are preparing for Christmas, put yourself in Joseph’s place. Has anyone ever told you something that just shook your world? Were you hurt? Did you believe them? Did you have to hear from someone else that they were telling the truth?

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25

Did you do the right thing?

LET US PRAY: Today, talk to God and ask Him for the strength to do the right thing when faced with a situation you did not expect.

GETTING CLOSER

Can you believe this is the last day of November? I am not sure where the last few months have gone. Especially the last eight months. It seems like yesterday that --

Do you think this might be what Mary was thinking? Was she wondering, “How did I get from ‘Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.’ (Luke 1:28 KJV) to being very uncomfortable?”

Did she ever say, “God, could you tell your Son to lie still so I can sleep?”

Did she ever tell Joseph, “There is no way this delivery is so near. And now we have to go to Bethlehem. I think that ole Caesar Augustus called for this new tax just to add to my stress level!”?

Wouldn’t you just love to sit down with Mary and ask her questions?

• What was your first thought when the angel Gabriel appeared?
• Did you question at all?
• Did you wonder, “Why me?”
• Were you scared?
• Did you gently touch your belly when Elisabeth called your baby “blessed”?
• How did you tell your parents and how did they react?
• Did you hug Joseph when he told you an angel had visited him?
• How did it feel when the Son of God moved inside you?

From experience, I can tell you that the first eight months of a pregnancy goes by very quickly. The last month is an eternity. You are uncomfortable. It is hard to stand up. It is hard to lie down. And there are still meals to cook, dust to redistribute, shopping to be done, a suitcase to pack and family members that believe they are still entitled to their fair share of attention. The last month --- HELP!!!

How did Mary feel?

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:46-49 (KJV)

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his hand maiden; for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

AND NOW

As you are preparing for Christmas, put yourself in Mary’s place? Yes, men. This means you too. Stop and really think about Mary. Young. Pregnant. Just a few weeks from delivery.

What do you think she was thinking? Feeling? Praying?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Jesus, I am preparing for Christmas. I am preparing to celebrate your birth. I pray that as I shop, as I cook, as I work, as I rest, I will not forget why I am doing all of this. . . . . Amen

BE WISE: GET THERE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

The snow falls. The fog rolls in. The rain pours. The roads are ice covered. Would any of these keep you from going to church? What reasons do you find for not going to church?

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 2:1-2, 10-11

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him”

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

BE WISE: GET THERE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

How did you answer the questions of the day? Ice might keep me home. I love winter but I hate walking on ice. Honestly, I have found other reasons to stay home, but they are always good reasons. “I wouldn’t want to give my cold to anyone else.” “Just this Sunday I want to keep my feet up, have another cup of coffee and read the whole paper.”

What reasons do you find? “The big game starts early and I would miss the kick-off.” “I was up late last night.” “Man, I just did not get my lesson read.”

The Magi came a long way to find the king of the Jews. Apparently, they could find no good excuse to stay home. Riding a camel miles and miles and miles -- Can do. Using early GPS (aka star) -- Can do. Asking for directions - Can do. Finding the right home - Can do. Those were mighty determined Magi. They found no excuse. What they did find was Jesus.

Christmas is two days away. I pray you find no excuse. I pray you find your way to the Christ Child.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

PRAYER TIME

Remember, Jesus likes to hear you talk to Him. Today, please take time to wish Jesus a Happy Birth Day. Tell him about your journey to the manger.

PREPARING THE WAY

December 4 is the second Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: MARK: parts of Chapter One

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”-- “a voice of one calling in the desert. And so John came, baptizing and preaching. And Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan.

• Temptation - 40 days in the desert
• Disciples - Come follow me
• Be gone - Jesus drives out an evil spirit
• Healing - Jesus heals many
• Prayer - Jesus prayed in a solitary place

PREPARING THE WAY

Now hold on, what happened here? Do you ever compare stories with your sister or brother and wonder if you grew up in the same house? How could these two believers have such a different starting point for their writing? Matthew began with the genealogy of Jesus but Mark skips right over the background, even the birth of Jesus, and starts with John the Baptist. Did Mark not consider the birth important? Or ---

I think Mark was a meat and potato guy. Or a ‘just the facts’ man. Mark wanted those that read his Gospel to understand quickly who Jesus is. Mark wanted the reader to be ready for what was coming. He wanted the reader to be ready for the ministry of Jesus. Let someone else give you the “Once upon a time” version. Mark began quickly in verse 11 telling us: And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Wow! No genealogy. No long prelude. Just the facts: Listen up folks. The Son of God is here! The disciples were ready to help and by the end of the first chapter Jesus had cast out an evil spirit, healed many and prayed.

Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. I do not think Mark was an Advent guy. Mark wanted us to know that we no longer had to wait or prepare. Mark wanted us to know that the reason for advent was all grown up and ready to serve!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When you think of Jesus, do you picture him as a baby or as an adult? Or do you see Jesus as a baby at Christmas and an adult the rest of the time?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Father of Jesus, Christmas comes and goes quickly as I prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus. First I spend all my time getting ready and then I spend time putting it all away. This Christmas I want to slow down and understand what I am celebrating. This Christmas I celebrate the birth of Jesus and the man Jesus became. Amen

FAMILY TREE

November 27 is the first Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 1: parts of 1 - 17

A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Jesse the father of King David, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.

FAMILY TREE

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I tell a story, I start with, “Let me tell you about…” or “Have you heard?” or “A long, long time ago…” No, Matthew starts with, “A record of the genealogy…” Doesn’t that just grab you and make you want to read more? How many people do you know that say, “Let me introduce, Susie. She is the daughter of, the grand-daughter of, the great-granddaughter of --?”

Okay, I will admit I am not big on genealogy so I would, most likely, just skip this part. Or should I? Is it important? Does it matter what Jesus’ family tree looks like?

Actually it does and Matthew realized that. If Matthew was going to write a book for me, he would have started, “Mary, let me tell you about this man I knew. His name is Jesus.” But Matthew wasn’t writing to me, his readers would have been Jews. Matthew wanted them to realize that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures. Matthew knew his audience.

The Jews had been expecting a Messiah. They had waited a very long time: Fourteen generations + fourteen generations + fourteen generations. They were expecting and they were waiting, but something happened.

Romans 1:16 and 10:12-13 - I am not ashamed of the gospel (proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus), because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Matthew tried to give his Jewish readers the facts. He tried to help them make the connection from Abraham to Jesus. Somehow, the Jews missed that Jesus is the Messiah. The Son of God. They missed that their wait was over.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you missed Jesus?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord of All, Christmas is coming and it is coming like a freight train at full speed. I feel like -- Advent: Expecting? Waiting? Preparation? Lord, I do not want to be so busy that I miss Christmas. Lord, I do not want to miss you! As I prepare to celebrate Your birth, let me not forget that Abraham was the father of Isaac, Jesse the father of King David, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. .… Amen

PREPARING FOR CHIRSTMAS - PART 4

"Calm down. Calm down." God said in a quiet voice. "Everything is right on schedule and everyone is ready."

Joseph looked at his wife and said, "Mary, I am sorry the journey has been so long and this is not exactly where I thought you would give birth, but it is quiet here. The inn would have been so noisy. Look at that sky. Do the stars seem brighter? Is it me or does the air seem charged with energy? The darkness even has a different look. I must be very tired. And worried. Are you sure you are comfortable? How are the pains?"

"O, my sweet Joseph. I would not want to be anywhere else tonight. I feel as if I am surrounded with love. The pains are strong, but that means this baby will soon be born. Poor thing, bounced around inside of me as we traveled." Mary answered.

"Is there anything I can get you? A drink? Did you notice how the animals have settled down? It is as if they know what is going to happen." Joseph said as he comforted Mary.

Mary looked into Joseph's eyes, "I am so thankful you had that dream and listened to the angel. Joseph, I would never lie to you but I know you had doubts. These months have been hard but we have been so blessed to be chosen to raise God's son. Do you like the name Jesus? I do not understand how this baby will save people from their sins. Do you?"

"No, but we do not have to understand." Joseph softly replied. "Rest. You look tired. Did you know I have been working on a cradle? I thought I saw you peek in the carpentry shop one day when I was working on it. Sleep, if you can. I will be right here."

Mary smiled, "Yes, I saw the cradle. You were sneaking off to the shop and I wanted to see what you were working on. Oh. That was a strong pain. Do you have everything ready? Cloths to wrap him in? I think I will close my eyes for just a moment. I feel I will need all my strength very soon."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:4 - 7

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there the time came for the baby to be born, 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.

THINK ABOUT THE BIRTH

A very young girl. Her first baby. No hospital. No nurse. No doctor. No epidural. This was a Holy Child, but this child was born in human form by human birth. There would have been pain. Do you suppose they were afraid? How would Joseph have felt? How would Mary have felt?

How would God have felt watching his plan unfold? Waiting for his Son to be born.

Are you ready for Christmas? Are you ready to accept the Christ Child born to the Virgin Mary?

Tomorrow is Christmas. The day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Are you ready for Christmas?

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS - PART 3

"Got a minute?" Gabriel asked God. "I was just wondering how it went with Joseph. Mary is ready to return home and I have been so busy making sure everything on my list is done, I haven't had time to hear an update."

