Christmas 24/7 Challenge

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Christmas may be over, but who says we have to stop that spirit of giving, loving, sharing and being joyful? Why is it necessary to even put away the nativity scene for that matter? Jesus is alive and we are to act like it and show His love the other 364 days.

I challenge you in 2015 to find ways to be joyful, loving, kind, and giving each and every day. Perhaps to the rude store clerk or disgruntled airline employee. Maybe it is to someone who cuts in front of you at a busy fast food restaurant. It even could be a friend or heaven forbid, a unkind spouse, who is saying hurtful words, which you need to return good for evil. Show kindness even when humanly you would rather 'spout off'. Anger causes fights and fights lead to only hurt feelings and broken relationships. Treat a friend to coffee or lunch. Buy an unexpected gift. Purchase a gift card for a restaurant and give it to a homeless or needy person, not just at Christmas but ALL the time. 

Start today and make up your mind the spirit of the Christmas season will live in your heart year round then go do something about it.

PRAYER: Lord I choose this day forward to be kind. When provoked I will hold my tongue and take my issues to you in prayer instead. Show me how to love even those hard to love people, some who may have hurt me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Christmas Is Coming!

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

Halloween and Thanksgiving are not even over and merchants start to decorate with the red and green of Christmas. It is so tiring at times to see this wonderful sacred holiday put into some sort of rat race to get ready and all the while maybe forgetting what it is all about.

Every day we should celebrate Jesus, and not just on Christmas. What if the only time any of your
friends or family wanted anything to do with you was one day a year on your birthday? It would be a sad and lonely life. How do you suppose Jesus feels when His birthday is made into a commercial freak show and that is the only time many people even pay attention to Him perhaps at a candlelight vigil at church.

Spend time alone with God in His word daily. Make God an everyday habit not just a Christmas ritual. A couple months are remaining so why not make sure Jesus is first, truly first each day!

PRAYER: Thanks for the miracle of Christmas and what it means. Help me not to get caught up in the side of it that forgets about you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Ready For Christmas?

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

Six months of shopping days left till Christmas. Time for card shops to put out their Christmas ornaments and gift wrap. Seems advertising for this special holiday comes earlier each year. When I was employed by Hallmark cards, customers would often remark to me about the extremely early timeframe  in which the Christmas products went on the shelves. We commercialize this day of Christ birth so much it can start to loose its' significance. It is up to each family to manage the celebration amongst all the hype merchants throw at us.

Every day we should be aware of, and in celebration of Jesus, and not just save this time for Christmas. Wake up daily and say "hi Jesus, it's me." Spend time alone with God in His word daily. For young moms this can be challenging but try incorporating your time with your children to train them in godliness. If they are older insure they know mommy has this very important thing she does daily and get them started in the same great daily habit.

Half the year is left so why not make sure Jesus is first, truly first each day!

PRAYER: Thanks for the miracle of Christmas. I purpose to make every day your day. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT

 The big day is almost here. Tonight many will attend Christmas Eve Candlelight services in recognition of tomorrows big event. For others,Santa is number one and they can not wait for gift opening time.

 Pause and reflect on what this very Holy day means. Our world certainly tries to turn it into a red and green fest. "Silent night, holy night" the song says. Over 2,000 years have passed since the birth of a baby in a manger. He came to earth to save us from our sins. Born of a virgin, a miraculous birth indeed, like none other.

This baby boy born to Mary and Joseph was the King of kings and Lord of lords. Is the aspect of Jesus more important in your celebration or is He a mere after thought in all the manmade busyness?

Tonight think about what it is that will occur tomorrow. Often we are so extremely stressed out by all the plans and merriment of this special holiday this little baby in a manger is shoved into background.

Luke 2:11(KJV) says 'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior which is Christ the Lord.'

PRAYER: I am excited to have a time of year where it seems even those who forget you the other 364 days can somehow acknowledge what is happening. I pray Lord you will let your love shine through me to others all year round. Forgive me if I have gotten too caught up in this day to know what it is all about. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for wonderful song of praise and rejoicing.

http://youtu.be/JPsgIhlYQmM

NOT SO MERRY?

At Christmas season we are told to be merry, joyful, happy, and have peace on earth and good will. What if you just went through a loss of some sort? Then it may not be easy to rejoice or celebrate. At times like these it is necessary to not rely on your feelings. Sometimes you have to make a choice to have joy whether you feel like it or not.

