SHOUT FOR JOY TO THE LORD!

Psalm 100
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!


I love the whole season of Christmas songs. I’m not particular when there are played for they all speak to me in pretty much the same way. Granted there are many who would disagree with me, but I don’t mind. The songs of Christmas are not particularly welcome before Thanksgiving nor after December 25. But for me, any time is a good time. I can almost see you shaking your heads in disbelief.

My favorite is “Angel’s We Have Heard on High” . You know, the one with 2 lines of “Gloria in Excelsis Deo”. There isn’t a single number in “Handel’s Messiah” that I don’t find favor with, culminating of course in the “Halleluiah Chorus”. What a gift Handel was given, both the words and the music are so expressive.

I remember the very first time I heard carolers, a carollin in a church bell tower, the Salvation Army Brass playing in front of a store, the first time I sang a Christmas hymn I loved playing any and all Christmas music on the piano and later on the organ. But my favorites were the church hymns. Sometimes I can’t sing them loud enough. They are etched on my heart. The words are so meaningful:

“Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown when Thou camest to earth for me.”
“O come to my heart, Lord Jesus—there is room in my heart for Thee.”
“No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow … “
“He comes, a Child, from realms on high, He comes the heavens adoring; He comes to earth to live and die, A broken race restoring.”
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and His name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
“All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace: good will henceforth from heaven to men, begin and never cease.”

We are thankful for this season that reminds us of our blessings, inspires us to be better people, encourages us to care about our world, and gives us opportunity to shout to the Lord! He is everything we could ever need or want, forever, Amen.

THE GREATEST GIFT

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6

Just a pregnant young woman…

Just an expectant new father…

Just a baby born in a stable…

and the people went about their sleeping and waking, not realizing that the world had been changed forever.

It’s Christmas Eve – again. Every year it comes, the same but yet different as our lives change year by year. For some of us it will be our first one without a loved one, for some it will be our first with a new baby in the family. For some it is a more joyous year as a job has been found, for some a struggle as a job has been lost. Some of us have found a closer relationship with God; some of us have fallen away this year. Many of us will repeat the same family traditions that we have done for years, and some will begin new traditions to celebrate.

Where ever we are, however we are feeling, whatever we are doing, it’s Christmas Eve today! Just as God promised through Isaiah, “today a child is born”. How blessed we are that that child is our beloved Jesus; “Wonderful Counselor” when we need guidance, “Mighty God” when we are weak, “Everlasting Father” when we need to remember there is life beyond earthly living, and “Prince of Peace” when our hearts and minds are troubled!

What a gift we are given each Christmas, what a gift we are given again today! As you celebrate remind yourself, remind your children: wherever you are in your life we have received the gift of Jesus, and there is no better.

“God, you have sent the One who is with us in all places in our lives. The One who is all we need in all our needs. We thank you for such a perfect gift, the baby who would be our Savior. Be with us as we celebrate the birth of Your Son Jesus! Amen

GOD CONSCIOUS!

John 3:16-17
"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."


Most Christians have spent some time wondering what happens to us after we die. Scriptures gives us glimpses into the afterlife as very few concrete details about heaven are revealed to us. The prophet Jeremiah talks extensively about the rewards and various crowns we will receive in heaven as we await those precious words from our Lord – “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21) - Shortly before we begin living our promised eternal life.

As we trod through the here and now I believe we occasionally wish that the Lord would come today so we can begin this new eternal life with Him in heaven. Whether our present day worry is steering our children into adulthood, hoping they will make good and prayerful decisions or whether it’s the subtle changes in our bodies as we get older or the horrid state of the economy and its effect on our retirement plans, we sometimes dream of hearing the trumpet sound and moving up and in with our Lord.

But as I read John 3:16 -17 and other related scriptures, I’m beginning to view eternal life in a different manner. Jesus taught that those who come to Him “have eternal life”. Right now, we have eternal life in our spirits. It is possible, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to change our thinking and live eternally now if we become “God conscious” instead of “time conscious”.

As we begin to live eternally or “God consciously” we view our children not as mini projects, but as a blessing from God and during difficult times be reminded of Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous man leads blameless life; blessed are his children after him” or Psalms 115:14 - “May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children”. As we content with getting older, eternal living will remind us of Proverbs 16:31 – “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness”. Finally, “God consciously”, we should realized that if we are already living eternally retirement is somewhat moot. Further the Lord instructs us in Matthew 6 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ….. “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you……? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ……..
your heavenly Father knows that you need them”. Wow! Enough said, huh?

