From my home to yours -- may the peace of God fill your hearts and home today as we gather with loved ones, open our gifts, and thank God for His unspeakable Gift!
Best Wishes for a blessed Christmas Day!
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Monday, December 23, 2019
The Perfect Gift
"I do not ask for lavish gifts, nor satin gowns to wear;
I have no need for jeweled combs or flowers in my hair.
I only ask on Christmas Day to find when I arise,
That I may see the world again with a child's unclouded eyes."
"A little child -- a shining star --
A stable rude -- the door ajar.
Yet in that place -- so crude, forlorn,
The Hope of all the world was born."
Pamela Kennedy has written: "I think our sharing of gifts at Christmas is delightful reminder, if only a pale reflection, of what God did on that very first Christmas over two thousand years ago. The ancient scriptures remind us that the gift of the Saviour had been planned for centuries. Prophets had predicted His coming, but no one knew where or when the Gift would be given. The secret was hidden in the heart of God -- waiting for just the right moment -- for just the right amount of anticipation -- for just the right degree of need. Then, 'in the fullness of time', the Gift was wrapped tenderly in flesh and delivered to the world on a starlit night in Bethlehem. Embraced in the arms of a family, the heavenly Present was received with joy and gratitude while shepherds and angels wondered at the lavish outpouring of the Creator's love. I believe the Giver delighted in knowing just what His beloved children needed that first Christmas and took divine pleasure in receiving their heartfelt thanks.
The amazing thing about God's Christmas gift, however, is that it never wears out -- gets old, or goes out of style. Every generation, every individual, has the opportunity to receive it anew, and not only at Christmas, but also every day of every year. Our gifts to our loved ones are just temporary reminders of how much we care for and value them. The generosity of our Heavenly Father is unending. Morning by morning, we are surprised by the gifts of God. The smile of a dear friend -- the song of a solitary bird -- every breath and heartbeat -- are all expressions of His abundant love. As the beautiful carol reminds us: '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"!
So -- it's time again! It's time to kneel and praise and sing Hosannas to our newborn King!
I have no need for jeweled combs or flowers in my hair.
I only ask on Christmas Day to find when I arise,
That I may see the world again with a child's unclouded eyes."
"A little child -- a shining star --
A stable rude -- the door ajar.
Yet in that place -- so crude, forlorn,
The Hope of all the world was born."
Pamela Kennedy has written: "I think our sharing of gifts at Christmas is delightful reminder, if only a pale reflection, of what God did on that very first Christmas over two thousand years ago. The ancient scriptures remind us that the gift of the Saviour had been planned for centuries. Prophets had predicted His coming, but no one knew where or when the Gift would be given. The secret was hidden in the heart of God -- waiting for just the right moment -- for just the right amount of anticipation -- for just the right degree of need. Then, 'in the fullness of time', the Gift was wrapped tenderly in flesh and delivered to the world on a starlit night in Bethlehem. Embraced in the arms of a family, the heavenly Present was received with joy and gratitude while shepherds and angels wondered at the lavish outpouring of the Creator's love. I believe the Giver delighted in knowing just what His beloved children needed that first Christmas and took divine pleasure in receiving their heartfelt thanks.
The amazing thing about God's Christmas gift, however, is that it never wears out -- gets old, or goes out of style. Every generation, every individual, has the opportunity to receive it anew, and not only at Christmas, but also every day of every year. Our gifts to our loved ones are just temporary reminders of how much we care for and value them. The generosity of our Heavenly Father is unending. Morning by morning, we are surprised by the gifts of God. The smile of a dear friend -- the song of a solitary bird -- every breath and heartbeat -- are all expressions of His abundant love. As the beautiful carol reminds us: '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"!
So -- it's time again! It's time to kneel and praise and sing Hosannas to our newborn King!
Friday, December 20, 2019
Christmas Sunday!
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Sing this Christmas morn;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Christ the Lord is born"!
"There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky!
There's a mother's deep prayer, and a Baby's low cry!
And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth,
For the Virgin's sweet Boy is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King"!
