GONE ON VACATION!

WE WILL BE GONE ON VACATION
UNTIL JANUARY 5TH...
I HOPE WE RETURN INJURY FREE!

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE NEW YEAR!


If you are visiting for the first time...
enjoy past blogs in our Archives section.

Also if you would like a notice e-mailed to you when we get going again, please e-mail your request to girlschat@gmail.com
See you soon!

Janet

Merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas from ...

Cathy and her two snuggle bugs!

Yvette...and her beautiful family

We have reached a milestone...of sorts so I feel we must announce it ... Over 1,000 have visited this site since August! Thanks to all of you who have stopped by and stayed...My hope is that you have been encouraged, comforted and brought closer to God's Word...His Son.

Have a Blessed Christmas!

Janet

ADVENT WREATH

I wanted to just leave the very funny clip below but I will start tonight a new Christmas tradition in our home and thought some of you may not know about this. It is called an "Advent Wreath" It is four candles around an evergreen wreath . Not a dryer sheet wreath! (See clip below to understand ) and one candle in the middle. For the next five days which would lead us into Christmas day, we will light one candle and read accompanying Scripture. Here is the outline:

The wreath represents God's eternal love, that knows no end. The greenery represents the everlasting life that Christ brings.

Each candle symbolizes an aspect of Christ's birth.

Today (Friday) we will light the first candle. It is the Prophesy candle and it reminds us that Christ's coming was prophesied long before He was born.

Read out loud Isaiah 9:2-6 and Luke 1:30-35

Day two: This is the Bethlehem candle. It reminds us where Jesus was born.

Read Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:1-7

Day three: The Shepherd's candle. We are reminded that God sent the angles to proclaim His arrival to common men and that He always uses common man to spread His Word.

Read Isaiah 52:7 and Luke 2: 8-12

Day four: The Angels candle. With this light we are reminded of the heavenly angels and hosts who announced Christ's birth. Also reminding us He is the Light of the World.

Read Ezekiel 34:23 and Luke 2: 13-20

Fifth day, Christmas morning: The last candle is the Christ candle. It is white and symbolizes Christ's holiness, purity and perfection. If you use a large white candle it can burn all Christmas Day. Read Isaiah 9:2-6 and John 1:6-13.

Hope you and your family enjoy this Advent Wreath. I plan to have the kids read the verses each night and then David on Christmas morning.

NO POSTS until after Christmas...but if I get any Christmas pictures from you all...I will post. Have a blessed Christmas and don't forget to take a look at the "Smile...it is Friday" clip below!

SMILE...it's Friday!

Ok...this is when we (crafty, DIY, Martha-wannabees) go over the top!



Have a great weekend....

Send me your Christmas pictures...your dog...your kids...your family! We will have a web-Christmas card exchange next week. Don't be shy!

Always have an answer for the Hope you have...

Yesterday began at 5:00 a.m. and ended at 10:45 p.m. It began with David and I rising early to get ready to take Hannah to the hospital for her colonoscopy (which went very well other than some upper irritation which we believe can be healed). As soon as the procedure was over, we were beeped to go back and see her and the doctor. Looking at her sweet little face still under the anaesthesia the doctor came out to tell us it all went fine. My intuitive response is to say out loud "Praise God"...there in a single sentence is my hope. It was not in the doctor, or the medical procedure or even the incredible tool the doctor was using to look inside Hannah....it was in God Himself. The outcome could have been different, more severe...the result could have been one which many also face...but the Hope for perseverance through whatever the Lord brings would have been the same...Christ! Hope that is focused and anchored in Christ never fails!

I remember talking to Hannah about the outcome of the test a week ago. I noticed she was very anxious and tense. We talked about what did she fear...she said "that the test would show something bigger". I told her nothing is bigger than God! Whatever came our way, He will be faithful to us...to walk with us and comfort us. I asked her to recite what she knew of God. She began "I KNOW He will never lave me or forsake me".

"I KNOW He will never give me more than I can bear"

"I KNOW when I am weak, He is strong."

"I KNOW He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort"

Every time she began with "I KNOW".

The things she knew about God Himself became the Hope in which she anchored her faith.

That is how all of us should take hold every thought...begin with "I KNOW..." Not just "I wish" but the things you know, based in His Word...then every anxious thought will be calmed. Every fear will subside.

A great Pastor once said "The difference between a wish and a prayer is that the prayer Holds God's attention and it is based in His Word"

Practise this yourself this week....when it seems as you have lost hope...go back to what you KNOW of the real HOPE that will never let you down. Jesus is the answer to the hope we have.