Sadness is a part of life. Do not allow sadness to drag you down so bad you can not enjoy life. This time of year has a high incidence of suicide. Who puts thoughts like that in our minds? It is not Jesus. Satan likes to drag us down. And get us dwelling on all the bad stuff in life. Those who have lost family members to suicide can attest to the deep sadness and a host of other emotions. Allow Jesus' to transform your pain into reaching out to others. Sometimes getting involved in another persons life can help transform your deep pain.

Try to get your focus on "above". Phillipians 4:8(NIV) says '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.' Do not feel you have to fit into a cookie cutter mold of what this time of year is supposed to be. Trust God to carry you through.

PRAYER: Lord I need you every hour. At this time of year many are sad and many hurt. Help me recognize that not all are filled with joy. Show me how to minister to someone who may be hurting. In Jesus' name. Amen.

NOTE: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255

CHEERFUL GIVER

Christmas is more than gifts, although it seems many people hyper focus on that aspect of it. They feel bad if someone gives them a gift and they have nothing to give them back. The whole point is to do what is in your heart and not stress over it. If you don't feel like buying gifts then don't. But if you do give gifts, do it cheerfully and not in a mandatory frame of mind. Also when you are given a gift receive it with joy and do not feel bad.

It is sort of like offering time in church. There may be those who feel obligated to give but in their hearts do not want to. When it comes to money and offerings in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7(NIV) it says 'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.'

Enjoy the Christmas season for what it truly is, Jesus' birthday celebration. The Life is Good company has a motto that says "Do What You Like, Like What You Do" and that sort of goes for gift giving. Do not try to live up to someone else's expectations but relax and enjoy this time of year and try to keep the peace of God in your heat. Step back and ask what is truly important.

PRAYER: Thank you for the best gift of all, Jesus Christ. At this time of year help me Lord not get so wound tight that I can not truly celebrate. Help me receive joyfully and give joyfully but best of all to not worry. In Jesus' name. Amen.

HAVE YOU BEEN GOOD? HUH?

Around this time of year how many of us have heard someone say to a small child "have you been good" referring to of course telling them Santa is not coming to bad boys and girls? The focus of Christmas should be on Jesus and not on Santa Claus in my humble opinion. Centering something on getting gifts from Santa takes away from the babe in a manger and the best gift of all.

Asking a child if he or she has been good sort of sends a mixed message of "I have to be good to get anywhere in life". Of course we want our children to do good and be good but people mess up sometimes. Guess what? God is not after perfect people who do not make mistakes. He will still love us and forgive us.

Micah 6:8(ESV) is a favorite verse of mine. It says 'He has told you O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.' Simply put in a nutshell. God is the only one who is truly good. We should want to follow His example and be a good citizen and share Jesus' love but not to put conditions on getting gifts. Jesus is the best gift of all.

Ephesians 2:8-9(KJV) says 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.' Have you made Jesus Lord of your life?

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for this time of year to be able to focus on giving and sharing. Help me to remember to give and share the other 11 months as well. I know you desire a pure undivided heart that loves you. Help me Lord to seek you first and not the worlds' things. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BLACK FRIDAY, SAYS WHO?

Here in the United States, today is the major shopping day before Christmas. Some camp out in lines for days in front of stores which are offering a super sale on limited qualities of supposedly "must have" items. It is nice to be excited about Christmas and shopping but do we lose the true meaning of Christmas when we try desperately to get a good bargain or a must have item? Just some food for thought.

According to my search sources The Philadelphia Police Department first coined the term in 1966 because of the mayhem, confusion, and accidents on this day caused by a surge of shoppers. Years later merchants did not like the negative connotation of the original meaning so decided to make it have a positive meaning as "being in the black" a term used by accountants to indicate profit. Although as crazy as it sounds, fights still break out and there have even been deaths. What a way to welcome in the season of the Saviors birth.

Why not try to start this season having peace on Earth and good will to men? A novel idea wouldn't you say? Do not think you have to keep up with the "world's" standards, for after all we are celebrating the birth of the King, a child in a manger. Try to make this time of year different if you have been caught up in chaos and confusion.

Do not focus so much on needs and wants but try with God's help to make things different this year.

Hebrews 13:5(NIV)'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has a said"Never will I leave you or forsake you."'