Praise the Lord for the beautiful Christmas music, and praise the Lord for this blessed and holy season! As we anticipate going to the house of the Lord this Christmas Sunday to be blessed by the sweet singing and programs of our children, may we prepare our hearts to --
"Come and worship. Come and worship.
Worship Christ, the new born King"!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Christ the Lord is born"!
"There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky!
There's a mother's deep prayer, and a Baby's low cry!
And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth,
For the Virgin's sweet Boy is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King"!
Praise the Lord for the beautiful Christmas music, and praise the Lord for this blessed and holy season! As we anticipate going to the house of the Lord this Christmas Sunday to be blessed by the sweet singing and programs of our children, may we prepare our hearts to --
"Come and worship. Come and worship.
Worship Christ, the new born King"!
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Come to the Manger!
I trust that this sweet little story by Wendy Dunham will inspire you again this Christmas to take time to kneel before the manger!
"When I was young, the first day of every December marked a yearly event for our family. This was the day we chose our Christmas tree. Early in the morning, Dad would call -- "Everyone ready? Let's go cut down the tree." After what seemed like a drive that would never end, Dad would shout, "We're here! And Mr. Nicoles has the same sign he had when I was a kid --
CHRISTMAS TREES
3 ACRES --- U-CUT
Mr Nicoles came to greet us, and while he and Dad were talking I sneaked away to the front yard. Standing there was a life-sized, wooden nativity scene, hand carved years ago by Mr. Nicoles. When I knelt before the manger, I was transported back to Bethlehem. I ran my hand along the manger's wood, and it seemed to be worn smooth from sheep and cattle. I smelled the frankincense and touched the gold. I saw Joseph stroke Mary's head as she watched over baby Jesus. And I heard the angels sing.
"Come on, Wendy," Dad called. "It's time to pick out the Christmas tree." Reluctantly I joined the rest of the family, but I longed to stay in Bethlehem.
Along the way, each of us tried to convince Dad that we had found the perfect tree. Mother knew when her children had had enough. "Dear", she said to Dad, "don't you think this one will do? It's lovely, tall, full, and the needles are just the right length."
We took turns dragging the ten-foot tree through nearly a mile of deep snow. When we reached the house, Dad tied the tree to the top of the car.
I quietly returned to the manger. As I knelt there, I realized that I was not alone. Mr. Nicoles was standing behind me. "I can always find you at the manger," he said. I stood and turned to face him. "I like it here." "So do I," he said softly. We stood, side by side, and looked out across the blanket of snow that covered the farm. I noticed a trail of freshly made footprints in the middle of the yard. A deep trench ran behind the footprints, as if something had been dragged across the snow.
"Whose footprints are those going to your Christmas tree sign?" I asked. "They're mine," Mr. Nicoles responded. Puzzled, I said -- "But you opened your farm the day after Thanksgiving."
Mr. Nicoles bent low and whispered, "Can you keep a secret? I put the sign out this morning, just as I have for the past four years. When your family heads home, I'll take it down." "Why? I don't understand." "I have grown too old to run the farm, but I know how much this place means to your father." He smiled, "I look forward to seeing your family every December first." "And the manger?"
"Oh, I set that out for the entire season. I like to kneel before the manger too; and when I do, I can hear the angels sing."
More than 50 years have passed since that day. Mr. Nicoles continued to open his farm on December first for three more years until his health prevented the ritual.
Now, I walk through the snow to my own front yard, and to the hand-carved Nativity scene -- a bequest from Mr. Nicoles. Once again, as I kneel before the manger, I am transported back to Bethlehem; and I forget about the cards waiting to be addressed, the baking that must be done, and the gifts still to be bought. For there, before the manger, I hear the angels sing!"
"Oh, come, let us adore Him -- Christ the Lord!"