As we open our many gifts this Christmas let us be reminded that God has given the greatest gift to the world—eternal life—and that life is in his Son, Jesus Christ. We should start living that eternal life now!

Getting Weary?

²⁸ Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:28-31

Imagine! Here we are, just 3 days before Christmas, and our passage comes to tell us that we need not grow weary, even that we can soar on wings like eagles! As the “big day” begins to bear down on us… all those last minute things to buy, shopping and cooking to be done, have to make the cookies, and don’t even get me started on the wrapping… renewed strength sounds too good to be true.

But yet have we not heard? Do we not know? He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Why yes, we have heard, but were we listening? Yes we know, but do we believe? With all the lessons, all the scripture, all the devotional pieces that have been made available to us through this Advent, did we get it? Or are we still trapped in the silly human thinking that if we don’t “get Christmas right” somehow it will mean less?

³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

The good news is that it is never too late for God’s children. We still have time to get it right! I encourage you to hope in the Lord, and be prepared to greet Christmas with renewed strength and joy. The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will get Christmas right just fine without our worrying every detail!

Jesus = Peace

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. Micah 5: 4-5

I love this passage. The promises are so great, he will lead us, we will live securely, his greatness will be known to the ends of the earth and peace will be ours. So why are we still in search of Peace?

We waste so much time trying to find or create peace, when all we need is Jesus. The reason that peace is so elusive is that we are looking for the wrong kind of peace. We are looking for world peace, calmness in our daily lives, harmony with others..., but that isn't the peace that we are promised. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.(John 14:27). The peace that Jesus gives to us is a life without fear.

So many places in the Bible you could exchange the word peace for Jesus. The angel promises the shepherds "Peace on earth and goodwill to men". In other words, Jesus is now on earth and brings goodwill to all. Even when we share the peace on Sunday mornings you could say "Jesus be with you".

If we make Jesus our peace - what a wonderful world it will be.

Trying singing this famous hymn with some different words as a prayer because Jesus = Peace

Let Jesus be on earth,
And let him live in me.
Let Jesus be on earth
The Jesus that's meant to be.
With God as our father,
Brothers all our we.
Let me walk with my brother,
In perfect harmony.

Let Jesus begin in me,
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment,
And live each moment,
With JESUS eternally.
Let Jesus be on earth,
And let him begin with me. Amen

WE CAN BE THE LIGHT

Matthew 2: 9-12

“When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

I know this part of the story has to do with Herod and his using the wise men as his personal spies if you will. But, I love this part. How many of us look without seeing?, Are practically hit up the side of the head and still don’t get it. He is the light in the darkness. He is our joy. We should be bowing down, praying, giving thanks, following His example, keeping Him in our lives each and everyday. We open our treasure chests when it suits us. We donate more during the Christmas than at any other time in the year. Doesn’t that make us feel good. But it is shortlived.

Let us be generous with the gifts that have been given to us - year round. Let us seek Him out - read our Bibles. Let us follow His teachings - be the best we can as often as we can. If we want to keep the spirit behind the celebration of Christmas year round, let us not forget this Jesus. Let us be the one’s who can see in the darkness of this world. Let us know His presence in our lives each and everyday.

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous

"It’s sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts;It’s not wrapping presents, its being present and wrapping your arms around the ones you love;It’s not getting Christmas cards out on time, It’s sending any card, anytime, at the right time;It’s not having the biggest and best Christmas light display,It’s displaying the Christ light that comes from your heart;It’s not Santa coming down the chimney,It’s Jesus coming down from heaven,and giving us the gift of eternal life."

Dear Lord, help us to be the light that brightens another’s day. Amen

FOLLOW THAT STAR!

Matthew 2: 1-2 “After Jesus was born in the Bethlehem in Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews” For we observed his star at the rising, and have come to pay him homage’”.

My blogs for today and tomorrow have to do with the star. In tomorrow’s excerpt, the description is almost as though a flashlight beamed down from the sky and lead them (just them) to Jesus.

The magi I see as handsomely garbed, with an air of sophistication, walking directly to the appointed place. We can guess that these wise men might have been astronomers who would have been more observant of the night skies that the rest of the general population, or they could have been given the gift of vision to this phenomena. It’s a complicated area of the story and I can’t even begin to claim knowledge to. But when I asked the Rev. Arlen Salthouse, a former TBRC minister for his take on the passage, he said, “For us today the star has symbolic or metamorphic significance, as what John refers to as “the light that shines in the darkness; the darkness of world affairs, the darkness of personal loss, tragedy, despair, etc.”