PRAYER: I am excited about Christmas, not for the sake of getting gifts but for the love of helping others. Forgive me Lord if II have lost my focus at this time of year. Help me not be greedy. Help the love of Jesus shine through me to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

PEACE ON EARTH...ALL THE TIME

Merry Christmas! Peace on Earth Good will to all men. Do you just mouth these words or do you truly seek peace the other 364 days of the year? 

Well the day has finally arrived. The hustle and bustle, the over spending, the over eating, the school programs, get togethers with family and wrapping gifts will all soon be a memory. Many slump into depression after this day is behind them. All the excitement  has died down and it's back to normal now. Many breathe a sigh of relief as this time of year has been anything but peaceful. If this is you then maybe you have lost the joy of this season of our saviors birth.

One of the themes of Christmas is peace on earth. Do you feel peaceful? If not what can you do about it? First look at your daily schedule and see if there is something you can cut out. Spending time alone with God each day should be a priority.  Be able to get away from noise and just relax. Try turning off your phone and computer.  Make an effort to try to relax and decompress.

On this Christmas day take time to ponder what Christmas really means. It is not Santa, funny Christmas movies,  food, gifts, going to grandma's house, playing in the snow if you 

happen to live where it snows but it is about a baby born of a virgin in a manger who came to save us from our sins. 

Today enjoy the day and the real meaning of what this day is about. John 14:26(NIV) says 'Peace I leave you my peaceI give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid.'

PRAYER: Lord Jesus we love you and we love celebrating you coming to Earth as a baby over 2,000 years ago. This is a special day, the most special day we celebrate except maybe for the day you rose from the dead. Thanks Lord for who you are and all you have done for us. In your name we pray, Amen. 

SALVATION ARMY BELLS

 

This time of year, if your community is still blessed, and atheists have not tried to stop it, one of the best Christian charities around and their familiar bell ringers, are in front of some stores such as Wal Mart, ringing their familiar bells and taking donations up in their familiar red kettles. I admire the ones who have to stand out in very cold places up north, such as in my recent trip to the windy city, Chicago, and one enthusiastic ringer had two bells really going at it probably to stay warm.

I look forward to seeing Salvation Army out there and being able to give to them. Some places in recent years banned them, which indeed is sad. This organization does one of the most worthy things during Christmas and year round.

Speaking of bells, I am the unfortunate sufferer of noise in my ears otherwise know as tinnitus. It can really drive me nuts if I let it. Sometimes it is a buzzing, a humming, a roar, sometimes it sounds like crickets but this past week, oddly enough, it has reminded me of Salvaton Army bells. I found this humorous in a way. I am very thankful to God that I can hear this buzzing and ringing as if I were totally deaf there would be no sound at all. On the particular day I heard that rhythmic bell ringing in my head it just made me smile. I said, 'do I dare use this in a devotion or will someone send men in little white suits to come pick me up and take me away?' It is a good illustration of the gifts of God to us and being able to help others so I said, 'why not!' 

Do you like to give or do you just do it out of obligation? Giving should be a fun thing and not because we feel at Christmas we "have to do it" or what if I give and it makes someone feel bad since they did not give back to me. The point is, we give because we love and some people have the gift of giving. If you receive a gift from someone and do not have something for them, do not despair. That person, in the spirit of Christmas, wanted to bless you so leave it at that. It is a joy to give but equally a joy to be a cheerful receiver. Do not feel bad if you are empty handed. 

Enjoy this Christmas season but try to let the spirit of Christmas go on throughout the year. Find ways to be kind to people and bless them. It does not have to cost you any money.  Give a smile. Open a door for someone. Do little act of kindness. Be polite. Be creative. Do not let Christmas stress you out because that was never Jesus' intent do you get so frazzled that you hate to see this day roll around each year. Be thankful for family, friends and what God haas given to you. All that we have is from God anyway. 

Luke 6:38(NIV) says 'Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,will be put in your lap. And the measure you use it will be measured back to you.'  I heard a story on the radio recently about a young 7 year old boy who when asked what he wanted for Christmas simply said for his family to give the money to missionaries instead of buying him gifts. Now that indeed is an unselfish giving spirit. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for all your gifts to me. I thank you for Christmas as it is a reminder of our giving to you and to others. Forgive me if I let the worlds'  way of celebrating take away from the real meaning of this special day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LOVE IS SPECIAL

Yesterday would have been the 65th wedding anniversary for my mom and
dad had he not passed away at a way too young age of 71 in 1992. Now
that is a long lasting marriage! Love is special. The feeling for some
may not always be there but love is commitment, honor, respect, and
much more. Too many do not hang in there and give up on love. That was
never God's plan for married love.

