This last weekend I spent quite a bit of time writing my annual Christmas letter and addressing Christmas cards. They’ll all go out in the mail this week – old fashioned you say – a waste of time. Never!
With our world of instant communication I find it very refreshing to receive something personal, addressed to me and not the whole of the internet universe. When I was a kid I went to church summer camp. One of the most memorable events of the day was mail call. A letter from home. Then I went off to college and each day after lunch I would head to the student union building and hope to find something in my mailbox.
The most precious letters I ever received were when Dave and I were dating. He lived in southern California and I lived in central Arizona. I have saved all of those letters and every once in a while I read a couple and they take me back to when our love was new. So sweet and precious.
To know the value of a personal letter talk to a soldier who is deployed and thousands of miles from home or a senior citizen who no longer has the ability to drive themselves to meet with friends. The personal message conveyed in a letter is priceless.
Every time I pick up my Bible and read, I realize it is a personal letter written just to me. If I had been the only one on earth God still would have conveyed His message of love and good will to me. I do not take for granted the words on the page or the way the message has been protected through the years. The love that was expressed through the writers thousands of years ago has not changed.
And then I think of the heavenly Christmas card that was given on the night of Jesus birth.
“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:9-11 NLT
The first Christmas card was written in the heavens. It was sent special delivery and was given to the most common of people, the shepherds. It was a personal message spoken to a few but given to all.
Make your outreach this Christmas personal. Convey the message of your heart to those around you. It may be just the thing they need to to brighten their day.
When I worked outside the home, I always started my Christmas decorating the day after Thanksgiving. I had the day off, guests were gone and I’ve never been one to shop on Black Friday.
This last week while cleaning, I was also preparing the house for today. Moving small pieces of furniture to make a place for the tree and the different nativities I put out.
It’s Tradition! Another word for tradition is purpose.
My first memories of Christmas are of my daddy, with his big Bible, reading the Christmas story on Christmas morning. After he finished reading, he led our family in prayer. This was the focal point of our day. After Dave and I were married, he read the same account from Luke 2 and then one of us would lead our family in prayer.
There were Christmases when the gifts were few but it didn’t spoil the day. Christmas was never been about us and what we got. The focus had always been on Christ and what He gave. His birth was and is our reason for celebration.
There are many things we do during the Christmas season, they each have a purpose. The nativity is the center piece of our Christmas decorations; the special carols, the Christmas stockings that Mom and now, I, have made for our family, the books on the coffee table, kringla (a Norwegian cookie) and the peanut butter balls are all reminders of love of family and love for the Lord.. If we forget the reason for the season, it’s just another commercial holiday that leaves us feeling empty and disappointed with “that’s all I got”.
As parents and grandparents it’s our responsibility to see that the traditions we establish point upward to Jesus and not inward to self.
“I taught you the laws and rules that the Lord my God commanded me. I did this so you could obey them in the land you are ready to enter and take for your own. 6 Obey these laws carefully. This will show the people of the other nations that you are wise and sensible. They will hear about these laws and say, ‘Truly, the people of this great nation are wise and sensible.’
7 “The Lord our God is near when we ask him to help us. No other nation has a god like that! 8 And no other nation is great enough to have laws and rules as good as the teachings I give you today. 9 But you must be careful! Be sure that as long as you live you never forget what you have seen. You must teach these things to your children and grandchildren. 10 Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Mount Horeb. The Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people together to listen to what I have to say. Then they will learn to respect me as long as they live on earth. And they will teach these things to their children.’ ” Deuteronomy 4:5-10 ERV
It’s never too early or too late to start a tradition! Fill your Christmas season with purpose!
Last year about this time I was putting the finishing edits on my book, The Best Gifts of Christmas, Receiving and Giving God’s Best.
I just had to share with all of you some of the precious gifts that the Lord lavishes on us each and every day. I couldn’t think of a better time to bring these to your memory than during the holiday season.
I lived so many years of my Christian life not realizing that the Father wanted to overflow my life’s cup with His goodness. It’s so important to remind ourselves of the blessings God freely gives; it increases the depth of our relationship with Him.
My heart’s desire is to provide a brief teaching, each day of December, focusing on one of the Father’s many gifts and then to challenge each of us to apply what we’ve learned.
Recently I had a woman tell me that she had read The Best Gifts of Christmas twice and was going to finish it a third time before the middle of November. She was sharing it with her granddaughter and encouraging her to use the practical application at the end of each day with her friends and classmates. That really touched my heart.
