Repent, turn around...

 

Mark 1:14-15  "...Jesus went into Galilee proclaiming the good news of God.  "The time has come", he said, "the kingdom of God is near.  Repent and believe the good news."

The gospel of Mark doesn't begin with any of the parts of the traditional Christmas story.  The first verse says, :The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God."  The gospel, the good news, dominates the first chapter of Mark.

It begins with the beginnings of Jesus' ministry and the heralding of John the Baptist.  The good news is that God is now near us.  He has come to us in Jesus Christ the Son of God.  This is news we need to hear.  This is a man we need to know because he is God in a human form we can see and listen to.  This is God near us, God with us, Immanuel.  Repent and believe!

"Repent" always sounds like such a harsh, negative, strict, chastising word.  It is and it isn't.  It is a call to turn around like the prodigal son and come home to God.  It's a chance at new life.  It's an opportunity to find salvation and be near God as his children.  It's not so negative and critical sounding when you look at the reward when the opportunity is accepted.  Repent! and find your Father waiting with open arms and a heart full of mercy and love.

Thank you Father God, for sending your Son with an offer for us to repent and find your kingdom.  Thank you for bringing us home through him.  amen

"I have come as a light..."

 

John 12:46  "I have come as a light to shine in the dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark."  (NLT)

We don't actually know what time of year Christ was born.  His birthday is not actually Dec. 25th.  But winter, with its cold gloomy days is the perfect time to celebrate the birth of the Light of the world.  

We get depressed easily in winter.  The landscape is dreary, the conditions often hazardous, and we long for light and warmth and the green of a new year.  Celebrating Christ's birth gives us a reason to focus on this light, to have hope for a newer brighter year to come.

We hold onto that light and the joys of the Christmas celebration and look forward with expectation to something better, something brighter, something full of his 
God-light, his love-light, his life-light. 

We know the darkness has an ending because Christ has come.  The darkness can never be complete, because Christ now inhabits it with his shining light.  Thank you, Lord of Light for coming to shine into our darkness!  amen

Dec. 25: God so loved the world...

“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son, so that whoever believes in him will live forever.” John 3:16

 Heavenly Father, 

I wondered how the Advent Book would end the story on Christmas Day. John 3:16......how appropriate! Not usually thought of as a Christmas scripture, but surely the most important in the Bible. 

The Good News all summed up in one sentence. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall have eternal life.” This is what the Christmas story is all about. Your love for us. Your plan of salvation. Your presence in our lives. Your solution to the problem of human sin. Your eternally wide open arms welcoming the prodigal sons home. Our “second chance”.....our only chance, but made so simple. Just believe on the One who came and lived for us and died for us. Just trust his grace and let all the rest go.

Peace on earth!

Hallelujah! 

amen

Dec. 24: I have seen the Savior...

“Simeon said, “I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will show God to the nations. And he will be the glory of your people.”

Heavenly Father, 

Tonight the wait is over in our yearly celebration. Tonight we go to our churches and sing the Christmas songs and light the candles, and hear the scriptures read. The music swells and so do our hearts! We are full of good cheer and great joy and “peace on earth, good will to men”! A night to celebrate! 

A night to look to heaven and wish we too could see the angels and hear them sing. In our hearts, we do hear them. In our hearts the child has arrived and is settling in snugly.

 Simeon says, “I have seen the Savior you have given the world”! I’m sure the shepherds were spreading the same message after their visit to the manager. The wise men carried the message to far lands. Now our turn has come. Have we seen the Christ? Who will we tell? where will we spread the light that has come into the world? The “good news” is for all and we must help send the light everywhere there is darkness. 

Something to think about now that Christmas is almost over for another year. Do we put Christ away with the mangers and trees and trimmings, or do we keep him close by and let his light shine through us? Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this greatest of gifts and for once again challenging me to help spread the Good News whenever I can and especially to those who are closest to my heart. amen

Dec. 23: Simeon took Jesus in his arms...