Love is mentioned over and over in God's word, the Bible. Love is more

than the mushy sentimental feeling of young lovers Love, as it says
in 1 Corinthians 13, is patient, kind, unselfish, does not keep record
of wrongs, and much more.

God's love for us is 100 percent unconditional. Oh if only we humans
could love 100 percent of the time like Jesus. No holding grudges. No
bitterness. No jealousy. No hatred. Unconditional. He loves us even
when we do not seemingly deserve it.

We who call ourselves believers are supposed to display that kind of
love for those around us. In 1 John 4:20(NIV) it says 'If anyone says
"I love God" but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone whom does
not love his brother who he has seen,cannot love God, whom he has not
seen?' John 13:35 (NIV) also says ' By this all men will know that
you are my disciples if you have love me for another.'

At Christmas everyone seems to be nice and show love. Why not let that
Christmas feeling continue throughout the entire year?

PRAYER: For you so loved the world that you gave us your only
begotten son that whoever believes in you will have eternal life.
Thank you for that ultimate gift of love. Help me Lord learn your type
of love for all tho people in my daily path whether I agree with them
or not. In Jesus' name. Amen.

JOY JOY JOY AND MORE JOY

It's Christmas time! Joy to the world! Many around you, or perhaps you
yourself, do not feel joyful due to circumstances in your life. You
just wish Christmas would hurry and go away as it makes things way too
painful. Why is it some people love Christmas and others dread to see
it come?

Maybe if we would not forget what this day is about then we could just
enjoy it in a simple way. When you have expectations that are not met
or feel let down then it is hard to get into the spirit of this
wonderful day celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus. Perhaps you
feel obligated to do certain things that end up causing you stress.
Why not sit back, go somewhere alone where it is quiet, and just pray
and be still? No cell phones. No music in your ear. Nothing. Just you
and God. It may be a challenge if you are a young parent with children
or work full time. Try to find time to schedule a "peace break" alone
somewhere. It could be at a park just sitting in your car. Or go for a
walk. Take time to decompress.

No one said you have to bake twelve dozen cookies. No one said you
need a tree. No one said you have to send Christmas cards.(I for one
send New Years photo cards instead around the 3rd week of January when
people are back in a calmer routine). No one said you have to have an
open house. No one said you have to go to parties. Try to sit and talk
to God and decide what this day is all about and go from there. How
can you have peace on earth when you are in inner turmoil?

John 14:27(NIV) says 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I
do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be afraid.' Remember the scripture in Romans
12:2(NIV) that reminds us 'Do not conform to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, Then you will
be able to test and approve what God's will is. His good, perfect, and
pleasing will.' Part of this Christmas stress might be caused by
trying to fit into the mold of someone else. Relax and enjoy Jesus'
birthday. That is what this day is really about.

PRAYER: Father thank you for your peace. I want to enjoy Christmas for
what it is and not get caught up in the man made things that can tend
to cause stress. Help. Me Lord learn when to say no to things just
because "the world" thinks it is the thing to do. I want to enjoy your
birthday. In Jesus' name. Amen.

CHRISTMAS...WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT

Christmas trees, gingerbread cookies, tinsel, holly, mistletoe, family, friends, travel, giving, receiving, candy canes, shopping, eating way too much, singing carols. What is missing? Jesus, that is what! We can get caught up in the "season" and get swept off our feet by commercialism or we can stay focused and peaceful. You do not even have to do the traditional things. Some take ski trips, vacations, or other fun getaways to start a new tradition. The important thing to remember is to not forget what this special day is all about and whatever you are doing to think about the birth of a baby in a manger who came that we might have life and have it abundantly.(See John 10:10).

Men have tried to deny his existence. They have taken his name in vain. Even in the recent movie "Lincoln" Director Steven Spielberg took a perfectly wonderful film and ruined it by having the actor portraying the late President Abraham Lincoln taking the Lord's name in vain. I can not imagine this Christian President doing that so it ruined the movie for me. Even when Jesus was getting ready to be crucified he did not deserve this horrible death yet he says 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do.' (Luke 23:34).