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SOMETHING FOR FUN...

I am going to try a web Christmas Card exchange. I know...I am treading on thin ice because if the response is low...lets be honest, the idea goes nowhere...but if you can send me your Christmas Family picture with a message and I will post them for the next few days....

Let's try it...now don't let me down!

A daily devotion

Christians are called to a daily devotion of following Christ. Often though, we tend to think of starting the day with prayer or reading a certain passage then off we go to start the day. Sometimes we even feel like, "OK that is done" and an hour later may have forgotten what we have meditated on and find ourselves wrapped up in the day's events. Can I say to us, we need to look at daily devotion as a way to live rather than a segmented hour we can give to Christ.

This morning as I was praying, I felt there just was not enough time. I thought "Lord, I don't want to start the day...I just want to sit with you. Could you make time stop?" Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever just wanted to sit there, meditating on Him, reading His Word or just enjoying His presence?
This day holds a lot for me to get done. Hannah our youngest daughter has to have a colonoscopy tomorrow morning. Today is a day of preparation for her...a day that she will need Mom by her side to comfort and encourage. As I was praying, I just wanted to stay in His presence all day dismiss the events of the day that lay ahead for me. But the truth is, that this fellowship we are to have with Him, is a constant fellowship. He never leaves us or abandons us to our troubles.

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says "Come to me". Every day Jesus calls out to us the same way. His words are gentle, encouraging. His arms are outstretched encompassing all time, all events, all circumstances. When He spoke these words in the Gospels many responded. The leper came. The blind came. The tired and weary came. Anxious men and women came. And they all found rest and fellowship with Him from that moment on.

Christ calls us to "Come"...every minute, every day. He will always be with us, urging us to follow Him. He will always lead, paving our way and clearing our path. As we follow Him every hour, we will hear His calming voice and know His gentle ways.
I need to hear Him today...and tomorrow and the day after. I need a devotional life...minute by minute walking with Him .
In Genesis we are told, "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him" that is how I want to live. Walking hour by hour until I am no more.
I heard it this way... Enoch was walking with God . And they walked and walked. Then it was the end of the day and God said to Enoch "we are closer to my home...lets finish there".
What a wonderful response to His calling us to "Come" . Our response should be to say "yes!"
Spurgeon in his book "Morning and Evening" says
"...if you are a believer this is your cry to Christ "Come! Come!"...you say it with John "Come quickly Lord Jesus" you crave closer fellowship with Him."

Our response to His "Come" should be yes! Live with me Immanuel...Reign in my life...without a rival. My life devoted to you and you devoted to me.

Any thoughts? go to Girlschat@gmail.com

The Language of Love...

Language is basic to us all. It is the way we let others know who we are and how they tell us. Don't you love when someone shares their heart with you? Or when someone recognizes something about you and is able to express it so clearly that it blesses you? Or even when a friend tells you something and though it is painful to hear you receive it in such a way that it helps you? So is the Language of Love from God.

Today many Pastors and scholars have devised "Love Languages" they encourage us to find our "love Language" and then speak to others in their "Love language". Can I tell you there is someone who knows all of our "love languages" and speaks to us clearly, lovingly and powerfully enough to change us. God's language is Christ. He is the Word or in Greek Logos

In John's Gospel he begins "in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God" John 1:1
The "Logos" or Word here in the original language of Greek means intelligence and "word" as the expression of that intelligence. It comes from Lego which means to speak. Jesus in His preincarnate state is called "ho Logos," The Word, "Meaning first, immaterial intelligence and then, the expression of that intelligence in speech that humans can understand" (from the Key Word Bible #3056) Christ displays the mind and heart of God The Father so we can understand.
It is important to see what does John means by "beginning"? ...when does that take place? In the original Greek there is no definite article it is more like "In beginning". What beginning does this mean?....we can think of many beginnings here...beginning of the world (Matt 24:21 or Gen 1)) ; the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus (Mark 1:1) or maybe the beginnning of creation...but really because there is no definite article it is designed to carry us back to the most remote point that can be imagined. Before creation there was the Word. Jesus was before there was specific time. He was there in eternity.

