Palm Branches Waving

The commemoration of Easter week is ahead of us. I’ve seen a post several times on Facebook of how we can celebrate what Christ did for us and not break our social distancing or self-isolation. Here it is:

“I’ve been thinking about this virus and the upcoming Easter season. What if we, as Christians, were to take red ribbons and pin or tape them to our door posts?…The bows would show this world and Satan that OUR GOD is still able to deliver HIS people from any and everything that tries to put us in bondage. We are HIS children. We are HIS favorites. We are HIS property, and HE loves us as no one else can. Let us show the world that we believe HIS word, and we are HIS. Cover those door posts, and stand on HIS promise of protection for HIS people. Passover starts April 8th -16th. Let’s get the word out!”

I have placed a red bow at my front door. Is anyone going to see it to ask me about it, possibly not? But I see it every time I come in and go out and it reminds me that the Lord has spared my life by taking my sin to His cross.

Today is Palm Sunday.

People came to Jerusalem this week to celebrate Passover and offer their sacrifices. What started on Palm Sunday ended with an empty tomb one week later.

“The next day a large crowd was in Jerusalem for Passover. When they heard that Jesus was coming for the festival, 13 they took palm branches and went out to greet him. They shouted, ‘Hooray God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the King  of Israel!’ 14 Jesus found a donkey and rode on it, just as the Scriptures say, 15 ‘People of Jerusalem, don’t be afraid! Your King is now coming, and he is riding on a donkey.’ 16 At first, Jesus’ disciples did not understand. But after he had been given his glory, they remembered all this. Everything had happened exactly as the Scriptures said it would.” John 12:12-16 CEV

These people were jubilant! They were so excited to see Jesus so they came running to the street with palm branches waving and voices cheering. There was something about Jesus and his compassionate ways that resounded with the common man. Everyone wanted to be close to Him, to hear His words and experience the miracles.

Just a short time before this Jesus had given His “mission statement” to a group who were following Him and listening to His teaching. Jesus declared that he would watch over us the way a shepherd does his sheep. A good shepherd fights off the predators and takes the sheep to good pasture.

“I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. 11 I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:9-11 CEV

Provision and Protection. A full and abundant life.

That’s why people were cheering in the streets! Never, in their lifetime, had anyone been willing to make such claims and to demonstrate such love and commitment. His mission hasn’t changed – He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

He is our protector, our provider, our Savior. He is worthy of our honor and praise. Join with me and let’s lift our voices to say thank you and to express our love for the One who gave His all.

It’s Here – December!

I am so excited for this day, December 1.  It’s just another day on the calendar, right?  Not at all!

It’s the start of the Christmas season for me. This past week I spent several days getting the house decorated and ready for Christmas. Dave’s been building presents in the shop and putting up the outdoor lights and wreaths. Yes, I love Christmas!

This year I am particularly excited because many of you will be joining me each day in reading from the devotional I just wrote, The Best Gifts of Christmas. (You can still order a copy from Amazon if you don’t already have one.)

For the past several years I have established a theme for my daily postings leading up to Christmas. I want to share something that has meaning and it must  reflect the heart of God.

I have it!    Christmas carols!

When I was a kid we would sing Christmas carols in school. We learned all the verses in Music. Do you remember going to Music? Mrs. Martinez was our Music teacher, such a sweet lady. She played the piano and sang. We all joined in. It was a great time!

Perhaps your school didn’t offer Music. Then do you remember when the gas stations in town gave out Christmas Carol books with a each fill up? They all did – Texaco, Chevron, Richfield, Esso, Union 76, Shell. We would take the books home and I would practice them on the piano, singing along as I fumbled over the keys.

The music we know as “traditional” Christmas carols was written hundreds of years ago to celebrate the commemoration of Christ’s birth. The score was joyous and the lyrics edified our Lord.  I’m sure King David would have approved and joined the chorus. He is the one who told us to magnify the Lord in song.

I will praise God’s name in song. I will honor him by giving him thanks. 31 The Lord will be happier with this than with the offering of an ox or a full-grown bull as a sacrifice.” Psalm 69:30-31 ERV

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will never stop singing his praises. Humble people, listen and be happy, while I brag about the Lord. Praise the Lord with me. Let us honor his name.” Psalm 34:1-3 ERV

The Lord is honored when we praise Him in song. As we go through the next days and weeks, I hope you will join me in joyful song as we  acknowledge the Savior’s birth.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!

Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest![Refrain]

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! [Refrain]

 

Be among the faithful. Come let us adore Him who is worthy of our praise!