Jesus truly is the "reason for the season". Let's not be "holly Christians" (term coined by an Air Force Chaplain I knew) but let us let Jesus be Lord of our life the others 364 days of the year as well.

Luke 2:11(NIV) Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you which is Christ the Lord.

PRAYER: As we approach the birthday of the King of Kings I praise your name Jesus. I will celebrate you every day. Help me Lord stay calm and not get caught up in things that do not really matter. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a wonderful song for Christmas.

http://youtu.be/fr0Khzknt6w

TRAGEDY, SADNESS, AND CHRISTMAS

Christmas time is happy and joyous for most or so we might think. Many people associate a family members death around this time of year and can not seem to get past it. Death may have occurred prematurely for a young person and when it is time for Christmas, the ache of that memory of that loss lingers on.

Yesterday the unspeakable tragedy occurred when a gunman opened fire at an elementary school in Connecticut with 20 young children among those killed. The families of these children will indeed have a horrible time at Christmas this year. Who would think of killing small innocent elementary school children? It is hard to comprehend why this would even happen. Who knows? Evil is out there and it works overtime to destroy our world.
The news media will be on the bandwagon now to ban all guns. It is a fact that this world has become ultra violent. People who are against guns always use times like this to try to take them away from law abiding citizens. It is not having a gun that is the problem, but it is what is in the heart of man. It is no wonder people do evil things especially since look at what is on television and in the movie theaters these days. Why on earth does everything have to be about killing and violence? Why is it necessary to make video games depicting crime and violence? Taking prayer out of our public schools in 1963 was certainly a huge factor in the downfall of our American society as well as removing the Ten Commandments.

Why are some so offended about the name of Jesus and the word of God? First of all Satan is alive and well and working his evil schemes in the heart of mankind. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:10(NIV) that ' the name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.' It is only through Jesus that you have eternal life.
There is good and evil in our world and yesterday's shootings were definitely in the very evil category. We need to pray for the families of the victims, the family of the shooter, and the entire community. Also pray for First Responders who had to come upon this unimaginable scene. Pray also for clergy and counselors in the area to use words of faith and wisdom in their counseling for the many people affected by this tragedy. Also pray for our government to not overreact to try to abolish our Second Amendment rights.

Once again we do not know why bad things happen to good people and especially to little children. This is not the time to get angry at God although many people do. They say 'why didn't you stop this Lord?' God can bring goodness out of tragedy although it may not seem so at the time.

In attempting to comfort those in grief, it is not the time to give them a bunch of Bible verses. It is time to be a friend and comfort them and pray for them.
Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV) says 'The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?' Mark 7:21(NIV) says 'for from within, out of man's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder and adultery.' You can see from reading these two Bible verses how important it is to get your heart right with God. You keep it right by feeding it a steady diet of scripture. This is how you grow in love and learn to stop hating. For now we all need to simply keep all those involved in this senseless tragedy in our prayers.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help us keep in the word of God and stay on the path of goodness and righteousness. We know Lord you too are hurting to see little children gunned down but we also pity this shooter who obviously had some problems. Father God we ask that you work something good out of all this tragedy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BIRTHDAYS

We are coming upon the celebration of the birth of Christ. At this time of year thoughts turn to Jesus' birth. We all look forward to our birthdays, or at least you should. They are gifts from God. Today my beautiful mother is celebrating her 88th birthday! Birthdays are a reason to celebrate and for the birthday of the King of kings and Lord of lords, we should pull all the stops out.

Christmas is not about toys, gingerbread men, mistletoe, pretty light displays, holly, eggnog, and office parties often dubbed " holiday parties" but Christmas is for us to remember a baby born in a manger who came to save us from our sins. There is nothing wrong with making this a family time but Christ should stay in the center of your activities.

I am not sure why people have a hard time saying 'Merry Christmas' and instead opt for 'Happy Holidays". Maybe it is less threatening or less "religious" sounding. Perhaps you do not want to offend those who get uncomfortable with the name of Jesus. Funny but many who may say "holiday" in lieu of offending anyone with the word "Christmas" may be surprised that one of the definitions is "holy day". The word "Christmas" comes from the words "Christ's mass" or festival.