The Father began creation as He spoke (Logos)...He said "let there be" and "all things were made by Him". Who is the Him? Christ brought form and substance to The Father's creation. As God the Father chose to express His creative character, the Word became something conclusive and established. Christ reveals to us the mind of God. He has made the incomprehensible God intelligible.
That is why He says "If you have seen me you have seen the Father". Hebrews tells us "God who has spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways in these last days has spoken to us in His Son" Christ not only was the first, the Alpha but He is also the last, Omega. Those are the first and last letters of the alphabet. Jeus is the A through Z...He puts God's mind, thoughts and power into language that we can undestand and see.

The Word, Jesus Himself, is God's language to us...that is how we hear God's words, we see Him, we can relate to Him and it is the way God chose to manifest Himself to the world.

What are the Scriptures ? "They are the Word of God". Jesus said the Scriptures spoke about Him! Scripture tells us of Christ's coming, His life and His return. The Scriptures: reveal God's mind to send the Son, express His will for the perfect sacrifice and proclaim His Son as Lord of all. As Christ lay in the manger God's Love Language was clearly seen and at the Cross it was fully expressed. He held no words back!

How well do we know God's love language? Experts who are trying to match love languages between people, do it with the goal of communicating better. Their hope is that we find each other's love language and speak to each other more clearly and lovingly. But there is One who speaks the true love language and it is perfect and He speaks with power and gentleness. He is Jesus...the Alpha and Omega...the One who speaks to you from the manger and from the cross...He is the living Word who can speak to us...are we listening?

Smile it is Friday!

Here is the video for the song "Mary did you know?" from earlier in the week.
Hope you enjoy!
Have a great weekend.

Alice writes:

Your cookie recipe reminded me of a fun tradition we had with our grown children. We gathered on a Saturday in early December--our three children, their spouses, and our grandchildren. I had prepared copies of several recipes, gathered huge mixing bowls, and a trunkload of ingredients. We paired up kids and adults with each other and mixed and baked cookies to the sound of Christmas music. Each family had trays of cookies to take home, plus for church events and other people who we had concerns for. The children had a lot of fun decorating the cookies. Now that we are in Florida at Christmas, we are not there to share this event with our children so I was thrilled to talk to my son's mother in law this past week. While our son and daughter in law were in Ethiopia adopting two little boys, their other four children stayed with Oma (the other grandmother.) She had friends who invited the children to come over and decorate cookies last Saturday. They must be really good by now because on Monday they went to another home to decorate cookies. I think next year I might invite children down here to come over to decorate cookies. I really believe time is a better gift at Christmas, don't you? The grandchildren felt very special to be included in these cookie decorating events.
Alice

It's great to carry traditions on...even if they are slightly different as time moves on! Thanks for sharing...Janet

Cookie exchange anyone?

Earlier in the week I offered some gift ideas to would also emphasize God's gift of Christmas. I hope you enjoyed looking at the websites and looking at more books.

I thought today I would share some cookie recipes for those who are in search of new cookie ideas. You can also share some of your own and I will post them or if you have a special cake you make....

Our favorite cookies for Christmas are the Wedding Cookies or as we like to call them "SNOWBALLS" because they look like that. I usually stack them inside a clear bowl so it looks like a "jar of snowballs". And just like real snow they just don't last long.

SNOWBALLS

1 stick of butter (room temp)

3 tablespoons of honey

1 cup unbleached, all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 table spoon vanilla extract

1 cup shelled pecan (chopped)

3/4 of a cup of confectioners sugar

Preheat over 300. Grease one or two cookie sheets

Cream butter. Beat in honey and gradually mix flour, salt then vanilla. Add pecans. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill one hour. After...for small balls (the size of quarters). Place two inches apart on cookie sheets. Bake 35-40 minutes. Take out and as soon as they are cool enough to touch, roll them in powdered sugar. Cool completely and roll again.

COCONUT MACAROONS

1/3 cup of unbleached flour

2 1/2 cups of shredded coconut

1/8 teaspoon of salt

2/3 cups of sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven 350. Grease cookie sheet.

Mix flour, coconut, salt together in a bowl and pour in condensed milk and vanilla. Stir and mix batter well.

Drop batter by quarter cup-fulls and allow one inch between cookies. Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.. (makes 1 1/2 doz. cookies)

Here are some additonal websites to for some more Christmas ideas:

http://www.beadedroyalty.com/scripture-bracelet.htm

https://www.planeticthus.com/detail.aspx?ID=2583

http://www.jeanstockdale.com/book_info.htm

http://www.jimshore.com/shop/detail.aspx?ID=1149

Mary did you know?