I totally get this—don’t you? Isn't it great to have a light at the end of the tunnel? To have a “light bulb” go off in your mind when finally that lost “whatever” shows up in your mind? To feel the warm that sunlight gives off even on the coldest of days? Aren’t we fortunate to have our own light - the Light of Jesus. He shows us the way. He gives us the warmth of His love. We can be the “Light of Advent” in our actions, in our words, and in our deeds.

An Advent Examination, annonymous

"Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace. By reflection and prayer, by reading and meditation, we can make our hearts a place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place.

"Daily we can make an Advent examination. Are there any feelings of discrimination toward race, sex, or religion? Is there a lingering resentment, an unforgiven injury living in our hearts? Do we look down upon others of lesser social standing or educational achievement? Are we generous with the gifts that have been given to us, seeing ourselves as their stewards and not their owners? Are we reverent of others, their ideas and needs, and of creation? These and other questions become Advent lights by which we may search the deep, dark corners of our hearts.

Dear Lord, I know it is so easy to be caught up in the excitement of this time of the year, when we are reminded at every turn that there is a “holiday” coming. Help us to remember the true meaning of the season. The “Light” that leads us throughout the year, Jesus. Amen

What do we do now?

Luke 2:15-17
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;

Just a moment before, the shepherds had been quaking in fear, bathed in an angelic light, hearing the singing of praises to God. Then, just like that, it was dark, with only the light of the moon and stars to guide their steps. Just like that it was quiet, with only the bleating of the flock (and their rapidly beating hearts!) able to be heard. In those moments, they had to wonder, “what do we do now?”

Ultimately, they ventured back into Bethlehem to see if what they saw and heard was true. It was. It still is.

We too have that question of ‘what do we do now’ when it comes to Jesus Christ. Will we follow? Will we doubt? Will we run away in fear? My prayer is that you will follow, for as the shepherds discovered on that first Christmas, when you follow Jesus, your life is changed forever.

Wonder no more: discover the joy that is coming into the world yet again!

God, these days that are before us can be so hard. But even in the midst of darkness, Your light is able to shine. Help us to follow that light through all of our days. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Hear, Seek, Experience

Luke 2: 8
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping
watch over their flocks at night.....

The angels of the Lord visited the shepherds in the fields, told
them the good news that was intended for "all the people" and
informed them where they would find Christ. The bible says the
shepherds "hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby
who was lying the manger". When they had seen Jesus they went
on to carry out their purpose of "spreading the word concerning
what had been told them about this child".

There are times in my life when I have prayed for and wondered
what it would be like to be visited by angels and get directions
from them. I do believe that angelic visits are quite possible with
God but I also know that His word provides me the directions I
need to discover His purpose for my life.

The shepherds have the type of response any of us should have
when we read and study God’s word. A type of curiosity that
leads us to seek out who Christ is and where He is at work. As we
see God's word honored and played out before us, we become a
testimony to God's work and must tell others of our experience
with Him.

In Henry Blackaby’s book Experiencing God he writes that you
come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He
accomplishes His work though you. God speaks by the Holy Spirit
through the bible and as the shepherds did, you must make
major adjustment in your life to join God in what he is doing.

Lord, I will do anything that Your kingdom requires of me.
Wherever You want me to be, I’ll go. Whatever the
circumstances, I’m willing to follow. If You want to meet a need
though my life, I am your servant; and I will do whatever is
required. AMEN

IN THE DARK?

¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Have you ever noticed how little light it takes to be a comfort? A little child certain that there are ferocious monsters under the bed can be soothed by a 4 watt nightlight. In the vastness of the outdoors the light emitted by a small campfire can sooth jittery nerves as animal sounds are heard from the dark. I myself have no night-vision, and have often been injured trying to maneuver in a dark house. It does not take much though, a tiny flashlight really, and I can easily find my way. The darkness need not disappear completely, it is simply having light in that darkness that makes us feel better and move safely.

Jesus promises us that light in our lives - always. He passes His light to us that we may never be in complete darkness. The light that cuts through fear and doubt, the light that can help us find our way. He will light our path if we seek to follow Him. He will give us vision in light through our darkness if we look to see Him.

