Category: Christmas

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The Best Gift

When you look back at all your Christmases which one do you remember? Is it a childhood experience or maybe one as a newlywed or empty nester? When you gather with family and friends do you still talk about it as being the “best”?

How many years do you think Mary and Joseph recalled that special trip to Bethlehem? It wasn’t even called Christmas then. It started out as a trip to pay taxes and be registered in a census. But everything changed when Jesus was born.

“Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them.” Luke 2:18-19 CEV

The events of that trip gave Mary much to think about. And then following Jewish custom, Mary & Joseph took Jesus on His first outing to the temple. They were greeted by Simeon and Anna. These two old people had been waiting all their lives to see this baby! Now they could die rejoicing that they had seen the Messiah.

“Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘Many Jews will fall and many will rise because of this boy. He will be a sign from God…38 Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.” Luke 2:33-38 CEV

I’m sure Mary & Joseph were still recounting the events of Bethlehem when the wisemen arrived. All along the way folks probably asked where they were going, and they told the story of how they had seen the star and now they had to find the child. Their words were so persuasive and commanding that Herod was filled with fear and jealousy.

“They asked people, ‘Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:2-3 CEV

They came to see this wonderful gift, this child who was born to be king.

We have been given a wonderful gift. This gift, relationship with the Father, should be one we talk about year after year, it’s the best gift ever.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son”

Merry Christmas Father!! Merry Christmas Jesus!! Merry Christmas Holy Spirit!! Thank you.

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A Time for Change

Christmas time has always brought change – it certainly did for Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. The change of a star in the heavens brought the wisemen half way across the known world.

It brought change for Anna and Simeon, two elderly people, who had been serving in the Temple and were able to see their long-awaited Messiah. Change came to Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, who was the mother of John the baptizer. She knew her son would preach the good news that the Messiah had come.

“Joseph registered with Mary because she was engaged to marry him. (She was now pregnant.) 6 While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed. She put him there because the guest room was full.” Luke 2:5-7 ERV

The time came and there was change.

We are also changed by Christmas. Yes, those of us who recognize Christ as our Savior celebrate His birth and His love. We desire to be more loving, more giving, more kind at Christmas.

We decorate differently. We sing special songs, watch theme movies, bake special cookies. All of these are things that change at Christmas. There’s a Christmas song that I heard many years ago and still enjoy, “One Night A Year”.

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

I like to think that we can live with Christmas in our hearts all year long. Jesus said He came for a very specific reason.

“‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly 19 and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.” Luke 4:18-19 ERV

The time has come for us to share the love that Jesus has for us with others. Christmas is a time for change!

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Christmas Wrapping

Today I’ll start wrapping some presents. It’s a task I put off because it’s really not my thing. I have friends who do an amazing job. Their gifts are so beautiful that you almost hate to open them, almost.

I’ve had the wrapping paper in the closet for weeks but I couldn’t find the gift tags. I was determined not to run out to the store just for that so I was going to make some however, the other day, while going through my file cabinet, I found them. Thank you.

I got to thinking about some of the Christmas gifts I have received over the years. The simple gifts that came from the kids when they were little. The gift tag was written in crayon and the gift bows were yarn or string. Dave had a way of making Christmas gifts special – he loved to do leather work and for several years I received hand tooled and hand stamped leather coasters. He would place them on my gift as a “To/From” but really, they were and still are the gifts I cherish most.

There’s one other gift that means the world to me. Understated and wrapped in the most unique way. Looking at it from the outside there was no hint as to the real value. Priceless in fact! But the gift tag was beyond expression – flamboyant, glitzy, a real eye catcher.

“ That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Luke 2:8-12 ERV

The gift tag filled the sky with wonder! The To: and From: were written boldly by the hand of the Father.

“ Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

To: Everyone From: God

The gift: small and non-descript. A baby boy wrapped in cloth laying in a feeding trough on a mattress of hay.

The gift: extraordinary!! The Son of God in human form, left heaven, came to earth to be the Savior of all who believe.

From: The Father’s Heart. To: All Who Believe.

The gift has been wrapped; the tag has been written. Receive the gift that completely changes our lives!