Mark Lowry wrote a beautiful song "Mary did you Know" and this past weekend it was sung at our Church. If you know the song it asks questions of what Mary knew about the baby she was carrying. Some of the words go like this:

"Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy

Would one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your Baby Boy

Has come to make you new

This Child that you delivered

Will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy

Is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy

Will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your Baby Boy

Is Heaven's Perfect Lamb?

This sleeping Child you're holding

Is the Great I Am! "

As we have been looking at the Gospel of Matthew and Luke for insight into the first Christmas we have not spoken about Mary. After listening to this song, I took time to see what scripture tells us of her...A woman who was chosen by God to deliver the Son of God.
We know Mary was engaged to Joseph at the time the Archangel came to deliver the message that she was to have a son. Luke 1:26-38 says:

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. "

Back in those days a betrothal was legally binding. It was not like an engagement is today. This Betrothal period was known as Kiddushin and if either one broke the vow of chastity during this time a formal divorce was required. Mary's pregnancy was to occur during the Kiddushin period. God must have known Mary's precarious position to be found pregnant at such a time. But HE would show HIMSELF as the One to protect her and carry her through this time. At the announcement the angel said to her she was favored. Scripture tells us over and over God's favor rests on the humble. He does not chose because of anything we can do for Him. He chooses out of His own independent will. When He chose Israel Scripture tells us in Deuteronomy 7:6-7 that He did not set His affection on Israel because there was anything great about them...they were not more numerous or stronger or even more to "work with". As a matter of fact they were the "fewest" of all nations. He simply set His affection on them because He desired to...God always looks to the weak, poor, humble and it was no different on why He chose Mary.

In Luke 1:47-49 Mary recognizes she is a sinner when she says " My spirit rejoices in God MY Savior." and she states that God has "been mindful" of her "humble state". There is some thinking today that Mary was sinless and even from a virgin birth herself, that is not what Scripture tells us. Mary was just like you and me...a young woman, a mother and a widow. She knew joy, peace, sadness, grief. She experienced all that God had for her with a constant reminder that the son she bore was "The Son of God"

Isaiah 66:2 says "This is the one to whom I will look, he who is humble and contrite in spirit". God chose Mary for no merit of her own...and where He would take her He would show Himself faithful to her and she dependant on Him.

John MacArthur in his book "God's Gift of Christmas" says about Mary " When you think of God's sovereign choice of Mary to be the mother of Jesus is astonishing. Out of all the women He could have chosen---queens, princesses or daughters of the wealthy and influential---He chose an unknown, unassuming young woman from an obscure village. But God's plan and purposes often do not unfold in the manner we humans would have selected."

Back to the question...I think Mary knew something extraordinary was unfolding before her. Maybe not the details but definitely the purpose. That is why when the wise men came Scripture tells us "she pondered these things".

I wonder how many of us ponder the same things Mary did. When we look at our children do we seek to understand what God has for them? We may not know the details He has for them but we do know His purpose. Could one of us be raising the next Billy Graham, Jonathan Edwards? And if there are no children, Do we see ourselves as humbly and meek in even having the honor to be called by God in whatever task He has given us. We did not chose Him, but He chose us to bear witness to Him. What better time to do that than now!

Gift giving...

I am sorting through a bunch of gift ideas to find a gift that expresses the real joy and truth of Christmas. This is hard. Here are just a few things I have found which I hope can help...the books can also be purchased on Amazon or even Barnes and Noble. Some of the descriptions of the books I just copied from their author's websites. A couple are my own (R.C.'s Now That's a Good Question, Boy Meets Girl and the Key Word Bible)

"Faith to Grown On" by John MacArthur: offers accurate, age-appropriate help for pre-teens searching for answers. This first-of-its-kind resource from John MacArthur reads like a devotional, while explaining profound doctrinal truth with clarity and color.