When your world seems to be getting dark and scary, or if your feeling lost, ask yourself where you are going and what you are looking for. Chances are that if you refocus on Christ’s way your world will brighten, just like He said it will!

“God thank you for your faithfulness. Through Jesus you have promised us light, and yet we live in darkness. Help us to remember to follow you, so the light of life that you promised can be for us in our lives. Amen”

Shining like Stars

John 1: 4

“A light shines in the darkness”

In the country of Niger, only 9% of households have electricity. Knowing that statistic, I was excited to see the stars at night, without the glare of a suburban setting, but to my surprise, I never saw a single star. The dust was so thick from the sandy dirt roads, and from the smoke of the smoldering cooking fires, that each evening the night sky was drenched in a hazy darkness. Life for the people of Niger is full of darkness. The people of Niger live in a country that is 98% Muslim and listed 2^nd to last on the United Nations Human Development Index. Health care is almost non-existent with 81 out of 1000 infants never reaching their 1^st birthday. The average life expectancy is 48. In a place that is so difficult that survival is the goal of each day, how do people find their way?

I never got to see the stars shine, but I saw many shining stars in the Christians of Niger. Jesus has come into their lives and has helped to light the way. They were amongst the most joyful people I have ever met, and knew that their hope rested on nothing less than Jesus. They understood that for now the world they lived in was full of darkness, but they trust in the promises of God. Isaiah 60:19 foretold that “the sun will no more be our light by day nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you. For the Lord will be your everlasting light and your God will be your glory.”

Jesus comes at Christmas to be our light and with him comes the promise that, “We will see his face and his name will be on our foreheads. There will be no more night. We will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun for the Lord God will give us light and we will reign forever and ever.” Revelations 22: 4-5. Let Christ be the light in your life and know that with him, darkness will never win. Alleluia!

Gracious and loving father, thank you for your promises. Help us each day to live in the light, shining like stars so others can see you through us. Amen

What did you get for Christmas?

1John 4: 9-12
" This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

Each year when all the gifts have been opened, a meal shared and wrapping discarded, you hear the question asked, “what did you get for Christmas?”. During a recent mission trip, one of the getting to know you questions was what was one of your favorite or best Christmas gift. There were lots of fun stories shared like why Mr. Perrier Head was someone’s best and worst gift ever and a story of a long desired new puppy, a new sewing machine, Josie and the Pussy Cat's doll (dating ourselves) and for me it was a pair of fishnet stockings which, I have to admit, were ruined by sundown.

It was wonderful to hear the excitement and joy people experienced receiving that one treasured and hoped for item, but it also has made me wonder. Why when we are asked what did you get for Christmas, we never answer Jesus? Is it because it is implied? Is it because we didn’t? For many people, Jesus isn’t even part of the Christmas equation. For others, answering Jesus would be uncomfortable. It seems odd that we spend an entire month preparing for the birth of our savior and then as soon as the day arrives we forget to mention it.

Jesus is the way that God has shown his love for us! He loves us so much, not because we loved him, but because we are his and he loves us no matter what. He doesn’t even expect a gift in return. So how do we thank him? All he asks is that we love one another. Sounds easy, but as most of us know, it can be very difficult to love some people. Loving one another means more than just getting them a Christmas gift, it means making time for the lost and lonely even when you don't really have any. This year as you prepare for Christmas, remember that gifts don't just come in fancy wrapping and appear under the tree, they come in a smile given, a hand held, cookies delivered and a prayer offered. When we give in love – God’s love is made complete.

So go ahead, be joyful about your fishnet stockings or that special hoped for gift because someone gave it out of love. But let’s not forget to appreciate the best Christmas gift ever – Jesus. This year when asked, “what did you get for Christmas?”, I am going to answer JESUS! I hope you do too.

Heavenly Father, help me to remember this Christmas that the gift of your son was given in love unto me. Help me be bold to remember to go and tell others about your amazing love. Amen

MAKE ROOM FOR JESUS!

Luke 2: 7b"… because there was no place for them in the inn.”

WHY? Why no room for them? How awful to have traveled all this way, uncomfortable with the final days of pregnancy, probably hungry and tired, probably looking quite shabby . I can imagine the crowded town as people gathered for the census, everyone looking for their space to tie up their animals and find a place for the night. But wouldn’t you think, seeing a very pregnant woman, someone would have taken pity of them?