“That day a godly man named Simeon was in the temple. The Holy Spirit had told him he would see the Messiah before he died. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God for keeping his promise.” Luke 2:27-28

 Heavenly Father, 

The scriptures of advent are almost done. The journey has been interesting and once again new and different. Tonight we meet a “godly man”, Simeon. 

Simeon represents all the faithful who waited and hoped and obeyed. Simeon was promised that he would see the Christ child before he died. Did he spend his whole life in eager anticipation wondering.....”is this going to be the day?” He waited in your presence, in the temple. We all should wait in your presence for the Christ, the one who comes to save. 

In my youth I memorized Simeon’s song, that he sang when he saw the baby: “Now let Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” 

Simeon knew he needed no more than this baby. His salvation had come and he could leave this world behind. Jesus, the one who saves! Jesus, a light to the Gentiles and the Jews and all the earth! A Light shining in the darkness and dispelling the gloom. Peace on earth and peace in heaven. 

Time to depart and go “home”, home in heaven with you.....complete, forgiven, accepted, fulfilled, made righteous! All in that tiny baby that he had waited for, for so long. Our wait can be over, too! The Christ child is here! Welcome him!

Dec. 22: They presented Jesus at the temple...

“Soon after his birth, Joseph and Mary presented Jesus to the Lord at the temple in Jerusalem, in keeping with the Jewish law.” Luke 2:22

Heavenly Father, 

Today’s scripture is one that we tend to skip over at Christmas. Mary and Joseph follow the law and take Jesus to the temple and “present him to the Lord”......they take him and dedicate him to you, his Father! You gave him to them and they give him back, like all good Jewish parents. He is to be one of your people. 

How strange and convoluted it all is when you try to analyze it. You came to earth as a baby. You are both father and son. You are the giver and the given. You are the giver and the gift! You came to save us, but had to use Mary and Joseph to save yourself as an infant from Herod. How to imagine the Eternal God of the Universe as a helpless baby!?? 

It seems so crazy and yet it seems so right. I’ve been listening to a Christmas CD that has a song with the line, “What a strange way to save the world!” To us very strange and incomprehensible. To us a mystery, a paradox, a puzzle. but once the puzzle is accepted and believed it doesn’t seem to matter any more if we understand it. 

We accept the baby, we accept the man/Savior, we accept the gift of grace and our hearts swell with thanks and love. Jesus is ours now. Jesus is here in our hearts. We are his temple and he has been “presented” there to you, Lord. He is the lifeblood running through us. He is our connection to you forever more. The “man” in him is forever connected to our humanity. The Lord and Savior in him is forever connected to his Father and to our hearts and minds and souls. 

Thank you, Lord, that you are all wise and powerful and knew how to reach us and connect with us to make us new! Praise and thanks forever more. amen

Dec. 21: God warned Joseph in a dream...

 “God warned the Wise Men in a dream not to go back to King Herod. So they returned home another way. The Lord also warned Joseph in a dream to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to escape King Herod. They stayed in Egypt until Herod died.” Matthew 2:12, 15 

Heavenly Father, 

You sent your son to die for us, but you are the one who will choose the time and place, not Herod! Your angels intervene and send the holy family to Egypt and safety. The child must grow and become fully man, as well as fully God. Until he experiences all that being human is, he can’t take the burden of human sin and dispose of it. 

There is much that we cannot fully understand about Christ and his life as both Son of God and Son of Man. What must it be like to be both God and Man? I would think it would be like having a war going on inside you every day! 

Joseph and the wise men obeyed the angels without a second thought......Go! now!......away from Herod, away from danger. They trusted God’s word, given through the angels. They trusted a God who had already proven trustworthy, who had guided them every step of the way. We too, trust in a God who has never failed us. We trust a God who guides us every step of the way. We trust a God who sent a baby to change our lives! We trust a God who sent a man/God to die for us and save us. We trust a God who is wiser than we can ever understand, but whose wisdom never fails. 

May the angels bring the message once more into our hearts as we hear them singing, “Glory in Excelsis Deo”! Glory to God in the highest! Tell the nations! Tell the world! 