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Ask For the Baby Jesus

A few days ago, Dave and I were in one of our favorite artisan shops in Tubac. I was reminded of one of the first time I visited there.

I love Nativities. I have the one from our first year of marriage; I have one that was made for me in 1980 and all the little ones I have added along the way. My most recent was one I purchased with Christmas monies from my Mom. I purchased it in that little shop I was talking about, it’s made from Mexican pottery called talavera.

I studied each figure in the set; their smiling faces, their clothing, the shape of the stall and then I realized there was no baby Jesus! Where did He go? What happened to Him? 

That shop has many Nativity scenes from Mexico, South America, and the US. There is a sign close to the larger sets telling shoppers to ask for the baby Jesus. When I asked the shop keeper why, he replied “People steal the baby Jesus. We don’t have a theft problem in the store except for that.” I was told they keep the baby Jesus in the back room and you have to ask for Him.

Ask for Jesus! Wasn’t that the Father’s intent from the beginning? He wanted us to recognize that our lives were not complete without Jesus. 

Who would steal the baby Jesus? That is completely counter to the reason He came. When Jesus was born the angels filled the heavens with the announcement. The shepherds were told to go find Him. The wise men saw and followed His star. Everyone was welcome to come see Jesus!

Jesus came to forgive the sins of all men, even the ones who would steal the baby Jesus.  Jesus wasn’t born in a palace where only a few of the elite would be allowed to enter. He wasn’t born in a monastery where only the religious and the holy would be. No, He was born in a barn; anyone – man, woman, child, elite or poor, educated or unlearned was welcomed at the manger. 

“Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” 13 Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying,

14 “Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.”

15 The angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box.” Luke 2:11-16 ERV 

I want to encourage you to put Jesus on display. Don’t hid him, let the world see that He lives in you. Love the way He did; reach out to everyone the Father brings your way. The sign on our lives should be “if you want Jesus, just ask!”

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A Teenager, A Carpenter & A Shepherd

Sometimes I think we forget that the people we encounter through the pages of the Bible were real people just like you and me. They were subject to the same emotions that we experience. I find that very comforting.

This morning I was thinking about the angels that were used to deliver God’s messages to those who had the starring roles in the Christmas story – a teenager, a carpenter and some shepherds.

First let’s look at the message that Mary received.

“The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord is with you; you are very special to him.” 29 But Mary was very confused about what the angel said. She wondered, “What does this mean?” 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, because God is very pleased with you. 31 Listen! You will become pregnant and have a baby boy. You will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:28-31 ERV

Don’t be afraid.

Then look at Joseph, the carpenter’s, encounter.

“ But after Joseph thought about this, an angel from the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to accept Mary to be your wife. The baby inside her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-22 ERV

Don’t be afraid.

And finally, let’s see the message the shepherds received.

“ That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Luke 2:8-12 ERV

Don’t be afraid. The message is clear – God never wants our lives ruled by fear. When we are fearful, we react without thinking, often irrationally. God wants us to think clearly, to listen well and to follow His leading in peace.

If any of these three had been moved by fear the outcome of the angels’ announcements could have been very different. Mary may have told the angel to find someone else to mother the Messiah. Joseph, fearing for his reputation, may have decided to follow through with his plan to separate himself from Mary and end their relationship. If the shepherds had been led by fear they may have stayed on the hillside and missed out on seeing the newborn King.

I’ve had to ask myself; how many times have I missed out on God’s leading in my life because I let fear lead and not God’s peace. When the Father reveals His leading in our lives, He will also fill us with His peace.

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

Of the three, the teenager, the carpenter and the shepherd, who do you identify with most; the young woman whose life would be publicly and dramatically changed, the businessman whose reputation and livelihood could have been ruined or the shepherd who could have not gotten involved but missed out on the meet-up of a lifetime?

To all of us, who are being led by the Father, the message is the same “Don’t be afraid, I am with you”!

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Light the World

While we were in the mountains this summer I lit and decorated a small pine tree at the back of our campsite. Dave humored me when I bought the lights and told me we had multiple strands at home that we could have used but he ran the extension cord and help me string the lights without complaint.