I do not have enough time in this writing to delve into where the red and green came from and all the rest of the man made traditions, but the important thing to remember is to be sure to not cut Jesus out of His own birthday celebration.
Start some Christian Christ-centered activities especially if you have children. Do not make it all about reindeer's, Santa, elves,and the North Pole. One thing we used to do is have a Happy Birthday Jesus cake. When one of our son's was a small child riding along in the shopping cart in a local store when asked if he was ready for Santa to come he bravely and boldly replied 'It's not Santa's birthday, it is Jesus' birthday". From the mouth of a child, pure truth and innocence.

So are you ready for the big birthday or are you worn out shopping and doing things you think people expect of you? Might I suggest making time for alone time with God where nothing noisy is distracting you and perhaps decide that this Christmas things will be different. Less commercial and more peace filled perhaps?

Take time December 25th and help celebrate the birth of a King.

Isaiah 9:6(NIV) says 'For unto us a child is born, a Son is given,and the government will be upon His shoulders and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'

PRAYER: Lord I want to have your peace only you can give this season of your birth. Help me not feel I have to fit into the world's mold of what is expected but do things to celebrate the Christ centered aspects of this special day all the while remaining peaceful. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click link below to enjoy a familiar Christmas song:

http://youtu.be/GaxB0xEbO0c

LESS THAN A MONTH

 'Oh gracious! Less than 30 shopping days til Christmas. Whatever will I do?' Is this the sentiment in your home these days frantically thinking of decorations, gifts, parties, food, and a host of other things? And this past Friday was a big shopping day called "Black Friday" and today is "Cyber Monday." Is shopping the only thing that consumes you this special season? Hopefully your response is no!

I think back fondly on family memories of going to live Nativity scenes with our children or Christmas programs complete with live animals in a church out in Phoenix. Then there was 'Walk Through Bethlehem' at another church out there which was very memorable. Singing Christmas carols at The VA Hospital in Dayton, Ohio with our Bible study group at Wright Patterson Air Force Base was very special. Driving to see Christmas light displays depicting the Real Christmas has been high on the "to do" list. Cutting down a live tree in zero degree weather followed by hot cider and cookies is also a fond memory. My younger son used to say getting out the "red and green M and M's" was the official start of the Christmas season.Even when children are grown and gone and when married starting their own traditions those reading this who are married still need to keep Jesus birthday first and foremost.

In the past few years Nativity Scenes have been outlawed by some local governments. The Christmas vacation is called the "holiday vacation" and you go to "holiday parties" instead of Christmas parties. Santa is glorified and put on a pedestal more than Jesus. Whose party is it anyway? Christmas is for giving, symbolic of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. But do not become so frantic and consumed by all the commercialism of the season. Maybe start the tradition of truly giving to a needy family since. Fill up that Salvation Army kettle every time you pass it. Give a toy to Toys for Tots.Fill up a Shoe Box for Samaritans Purse to give to a child in a Third World country.

Try to decide here and now you will not get so caught up in things you think you "have to do" and try to reflect on peace on earth good will to all men. It is hard to have peace rushing about trying to do everything just so. Do not let your frantic pace make you too busy for your morning time with the Lord. It is his birthday after all.

Isaiah 9:6 says 'For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given. And the government shall be on his shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the prince of peace.'

Today and each day of this season try to maintain peace and joy.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am excited about your birthday. I pray for those people who do not celebrate the meaning of this season. I pray for governments who try to take Christ out of their countries. Lord Jesus I choose peace this season and all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a song to get you in the mood for the "real" meaning of this season.

http://youtu.be/URXxNIUQT1U

DO NOT WRAP JESUS BACK IN A BOX UNTIL NEXT DECEMBER

Christmas is over for 2011. Some breathe a sigh of relief after having gone overboard with it all and will just be glad to have everything put away and have life go back to normal. But when you put away your decorations to include for some, the nativity scene, that has been setting out on a coffee table, do not put Jesus away for the next 364 days. The little figurines may be put away but why not make it a point to have Jesus alive and walking with you all the days of the year?

Christmas can leave us with many emotions so why not attempt to make Christmas something to look forward to and the task of putting away things not a drudgery. For some expectations may not have been met as you were striving for the perfect 'Hallmark Christmas'. Families have traditions and this is a fun family time probably for most, but for some Christmas can mean taking a vacation somewhere or doing something different which is all fine and good. There is no 'cookie cutter' formula for Christmas.

