THE DECEMBER BIRTHDAY GIRL OR BOY

Today my beautiful mother turns 89 years old!  Birthdays are something to celebrate no matter what your age. People often become upset getting older but it is a joy to know you are blessed to be a blessing to others and share the knowledge you have gained here on this Earth.

When you are born in December the natural reaction from friends might be, "That is horrible. I bet you do not get many presents being born in the same month as Christmas." Birthdays are not just about gifts although sharing gifts is a way to show  love to others. 

Birthdays, such as the one of the baby Jesus in a manger, are times to rejoice. Gifts are given. Parties are held. Often you go to dinner and get a cake. At least that is the custom here in the United States in our modern day.

Waiting for the arrival of a newborn is special and the years that individual has are a reason to give thanks each and every year.  The most special birthday ever was that of Jesus Christ. In Luke chapter 2 is recounted the birth of Jesus. Take time to sit and read it over even though you may be familiar with it. Verse 2 of this chapter says 'So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.' 

There was joy, the savior was born.  Do you feel like rejoicing? Many may be sad this time of year and rushed and not feel the joy of it all. Today stop what you are doing to thank God above for sending his son to save us from our sins. 

PRAYER: This is a great month. We anticipate celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Help me Lord to remain focused on this and not get caught up in the tinsel and holly and Santa Claus. I truly want to say "joy to the world the Lord has come." In Jesus name. Amen.

I LOVE CELEBRATING

 Life is worth celebrating. All kinds of occasions. Births, baptism, graduation, weddings, anniversaries, and yes birthdays no matter how "young" you are. Today I am celebrating a milestone birthday. I was born in 1953 so do the math. I am not ashamed. Life is a celebration. God has blessed me with sixty beautiful years. And you know what they say "60 is the new 40".

Do you like to celebrate? Parties are fun. Getting together with friends and family and enjoying good food and good times. Gifts are nice too. But did you know what the greatest gift of all is? It was the birth of Jesus Christ. 'God so loved the world that He gave us His only son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but should have eternal life.' (John 3:16)

It is going to be one tremendous celebration for Christians when we arrive in heaven. Also when one sinner repents it says "the angels rejoice". Luke 15:10(NIV) says 'In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

I have been to the funeral of Christians who chose to not make it into a sad affair, but instead to turn it into a celebration of a life well lived. It is really a neat thing to see family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of the believer who has now entered heaven. We down here are left with memories and feel a great loss, but sooner or later all of us are going to die. No matter how much some people want to try to stay here, perhaps try to be frozen like in the movie "Forever Young" we have to face it. Death will come to all of us.

Are you ready to meet Jesus if today were the last day you would spend on earth? On Halloween death is sort of mocked and made light of. Death is real. Hell is real. There are not a bunch of zombies running around trying to spook people. Joking and dressing up may be fun on this day but making sure you know Jesus is vitally important. It is my hope when each of you die your families will be able to celebrate the fact you most assuredly have gone on to meet Jesus and have one gigantic homegoing party!!

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for the promise of heaven and eternal life. Help me to be a witness to those who do not know you and share your love with them. Even as we joke about scaring people on Halloween let us not forget that hell is not a joking matter. It is real and is forever. Help me to take that seriously and help others who do not know you come into a relationship with you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link to enjoy a song of Celebration.

http://youtu.be/XV15GBkgJgs