Birth Announcement

 

 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.  Luke 1:38

Let’s think about who got birth announcements when Jesus came.  First, we see Mary and Joseph got the word.  It was really big news.  Mary got it my heavenly currier.  Since this was her body, she got a big announcement.  Joseph got his in a dream.  It was impactful for this couple and changed their lives in a very major way.  Both obeyed the summons.  They trusted God in an adventure into the unknown.  There was no map for this adventure.  It meant walking step by step through gossip, travel, homelessness and a run for your life adventure.  Yet they obeyed because they trusted God because He asked them to. 

I have no idea what lies in the path God has laid before me, but God calls me to not worry, but to trust and walk the path one step at a time.  He promised to be with me every step.  He did it for Mary and Joseph.  He is doing it for me.  He will be glad to do it for you.  So be courageous and grab onto God and start walking.

Open Your Gift

 

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16   

 

Recently we said good-bye to a dear neighbor who has been our friend since we came to this neighborhood years ago.  Of late we did not see him, but he has eaten in our home.  We have attended events together; we have prayed for him.  However, he has slipped into eternity, perhaps without knowing Jesus.  Oh, he had been told the gospel story, but he was too busy, or did not see his need.  As far as we know, he failed to open the gift God offered him.  Other gifts looked more enticing.

If you are reading this you still have time to open your Christmas gift from God.  You can enter into eternity with Jesus.  He wants you to come.  That is why He came and we celebrate His birth at Christmas.  Why wait?  If you have opened your gift from God don’t be selfish!  Share it with others.  It is a matter of life and death! 

Just Like Any Other Day

 

Matthew 1:21

"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

Advent makes us think of the celebration that Jesus was born!  A wonderful birth.  But actually, at the time few saw it as anything remarkable.  The world did not stop and stand in awe.  Many did not know or care that a world changing event had just occurred.  The vast majority just plodded along in the routine of life.  The suffering and joys had not changed.  Israel waited for the coming Messiah, but most saw it as far in the distance.  The world in general went on with life as usual.

So it is with many of us today.  We see it as an event in the distant past.  It is a time for merchants to make money, and people to spend money.  The significance of Christmas is lost in the holiday bustle. 

I want to remember what happened that night in the stable.  I want to rejoice at the unfolding of God’s plan through the ages to arrange for my salvation.  I want to remember.  Won’t you join me in pondering that significance?  If it has no meaning for you, now is the time to find that meaning and internalize it.  Come on!  Think on the significance of Jesus’s birth.  Let it change your life!

White Christmas

 

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (ESV)

 

Images of Christmas are usually ensconced in snow.  People dream of a white Christmas.  However, when I read the Scripture accounts of the birth of Jesus, the snow is not there, or at least not mentioned.  I love to see the snow, and I agree it really makes for a picturesque setting.  Yet very few of my Christmases included that so lovely accessory.  Usually very cold, maybe rain, but no snow. 

 But you know what?  You can have a white Christmas where ever you live.  The Bible says God can make your heart even whiter than snow.  When we trust Jesus, He washes our heart even whiter than snow.  So this Christmas be courageous and have a white Christmas in your heart.  Don’t just dream about a white Christmas.  Have a real white Christmas that has eternal value. Ask Jesus to wash your sins away, and make it whiter than snow and enjoy a truly white Christmas!

Set the Tone of Your Heart

 

Music is such a big part of Christmas at our house.  Christmas music plays all day.  See, we all love music.  This year we were able to attend by livestream the advent concert at Wheaton college.  We have done this in other years but we would watch and work.  This year we took time from a busy day and sat down and attended start to finish.  The theme was “Let the Stable Still Astonish.”  There were no breaks for applause, just a smooth seamless flow of music pointing to Jesus.  We were led in reflection, joy, soul searching, and praise.  It led to being astonished at what God did for us.  Different genres of music and art melded together to lead us to a final declaration of praise in the “Hallelujah Chorus”.  It set us up for worship this advent.  Is your heart set to worship this advent?  As I reflect on what God did for me, I must worship Him.  I challenge you to sit down and listen to an advent concert, or read an advent reading.  Turn off the outside world and reflect on what happened at advent so long ago.  Then go back and worshipping, join the world around you!

Enough For All

 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16 (ESV)

Here we are at Advent.  I have been pondering gifts to give my parents.  Mom and I finally sat down to do online shopping.  She had a gift she was wanting and knew what my dad wanted. So, we sat down to order, but what we wanted was sold out.  Both items.  I wanted to cry.  Back to start! 

God gave us a gift at Christmas.  It was free. A gift.  He did not have to wonder what to give.  He knew exactly what we needed.  He did not have to worry about limited supply. He knew there was enough for whoever would receive that gift.

I received my gift from God.  Did you?  Come and open your heart and receive God’s gift of salvation.  The size is always perfect, and there is enough for everyone.  Not only will you be glad you got it, God and all of heaven will rejoice with you as you take that gift. And you do not have to wait till Christmas to open it!!

Endless Love

 

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon^[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called^[b]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV

In advent we think about Jesus the baby.  We feel like advent is the beginning of our salvation, but it was set in motion in the beginning.  God knew the plan.  He promised the Messiah all through the Old Testament.  In the Bible it says Jesus is the Alpha and Omega.  The beginning and the end.  However, there is no time before God or after.  He is eternal, infinite.  My mind cannot grasp that.  How can I?  I am not God.  Yet Jesus had to squeeze into time and space, so I could soar in eternity.  Jesus endured it all because He loves me.  Since He has no beginning or end, His love for me has no beginning or end.  It always is.  It is the same for you.  So come to this Messiah who offers you this endless love.  Come let Him into your life.  Come soar in eternity.