Christmas

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A Lesson from the Christmas Story – Hardships

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. Luke 2:4-5

These days a census takes place every ten years and either a census taker comes by your home or something is mailed to you.

Can you imagine the difficulty of having to return back to the hospital were you were born for the census. Or if you were born at home, returning to that county’s courthouse for the purpose of a census.

It would be an unexpected expense and a far journey for many people. Linda would have to go to a hospital in Lufkin, our children to Nacogdoches, but I would have to go back to Baytown. At least we all stay in Texas though!

For Joseph and Mary it meant traveling 70 hard miles on foot, by wagon, or riding the back of an animal like a donkey. Still it was 70 difficult miles. That distance today can be done in less than an hour. Back then it would have taken almost 4 days!

Life is full of hardships, difficulties, and unexpected trips and expenses. But just because it’s a hardship doesn’t mean God is not in it!

Hardships are not meant to break you – but to make you stronger. Difficulties teach more lessons than books ever will.

I’ve noticed the more trouble that comes my way – the more God is glorified through His deliverance for me.

The end of that difficult journey for Joseph and Mary resulted in the birth of the Messiah.

Abba, I praise You through my difficulties and hardships because it shows how sufficient Your grace is for me, in Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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How?

In reading Luke 1 this morning, I saw the question – the question I have often asked.
Then I saw it again.
So I went searching for it. Continue reading →

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Chestnuts and sleigh bells?

Christmas songs are on the radio. We’re playing more and more on KSWP, where I work.

I call them Christmas songs but they have absolutely nothing to do with any Christmas that I have ever experienced.

The classic Nat King Cole song with chestnuts roasting on an open fire and folks dressed up like Eskimo’s.
Not in Texas!

The classic Bing Crosby song about a white Christmas where tree tops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow.
I did have snow earlier this year. In fact, there were three different snows all within two weeks of each other but none earlier than January 24th.
I don’t ever remember a white Christmas.
I’ve never heard sleigh bells. I’m not sure there’s a sleigh in the state of Texas.

Though songs like these are reminiscent of Christmas, I truly doubt they are appropriate for California or Florida either.

But there is one part of Christmas that is good no matter where you live.

She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

That’s Christmas!

Go ahead and sing Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls; sing about French hens and mom kissing Santa Claus – but Christ is what Christmas is all about.

Abba, I enjoy all the songs and decorations of Christmas. But I rejoice in the Christ of Christmas. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Christmas Every Day!

Was Jesus born on December 25th. Anything is possible but it’s hardly likely. It really doesn’t matter because Jesus should be celebrated every day!

It’s a shame that so many don’t recognize that and only think of the Savior on Easter or at Christmas.
He is not recognized as the Lord of all!

Not long after His birth something wonderful happened.

Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24

He was taken to the Temple. Now remember He is only about 6 weeks old or so.
While at the Temple a man named Simeon and a elderly widow named Anna recognized this Baby as the Messiah.

Both spoke and prophesied over Him,

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Luke 2:33

It is a shame that more did not recognize Him as Messiah at that time.
It is a shame that more do not recognize Him as Savior and Messiah today!

Those two in the Temple that day, weren’t around to celebrate the birth of Jesus at the manger. They won’t be around to celebrate with the Wise Men. But they did celebrated Jesus forty days after His birth.

He is meant to be celebrated each and every day!

Abba, every day I see the Savior in all the things around me. Christmas and all that comes with it, reminds me of the Savior, but then I choose to be reminded! In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Christmas Crowds

I don’t like Christmas shopping. There are way too many people in the same store at the same time, trying to buy the same things.

When I have to go shopping I entertain myself by watching other shoppers.

Some are oblivious to the world around them. They’ll block the aisle without any thought to the other people that need to get by them.

There are mom’s with kids and it’s a juggling act to keep them all under control.

The comparison shopper stands around the same area and looks at different varieties of the basic same product.

Some others, like me, are happy to just sit down and wait while watching others go by.

Some areas of the stores or mall are so crowded that I just avoided it.

All of this reminds me of another crowd.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Bethlehem was crowded when Joseph and Mary arrived and were “shopping” for a place to stay. The streets were crowded. The doorways were crowded. The restaurants were crowded. There were people everywhere.

And there were so many that no rooms were available for the night.

The innkeeper did his best to offer the couple some type of shelter.

I doubt the stable was very comfortable but it did shield them from the elements and gave a place for the King of kings to humbly be brought into the world.

So next time you are in the crowd’s, think of the crowded town of Bethlehem where the Savior was born.

Next time you’re out in the crowd’s, remind yourself that Jesus came and died for all of them.

Abba, everyone I meet today needs you as Savior; whether it’s a crowd of a hundred or just one person. I want to be the light to shine the way to You. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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A Little Time Off

bonfireFor over a week I’ve been missing in action from doing a devo. I had two people ask about it. I told both I was on vacation – a time of rest and reflection.
I enjoyed Christmas with family, gatherings with friends, and the birthdays of grandchildren. Continue reading →

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God’s word in your heart, mind – in your life!

golden calfAaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the LORD!”
The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry. Ex 32:5-6 Continue reading →

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New for the New Year

new year copyThe New Year is here!
Gone is any doubt that the world would end on December 21, 2012, according to the Mayan calendar.
So things continue as usual. It seems to me that it continues to get worse and not better. Continue reading →

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Good as Gold

tinytimIn the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, there is a point in which Mrs. Cratchit asks Bob how Tiny Tim behaved in church.
“As good as gold,” said Bob, “and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful, sitting by himself so much, and thinks the strangest things you ever heard. He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see.” Continue reading →

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The real Christmas story!

whole nativityWhat is traditionally included in the Christmas story?
There’s the trip to Bethlehem, the “No Vacancy” sign at the inn, manger, shepherds and angels, a star, and wisemen.
If you see a Nativity set up that is what you will see. Continue reading →