"Follow Me" by John MacArthur: reiterates the call of Jesus, offers insight into ways people respond to it, and encourages readers not just to follow, but to follow through. Women followed Jesus to learn His teaching and to support His ministry. The sick followed Jesus to receive divine healing. The rejects followed Jesus to receive God’s acceptance. The disillusioned followed Jesus to receive His hope. All those reasons—and many more—still hold true today. This broad-scoped study of Jesus’ followers gives bite-sized portions of insight for followers of today and provides them with the tools necessary to continue heeding the call to follow Him.
"Boy Meets Girl" by Joshua Harris: A great book not only to prepare us Moms as to the proper perspective of dating for our kids, but also a great read for teens. Boy Meets Girl is an honest, romantic and refreshingly biblical look at relationships. It's about dating with a purpose. About friendship plus possibility. About romance chaperoned by wisdom. And it's for all ages—single or not.
"Now That's a Good Question" by R.C. Sproul: Ever been in the position when your kids ask you a question and you have no idea how to answer Biblical? This book is a great source of wisdom and clarity. Thanks to R.C. many of the answers to some of those difficult questions are gathered here for us to look up and understand! It is really a great book to have on hand…at all times!
"Lightlings" by R.C. Sproul: A race of tiny beings known as lightlings are a picture of humanity as they pass through all the stages of the biblical drama - creation, fall, and redemption. In the end, children will understand why some people fear light more than darkness, but why they need never fear darkness again. A great book that will hold kid’s interest. Scripture references in the back will help guide kids into the deeper meaning of the story.
"Choosing my Religion" by R.C. Sproul: In a world engulfed with false prophesies and theories, we would be mistaken to think our students are not burdened by them. In Choosing My Religion, Dr. R.C. Sproul addresses the promises that relativism and rebellion make but cannot keep .
The Key Word Bible: A great reference tool. You can read the manuscript in the New American Standard Translation but key Greek and Hebrew words are highlighted for you in their original meaning. There is also a good Concordance and Dictionary. A great study tool for 2008!

"12 Extraordinary Women" by John MacArthur: Learn fascinating information about God's plan for 12 women of the Bible. Mary, Hannah, Eve are just but a few. A challenging and insightful look at ourselves through the lives of these Godly women.

"When I don't desire God, How to Fight for Joy" by John Piper: John Piper's most heart stirring truth is that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" How can we find satisfaction and joy in Christ? John takes you through everyday challenges and helps us discover it is a fight worth fighting!

Also for you to look up more book ideas here are a few links:
http://www.gty.org/
http://www.desiringgod.org/
http://www.gbibooks.com/

For some other gift ideas…

Click here to view: http://www.sundancecatalog.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=11816&itemID=11816

I just bought four of these for my kids. The necklace can be worn by both girls and boys. I had each one engraved with a specific verse for each one. So remember or if you don't have a verse, ask God for a verse to dedicate to a child and then have it engraved for them. Up to 8 characters including spaces. It is called the “Just for U necklace” Go to http://www.sundancejewelry.com/

http://www.artofthespirit.net/
A whimsical and beautiful assortment of hand painted plates and plaques all inscribed with a verses.

This week if anyone finds any great gifts that can share the Truth of God's Word for Christmas let me know. go to www.girlschat@gmail.com

The most important question to ask this time of year....

This past weekend I was out and about doing some Christmas shopping and getting some groceries for the week. At this time of the year there is one question you keep hearing from people...What should I give _________for Christmas? or What do you want for Christmas? We are all trying to think of the right gift and for many, to be sure we can give what family and friends want, we just simply ask.
There are many more types of questions being asked today like :What are you doing to celebrate Christmas? What are you getting for Christmas? But can I suggest, that there is a question few of us ask this time of the year. What we could be asking is "Who do you say the Christ child is?" This question hinges life and death. This question either brings a blessing or a condemnation.
In Matthew 16:13-17 Jesus Himself asks the question...

"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi He asked His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah and still others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter answered "You are the Christ. The son of the Living God."
Jesus replied "Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven."

Have you ever asked anyone such a question? What a marvelous way to not only see where a person's understanding of Christ is, but also a great opportunity to share the Gospel. What if all of us this week went about asking "Who do you say the Christ Child is"? Could we have an impact this Christmas? I think so.
We have looked at who this Christ Child is over the past two weeks. We have enough information to share the truth of who He is. The full revelation, however, comes from God the Father. Jesus said that Himself. So all we are charged to do is give witness of Him...then we trust God to reveal His fullness in their heart.
Could we take on that challenge? I will! Let me know if and how you do...
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Tomorrow some gift ideas that reveal God's Truth to share with others.

Smile it is Friday....

Yvette writes regarding her focus of Christmas:

"I have always told my children that Christmas day is Jesus' Birthday, and that is why we celebrate Christmas. I also explained to my children, ages three and four that Santa is just the party planner for Baby Jesus' Birthday. I have only taken my children to see Santa once in their whole life. This year i told the children the truth....yes the real truth.....it's not really Santa, just a man wearing a fancy costume ; )The children know that the gifts they receive are from family members not Santa.Last year was the last time we left cookies out for Santa.To be quite honest, both children were frightened at the thought of a stranger coming into their house, even if they were leaving gifts. Every year the kids help stir the batter to make a birthday cake for baby Jesus. After Christmas dinner, we all sing happy birthday to Jesus."
Thanks Yvette for those encouraging words! I especially love that you make Santa "the party planner"!