Sometimes we too may have to take the baby and flee from unfriendly, unreceptive surroundings, but the key is to keep the Christ child with us wherever we go and hold him fast. God will not allow him to die! God will protect him and all who hold him fast in their hearts. Thank you, O LORD, Most High! amen

Dec. 20: They bowed down and worshiped...

“At the house, the Wise Men saw Jesus with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him and gave him gifts of gold and incense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 

Heavenly Father, 

The wise men “bowed down and worshiped” the Christ child. Even though they were “kings”, they recognized one greater then themselves and paid homage to him.  “King of kings”! Lord of lords! Names we call him by to show his place in the world----on top, best of the best, greatest of the great.

 He inspired men like Herod to want to kill him, because Herod couldn't stand the thought of someone more important, more powerful. He inspired the simple shepherds to praise God and tell others. He inspired the wise men to “bow down and worship”. Everyone who meets Jesus must choose a reaction.....worship or hatred, praise or fear, joy or indifference. Part of celebrating the Christ child’s birth should be a time of re-dedication, reawakening of commitment, rediscovery of joy, re-positioning Jesus in our lives.

“Come let us worship and bow down, 

Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker.”

 Make us new! Make us clean! Make us whole! Jesus is King of kings, Lord of lords, Prince of Peace! amen

Dec. 19: "When they saw the star..."

  

“The star the wise men had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” Matthew 2:9

 Heavenly Father, 

The star was a nice touch to the story! Especially now that the word “star” to many means a famous person of great charisma and talent. Jesus truly was “THE STAR” of Bethlehem that night! “A star, a star, shining in the night, He will bring us goodness and light....” 

The wise men were thrilled to see the star. It meant a great king! It meant a savior, long expected and awaited. When they saw it, they were “overjoyed”. What a neat word.....not just joy, but overjoy! More joy! Extra joy! Above and beyond joy! 

Are we overjoyed by the star? Do we see Jesus light up our lives and dispel the darkness and light the way? Look for the star! See him shine! Let him illuminate every corner of your life forever more.

Jesus is the Light of the World! No more, need men walk in darkness. Thank you, Star of Bethlehem! Thank you, Jesus! amen

******

LIGHT

 Lord send us your Light!

Shine in the hearts of folks everywhere 

Shut out the darkness of gloom and despair!

 Shine past the lights on our Christmas trees 

The outdoor displays for all to see
The lights in the stores, and the churches, and malls 

The only true Light came from the stall.

The Light from the manger banishes gloom! 

The Light from the baby fills every room! 

The Light from Jesus brings peace and love! 

The Light from our Savior brings hope from above!

 Let us carry the Light in our hearts every day 

Jesus the Truth, the Light, and the Way. 

(Mary Freeman 1998)

Dec. 18: "Herod, who was king"...

  

“Herod, who was king, secretly questioned the Wise Men. Then he sent them to Bethlehem where, according to what a prophet long ago had written, Christ was to be born. King Herod told the Wise Men to tell him when they found the child, so he could worship him too. Then they went on their way.” Matthew 2:7-9

Heavenly Father, 

Herod---his name brings chills to those who know scriptures, as we remember the evil he represents. He speaks to the wise men in secret, rather than in the open---already in his heart he knows whatever he does will not be done openly or honestly.

 “Find the baby.....tell me where.....that I might worship him, too.” Herod was king and intended to remain king! Why would he worship the promised child? Lies came easily to him. I wonder at that moment if the wise men suspected? 

Many claim to want to worship, but often, just like Herod it is only “lip service”. We have ulterior motives for worship. Some come because they were taught it is the “right thing to do”. Some come hoping for something in return....a miracle, financial help, healing, etc. Some come to “fit in” with their peers. Some come to gain power, riches, fame, glory, praise, self-satisfaction. Not all good reasons, or honest reasons, or kind reasons. 

But many like the wise men come because they feel compelled to come, drawn by the King’s power, guided by his Holy Spirit. They come to find something rather then to get something. Some, like the wise men, even come to give----their hearts, their souls, their love, their service, their worship. 