God smiled, "Went just as I planned. I knew Joseph was a righteous man and when the angel came to him in his dream, Joseph understood that he was to take Mary as his wife. He is taking Mary home now. There will be no physical union until she has given birth but this will give them time to really get to know each other. Besides, these next few months are going to be busy."

"Tell me about it," Gabriel sighed. "The genealogy is verified and written down so there can be no question that the baby is of the house and line of David. Caesar Augustus has started work on the decree for a census. I don't think he realizes the confusion this will cause or that the census is all part of your plan. I know hotels and motels are ideas for the future, but they sure would come in handy during this census. So many people traveling. A mail in form would be a lot easier."

"Now Gabriel," God said with a bit of sarcasm in his voice, "you know all things in their time and what would the people of Bethlehem think if a seven story, 300 room hotel just appeared on the edge of town? Besides my Son needs to be born in a humble surrounding. And the angel has the lines memorized. The company of heavenly hosts would be so disappointed if they couldn't wake up the shepherds with the glory of the Lord shining all around them. Don't want to disappoint the heavenly hosts."

God continued, "I do so worry about Joseph and Mary. This time has not been easy for them and so many people just do not understand. Mary has been very strong but the trip to Bethlehem will be long and hard. Yes, the time is getting closer."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 1:18 - 25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream 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."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel -- which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

THINK ABOUT JOSEPH

Joseph was in a binding relationship with Mary, whom he called his wife, which could only be broken by divorce. What must Joseph have thought when he found out Mary was with child? Did he believe her? Why would he divorce her if he believed her? Sounds like he had doubts. Do you think he might have gone and talked to someone? Asked for advice? Did he talk to Mary's parents? Or did he just ponder on this, alone and confused? Feeling betrayed. Then he had a dream.

Can you put yourself in Joseph's place? Can you feel his confusion? Can you imagine waking up from the dream? Would you have the courage to do as the angel had asked? Would you wonder if you could be a father to a son conceived from the Holy Spirit? Would you feel inadequate? Would you feel honored?

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS - PART 2

"Well, Gabriel," asked God, "what did you think of Mary?"

Gabriel answered, "What a wonderful young lady. She was a bit confused about exactly how she would become pregnant, but willingly accepted her role. She has gone to visit Elizabeth."

Looking down from heaven, God told Gabriel, "Yes, she arrived safely. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped."

Gabriel chuckled, "Elizabeth thought she would never have children. She receives a surprise visit from Mary and the baby leaps with joy. To top that off, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth has had an exciting day. What did she say to Mary?"

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" God replied. "Elizabeth called Mary 'blessed.' The baby Elizabeth delivers will be very special in the life of Jesus.

"So what is next?" Gabriel wondered.

"Mary is going to stay with Elizabeth a few months and then go home. Joseph has been informed that Mary is with child and, being a righteous man, does not want to expose her to public disgrace. He thinks he will quietly divorce her. I have a better idea." God replied.

"Oh, listen, Mary is singing."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:46 - 55

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.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.

THINK ABOUT ELIZABETH

What was Elizabeth's role in the Christmas story? She opened her home to an unwed mother-to-be. She was the first to call Mary and her child blessed. Did she hear the song Mary sang? Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist.

According to Luke 1:7, Elizabeth was well along in years. That means her body was past its prime for giving birth. And think about being well along in years and then having to potty train a child. Raise a teenager. Then a young man. And all the while making sure he never took wine or other fermented drink. Talk about being odd man out at every wedding and party. Do you think being a mother at her age made Elizabeth's job harder?

In a Christmas play, the role of Elizabeth would be that of a supporting actress. Do you think she ever felt like she was playing second fiddle? A bit below Mary? Her son not as great as Jesus? Do you think she was ever jealous?

Think about Elizabeth. God did not look at Elizabeth and consider her too old. God gave Elizabeth a very important supporting role in the birth of His Son. What role has God given you?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I BELIEVE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Genesis 1:1, Psalms 4:1, Luke 2:13-14, John 8:12 and Revelation 22:21

I BELIEVE

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1
Did God create our world? I feel the earth beneath my feet and enjoy the stars in the sky. --- I BELIEVE!

"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." Psalms 4:1
Does God hear my prayers? I received peace when our family suffered the loss of my mother, received comfort when I was ill, and have been given a hand to hold at the end of each day. --- I BELIEVE!

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:13-14
Was a Holy Child born that night? -- I watch the children sing the Christmas carols, with smiles on their faces and wonder in their eyes. --- I BELIEVE!

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
Is Jesus the light? -- I see the brilliance of the candles on the altar. --- I BELIEVE!