"When I was young, the first day of every December marked a yearly event for our family. This was the day we chose our Christmas tree. Early in the morning, Dad would call -- "Everyone ready? Let's go cut down the tree." After what seemed like a drive that would never end, Dad would shout, "We're here! And Mr. Nicoles has the same sign he had when I was a kid --
CHRISTMAS TREES
3 ACRES --- U-CUT
Mr Nicoles came to greet us, and while he and Dad were talking I sneaked away to the front yard. Standing there was a life-sized, wooden nativity scene, hand carved years ago by Mr. Nicoles. When I knelt before the manger, I was transported back to Bethlehem. I ran my hand along the manger's wood, and it seemed to be worn smooth from sheep and cattle. I smelled the frankincense and touched the gold. I saw Joseph stroke Mary's head as she watched over baby Jesus. And I heard the angels sing.
"Come on, Wendy," Dad called. "It's time to pick out the Christmas tree." Reluctantly I joined the rest of the family, but I longed to stay in Bethlehem.
Along the way, each of us tried to convince Dad that we had found the perfect tree. Mother knew when her children had had enough. "Dear", she said to Dad, "don't you think this one will do? It's lovely, tall, full, and the needles are just the right length."
We took turns dragging the ten-foot tree through nearly a mile of deep snow. When we reached the house, Dad tied the tree to the top of the car.
I quietly returned to the manger. As I knelt there, I realized that I was not alone. Mr. Nicoles was standing behind me. "I can always find you at the manger," he said. I stood and turned to face him. "I like it here." "So do I," he said softly. We stood, side by side, and looked out across the blanket of snow that covered the farm. I noticed a trail of freshly made footprints in the middle of the yard. A deep trench ran behind the footprints, as if something had been dragged across the snow.
"Whose footprints are those going to your Christmas tree sign?" I asked. "They're mine," Mr. Nicoles responded. Puzzled, I said -- "But you opened your farm the day after Thanksgiving."
Mr. Nicoles bent low and whispered, "Can you keep a secret? I put the sign out this morning, just as I have for the past four years. When your family heads home, I'll take it down." "Why? I don't understand." "I have grown too old to run the farm, but I know how much this place means to your father." He smiled, "I look forward to seeing your family every December first." "And the manger?"
"Oh, I set that out for the entire season. I like to kneel before the manger too; and when I do, I can hear the angels sing."
More than 50 years have passed since that day. Mr. Nicoles continued to open his farm on December first for three more years until his health prevented the ritual.
Now, I walk through the snow to my own front yard, and to the hand-carved Nativity scene -- a bequest from Mr. Nicoles. Once again, as I kneel before the manger, I am transported back to Bethlehem; and I forget about the cards waiting to be addressed, the baking that must be done, and the gifts still to be bought. For there, before the manger, I hear the angels sing!"
"Oh, come, let us adore Him -- Christ the Lord!"
Monday, December 16, 2019
Music -- God's Gift!
It seems to me that it would be impossible to have Christmas without music! I am reminded again of Martin Luther's beautiful quote -- "Next to theology, music is God's greatest gift to man." I believe that is true, and every Christmas I like to take time to contemplate how, over 200 hundred years ago, God wrote the masterpiece of "Handel's Messiah" through His servant, George Frederick Handel, and still today it is blessing thousands of hearts at Christmas! I trust that your heart will be humbled and blessed as you read this condensed story of the Messiah -- the King of Glory!
"George Frederick Handel was struggling against creditors and hunger in 1741. People were too poor and too cold to interest themselves in music that winter. He paced the floor, wondering why musicians and composers had to struggle so hard to make a living. Suddenly there was a crash -- then silence. Handel's servant heard the strange crash and ran upstairs. There in the hall lay Handel, the genius, his mouth open and a vacant stare in his eyes. When the Dr. arrived, he shook his head. After his diagnosis, he turned to go. The servant fearfully asked, "Dr., is he going to die"? A miracle might save his life, but his left side is paralyzed.
Weeks wore on. The great composer revived some, but was unable to use his left hand to play, and his mind seemed dull. The Dr. advised a trip to the hot springs in France. Handel went to France with a great desire to live and compose again. He spent hours in the hot baths. Within a few weeks he had largely recovered his health. Back in London, Handel began to play again, and to compose some. Then hard times struck again. The Spanish wars were raging. His pension had been cut off. People were hungry for bread. Winter came on, and at times Handel had to pace the streets to keep warm -- and to evade his creditors. Inspiration had left him. He was despondent, and seemed to be losing his strength, his mind, his belief in God and his desire to live.