Why am I here at the stable? Am I a wise man, a shepherd----or a displaced king? “All who seek me, will find me, if they search with all their hearts.”

 Dear Lord and Savior, make a home in my heart and displace all that shouldn’t be there.. amen

Dec. 17: They saw his star...

“Sometime later Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2

Heavenly Father,

 We always put the wise men in our manager scenes, but in reality they came along later. They came in complete assurance that the prophecy was fulfilled and the King had been born. Surely in Jerusalem, the capital city where kings should live and reign, to a royal family in a palace! Where is he? 

They saw his star and they came to worship. Why would wise men from other countries come to worship the king of the Jews? They knew the prophecies and knew the Christ would be great. They saw the incredible star that apparently heralded the event. Maybe they came out of curiosity, both scientific and personal. Maybe they came through some inner longing or need.

 Why do any of us seek him? Something in us calls out to him, something we’re missing that we need to find. The most important thing any of us can do is to seek “the King”, the one who will rule our lives and change them forever. Follow the star! Follow Jesus, the Savior! Amen

Dec. 16: The baby was named Jesus...

“On the eighth day the baby was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was born.” Luke 2:21 

Heavenly Father, 

Like all fathers you chose your son’s name before he was born. The angel told Mary and Joseph to name their child, Jesus.......which means "Savior"...."the Lord is Salvation". 

A specific name, for a specific purpose. His name told everyone exactly why he had come, and who he was. We should have no doubts about Jesus. 

Many do have doubts and refuse to believe he is who he says he is----or who You say he is. Jesus---- our Savior. Our one chance to be free. Our one chance to get rid of the burdens of sin and death that weigh us down. 

Savior, save us! All we have to do is ask, to seek him, to knock on the door of heaven, and he will answer. All we have to do is call his name----Jesus! Savior! 

Dec. 15: Mary pondered these things...

   “Mary knew these things were precious, and she thought about them often in her heart.” Luke 2:19

Heavenly Father, 

This piece of scripture seems very personal to me. “Mary knew these things were precious and thought about them often in her heart.” I do know that all this is precious beyond price and that I should think about them often. 

Forgive me that my heart is not always as filled with thoughts of you as it should be. Forgive me that I often let the mundane and unimportant fill my mind instead. Forgive me that I let myself become weary of doing good or even caring about others and that I fill my days with trivial details rather than thoughts of you. Help me to lose my guilt feelings when they are unhealthy rather than productive. Help me to truly seek you and your glory rather than my own wants and wishes. 

The most precious things I can hold in my heart are the baby and the mission he came to accomplish. Help me reflect more on Jesus as my Lord and Savior, Jesus as my mentor and friend, Jesus as the life I wish to follow and obey. Fill me every day with more of your Holy Spirit and less of my own weak useless one. 

I wish to spend more time with you and your words, to make more time in my life for the “Good News” that you sent for all mankind. Let me live up to my name......Mary......and be more like the Mary’s of scripture who focused their lives on you...pondering each moment, treasuring each word. You are most precious and I can’t afford to ever see you as less than the dearest treasure in my heart!

 “Create in me a clean heart, O LORD, and renew a right spirit within me.” amen

Heart's Treasure

A baby born...God's holy Son!

Shepherds and angels the story impart.

But Mary watched and listened......

And treasured these things in her heart.

She pondered each visitor, every moment,

Every detail surrounding his birth.

She wanted to always remember

The days that he spent here on earth.

What future would lie before him....

This child sent from heaven above?

Mary knew that her child was special

And she treasured each moment with love.

As we gaze at the babe in the manger....

The Son of God....the Son of Man,

We too, should treasure this Christ Child...

The fulfillment of God's holy plan.

(Mary Freeman 12-2007)

Dec. 14: They told everyone...

“After the shepherds had seen Jesus, they told everyone around what the angel had said. All who heard were amazed. The shepherds returned to their sheep, praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:17-18

Heavenly Father, 

After the shepherds found the baby, they told everyone about what they had seen. They didn’t keep it a secret or just ignore it, they told everyone.