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Revelation 22:21
- - - - - I BELIEVE!

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What do you believe?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Happy Birthday Jesus, I am almost ready to celebrate your birth. I want you to know that although all these things are fun, the tree is not important. The gifts are not important. The cookies, candy and ham are not important. I am getting myself ready to celebrate your birthday in the true spirit. I will be ready to wake up Christmas morning and feel the excitement of the angels. And the wonder of the shepherds. I will wake up Christmas morning and offer to you my gifts of worship and belief. I will open your gifts of peace, hope and joy. Happy Birthday Jesus. .………………………………… Amen

THIS LAST WEEK

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

(For your high times) I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:4-5

(For your low times) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

THIS LAST WEEK

This has been a week of highs and lows. Last Sunday, our daughter and I went Christmas shopping instead of going to church. Was that wrong? NO. We needed a mother/daughter day! It was a great day. We shopped, we talked and we ate. It does not get much better than that. We used Sunday to share God's love by being together.

The lows have been to see on TV how weather and humanity disrupts our lives. Our trees were ice covered and they were pretty. Glistening and shiny. But our trees never fell and our power never went out. It is hard to see the pictures of the devastation that the ice storm caused across the country. So many people quickly forgetting about Christmas shopping as they wondered when they would have heat. Or phones. Or water.

It is amazing that on one hand water is calming as it flows in a creek or you watch the waves rush to the shore. Then on the other hand, water causes floods or ice storms or hail or too much snow. On one hand, fire keeps us warm and cooks our food. The same fire can burn a forest or a home.

Last week we had three young men die in a fire. Although the cause of the fire is still uncertain, this fire has left friends hurting, firemen questioning if they could have done more and families wondering what to do with their empty arms.

We also listened as the reports continued about shootings in malls and churches. It makes it hard to celebrate when so many people have had their lives turned upside down.

I also finished a Bible Study this week. When it was over, the group realized the study had ended much too soon. We also realized we had grown as Christians. This was a Beth Moore study, Breaking Free, Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life. I am not sure I am supposed to quote from her study, but I am. Hopefully this quote will help us know where to turn when we have highs, when we have lows and when we are just confused as to why people die needlessly in fires or shootings. Or why storms come.

From Beth Moore: "each morning the Holy Spirit woos me once again to the place where I meet with God. The God of grace bows low and meets with me. In the simplicity of my prayer time, I am suddenly confronted by the majesty of my Redeemer. The One who is responsible for any good in me. My past sins are forgiven and fresh mercies fall like manna from heaven. And once again, my heart is moved, and I surrender all. Morning after morning."

My friends, someday we will understand, but until that day comes, keep turning to God. Simply pray and tell the one who bows low how you feel. God can help!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Think about the week you have had. Have you turned to God and praised Him when you have had highs? Have you turned to God and asked for His comfort when you have had lows?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear God of grace, I reach out to you as you bow low and meet with me. With me. Do you know how special that makes me feel? You listen to me. Oh Lord, let me talk to you in my simple words. Let me tell you about my week. ………………………………… Amen

CHRISTMAS -- A "CHANCE"

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:30-33

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

CHRISTMAS -- A "CHANCE"

I love Christmas -- it's a chance. A chance is an opportunity and, at Christmas, the list of chances can be unending.

A "chance" to sing a song - a song of the magic of Christmas. Songs of children and stars. Of family and of a humble birthplace.

A "chance" to reach out. The meaning of Christmas is giving and we need to help those who otherwise would have an empty day. Maybe just the sound of a voice - it can be so quiet when you are alone.

A "chance" to say I Love You, I Care, I Remember. So many beautiful cards and each one saying "I am thinking about YOU."

A "chance" to say I am sorry. This is the perfect time to apologize, to renew old friendships, to take back the words spoken in haste and to make families whole again.

A "chance" to believe in miracles. The miracle of the first Christmas and the gift of a baby. The light in the eyes of children. The beauty of the first snow and knowing the spring will bring flowers.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Christmas is a little more than two weeks away. Are you ready? Is there one more thing you need to do? You have a chance to do it in the next two weeks. Is there a song you want to sing? Someone you want to talk to? Someone you want to apologize to? This is the season to believe in miracles. Take a chance -- BELIEVE.

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear giver of miracles, I do believe and I know that the birth of your Son was a miracle. A gift you gave me. Let me grab a hold of the miracle and use it to sing. To reach out to others with words like I love you and I care. Let me grab a hold and use the strength of that miracle to say I am sorry and to renew old friendships and heal family hurts. I do believe and I want to use this time before Christmas to prepare a celebration to honor the birth of Jesus. ………………………………… Amen