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…

It's Time to Let Jesus In...

Scripture:

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel

Devotional:

This morning I went to www.biblegateway.com and the verse of the day was Isaiah 7:14.  The first thought that came to my mind after reading that simple verse was God’s love.  God loves each one of us individually so much that He gave of Himself.  Jesus, who is God, came to earth as a little baby.  He lived as a child.  He grew up into a man who shaped and changed the world.

Jesus’s love for just you is so great that He would still be born to ultimately suffer and die so that you can be saved.  It amazes me that even for one person, no matter who they are or what they did, or do, Jesus would still be born, live, die, and rise up from the grave.

Let me ask you a question or two.  Whom do you love?  Who is it that you would do it all over again just for that one person?  What group of people would you do still do it?  It is true that our love is not as great as God’s, but if you take your love for that person or group and multiply it tenfold you still would not match God’s love.  His love is not just for one or two people.  God loves each person that much.

This Christmas think about how your love compares to God’s love.  We certainly fall short.  However, through the Holy Spirit we can love others who in our eyes are unlovable.  We can care for those around us.  Is the spirit of Christmas in you this year?  Are you full of love and compassion?  This Christmas what is in your heart?  Maybe it’s time we all let Jesus in…

Who Do You Say He Is?

Scripture:
Matthew 16:13-16 (NASB)

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Devotional:

Who do you say Jesus is?  Does it really matter who he is?  What difference does it make anyway?  Well to tell you the truth it matters a great deal.  In fact you could say all eternity hinges on the answers.  Jesus came so that we might have life.  Not just living here on earth as we are now.  But He came so that we might have eternal life.  John 3:16-17(NASB),

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

Peter’s answer should be our answer as well.  The two greatest celebrations we can ever have are the birth of Christ and the resurrection of Christ.  In His birth Jesus became a man completely human.  He showed and taught us how we should live our lives.  His death and resurrection brought us new life in heaven. 

This Christmas and Easter pause to reflect His birth, life, and resurrection.  Reflect on the impact this has on the world.  Finally reflect on how it has impacted your life…

Merry Christmas
Happy Birthday Jesus…

Happy Birthday Jesus

Scripture:
Luke 1:26-33 (NIV)

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Devotional:

Sometimes I think it would be wonderful to see and hear an angel come and give us messages from God.  But then I pause and think of Mary’s response. In just about every case of an angel appearing the response is the same.  In response to Mary’s response the angel stated “Do not be afraid.”  You hear those words almost every time angels come down.  I have often wondered why people’s first reaction is fear.  

Here we have a young woman, probably not much more than a girl, being told she will give birth to the world’s savior.  Instead of favor and good standing with society she faced ridicule, abandonment, and possible death.  After all she wasn’t married yet and she was going to give birth to a baby. Yet the angel said “don’t be afraid.”  Mary had found favor with God. God chose her to give birth to the most wonderful and awesome person to ever live.  I wonder what Mary and Joseph must have thought and felt those nine months before Jesus was born.  

The savoir of the world, our counselor, our comforter came into this world as a baby.  The Prince of Peace came to show us His love for us.  I can’t think of anything better to celebrate for than this.  Celebrating Christmas we are celebrating the birthday of Jesus our savior.  This Christmas we will have a birthday cake for desert and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.  We will pause in our celebration to honor Him.  After all it is His birthday.  This Christmas take a moment to do something specific and special for Christ on His birthday.

Happy Birthday Jesus…

Thank You Santa...

Thank You Stanta…

Scripture:
Matthew 2:8-15 (NIV)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Devotional:

My parents just gave me a new book on the origins of Christmas traditions, Stories Behind The Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins.  The introduction talks about before Christmas celebrations became what we know.  I had read in the past about how December 25^th became the date in which we celebrate Christmas.  The date was chosen because of winter celebrations and pagan holidays.  In fact it wasn’t until the 1800s that we really began celebrating Christmas as we know it.  Most churches didn’t even hold services.  Not much thought came for the celebration of Jesus’s birth.  It was used as another excuse for sinful acts and abuse. 

It wasn’t until commercialism came about that reverence started to appear.  The night before Christmas and A Christmas Carol are large influences in our current celebration of Christmas.

I know we tend to look at commercialism as ruining Christmas.  Now I look at it in a different light.  True we are losing the true meaning of our celebration.  If we are not careful we can slip back into paganism.  But Good ole Saint Nick helped us find Christ in Christmas.  Charles Dickens helped us to see Christmas for what it really is.  Thank you Santa and thank you Mr. Dickens.

Remember Christmas is not about shopping, gifts, lights, and all that fancy stuff.  It is a time to gather with our families and celebrate the birth of Christ our Lord and Savior…

The Greatest Gift of All...

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13 (NIV)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Devotional:

Christmas is truly a very wonderful time of year.  I love the lights and atmosphere.  Seeing all the decorations everywhere can be a beautiful sight to behold.  I also love to shop for gifts for family and friends.  But there is a danger.  If I am not careful I can get caught up in the commercialism and want more and more.  Not necessarily for myself but to give more to others.  

Paul shares that being content with what you have is important.  We need to rejoice to the Lord in all things.  I know it can be hard to rejoice when you are going through difficult times.  Even the Christmas season can be difficult for someone who have lost a loved one.  But regardless it is important to refocus from ourselves to God.  How can we rejoice through bad times?  Start by letting go of our anxiety, by prayers and petitions, and with thanksgiving to God.

 

As we approach Christmas try letting go of your anxieties and worries.  Let of the commercialism and refocus on God.  Be content with where you are and what you have.  God’s peace and joy will come.  In the end think about what the true meaning of Christmas is.  It isn’t about gifts or having stuff.  It is about love.  It is about Jesus coming for our redemption.  The greatest Christmas gift of all is the gift of Christ…