FROM MANGER TO CROSS

Today is Christmas Day. Long awaited by anxious children. Long anticipated by those in the Christian community as the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus. His birth would change the world. Imagine if you will a king born to a virgin in a stable. Sounds like the plot for a Hollywood movie. God's only son sent here to save the world from their sins.

As his short life went on many mocked Him, ridiculed Him, were cruel to Him yet not once did He retaliate. He performed miracles and today miracles still do exist. His life ended on a cross with him uttering "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."(Luke 23:34). As a follower of Christ, if we are truly living for Him, many will hate us too. John 15:18(NIV) reminds us '"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.'

Isaiah 53:3-5(NIV) says it all.　'He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.'

Are you excited about this day? Is it for the right reason? Truly Jesus is the reason for this season. Happy Birthday Jesus!

PRAYER: What a great day this is. The opportunity for many to be with family but for the true reason we celebrate and that is to say Happy Birthday to our Savior. Help me Lord this day to forgive those who may be too caught up in Santa and just remember that I am here to show love and mercy just like you do. 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