Here are some comments from others who participated in the daily reading last year.
“A great way to prepare your heart for the true meaning of the Season. Insightful and meaningful read” Lonny C.
“What I love about this book is the suggestions of Thought and Action. Anyone of any age can participate, bringing the celebration of Christmas to a whole nother level. A great way to touch lives with the Christmas spirit.” Wendy L.
“This book is very nicely done. I gave several as Christmas presents to my friends and family.” Tom S.
“Our family loves the holiday season and last year I purchased this book to further enhance our holiday spirit. We are a family of six; from toddler to teenager and this book helped to spiritually encourage our entire household. Get those candles out and get ready for a month of tremendous gifts!!” Desiree P.
Thank you to all who ordered a copy last year. I know some of you bought several books and gave them to friends and family. I hope this book becomes a part of your Christmas traditions. You get to open a different gift each day, the best gifts of the season, the gifts of the Father’s love!
Books are available through Amazon. Click on the image above, it will take you directly to the order page.
Have a wonderful November. Fill each day with gratitude. God bless you all!
Thank you to those of you who ordered my book, The Best Gifts of Christmas, last year. I hope you enjoyed opening one of God’s precious gifts each day during December.
Maybe you have family or friends that you would like to give a copy too. I have placed a discounted price on the Amazon sight for your benefit.
I was so blessed to read the reviews that readers have shared. If you would like to let others know your thoughts about the book I welcome you to do so. Reviews can be left by going to the bottom of the book page and adding your comment.
I pray that you all are enjoying the cooler weather of fall and experiencing the wonderful gifts of God’s love and goodness each and every day of the year.
It’s my desire that you experience God’s good and perfect gifts all throughout the year.
If you are like me you are beginning to think about Christmas; decorating, baking, family visits and the gifts.
Last year quite a number of you purchased the book I wrote, The Best Gifts of Christmas, Receiving and Giving God’s Best. It was released in November and you joined me during December reading each day and then giving into the lives of your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.
This year I have a special request.
If any of you are members of churches with bookstores, belong to Bible Study groups, Sunday School classes or have other associations that would be encouraged from the daily “gifts” that we open, you may order the books at a group rate discount of 25% through the website page, Books by Kristi.
If books are ordered by October 20th I can have them mailed to you in time for them to be distributed by the first of December and we can open the first gift together.
Thank you for sharing this gift of God’s blessings with your church, your family and friends.
I also ask for your prayers as I continue to work on the next book. Hopefully it will be in print before year end.
Merry Christmas to all of you! I pray your day is filled with peace, joy and love.
As you celebrate the birth of Jesus, I hope you experience the same anticipation, excitement and wonder that the shepherds did over 2000 years ago. May you find joy as you celebrate with family and friends but take time for solitude and let the Lord speak directly to your heart.
I have no carol to share this morning. Instead I’m sharing with you a poem that I wrote over 30 years ago.
A Christmas Gift by Kristi Wilson
Christmas has a glory no other day can claim For it was on that special day, the blessed Savior came. The promise of His coming had been known for many years And now that day was really here, the answer to men’s prayers.
Now it seems so long ago, that angels spoke to men Proclaiming the good news of His birth to free them from their sins. Some have forgotten the very meaning of His humble birth And what those words really meant, “Peace to men on earth.”
It’s not the Santa in the store or snow upon the ground It’s not in pretty presents or carols sung world ’round. The true meaning that’s in Christmas is simple and unchanged; It’s the answer found in Jesus and the power of His name.
All the brightly wrapped presents, the world’s problem cannot hide The only thing that can heal man’s hurts is Jesus Christ inside. If He’d only come again, I’ve heard the people say That would solve the problems that we face each day.
But you see He’s never left, not since the day He came For He lives within my heart and for you He’ll do the same. God gave us such a special gift on Christmas long ago, He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to let the whole world know
His great love so rich and free was brought to earth that day To save mankind from their sins and to answer when they pray. This gift was given to all the world, no one was left out To receive it, just believe it and do not ever doubt.
The Son of God died for your sins to bring you life brand new The greatest gift of all times has been given unto you. There’s no tree or tinsel or the chime of silver bells That can put the heart of man at peace or save his soul from hell.
Only Jesus Chist can answer the longing of each heart And give to man eternal life and a brand new start. There’s nothing wrong with Christmas, its tinsel, toys and trees; The carols have new meaning when from sin you have been freed.