Oh, God! Why has all this come? he cried in despair! He dragged himself to his study before retiring. On his table was a large envelope. He tore it open, and on the title page were the words, "The Messiah". Seeing that it was another oratorio, he tore the manuscript in half and threw it on the floor. His last oratorios had not met with approval. That night the heavy-hearted composer turned and tossed, unable to get the torn manuscript off his mind. Should he get up and look at it?
The first few words were "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people". The words seemed to soothe him. As he read on, he felt a strange fire surge through his frame. Surely it was a message from the Lord directly to him! The great musician was himself again! God had spoken to his soul! He heard and felt music again as never before!! The words, "Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!" seemed to move every fiber of his body! How they thrilled him! Even the final words, "Amen! Amen! Amen!" seemed to thrill him again, and he exclaimed -- "I cannot slight one word! Every word must play its part"!
He began to compose like a man obsessed. He rarely left his room, and rarely touched his meals. In only 24 days, he composed 260 pages -- an immense physical feat -- and the world's greatest Oratorio was finished! After finishing the Hallelujah Chorus, he said -- "I did think I did see all heaven before me, and the great God Himself!!
"The Messiah" met with overwhelming success wherever it was presented. People wept for joy as they heard its moving music! It seemed to breathe of a heavenly land. On one occasion, the whole audience -- including King George -- stood to their feet as the Hallelujah Chorus was sung. It was as if they were standing reverently in the presence of the Divine!
Years later, on a Good Friday, George Frederick Handel attended a presentation of his Messiah ("it was written by Another---not me") and joined in singing the Hallelujah Chorus. With the closing notes, he sank to the floor and was carried out. He lingered only a short time before he went to join the heavenly choir to sing the "Hallelujah Chorus" around the throne of God!!"
"George Frederick Handel was struggling against creditors and hunger in 1741. People were too poor and too cold to interest themselves in music that winter. He paced the floor, wondering why musicians and composers had to struggle so hard to make a living. Suddenly there was a crash -- then silence. Handel's servant heard the strange crash and ran upstairs. There in the hall lay Handel, the genius, his mouth open and a vacant stare in his eyes. When the Dr. arrived, he shook his head. After his diagnosis, he turned to go. The servant fearfully asked, "Dr., is he going to die"? A miracle might save his life, but his left side is paralyzed.
Weeks wore on. The great composer revived some, but was unable to use his left hand to play, and his mind seemed dull. The Dr. advised a trip to the hot springs in France. Handel went to France with a great desire to live and compose again. He spent hours in the hot baths. Within a few weeks he had largely recovered his health. Back in London, Handel began to play again, and to compose some. Then hard times struck again. The Spanish wars were raging. His pension had been cut off. People were hungry for bread. Winter came on, and at times Handel had to pace the streets to keep warm -- and to evade his creditors. Inspiration had left him. He was despondent, and seemed to be losing his strength, his mind, his belief in God and his desire to live.
Oh, God! Why has all this come? he cried in despair! He dragged himself to his study before retiring. On his table was a large envelope. He tore it open, and on the title page were the words, "The Messiah". Seeing that it was another oratorio, he tore the manuscript in half and threw it on the floor. His last oratorios had not met with approval. That night the heavy-hearted composer turned and tossed, unable to get the torn manuscript off his mind. Should he get up and look at it?
The first few words were "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people". The words seemed to soothe him. As he read on, he felt a strange fire surge through his frame. Surely it was a message from the Lord directly to him! The great musician was himself again! God had spoken to his soul! He heard and felt music again as never before!! The words, "Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!" seemed to move every fiber of his body! How they thrilled him! Even the final words, "Amen! Amen! Amen!" seemed to thrill him again, and he exclaimed -- "I cannot slight one word! Every word must play its part"!
He began to compose like a man obsessed. He rarely left his room, and rarely touched his meals. In only 24 days, he composed 260 pages -- an immense physical feat -- and the world's greatest Oratorio was finished! After finishing the Hallelujah Chorus, he said -- "I did think I did see all heaven before me, and the great God Himself!!