 When I see the baby and hear the angels do I spread the “good news”? Jesus isn’t meant to be a secret. He came for all. He wants to save everyone. He wants us all to believe in him. The shepherds also returned to their work, “praising God for all they had heard and seen.” 

Finding Jesus and hearing the good news of the Savior of all mankind, should lead us to praise and worship. As we leave the Christmas season and get back to our ordinary lives, the sights and sounds should remain in our hearts and minds and bring us into your presence with thanksgiving and praise.

“Glory to God in the highest!” 

“Joy to the world the Lord is come!” .....unto us a child is given, unto us a Savior born. 

He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, 

Almighty God, 

Everlasting Father,

 Prince of Peace!"

amen

Dec. 13: "Let's go to Bethlehem and see"...

“When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manager.” Luke 2:15-16

 Heavenly Father,

 The shepherds reacted as we all should......they rushed off immediately to find the baby the angels told them about. They didn’t say.....”Let’s wait until morning” or “Were those really angels?” or even just stand around discussing it. They believed and then they acted. 

We too, must believe and act. The baby is there waiting, we’ve been told the good news, now it’s up to us. If we believe the story than we need to rush to the manager to see the Christ child. We must seek him and see him for ourselves. 

I’m sitting here in my living room surrounded by nativity sets.....all very different yet all with the same elements....and at the center of each is the Christ Child lying in the manager with everyone clustered around. Jesus is never off to the side or in the back.....he’s always “front and center” of the grouping, the center of attraction. That’s where he belongs for all of us....right in the center of all we do.

 The shepherds were busy men doing their job, but they dropped everything to find the Savior. We must make sure that we aren’t too busy to stop and find the Savior, too. It’s the most important thing we’ll ever do.

Lord, let my heart seek you always and always be willing to drop whatever I’m doing when the angels bring me the "good news". I do believe and I wish to seek him with all my heart. You promise us in scripture that if we do this....we will find you. amen

Dec. 12: The heavenly choir...

 

Suddenly a great assembly of angels from heaven appeared with the first angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to men with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:13

Heavenly Father, 

The shepherds were already frightened and amazed by just one angel shining with your glory,....how they must have trembled and hid when the whole night sky lit up with a multitude of angels! What a glorious sight and sound it must have been to see and hear the angels sing, just as they sing to you in heaven..... ”Glory to God....in the highest heaven....and on earth peace to men with whom God is pleased.” 

Was the sound nearly unbearable for human ears? Was it sweet and perfect and harmonized? Was there music of harps and lyres? To hear an angel choir must be amazing! I guess in a way this was like a proud father passing out cigars......”This is my Son! Come see him!” Glory to God indeed! The greatest event in creation has just begun. The only Son of God is born! There can’t be enough angels to sing “glory” for that event! amen

Dec. 11: "This will be a sign to you"...

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12

Heavenly Father,

 “This will be a sign to you.....” The angels gave the shepherds all the details they would need to verify their message. They weren’t looking for just any baby.....this baby would be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. The shepherds probably understood the clues in the message better than us.......Where would a baby be if it was in a manger?.....in a stable, or cave that the animals used. Why is the baby in a manger? Why not the inn? Big crowd in town for the census. Check the stables in town, especially the one at the inn. 

This baby will stand out....the only one just born lying in a stable. From birth to death Jesus was “different”, special, extraordinary. The details of his life at birth and death are remembered because they were dramatic. The early part of his life is almost totally unknown because it wasn’t important. Drama for the important events, silence for the rest.

The shepherds understood the signs because the angel made it plain to them and at the same time dramatic. When you want my attention for important things, you use the same method.....I don’t hear angels, but you make it dramatic and memorable if I’m paying attention. Just like the shepherds I need to be awake and watching if I want you to speak to me. May the events of this Advent season stand out and get my attention for the details that I need to know. Point me to the Christ Child and give me a sign. Amen

Dec. 10: " I bring you good news"...