I share with you a cherished gift of my Father’s love Jesus Christ, our Savior, sent from heaven above. Merry Christmas one and all, you’re loved that is true Rejoice, rejoice, it’s Christmas time and I offer this prayer for you.
“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
Merry Christmas! May God’s gift fill your hearts all year through.
I have had a number of occasions to overhear compliments on my children when people didn’t know who I was or even realize that I was standing close enough to hear. Those have been special times! It’s one thing when people come up to tell you something good about your kids and to thank you for “raising them right” but it’s entirely different when you overhear something complimentary in a conversation that you aren’t involved in.
Now put yourself in God, the Father’s, place. He knew the angels would come heralding the birth of His Son. He made sure it was announced properly. A light show filled the entire sky and the angelic chorus never sounded better as they sang His praises. Then those shepherds went to find His Son – they stood before the manger and oo-ed and awed when they saw Him for the first time.
“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
Then there were those wise men that traveled so far to find the child. All along the way, I’m sure folks asked where they were going and heard the story of how they had seen the star and now they had to find the child.
“Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. After Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. 2 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 2:1-3 CEV
There’s one more testimony of Jesus I want us to look at this morning.
“41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. 43 When the festival was over, they went home, but Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know about it…46 After three days they found him. Jesus was sitting in the Temple area with the religious teachers, listening and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and wise answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they wondered how this was possible. And his mother said, “Son, why did you do this to us? Your father and I were very worried about you. We have been looking for you…”51 Jesus went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about all these things. 52 As Jesus grew taller, he continued to grow in wisdom. God was pleased with him and so were the people who knew him.” Luke 2:41-52 CEV
Can you imagine the religious leaders talking among
themselves? Who is this young boy, he has such amazing knowledge of God?
He talks like someone who knows God personally – how can this be?
The Father was pleased with His Son, Jesus! Jesus said that the whole reason He came was to please the Father! We can only assume how great the love between the Father and the Son is. But now think about this, the Father loves us with that same great love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”
We didn’t hear it but for all eternity, Jesus and the Father had been talking about us in heaven. Talking about how much they loved and how much it hurt that they didn’t have the relationship with us they desired to have. They wanted us to be close in spirit – they wanted us to come home on holidays, to talk with us daily, to share their thoughts and their love with us the way they did with Adam in the garden.
So they came up with a plan… “ But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us. 9 We have been made right with God by the blood sacrifice of Christ. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger. 10 I mean that while we were God’s enemies, he made friends with us through his Son’s death. And the fact that we are now God’s friends makes it even more certain that he will save us through his Son’s life. 11 And not only will we be saved, but we also rejoice right now in what God has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is because of Jesus that we are now God’s friends.” Romans 5:8-11 CEV
We’re not just friends but we have been adopted by the Father and called His sons and joint heirs with Jesus!
Now let me ask a question. Have you ever bragged about a gift you’ve received? Maybe it came from your spouse, your kids, your grandkids or a dear friend. It’s a gift that is so special and you feel so loved that you just have to brag about it, even when you don’t think the one who gave it to you is listening!
Well, I hope that’s how you feel about this wonderful gift, the gift of the Son. We need to brag on what God the Father has given us! One of the most performed songs at Christmas praises God for His wonderful gift.
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appears and the Spirit felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
[Verse 2]
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
[Verse 3]
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim
There is a tradition in the Southwest that I dearly love. When I was a child and we lived in northern New Mexico, it was there I saw the luminarias at Christmas for the first time.
Originally, luminarias were small signal fires of pinyon pine branches which lit the courtyards and the way to the church during the celebration at Christmas. These small fires were replaced with the farolito, small paper bags with sand and candles. This is what I remember.
After Dave and I were married we lived in Las Cruces, NM. The homes there, and in El Paso, were adorned with these flickering lights. It added such a special sense of wonder and reverence to the neighborhoods.
The image above was taken at a mission near our home in Southern Arizona. Each year Tumacacori Mission is illuminated like this. Simplistic and humble lighting lines the path that leads to a place where we worship the King.
Lighting the way for Christ.
God, the Father, did that when He placed the star in the heavens and the wise men’s caravan came from the East with gifts for the Christ child.
” Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. After Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. 2 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… 7 Then Herod had a private meeting with the wise men from the east. He learned from them the exact time they first saw the star. 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 2:1-12 ERV
The wise men assumed that someone whose birth had been announced with such a majestic star in the heaven’s was royal. Surely, His birth had taken place at the palace in Jerusalem. They stopped there seeking the child. Herod, the king, was threatened by this news. He wanted the child found. Herod instructed the wise men to return to him when they found the child because, he said, that he also wanted to worship Him. This was a lie; Herod wanted to have the child killed. The Lord warned the wise men of Herod’s evil plan so they returned home by another route.