"The Messiah" met with overwhelming success wherever it was presented. People wept for joy as they heard its moving music! It seemed to breathe of a heavenly land. On one occasion, the whole audience -- including King George -- stood to their feet as the Hallelujah Chorus was sung. It was as if they were standing reverently in the presence of the Divine!
Years later, on a Good Friday, George Frederick Handel attended a presentation of his Messiah ("it was written by Another---not me") and joined in singing the Hallelujah Chorus. With the closing notes, he sank to the floor and was carried out. He lingered only a short time before he went to join the heavenly choir to sing the "Hallelujah Chorus" around the throne of God!!"
Friday, December 13, 2019
Take Time!
In this blessed Christmas season with its many festivities, Christmas programs, Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, Christmas baking, etc., we must not forget the real reason for the season!
The following quote by Oswald Chambers spoke to my heart, and I trust it will to yours also.
"The busyness of things obscures our concentration on God. Let other things come and go as they will; let other people criticize us as they will; but never allow anything to obscure the life that "is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Never let a hurried lifestyle disturb the relationship of abiding in Him."
So let us "be still" and take time to worship the One whose birth we celebrate! The songwriter said:
"Take time to be holy. The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see."
May God bless you as you prepare your heart for the coming Lord's Day!
The following quote by Oswald Chambers spoke to my heart, and I trust it will to yours also.
"The busyness of things obscures our concentration on God. Let other things come and go as they will; let other people criticize us as they will; but never allow anything to obscure the life that "is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Never let a hurried lifestyle disturb the relationship of abiding in Him."
So let us "be still" and take time to worship the One whose birth we celebrate! The songwriter said:
"Take time to be holy. The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see."
May God bless you as you prepare your heart for the coming Lord's Day!
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
What Shall I Give?
As Christmas approaches, everyone is making their list and checking it twice! I wonder -- do you have Jesus on your gift list? What are you planning to give to the Master? In reality, Jesus isn't interested in our material gifts -- He already owns everything! He is not impressed with who we are, what we have done, or where we have been. All that Jesus really wants from you and me this Christmas is a lump of clay -- just ourselves -- that He can mold and make any way He chooses to bring honor and glory to Him!
Perhaps it can best be illustrated by the sweet story of the little boy in the Christmas drama. He was too small and shy to learn a lot of lines, but the director wanted everyone to have a part. It was decided that he would be the inn-keeper, for they felt that he could say -- "Go away! There is no room!" He had his part mastered, and never missed his line -- "Go away! There is no room!"
The night of the program came, and Joseph and Mary came wearily to the inn, asking for a room. The little boy firmly said -- "Go away!! There is no room!" But as Joseph and Mary turned sadly and forlornly away, the little boy's tender heart was broken. He forgot all about his part, and rushed after them, crying -- "Come back, Mary!! Come back, Joseph! You can have my room!"
This sweet little story always touches my heart; and in this blessed Christmas season, let us not forget that this is the most important gift we can give -- and the only gift we can give to Jesus -- just ourselves! Do you belong to Jesus this Christmas? I trust that you will say with the songwriter --
"Not just a part -- or half of my heart -- I will give ALL to Thee!"
Perhaps it can best be illustrated by the sweet story of the little boy in the Christmas drama. He was too small and shy to learn a lot of lines, but the director wanted everyone to have a part. It was decided that he would be the inn-keeper, for they felt that he could say -- "Go away! There is no room!" He had his part mastered, and never missed his line -- "Go away! There is no room!"
The night of the program came, and Joseph and Mary came wearily to the inn, asking for a room. The little boy firmly said -- "Go away!! There is no room!" But as Joseph and Mary turned sadly and forlornly away, the little boy's tender heart was broken. He forgot all about his part, and rushed after them, crying -- "Come back, Mary!! Come back, Joseph! You can have my room!"