Hope this clip for the "Smile it is Friday" post will bring a smile to your heart!
Have a wonderful weekend. Janet

The baby all wrapped up...

It has been amazing looking at the birth of Christ these past weeks. I have learned so much and really searched myself to find out if I had worldly perceptions of Christmas and if I did where they robbing the true joy...and I have to say I did. I love Christmas...I love the decorations, the excitement, the gift giving and carols. But if those things steal any praise away from the truth of Christmas it is robbing Christ of His due worship and praise. I have to confess that was happening to me. How about you? Has this look at the baby in the manger caused you to look at Christmas different? And even more importantly, what change has it caused?
For me I am overwhelmed at Christ's humility...I must also humble myself. It has also caused me to ask myself "Am I teaching that to my kids?" Am I letting them know how precious the Christ baby is? How can I steer their thinking away from "What can I get for Christmas?" to "What can I give for Christmas?".
Something else I have considered...Am I also seeing those three reactions to the birth of our Savior in my family? My neighborhood?
If so, how can I give them the Truth? I am praying how to do that.
If you have any suggestions as how to share or enjoy the Truth of Christmas, would you let me know?

Here are some suggestions I thought of...

1) Have a "Birthday for Jesus" party and invite neighborhood kids.
2) A Christmas card that just does not say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" but has a verse that exalts the birth of Christ.
3) Read the Gospel of Matthew Chapters 1 and 2 after dinner with the kids. And next week the Gospel of Luke also Chapters 1 and 2.
4) Give in secret...maybe go to an single parent and visit. After make a list of gifts for her and her children. Have your kids shop and then on Christmas Eve leave the gifts at her front door with a note saying "Jesus the Truth of Christmas is the greatest gift" ...Maybe leave a new Bible with a bookmark on the verses...
5) You could also serve Christmas lunch at a homeless shelter then go home and do yours.
6) Invite friends who might not have heard the Gospels and share the meaning of His birth.
7) Have our children write their very own Gospel message. Have them write down what they know of Jesus' birth and what it truly means. Maybe include them in your Christmas cards for family members who are lost.

Well, those are just some ideas to get us started. Let me know your thoughts...
Janet

Wise men and fools....

The story of Christmas is filled with wonder and joy. In the past days we have looked at the birth of Christ, His parents, His announcement and yesterday we saw the first to receive the news that a Savior was born where the lowliest shepherds. There where others who also received news of this special birth. Some where wise men and others were fools who may have understood but never responded.
There is a deep mystery surrounding the three wise men. The bible does not say much about them...it seems as they just appear and as mysteriously as they do they disappear from the pages of scripture. Much has been added over time to their part of the story. But the clear facts are right there in the Gospel of Matthew.
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'"
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. "

This is what Scripture clearly says about the wise men. There may not have been three but for sure three gifts. They found Jesus after a long journey...probably months and some scholars even think years. When they found Jesus He was no longer in the stable but a house (Matt 2:11)
So their journey took them far and long...they probably traveled with an army and definitely provisions for the journey which most likely included food, servants and animals. So when they entered Bethlehem, they would have been quickly noticed. As they traveled down the streets they asked everywhere "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews" None could answer them...but the murmur of the city questioning "Who is this one who the Magi are asking about?" must have been heard in Herod's court. Herod's fear arose from this, because he was not in the true line of Jewish Kings. He was evil and ruthless. His position was given to him by Rome so a real Jewish King from the line of David posed a real threat. He more than likely, had heard of a coming King and knew he must be disposed of quickly.
The Magi, on the other hand, were eagerly searching for this King. They had little information, but they had enough that God stirred in them a desire to see and worship. They came fully prepared to give gifts and praise. They traveled a long way and a long time...their hearts must have been full with anticipation. They followed what little "light" was given to them until they reached the fullness of that source "The Light of the World".
I think it is interesting to look at these three types of people and see that the responses to Christ's coming are no different today.

Herod. He pretended to want to worship and yield his authority to this King. But in reality he wanted to remain in the throne. People are like that today...they won't relinquish their authority over their lives. They say "I am my own master" "It is my life and I won't have anyone tell me how to live it"
They may pretend to want to know about Christ but their lives are self-centered and prideful. They want to kill Christ because in their eyes He is a threat.