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

 Heavenly Father, 

Out of your shining glory, the angel speaks the words....” I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” The “gospel” , the good news.......and it is only the beginning of the story. 

The truth is all there, even at this starting point.....”a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord.” Later we will know more details....this is a Savior who loves all of us enough to die for us. This is a Savior who will forgive our sins. This is a Savior who will wash us clean and make us new in your sight. This is a Savior who will reconcile us, justify us, sanctify us, redeem us, make us righteous, bear our burdens, lead us to you, send a counselor to remain with us and in us,.......the list goes on and on.

 But on that night the “good news” is just that the promised Messiah is here at last! The Lord of lords, King of kings, Prince of Peace. God incarnate! God come down among us to be our Savior. The shepherds, who lived under Roman rule didn’t need to know any more than that. The Savior had come at last! Hallelujah!

 Their idea of a Savior and what Jesus really came to do, may not have been exactly the same, but they understood the “good news” that the angel brought. Today we still may not always understand every detail and the “whys and wherefores”, but we too can understand this much....Jesus came to earth that night, Jesus is our Savior, and Jesus is Christ the Lord!..........Good News indeed. Hallelujah! amen

Dec. 9: And there were shepherds...

"Shepherds living out in the fields nearby were keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Luke 2:8-9 

Heavenly Father, 

The shepherds were minding their own business caring for the sheep on a peaceful night out in the fields. Suddenly they are blinded by your glory!.....”the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Whenever your great glory suddenly shines into our lives, we hide our faces in terror. Scripture always describes your glory, your presence, as a great light. It must be like suddenly starring into the sun! 

Why shepherds? Because they symbolize what Jesus would be.....the Good Shepherd? Or do they symbolize that Jesus came for all men, no matter who they are?   Or were they just handy?   Simple men living out simple everyday lives.....suddenly scared out of their wits by blinding light and angel voices!

 It certainly must have made a lasting impact on them.....a story they would tell for the rest of their lives. Ahhhh! That helps explain things.....Jesus is the story we should all tell for the rest of our lives, so what better way to first announce his birth. Being terrified certainly is a good way to insure remembrance. 

A little baby in a manager would attract little attention on his own. Now that you have the shepherds full attention, the story can begin to unfold for the salvation of mankind. Please, Heavenly Father, blind me with your glory and get my attention that I might also hear the Good News and tell others. Shine into the lives of all mankind this Christmas and touch hearts anew and bring us peace. “Shine, Jesus, Shine!”

*******

WATCHING 

Shepherds waiting on the hillside, 

resting and watching the sheep in their care, 

Never dreaming that they would be chosen 

to first hear the message the angels would share. 

Not kings and princes, not scribes or rich men, 

just simple poor men alone in the night, 

Chosen to hear the Good News sent to all men--- 

the Babe has been born to bring all men Light! 

We too, are chosen to hear of the Savior. 

No matter who or where we are. 

God's message is there to be spread to the nations--- 

We too are chosen to follow His star. 

God incarnate born in a manger, 

God's great Word, lies in the stall!

 Wait! and listen-----the angels are speaking----

 "Peace on earth", good news for all!

(Mary Freeman 12-1997)

Dec. 8: No room in the inn...

  

“She wrapped him in strips of cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

Heavenly Father, 

We always assign the line “there was no room for them in the inn” to the innkeeper and sort of make him seem a heartless figure who turns the weary travelers away despite Mary’s pregnancy. But the innkeeper was apparently kind enough to let them stay in his safe warm stable. 

And the “no room” part is a terrific metaphor for us today to remind us that we too have trouble making room for Jesus is our hearts. We tuck him away in a small back corner and don’t allow him the freedom of our whole heart. Jesus was born and thrived and even greeted visitors from that unimportant stable....that “back room”, out-of-the-way place in Bethlehem, so he can make himself at home in whatever part of our hearts we give him, too.....if we just let him in. 

Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful gift and make my heart big enough and safe enough to nurture you as you grow inside me. amen

MAKE MY HEART A MANGER

Make my heart a manger 

As I wait for the Christ Child’s birth.... 