I took little pinecones I had found on the ground, attached ribbon to them and hung them from the branches. Simple but special.

There were many nights that we sat outside and had campers walk by and remark “Oh look, they have a Christmas tree”. It was just a small non-descript Douglas fir but once the lights were added it took on new meaning.

Our lives are like that. We may be small and insignificant to the world’s population but once the Lord takes our lives and adds His light, we become a light to the world.

“You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, 15 and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. 16 Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 CEV

Notice the first four words of the verses above “You are like light” – we are to be like the light of the world, bringing hope in the darkness.

These were Jesus’ words to those who followed Him and listened to His teachings. They are His words to us as well. In the book of John, Jesus said of himself “I AM the light of the world”. He came to bring us out of the darkness of sinful living and into a life lit by the love of God.

“I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.” John 12:46 CEV

The light that comes from us is there because of Christ!

“The Scriptures say, “God commanded light to shine in the dark.” Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 CEV

As we start this Christmas month, December, let’s remember to be a light that will point all those around us to THE LIGHT – let us be illuminated with His love!

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Twas the Morning of Christmas

Twas the morning of Christmas and all through the house, the only creature stirring is me. The coffee is brewed and my cup is full but not nearly as full as my heart which is overflowing with love and appreciation for each of my family and friends who are reading this non-rhymning message.

A world changing event transpired over 2000 years ago when the sky was filled with an angelic chorus. A baby born affected the whole human race by introducing unconditional love in human flesh to reconcile us to a perfect and merciful God, the Father.

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

Our prayer for you and your families this morning is that you know Him personally and that you have allowed Him to change your life. You have certainly impacted our lives through the year and left an imprint of your love, your caring and your joy. Your friendship is dear.

Merry Christmas from the Wilson’s casa to yours!

“This is what God commands: that we believe in his Son Jesus Christ, and that we love each other as he commanded. 24 All who obey God’s commands live in God. And God lives in them. How do we know that God lives in us? We know because of the Spirit he gave us.” I John 3:23-24 ERV

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The Heart of the Matter

Many years ago my writings often came in the form of poetry. Some of those poems were published in a monthly newsletter but most of them were tucked away in a manilla folder in the filing cabinet drawer.

About ten years back I came across that folder and for the first time in a very long while I shared this poem on Christmas. I’d like to share it with you this morning.

Christmas Warms the Heart

Long ago and far away, a child was brought
to earth.

For many years, men had sought, the coming of
His birth.

On quiet hills in pastures green, the flocks
they did sleep.

When shepherds woke from peaceful rest,
heavens glory they did see.

When I hear this story, and remember all
that’s told,

I’d like to have been a shepherd and lived
those years ago.

The angels in their chorus, proclaiming
Peace on Earth

Brings excitement to my soul and my heart is
stirred.

To see the heavens shining bright, a glory
uncompared,

Then walk the road to Bethlehem and find the
Christ child fair.

To kneel before His presence and know that
He was King

What more could I expect from life, His
praises I will sing.

Today I see the tinsel, the glitter and the
toys

The stores are filled with shoppers,
laughing girls and boys,

While streets are lined with trees and
Santas’ ringing bells,

Ovens fill with cookies – oh,those wonderful
smells.

Now it is time to stop from all the things I
do,

To remember Christmas, and it’s meaning that
is true.

It is God’s Son, brought to earth to give
eternal life,

His glory to shine within my heart, not in
the sky of night.

In each of us, Christ wants to live, in
power and in love

Let us proclaim, to men the same, as angels
from above.

Peace on earth can only come, when before
the Son we bow.

We must kneel and honor Him, our lives to
Him we vow.

This year a special gift we give, not like
the kings of old

For it’s not gold or frankincense but a
heart that He can mold.

Many a gift we have received and have given
with joyful heart

But Jesus now this gift we bring, from You
we’ll never part.

O Lord, this is our honest prayer, our gift
we’ll not forget

But that it is a lasting one to which we
will commit.