The Jewish people and Chief Priests. They had heard of the coming of their King. They had the Scriptures. They had a lot of knowledge about him. We see that because they came with the information to Herod. They told him that a ruler would come to shepherd the people of Israel. (Matt. 2:6) But they were to busy to move out of their comfort zone and find this King. They had all the head knowledge but no obedience. Their head was full but their hearts were empty. Today there are people like that. They hear the Gospel even know about Christ. But they are to busy with their own things to "Follow Him". They lack nothing in understanding who He is but they have no desire to seek Him fully.

The Magi. They had knowledge of Christ but it may be incomplete. Yet God moves their heart to leave everything behind and find the fullness of who He is. The magi had as much information as the Jewish people and they obediently followed as their minds and hearts lead. They persevered until they came to Christ. The light they found was the pure Shekinah Glory. That same Light lead the Israelites through to the Promised Land. This time it lead the Magi to the Promised Son.

This Christmas how will the world respond? I am sad to say the same way...Some will be angered and want to take Christmas out of our vocabulary. They will want to kill Christ. Others will be to busy to respond. They have busy lives and to much to do to leave and follow. But there will also be those who hear and follow that little bit of Light. Whether they hear it in a Christmas presentation, a friend shares the Good News or they go to Church, they will hear and follow that until they reach the fullness of His Glory.
Where do we fall? How can we, who know the fullness of the Light, share that with those who are in a journey? Those are important questions to ask.

The birth announcement

I had a friend recently who had a baby and she sent a beautiful birth announcement. It was a cute little card with a picture of her baby boy. She sent it to all her friends and family so that everyone could see the baby and also share in the wonder and joy of his birth.

The Lord also had a birth announcement...his paper was the midnight black sky. His pen a brilliant star and his announcement was heralded by angels and received by the lowliest of men...shepherds.

Read in Luke 2: 8-20

" In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. "

It is astonishing that God's announcement of the birth of His son would be made to the lowly shepherds. They were considered the outcasts by the orthodox. They were unable to participate in the temple washings and ceremonies. Their occupation demanded that they spent most of their time in the fields tending the sheep. By the Jewish standard, they were considered unclean. But it was very likely that these were special shepherds. Already established at this time, were the Temple sacrifices that took place every morning and evening. More than likely, these shepherds were in charge of supplying the unblemished lamb for that sacrifice. It is a wonderful thought that the shepherds who looked after the Temple lambs were the first to see "The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." They were outcasts by the world standards....the lowliest of low. Yet, God showed favor on them and chose them to be the first to see the Savior.

The word frightened here comes from the Greek word phobos which denotes dread. It is the same word used when the disciples saw Jesus walk on the water in the storm. (Matt 14:24-26)

It is a fear that that rises as the unholy sees the Holy. The carnal comes face to face with the Divine. And just as Jesus told the disciples " Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" Matt 14:27, so the angels tells the shepherds "do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy"

God sees us down to our core and He responds with mercy and grace.

The angels then tell the shepherds what they bring "it is good news of a great joy"

Joy here comes from the Greek word Charis, we get the word "charisma" which means "a gift of grace."...it is a kindness granted...a favor done without expectation of return. Charis stands in direct opposite of erga which is works. It is also interesting that in the Hebrew it is a word that paints a picture of a young sheep or lamb skipping or frisking with joy. How appropriate that the shepherds would understand this joy!

It is a joy that comes birthed from God Himself. Christ Himself...The Anointed One!

Everything about Christ's birth goes against our human reason. The King born in a animal feeding trough. His announcement sent to the lowliest, outcast shepherds. But isn't that what we have read about Him...His humility...His descent.

William Barclay shares the story of an European monarch who worried his court by often disappearing and walking incognito among his people. When he was asked not to do it for security's sake he said, "I can not rule my people unless I know how they live". It is our great joy to know we have a God who knows the life we live because He came into it. He claimed no special advantage over common, lowly men.

It is important to finally note that the shepherds "made known " what they had heard and seen. That should be our response also. What you have seen in your life...What you have heard in His word...we must go out and tell. In particular, this time of the year, ears are ready to hear. Hearts are being prepared...what holds you back?

Tomorrow we will look at the "wise men"

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I got some wonderful e-mail regarding the posts on Christ and yesterday's...

Ruth writes...

" Last weeks post on who Jesus is, were finely put together. To think that we have a king who came from Heaven, of all places, down to Earth to be a servant to us, and to die a most horrifying death for our sin. It touches my heart every time I think about it. I know what sins I use to carry and to then know that he paid it all already. Thank God for his grace!"