This sweet little story always touches my heart; and in this blessed Christmas season, let us not forget that this is the most important gift we can give -- and the only gift we can give to Jesus -- just ourselves! Do you belong to Jesus this Christmas? I trust that you will say with the songwriter --
"Not just a part -- or half of my heart -- I will give ALL to Thee!"
Monday, December 9, 2019
IMMANUEL - God with us!
"There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky! There's a mother's deep prayer and a Baby's low cry! There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth---for a Virgin's sweet boy is the Lord of the earth! And the Star rains its fire while the beautiful sing -- for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!"
Zacharias was performing his normal and customary duty of the priest's office--burning incense in the Temple--when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and announced to him such a startling message that he was struck dumb and not able to speak because he believed not the words of the angel! Then, the angel, Gabriel, was sent to a virgin named Mary, and announced to her an equally amazing message, but Mary did not question---she believed and said, 'My soul doth magnify the Lord!'
And so, it was, in the fullness of time -- God's perfect plan -- God's perfect time -- that there were humble shepherds out in the field, under the stars, keeping watch over their flock by night. When suddenly! An angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And then---because the other angels wanted to get in on this grand and glorious event---there appeared in the starry heavens a multitude of the heavenly host praising and glorifying God! As the shepherds wondered in awe at these heavenly beings, again an angel gave an astounding message; 'Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy'! This very night, in the city of David--God has laid a Baby on the doorstep of your world!
Amazing -- just an ordinary baby! Why would He whose name is called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, become an ordinary baby? He -- who spoke the universe into existence, whose glory fills the heavens, who inhabits all eternity! He -- who made all things, and without Him was not anything made that was made! He -- who is all wise, all powerful, who knows our downsittings and our uprisings, and understands our thoughts afar off! He -- who is clothed with majesty, excellence, glory, beauty and honor!
Why? Why would He willingly leave the glories of heaven---lower Himself to be born as an ordinary baby in humility and shame---with the animals in a smelly manger in Bethlehem? The answer can be found in only one word -- LOVE! It was love for you and me that sent the Saviour! The best known verse in the Bible, John 3:16, says that 'God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. .
What will we give to Jesus this Christmas? There is only one gift we can give to this newborn King, and that is ourselves! May this be our prayer and desire today --
"Take my life, and let it be --consecrated, Lord to Thee!"
Zacharias was performing his normal and customary duty of the priest's office--burning incense in the Temple--when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and announced to him such a startling message that he was struck dumb and not able to speak because he believed not the words of the angel! Then, the angel, Gabriel, was sent to a virgin named Mary, and announced to her an equally amazing message, but Mary did not question---she believed and said, 'My soul doth magnify the Lord!'
And so, it was, in the fullness of time -- God's perfect plan -- God's perfect time -- that there were humble shepherds out in the field, under the stars, keeping watch over their flock by night. When suddenly! An angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And then---because the other angels wanted to get in on this grand and glorious event---there appeared in the starry heavens a multitude of the heavenly host praising and glorifying God! As the shepherds wondered in awe at these heavenly beings, again an angel gave an astounding message; 'Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy'! This very night, in the city of David--God has laid a Baby on the doorstep of your world!
Amazing -- just an ordinary baby! Why would He whose name is called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, become an ordinary baby? He -- who spoke the universe into existence, whose glory fills the heavens, who inhabits all eternity! He -- who made all things, and without Him was not anything made that was made! He -- who is all wise, all powerful, who knows our downsittings and our uprisings, and understands our thoughts afar off! He -- who is clothed with majesty, excellence, glory, beauty and honor!
Why? Why would He willingly leave the glories of heaven---lower Himself to be born as an ordinary baby in humility and shame---with the animals in a smelly manger in Bethlehem? The answer can be found in only one word -- LOVE! It was love for you and me that sent the Saviour! The best known verse in the Bible, John 3:16, says that 'God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. .
What will we give to Jesus this Christmas? There is only one gift we can give to this newborn King, and that is ourselves! May this be our prayer and desire today --
"Take my life, and let it be --consecrated, Lord to Thee!"
Friday, December 6, 2019
Miracles!
