The Old Is Out, The new Is In...

Scripture:

Philemon 1:8-16 (ESV)

Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Devotional:

As the year comes to an end I think of endings and beginnings.  Today ends one year and tomorrow begins a new one.  People often talk about starting over, or new beginnings.  Topics of what we will change are discussed.  The beginning of a new year often brings out the hope of new beginnings and changes for the better.

In Philemon Paul opens in with a plea for Onesimus.  Not much is known about Onesimus.  We do know he ran away and was a slave or bondservant to Philemon.  We also know that while with Paul his life is changed.  Paul pleas with Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as he was before but as a brother in Christ.  Onesiumus has been given a new beginning.  His life changed forever for several reasons.

After receiving and accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior we too are given a new beginning.  Colossians 2:12 (ESV) “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”  Our old lives come to an end.  We are given a new birth, a spiritual birth.  With this spiritual birth comes a new beginning, a new life.  It doesn’t mean all our troubles are gone.  It doesn’t mean our earthly circumstance are now magically changed and we are living lives of kings and queens.  It does mean that we have eternal hope in Christ.  It does mean that the Holy Spirit dwells in us and God is with us through everything.  Regardless of the outcome here on earth in this life we have an eternal life full of the richness that God gives. 

With our acceptance of Jesus, we are given new lives and a fresh start.  It is up to us with what we do with this new beginning.  As we leave the old year behind and the new year begins, we can have a fresh start.  We too can have a new beginning.  Our sins can be forgiven.  Our lives can be transformed.  We can start fresh.  As one year ends and a new year begins think about how and where you would like a fresh start, a new beginning.  We cannot go back in time, but we can make a difference with the time we have left…

Christmas Lights

Scripture:

Matthew 2:1-12(ESV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Devotional:

I know I have said it before, but Christmas is my favorite time of year.  I just love the lights and decorations.  Growing up I always wished for white Christmases.  I love the soft crunch as you walk on freshly fallen snow.  I love how things seem a bit quieter than normal.  Everything seems so peaceful during a good snowfall.  I remember one time when I was a kid my best friend slept over.  During the night it started to snow.  At about three in the morning we snuck outside to play in the snow as it fell.  We watched it fall through the lights shining outside.  Being kids we just had fun running around and playing in it.

When Jesus was born something was seen that was much better than snow falling.  A star appeared over Bethlehem.  This star guided the wisemen to baby Jesus.  Well we really do not know how old Jesus was when they appeared.  But the first Christmas light was shinning bright for all to see.  I wonder how many people wondered at a new star shinning in the sky.  How many people sought to find out what it was or why?  How many visitors did Jesus receive?

What about today?  How many people celebrate Jesus’s birthday?  How many people will pause in wonder or reflect on why we celebrate.  It is too easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle going on around us.  We can also let our fears get in the way.  I do encourage us to slow down some and reflect on the real meaning behind our celebrations.  When you see the lights think about that first Christmas light shinning high in the sky.    Let us be like the wisemen and follow the star that will lead us to Jesus.  Look at the lights and decorations and let your thoughts focus on Him.  Let us remember the real meaning for Christmas.  Then share it with someone…

It Really Is The Most Wonderful Time

Merry Christmas,

Scripture:
Matthew 1:18-23 (ESV)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).

Devotional:

Christmas, as the song says it is the most wonderful time of year,  also there is, hearts will be glowing… it’s the best time of the year.  This is truly my favorite time of year.  I love the all the decorations and all the lights.  It can create its own beauty all around us.  It is a time for love, and compassion.  Where people do tend to give a little more than normal.  People’s hearts tend to warm toward others.  Everyone wants to give to others.  Some also like to receive gifts.  Christmas is the celebration of the best gift ever.  We celebrate the birth of our Savior.  A gift for each of us if we would only accept. 

Take a moment to think about Christmas and what it means.  Think about all your traditions and all that goes on this year.  Think about all you have, about all that God has given.  As we approach Christmas let our hearts warm.  Let our love spread to others around.  Let us prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas.  Let us look to Christ.  Share the good news with others this year as you prepare for and celebrate Christmas.  After all it really and truly is the most wonderful time of the year.  Enjoy the lights and all the decorations.  Enjoy the season, but remember why we celebrate…