God is still lighting the way for people to come to Christ. We are the ones that He is using. Like the small paper bags that house the candles and line the path, we have the light of God within us.
“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
God is wanting to use us to show His light and His glory to the world. Oh Lord, I want your light to shine brightly through me!
We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star
Refrain: O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy Perfect Light
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain Gold I bring to crown Him again King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign (Refrain)
Frankincense to offer have I Incense owns a Deity nigh Prayer and praising, all men raising Worship Him, God most high (Refrain)
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes of life of gathering gloom Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying Sealed in the stone-cold tomb (Refrain)
Glorious now behold Him arise King and God and Sacrifice Alleluia, Alleluia Earth to heav’n replies (Refrain)
May our light lead, not just to the baby born in a manger, but also to the empty tomb and the risen Lord!
In our area we have beautiful, brightly colored pottery which is made in Mexico and it is known as talavera.
For years I have purchased pieces to use in my decorating; cups, bowls, plates, canisters, etc. Each piece brings an atmosphere of gaiety and joy to the room. Several years ago, I was shopping in Tubac, an artisan community near us, when I saw the talavera nativity sets. I knew I had to have one.
Most of my decorating at Christmas is done with nativity sets and angels. 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?
The shop that we were in had many different size nativity sets and they were all missing the Christ child. And then I saw the handwritten sign…If you buy a nativity, ask for Jesus.
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.
Ask for Jesus? When I asked the shop owner why there were no baby Jesus figures he told me this. We never have any problem with theft in this shop except for the baby Jesus. We keep Him in the back until a nativity is sold and then bring Him out and add Him with the rest of the pieces.
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”.
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby awakes But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the night sky And stay by my side till morning is nigh
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me I pray Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there
I told you yesterday that when we lived in Montana our town was small; 5000 people small and that was when college was in session. We purposefully chose a rural community there and here in Arizona. We’re small town people!
There is a sense of closeness and camaraderie among the people in rural areas. I remember going to events at the Elks Club and everyone was there; fund-raisers for the local high school, food drives, benefit night for someone who had been diagnosed with illness or hurt in an accident. These were all part of our community coming together to help.
I was wondering if this was what life was like in Bethlehem. Did everyone reach out to help their neighbors, to provide what was needed when there was a crisis? Was that what was in the heart of the innkeeper when he saw a young couple standing before him asking for a place to stay? Was he moved with compassion for this expectant mother; did it break his heart to say “there’s no room in the inn”?
I read one article which said, it is estimated at the time of the census, the time of Jesus birth, there were approximately 200 homes in Bethlehem. I don’t think the population of the whole town was much more than 1200-1500 residents. How many inns could there have been? How many doors did Joseph knock on before he found a place to stay?
The Scripture tells us that Bethlehem had been chosen, by God, as the place that Jesus was to be born. It was prophesied in the book of Micah, about 700 years before Christ, that He would be born here.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are the smallest town in Judah. Your family is almost too small to count,but the “Ruler of Israel” will come from you to rule for me. His beginnings are from ancient times, from long, long ago. 3 The Lord will let his people be defeated until the woman gives birth to her child, the promised king. Then the rest of his brothers will come back to join the people of Israel. 4 He will begin to rule Israel in the power of the Lord. Like a shepherd, he will lead his people in the wonderful name of the Lord his God. And they will live in safety because then his greatness will be known all over the world. 5 He will bring a time of peace.” Micah 5:2-5 ERV
Bethlehem was said to be the smallest town in the country. If I were God I think I would have had my Son born someplace a little more grand. But God’s way is one of humility. The Apostle Paul says that God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. A birth in Bethlehem was truly an example of that.
This gives me real hope. Hope and a sense of purpose. If God chose a small town like Bethlehem to play a part in the birth of His Son then He can certainly use me for some purpose as well.
“Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold; I treasure what you say. 141 Everyone calls me a nobody, but I remember your laws. 142 You will always do right,and your teachings are true.” Psalm 119:140-142 CEV
The lesson I learn from Bethlehem being chosen is that God uses those who are available. A small town, an unnamed innkeeper, shepherds of questionable reputation and me. Thank you Lord that you see value when others see none.
O Little Town of Bethlehem, you were chosen for a great purpose!
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 tonight
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
And 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.
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