Christmas is all about miracles, and this morning I want to thank my Heavenly Father for blessing our family with another miracle from His loving hand! Yes -- "I believe in miracles, for I believe in God"! And, yes -- "Every time I hear a new-born baby cry, or touch a leaf, or see the sky -- then I know why, I believe"!
And yesterday, my son, Joel, and his wife, Mandy, heard their newborn baby cry and welcomed her into their hearts and home!
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this precious gift of Riley Grace to our family, and thank you for the gift of Jesus -- the Baby that you sent at Christmas so long ago to be the Saviour of the world."
And don't forget, dear friend -- Riley Grace belongs to our family -- but Jesus said, "Whosoever will may come!" You can be part of the family of God!! Praise the Lord!
And yesterday, my son, Joel, and his wife, Mandy, heard their newborn baby cry and welcomed her into their hearts and home!
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this precious gift of Riley Grace to our family, and thank you for the gift of Jesus -- the Baby that you sent at Christmas so long ago to be the Saviour of the world."
And don't forget, dear friend -- Riley Grace belongs to our family -- but Jesus said, "Whosoever will may come!" You can be part of the family of God!! Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
God loved -- God gave!
The loved and familiar verse in John 3: 16 tells us: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
What will you give to Jesus this Christmas? I think one of the gifts our Lord would like most is that of Faithfulness! In fact, Jesus speaks to us in the last book of the Bible, and says -- ". . .be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Which reminds me -- today is the mid-week service at our church, and I intend to be there--the Lord willing! I like the little quote that says, "there is always enough time in a day to do God's will", and Jesus told us in His wonderful Sermon on the Mount --
"Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Where-withal shall we be clothed? for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
So this Christmas, let us sing with the songwriter -- "Not just a part, or half of my heart -- I will give all to Thee!"
What will you give to Jesus this Christmas? I think one of the gifts our Lord would like most is that of Faithfulness! In fact, Jesus speaks to us in the last book of the Bible, and says -- ". . .be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Which reminds me -- today is the mid-week service at our church, and I intend to be there--the Lord willing! I like the little quote that says, "there is always enough time in a day to do God's will", and Jesus told us in His wonderful Sermon on the Mount --
"Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Where-withal shall we be clothed? for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
So this Christmas, let us sing with the songwriter -- "Not just a part, or half of my heart -- I will give all to Thee!"
Monday, December 2, 2019
December Delights!
December is filled with delights, and I was delighted that yesterday, the very first day of this wonderful month was the Lord's Day! I thought it was very meaningful and special to begin this month in the house of the Lord to worship Him whose name is called, "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Today is only the 2nd day of the month, but already one can sense that there is something different -- something special about this month! Homes and stores are beautifully decorated -- delightful aromas are coming from bakeries and homes whose kitchens are busy making special Christmas treats! Little ones are practicing their lines for the Christmas program, and even those who have a tendency to be a little "grumpy" and complain about everything find themselves caught up in the special joy that surrounds them.
Are you wondering what makes this month so special that all the world is affected by it? Well, I can tell you -- it is because we are celebrating a birthday -- but this is not just another birthday -- this is the Birthday of the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS, born in a manger and sent to be our Saviour! So at the very beginning of this special month, let us determine that we will remember each day that "JESUS is the reason for the season" and may we, in the words of the songwriter --
"Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.
Oh, come, let us adore Him. Oh, come let us adore Him.
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
Today is only the 2nd day of the month, but already one can sense that there is something different -- something special about this month! Homes and stores are beautifully decorated -- delightful aromas are coming from bakeries and homes whose kitchens are busy making special Christmas treats! Little ones are practicing their lines for the Christmas program, and even those who have a tendency to be a little "grumpy" and complain about everything find themselves caught up in the special joy that surrounds them.
Are you wondering what makes this month so special that all the world is affected by it? Well, I can tell you -- it is because we are celebrating a birthday -- but this is not just another birthday -- this is the Birthday of the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS, born in a manger and sent to be our Saviour! So at the very beginning of this special month, let us determine that we will remember each day that "JESUS is the reason for the season" and may we, in the words of the songwriter --
"Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.
Oh, come, let us adore Him. Oh, come let us adore Him.
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
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