A place to hold the baby 

when he comes to live on earth. 

He’ll need a warm place to sleep,

 A place where this new life can start, 

A welcoming place to enfold him.... 

So prepare a place in my heart. 

When the Child is safe inside me 

I must nurture him and let him grow.

 His presence will change my life 

In ways that I can’t yet know. 

He won’t remain a small baby. 

No, the Child must become the man. 

So my heart can’t stay the same 

It must be willing to expand.

 The manger is just a beginning 

It doesn’t end with the birth.

 I must be ready to follow him 

Through his journey here on earth. 

I must let him be such a part of me 

That when he dies on the cross 

I’ll be willing to die beside him 

And never count the cost. 

When he dies to bring me salvation 

My heart will be crucified, too. 

The old sinful me will be gone 

And at last I’ll be born anew. 

It’s a long way from birth to death 

And from death to a brand new start,

 So let me begin today, LORD...

Make a manger out of my heart.

Dec. 7: The child is born...

“While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for the baby to be born, and Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son.” Luke 2:6

Heavenly Father, 

The Sunday that I wrote this, our minister preached on “joy”. In our Advent Book we read of the baby being born in the stable.....Mary and Joseph’s firstborn, a son. There is usually joy when a baby is born. Smiles and hugs and excitement all around! Picking a name, counting little fingers and toes, intently staring at this tiny little miniature human. 

Even in a stable, in the hay, with the animals, the excitement for Mary and Joseph of seeing their newborn son would have brought them great joy. I doubt that they even complained about the accommodations, but were thankful to have somewhere safe and warm and to have their perfect baby that God had promised. How often do we dampen our joy by looking at the flaws....the stable, no doctor, the inconvenience, the dirt and animals.....rather then seeking out the joy?

 Everything about Jesus should lead us to joy. He came to save us! He came to love us! He came to forgive us! He came to give us Light and Bread and Life! Jesus is joy! The joy of loving, sharing, serving, kindness, caring, sacrifice. Jesus is the joy of the Father God, incarnate and among us.

“Joy to the World The Lord is come! Let Earth receive Her King!” 

Hallelujah! 

amen

Dec. 6: The journey to Bethlehem...

“At that time, a decree said everyone had to go to his family’s town to register. Joseph was from the family of David, so he and Mary went to Bethlehem, which was David’s home.” Luke 2:1

Heavenly Father, 

The Journey to Bethlehem begins. How awful for a woman 9 months pregnant to have to travel away from home....and on a donkey, no less! Why did you plan it that way? Of course, this journey was probably a lot more normal for Mary and Joseph then it seems to us. This was travel they were used to. They were obeying the law. This whole census thing not only actually can be tied to recorded history, but it accents the fact that Joseph was a descendant of David and fulfills the promise of the Savior being David’s kinsman and coming from Bethlehem.

 What seems a puzzle to us, falls in place when seen in hindsight. The most memorable, remarkable parts of the “Christmas Story” are remembered precisely because they seem odd and extraordinary. The story has elements that every child and grown-up who hears it will remember precisely because they have such drama. 

No matter how many times we hear the story or sing the songs or see the nativity scene it seems wonderful and perfect. You truly are a wondrous God and really know how to build excitement and wonder and love into a story that is 2000 years old and seems new and perfect every year. Thank you! amen

Dec. 5: Joseph, an ordinary man...

“Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. But before they came together, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. The angel told him that Mary was to have a baby from God. Joseph was to name the baby Jesus because he would save his people from their sins. He would also be called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Matthew 1:20-21

 Heavenly Father, 

Tonight is Joseph’s entry into the story. I’ve been listening to my Michael Crawford Christmas CD so much that I immediately think of the song that has the line, “Why me? I’m just a simple man of trade....”. 

An ordinary man....is that what Joseph felt? Bewilderment at being chosen as the earthly father who would raise the Christ Child? Was he overwhelmed to suddenly find his betrothed wife pregnant, and angels invading his dreams? Did he worry about what others would think about all this? We are only told that he was a “good man” who didn’t want to cause Mary any trouble. He must have loved her. Before the angel even told him whose child she bore and who the child would be, he cared enough to not want to disgrace her. 