For us, in this story, this family is precious. Although we know their circumstances. It’s hard to think that our Lord was not born in better surroundings. We live in a Purrell world with dispensers at every turn, ShopRite, WalMart, schools, etc. We are bombarded with cleanliness. I don’t see any of that in this story - it wasn’t a part of that time. Sometimes the story seems complicated by our standards. But as told in the Bible - it fits their world in the physical sense and continues to fit all time in the spiritual.

Would we have taken them in - perfect strangers? The innkeeper’s decision was not a surprise.

We have the opportunity to take Jesus in. To take him into our hearts. I’m not talking only about only this time of year, but always, everyday, continually. We need to. He’s there for us, everyday, in everyway.

THE WONDER by Gene Griffin

Oh! The wonder, the majesty of that glorious night!
When Heaven’s star shown so bright!
A little babe lay in a manger still,
Born in time to do His Father’s will.

Was this the One promised of old?
Was this the One the prophets foretold?
Was this the King of glory?
Is this babe the Subject of the gospel story?

Yes! God the Son in humility is born!
In human flesh, but the world met Him with scorn.
The King of kings, the Lord of lords is here;
Yet, sinful mankind didn’t hold Him dear.

Was there room for Him in the inn?
Alas! Sadly no room for Him in the hearts of men!
Why was there no room for Glory’s King?
The One about whom the angels sing.

But is there room for Him in my heart?
Oh, come Lord Jesus and never depart!
My heart’s door is open for Thee to fill;
Make me a channel of blessing to do Thy will.

Oh, Savior to whom shall we go?
The soul’s longing to fully know?
Oh, Lord thou art my satisfying desire!
Come, Heaven’s Gift, set my heart on fire!

Glorious King, thou laid aside Thy crown,
Precious Savior, Thou didst come down.
The gift of heaven has come to earth!
Come, ye people, let us celebrate His birth!

Thank you Lord for sending us your son Jesus. Amen

LED BY A CHILD

Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together: and a little child shall lead them .

A little child is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Have we forgotten that? Have we forgotten who He is. Have we gotten caught up in the stress of finding just the right present, and making sure every light on the tree is lit and lined up perfectly. Are we decorating the house, writing out our cards, baking cookies and planning where the guests will sleep?

Have we opened our bibles and reread the account of the birth of our Lord or are we depending on the Live Nativity, or one of the Christmas Eve services for the annual reminder?

A 4 year old child became the inspiration for the song “Where’s the Line to See Jesus” by Steve Haupt. He was visiting the mall with his mother when he saw kids lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of God’s son; with the innocence of a child, he asked his mom, “Where’s the line to see Jesus? If Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, why don’t we see Him more?”

We can see Jesus in our lives everyday all year long. It doesn’t take much. A simple conversation with him on a daily basis. Have you tried talking to him in the shower, or while driving the car? Have you pulled out your Bible over a cup of coffeeor taken it to bed to read prior to sleeping? Have to read the monthly little books left for us in the church? It doesn’t take time out of our busy day, He fits into our day. We don’t need to stand in line, he’s always approachable.

Thank you Lord for the small voices of little children who sometimes say monumental things that wake us up to focus of what is really important at Christmas. Amen

THE MIRACLE OF BIRTH

Luke 2: 6-7a - “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger …”.

December 24, 1966, blizzard conditions (including lightning/thunder), we put the boys to bed. It was an exciting night as the oldest, age 3 was anticipating a Tonka truck in the morning. The 1 year old was oblivious to the excitement, but happily asleep in his crib. Joe and I had been awaiting the birth of our “surprise” baby for several weeks. “Please don’t come on Christmas” I said to my belly. “I don’t want all that attention; a holiday, the ambulance, the awaiting hospital staff.” I don’t want to miss our young sons’ awaking to the excitement we had been planning (little did we know what we were in store for).

December 25, 1966, Joe awoke early to say he thought I was in labor (imagine, painless labor). I wanted to stay home and give birth, after all, the first 2 had been quite easy, but he raced to the phone to consult with our doctor, who of course said, try calling the squad. It seemed all of the East Amwell squad volunteers arrived to witness this birth. They even brought baby-sitters for the boys. Joe decided to stay home and celebrate the holiday with the boys. I was strapped into a gurney and carried to the ambulance. Fortunately a neighbor with a huge plow had kept us clear to the highway and off we went to the hospital where our beautiful daughter was born within minutes of arrival. It was not the birth we had anticipated.