Kim wrote an encouraging e-mail with a wonderful quote...

"This morning a friend shared these verses with me which soothed my soul and I share them with you for whatever you are going through!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New Living translation

"That is why we never give up. though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever!

Thanks for the e-mails!

He upholds me with His righteous hand

I don't mean to get off track on our look at the Birth of Jesus...but Saturday I needed a word of encouragement...do you know when you feel like you are doing battle with your mind and emotions? One side says keep going..."I will show you the way"....and the other says why? That is how I felt Saturday....an uphill battle....like swimming upstream and here comes a boulder that hits you in the heart...and you just want to get out of the water! Just want to hibernate...isolate yourself and just rest. Emotions are deceptive. Our hearts veer our perception of the truth if we don't guard against it.
Proverbs 4:20-23 says
"My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart
for it is the well spring of life."
What is the solution to our emotions and feelings? It is the "Word" or as noted here the "words" of God. If we are basing our emotions on anything but the truth, they will lead us astray, rob our joy, blur our security and cause us doubt. Solomon tells us "don't let them out of your sight...they are life...and health" Have you ever gotten sick in the stomach over your feelings? You have "pit" in you and you feel physically sick...that happens when we let our feelings and emotions get away from the truth.
That is what I was noticing Saturday...my feelings where getting the best of me or should I say the "worst of me". Many of us have been there before...we "feel" anxious. We imagine all sorts of things that would validate our emotions. But I want to show you something I discovered this weekend because I realized how weak and susceptible I had become once again to my "feelings"
First: I was talking to myself instead of listening to myself. You know what I am saying...I was talking and every sentence I spoke tried to validate what I was feeling. Instead I should have listened to myself. If I would have stopped to hear myself, I would have noticed I had a distorted view of the facts. Was I having a secret revelation? No...I was letting my hurt feelings and discouragement lead to imaginations that not only gave me the right to feel this way but increased those feelings. Do you do that? Let your heart lead your mind to what you think is true?
Second: I should have taken my thoughts upward instead of downward. Yes the further I let my thoughts go down, the further I was from God's truth. The deeper I went into my "flesh" the father I got from the Divine. I need to go upward in my thoughts. Upward means lead my thinking to what I know about God. His power...sovereignty, grace, provision, love. Instead I went to my needs, my rejection, my self-absorption.
Third: we go upwards when we know "the Word". John tells us in John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Later in verse 14 John says, " The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us"...there it is! God with us...Emmanuel. John could have said "in the beginning was Grace" or "in the beginning was Love" which would also have been accurate. But through the Holy Spirit he wrote "in the beginning was the Word" Isn't that amazing...that is because in The Word we can find grace and love and power. Can I tell you "the Word" changed the world. The Word changed the course of history. If The Word can change that...it can change me! Aurthur Pink in his commentary on John says "The Scriptures reveal God's mind, express His will, make known His perfections and lay bare His heart. This is precisely what the Lord Jesus has done for the Father."
The Word is God's language to our hearts. When God wants to speak He displays Christ. Christ is the full manifestation of God...God once chose to speak through the prophets but know He speaks through Christ.
The Word clarifies confusion...it truthfully reasons with us...it imparts wisdom, purpose and it is a means of dispensing God's grace. That is why Paul tells us to "take every thought captive under the authority of Christ". He knows that emotions and feelings can lead us astray...He must have experienced that many times...but he pounded his body to press on...he separated truth from fiction...TRUTH is Christ.
Lastly: I must start every day in "The Word" for it will sanctify my heart and discipline it for the day. If I don't do this, I am assured that by noon I will be a basket case
I know some of you are going through troubled times...many are discouraged....saddened by loved ones...work is scarce...jobs are on the line...homes are being foreclosed. May I encourage you and myself as I say...Jesus is in the storm...He knows disappointment...He is not surprised by the economy...He knows your needs. He is on the throne dispensing grace and mercy with an open hand.
At the cross every disciple felt great disappointment ...grief...sadness. All their plans and hopes lay dead. What appeared to be the greatest defeat became the mightiest of victories. Through the cross came the crown...when hope was gone life was imparted...victory was had!
Wherever we are He will walk with us, cry with us, then lift our minds so our hearts will rise up from disappointment. He speaks to us in His Word...and the Word became flesh and dwelt with us. Jesus...Immanuel!
I hope this encourages you.