For those newlyweds starting out it is fun to start new traditions. For families with adult children give them the opportunity to do their own thing and not force them into your mold. The important thing to remember in all the celebration is to keep Jesus out and with you all the time. Christmas ends but not life with the savior. Make Him part of your everyday life. Start the day with prayer and devotion time and make sure that decisions you make in life are made as if Christ were sitting there with you deciding. Make him a vital part of your everyday life not just on December 25th.

Isaiah 53:5-6 says about Jesus "But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." For all that Jesus does for us many of us ignore him til Christmas time. Why not let Him have first place in your life every day of the week?

PRAYER: Lord forgive me for times I have not given you the time of day. Forgive me when I know what to do and yet do otherwise. Forgive me for when I have means to help someone but ignore them. Forgive me Lord for spending more time reading the newspaper than I do reading your word. I want to live for you and let it be Christmas each day. In Jesus Name. Amen.

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!! ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Happy Birthday Jesus! The day is here at last. All the shopping, wrapping gifts, decorating, cooking, and visiting is coming to an end as gifts are opened and goodbyes are said to those who came to visit. Just think of what this day means. It is not Santa Claus and reindeer or snowmen, although if you drove around most neighborhoods you would think so. It is not about watching your favorite Christmas movie even though that is fun. It is not about eating Christmas cookies or hanging up stockings. It is about a baby in a manger who came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. In John 10:10 it says "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." God came as a baby in a manger and born to a virgin. He was and is pure and spotless. He was and is perfect. He was and is the saviour of the world .So today enjoy your day with family and friends but let us not forget the 'real reason for the season'. His name is Jesus!

PRAYER: Happy Birthday to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We praise your name Father. You are almighty, holy, perfect in every way. Help me each day to try to be more like you in what I say and do. In Jesus Name. Amen.


Click on link and enjoy the song 'Mary Did You Know'.
http://youtu.be/_U2G8wsbXBo

FINALLY HERE

The big day is finally almost here. The birthday of Jesus!  Every year merchants seem to push this day earlier and earlier to get people to buy, buy , buy. Some of you reading this may still be out running up credit card bills. Stop for a moment and ask yourself what the true meaning is and if you really are going to need some of the things you just bought with money you did not really have. This is the season of giving true but more importantly it is the season to remember a baby in a manger and to try with God's help to have 'peace on earth and goodwill to men'.

Like the familiar song 'Away in a Manger' , do you feel you have this sort of joy and peace that was present the night Jesus was born? Jesus represents perfect peace. Is something bothering you today and you can not get it off your mind or stop worrying? Allowing worry will not achieve anything but ulcers and arguments. So it is time to rethink what is bothering you? What better time than at the Christmas season. It is good time to say 'Happy Birthday Jesus' but to also regroup and rethink issues that may be pressing on you.  Release your lack of peace to the God of all peace. Give your cares to God.

John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid". Isaiah 9:6 is familiar to most and read a good deal around the Christmas season and it says "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." Let the baby in the manger take residence in your heart today and bring you that perfect peace.

PRAYER: Lord as I get ready to celebrate Silent Night Holy Night I want to have that silence and peace only you can give in my life.Help me trust you today and every day. In Jesus name. Amen.
 Click on link for a wonderful Christmas song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijm1K9Pfkww&feature=youtube_gdata_player

CHRISTMAS CAN BE SAD FOR SOME

 
Christmas seems to be focused on merriment but for many this season brings great pain and sorrow. There are those who had a terrible childhood and no gifts due to being poor and this holiday opens fresh wounds . For many who have lost loved ones it can be painful. For the spouse who has been hurt and taken to divorce court thus breaking family unity it is painful. Somehow for those suffering there has to be a way to go beyond your pair and live again in the fullness of God's love and glory. The lord does not want you to stay down and in a pit. Many blame the Lord for their losses. God is not a destroyer. Things happen in life. We learn and grow through our pain and loss.God can heal so let Him comfort you and let Him back into your heart and life.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

God can heal your wounded heart. Let Him. Cry out to Him. He cares.

PRAYER: Loving father I pray today for those who are suffering and hurting at this time of year. Christmas can be happy and joyful, but for many it is a day of sadness. Help those with pain. Through this time Lord and draw them to you in a special way. In Jesus name. Amen.

Note: let the the song I have included bless you today. Turn up speakers and click link. 
http://youtu.be/cIvDCV4e318