I can’t help but make a few comparisons with Mary’s journey - riding a four-legged vehicle, certainly not the bed she had hoped to place her baby it, not exactly where she had anticipated having her baby, but a welcome place, warmed by the residents therein, cozily wrapped in soft cloths, surrounded by love.

“A Baby is A Miracle” by Ann Barton & Connie Thomas

A baby is a miracle, Oh, don’t you agree?
A baby is a miracle, a gift of life, a gift of love!
A baby makes the world seen bright, a wonder to see!
A baby, a baby a blessing from above!
We stand before the mystery in awe, yet do not fear,
For it lifts us up and seems to bring a glimpse of heaven near.
For a baby is a miracle the whole world around,
New life that is a sacred trust, a promise to humanity
That God’s love for His creation will ever abound.
A baby, a baby proves God’s love for me.

Thank you Lord for the miracle of birth. Thank you for the children you have brought into our lives. Thank you especially for the birth of Jesus. May He ever be in our hearts. Amen

"Tax Deduction"

Luke 2:1-5
2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.


You’ve got to love how God works! God is able to work through anything and everything to allow light to shine. God was even able to work through a registration by the Roman government so that it might receive all of the taxes that it was ‘owed’. When you think of it that way, Jesus is the greatest tax deduction of all time! He came so that we might be freed; he came so that we might be able to truly live; he came so that we might be able to walk in the light of the Lord.

Do not overlook this deduction! Do not overlook Jesus in your life! You will never regret it!

God, there are times when we wonder if we really need You. We do. Even in those days when we think we’ve got everything under control, we so desperately need You. Help us to always rely on You, in every season of our lives. Amen.

Why Bethlehem?

Micah 5:2

“But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Bethlehem is important because it fulfills the promise that God made to David through the prophet Nathan, “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me, your throne will be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7:16. It is also the city that Ruth, the great grandmother of David and Naomi returned to and it is believed to be just south of the burial place of Rachel.

As we journey through this Advent season, my wonder about God’s plan grows. God provides all kinds of information to us through the prophets and the gospels, but the details are left out. We want to understand why God’s timing wasn’t a little more kind to Mary. Why didn’t he pick someone who already lived in Bethlehem to be the mother of Jesus? We want to understand the why so that we can maybe make a little more sense as to the why in our lives. Why do I have to wait? Why does my loved one have cancer? Why isn’t life easier for those who love you?

The why in our life becomes the yeast for our faith. When we finally surrender to God’s plan without the need for details, faith grows. It is a matter of trusting him and his plan for our lives. We need to remember that in God’s way of doing things the small becomes great, the last shall be first, the weak become strong and the lowly are exalted.

How silently, how silently, the wonderous gift is given,

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” Amen

Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect.

Matthew 1:24

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

Most families, when searching for that special Christmas tree, spend hours looking for the perfect specimen without gaping holes or straggly branches, but not my children. They spent time looking for signs that animals have lived in or been sheltered by the tree. If it had a nest, it became the one no matter what the rest of the tree looked like. Why you may ask, it is all because of a Christmas book titled Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect by Richard H. Schneider.

The story begins with a forest full of absolutely perfect trees, each trying their hardest to grow perfectly so they will be chosen to be the Christmas tree for the great hall in the Queen’s palace. Of course there is one tree in the forest that is more perfect than all the others and the other trees are jealous because they know that “Small Pine” will one day grow to be the Queen’s choice. But “Small Pine” becomes the only tree in the forest to offer shelter to a wren lost in a snow storm, a hiding place to a rabbit escaping the hunting dogs, and sustenance for a deer who can no longer find food in the winter. In offering these gifts, he is no longer perfect, and knows that he will never be selected to be the honored tree. But to “Small Pine’s” surprise when the Queen comes to select the holiday tree, she notices a feather in the tree and the foot prints of the rabbit and deer and selects “Small Pine” to the surprise of the entire forest. The final line of the book explains the queen’s choice, when we live for the sake of others, it makes us most beautiful in God’s eye.

This is how I think of Joseph; he is most beautiful in God’s eyes. He sacrifices everything he thought was important to serve another. Despite all cost, Joseph does what God asks. He takes Mary to be his wife. He endures scorn from those who think ill of him and of his choice. He finds shelter for Mary and Jesus. He leaves his family, business and moves to Egypt for the safety of God’s child and then when God says, he picks up his life and moves back home, where I am sure there was not much of a reception.