My heart is warmed by Your love and the gift
You gave to me,

It is in Christ and Christ alone, I find
what Christmas means.

 

Let’s take this time to recommit our heart’s devotion to our loving heavenly Father, the one who gives us life. 

“He said, ‘Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?’ 37 Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command.'” Matthew 22:36-38 ERV

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Follow the Star

According to what I’ve read and heard recently we are supposed to be able to see the Christmas Star this evening. I’m looking forward to it.

I think it’s so interesting that its called the Christmas Star.

The star that the wisemen followed from the East was in the sky more than just a few nights. Their travels took many months and the star was there to guide them all along the way. One of God’s early navigational tools.

We watched a movie a couple months back where a yacht was lost at sea. All the electronics and navigational devices had been damaged and rendered useless. This movie was based on true events and it showed how the woman on the boat used a sextant to chart her course by the placement of the stars.

God has given us so many evidences in nature to remind us of His faithfulness. Tonight we get to see another one. Amazing!

Following that star was an act of faith for those on this divine expedition. What would they have done if three months into their search the star disappeared? Would they have gone home? Would they have camped where they were waiting for it to reappeared? They even assumed that the star was leading them to Jerusalem because that was the capital city and surely the new king would be born there.

“They asked people, ‘Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him’…8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem. He said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, come tell me. Then I can go worship him too.”

9 After the wise men heard the king, they left. They saw the same star they had seen in the east, and they followed it. The star went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was. 10 They were very happy and excited to see the star.

11 The wise men came to the house where the child was with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened the boxes of gifts they had brought for him. They gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they went home to their own country a different way.” Matthew 2:2-12 ERV

How many times have those around us tried to convince us not to follow our hearts, not to go and do what we felt that God was leading us to do? Or perhaps you have had someone try to misdirect and alter what you knew to be right? Have you ever questioned God’s leading? Have you ever gotten started and then stopped, wondering if you had really been following God’s direction? I have had all these questions and hesitations.

We have been given a wonderful example in this account of the wisemen. Stay the course, don’t be detoured by others’ opinions.

Follow the star – it will lead us to the King!

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Open A Gift Early

What do you think will be the best Christmas present you will receive this year? Is it something from your kids, grandkids or your spouse? What will bring the biggest smile to your face and the greatest warmth in your heart?

I was one of those kids who would take a sneak peak at some of the presents under our Christmas tree. I was able to lift the tape without tearing the paper and made sure that all the creases on the wrapping lined up perfectly before I placed it back in the exact spot under the tree. But I always felt guilty.

This year when packages started arriving one label read “Don’t open until December 25th”. Do you think they knew we might be tempted to open them early? Our youngest daughter gave us permission to open her gifts early and Dave happily complied.

Several years ago I began giving my morning readers a “gift” for each day of December. The following year I expanded on those writings and compiled an Advent Book, “The Best Gifts of Christmas”.

There are thirty-one short chapters, one for each day of the month. Each day focuses on a different gift that we have received from our heavenly Father. Each gift is wrapped in His love and has our name on the tag. Each gift is personalized, specifically designed just for us and yet each gift has universal appeal.

This morning I’d like to give you permission to open a gift early and you don’t even have to feel guilty.

It’s something you can enjoy every day of the year; there’s no expiration date. It won’t grow old or go out of style. This is something you can have for all time.

“This is the new agreement I will give the people of Israel. I will give this agreement in the future, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write my laws on their hearts I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 Never again will anyone have to teach their neighbors or their family to know the Lord. All people—the greatest and the least important—will know me. 12 And I will forgive the wrongs they have done,  and I will not remember their sins.” Hebrews 8:8-13 ERV

The Lord has put a desire in our hearts to know Him. There’s a drawing to have relationship with Him. This relationship is for everyone and yet it’s specific to each of us. He promises to forgive every wrong we’ve committed and once it’s forgiven He forgets it as well.

“Everything God says is true— and it’s a shield for all who come to him for safety.” Proverbs 30:5 CEV

Since everything God says is true then that means having our sins forgotten, forgiveness extended, and restoration belong to us! Thank you Lord for these wonderful gifts.

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