I wonder if I could do what Joseph did if asked. Would I be able to give up those things that I thought were so important? I am afraid that I wouldn’t. I am afraid when called I would want to know all the details and outcome before I would answer yes. Surrendering is hard, we say we want to, but the reality is that we often hold a little back just in case. Joseph and Small Pine surrender all, and in doing so become beautifully blessed.

Heavenly Father, help us to surrender all, no questions asked! Help us to recognize others needs and be willing to meet them no matter the cost. Help us to be most beautiful in your eyes. Amen

Joseph son of David

Matthew 1:18-21
"His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)."


When Mary told Joseph she was pregnant, he had every right to feel disgraced. He knew the child was not his own, and Mary's apparent unfaithfulness carried a grave social stigma. Joseph not only had the right to divorce Mary, under Jewish law she could be put to death by stoning.

I have often wondered about God’s planning around choosing Joseph to be the earthly father of Jesus. The bible tells us that Joseph was a righteous man which suggests that he must have had a close relationship with God. Why then did God wait until Joseph is betrothed to Mary before making her “pregnant through the Holy Spirit”? Was He not concerned with how devastated Joseph would have been and the shame he would experience within his community? If God had placed Mary in the family way before the engagement Joseph could have been seen as a hero, stepping in and marrying Mary to protect her honor and be spared the humiliation.

This would have made for a more palatable story but we would not have gained insight into how a personal relationship with God and fellow man should work. God commands us to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39). There is no commandment greater than these.

Although Joseph's initial reaction was to break the engagement, the appropriate thing for a righteous man to do, he treated Mary with extreme kindness. He did not want to cause her further shame, so he decided to act quietly. But God sent an angel to Joseph to verify Mary's story and reassure him that his marriage to her was God's will. Joseph willingly obeyed God, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality made him God's choice for the Messiah's earthly father.

Mercy always triumphs. Joseph could have acted severely toward Mary's apparent indiscretion, but he chose to offer love and mercy, even when he thought he had been wronged.

Walking in obedience to God may result in humiliation and disgrace before men. When we obey God, even in the face of adversity and public shame, he leads and guides us.

"A Gentle Caress"

Luke 1, 41-45—”When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord’”.

Have you ever noticed how an expectant mother caresses her belly as soon as she feels the first twinge of life? In the earlier days of the pregnancy, it is generally a one-handed stroke, but as the baby growths within her it becomes two-handed with even a few pokes here and there as she begins to recognize how the growing child is located within her. Those caresses—are they comprehended as love? Does the fetus sense his forthcoming surroundings and his mother’s love. The mother’s joy begins when the new life begins to stir inside, when the tiny heartbeat is heard for the first time, when the stirrings and kicks remind her that she is no longer alone.

I can only imagine the scene—Mary is told that she will be with child, the son of God. After the shock of finding out that she will be having a baby and who it will be, she travels to her cousin Elizabeth’s who is 6 months pregnant with her son, John. Elizabeth greets Mary at the door and Elizabeth’s baby “leaps in her womb”. Where did her hands go? Can’t you just see her caressing her now large belly. And then as Luke continues, Elizabeth announces to Mary that she is now with child. Where does Mary’s hand go? - straight to her belly.

In the years before Jesus’ conception and the 2000 years since, those actions have not changed. Pregnancy is the privilege of experiencing God’s miracle on earth.

We thank you Lord for the miracle of new life, and for the touch of a mother's hands. Amen

Answered Prayer

But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.
Luke 1:13

So as I read this passage my initial thought was, “do not be afraid, you prayer has been heard.” It is a basic, universal theme that is so often forgotten. But that was only my initial thought…

My second thought was this, “hmm, so I bet that when Zechariah prayed for a son, John the Baptist was not what he had in mind!!” Perhaps a son that would be able to provide for him and Elizabeth in their old age was more what he was thinking; but a locust-eating, hair-shirt wearing wilderness guy, probably not!

John was however, exactly who God needed him to be. He was the answer to prayer in God’s time and for God’s purpose. What a gift John was. The answer to prophecy, the “one to come before the one”.

So I invite you to wonder – if the answer to our prayers isn’t the answer that we wanted, are we open to the fact that it is the answer God has provided, and recognize that God is at work in all things?

“Dear God, we will work to remember that you do hear our prayers. Help us to find peace as we wait for You to answer them, and understanding when those answers are in Your time and in Your way. Amen”