Obviously, Joseph was not an “ordinary man”......he was extraordinary enough for God to choose him for this difficult job. He was kind, wise, obedient, and loving. He never balked at the angel’s directions, but did as God instructed him. Yes, a very extraordinary man of God! 

Though Jesus is God he is also a human, a man. Joseph would be the one to raise him and teach him about being a man. His job was just as important as Mary’s.....perhaps more so because a boy learns to be like his father. Jesus had the best of both worlds....a perfect heavenly Father and a perfect human father. 

Thank you Lord, for Joseph and his part in raising baby Jesus and keeping him safe until he was grown to fulfill his mission on earth. Jesus is part Joseph as well as part Mary. amen

Dec. 4: "Elizabeth, filled with the Spirit"...

“Mary hurried to visit her relative Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, the baby inside Elizabeth jumped for joy. Elizabeth told Mary that she was blessed because she believed that what the Lord, said to her would really happen.” Luke 1:39, 41, 45

 Heavenly Father, 

What little we know of Elizabeth is interesting. The scriptures tell us that she and Zacharias were “truly religious and blameless”. Elizabeth praised the Lord because he took away her barrenness and blessed her with a child. but the fact that stands out to me is her reaction to Mary’s visit and greeting. Mary has just been told she will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit, but at this point the baby is barely more than a “thought and a promise”, yet when she enters Elizabeth’s home and greets her, Elizabeth is “filled with the Holy Spirit and her own child kicks for the first time. Elizabeth, praises God, praises Mary and seems to know immediately why Mary is there and what has happened to her. 

The Holy Spirit flows through all of this......He impregnates Mary, fills Elizabeth, and also her child. Two blessed women, two blessed children! Every year we anxiously await the Christ Child’s birth, but think how much more eagerly these two women must have waited! Elizabeth who thought she would never have a child, but who now awaits a special child, a great prophet like Elijah, “filled with the Holy Spirit from birth”. And now her cousin Mary expects THE baby, the Messiah, the Christ who Jews have awaited for 100’s of years.......and he is conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit to a virgin! 

Wow! How those months must have flown by and the excitement built up! Mary and Elizabeth must have been great comfort to each other.....and reassurance that “yes, this is really happening!” Elizabeth shows no sign of jealously that Mary’s child will be the greater.....only joy that Mary has been blessed in this way. These two women are right at the heart of the gospel and among the first to receive the Holy Spirit within. 

Each one of us needs to feel their excitement and wonder and be filled with their thanks and praise to God, Most High. All women are blessed through the experience of these two women. As a mother I know the joy of giving birth and raising children. I can share that bond in my mind and imagine what they are going through as they wait. All mothers understand waiting.

 Fill me with wonder and praise this Christmas season as I think about these women and wait with them for the Christ child’s birth. Bless all women who wait on you, Lord, and fill us with your Holy Spirit.  amen

Dec. 3: I am the Lord's servant...

  

“The angel also said, “The holy one to be born to you will be God’s Son. Even your cousin Elizabeth is going to have a child in her old age. Nothing is impossible with God.” “I am the Lord’s servant, “ Mary answered. “May everything you have said come true.” Then the angel left her” Luke 1:36-38

Heavenly  Father,
Tonight the door opens on astonishment and obedience. Mary must have been amazed that the angel said her son would be God’s Son, not Joseph’s!......and that her aged cousin Elizabeth who was barren, was also pregnant! Impossible things for mankind, possible for You, the Almighty God!

 With all this wonder and such amazing things, Mary declared herself your servant and gave her obedience to your will for these things to be done. All you ever really ask of us, is obedience. You don’t expect us to do great things for you or to do the impossible, but just to allow You to use us to work through. You have the power! You can do the impossible! We need only have the faith to allow You to do it through us when necessary. We need to be open and ready, like Mary, to say, “I am Your servant, do as You will.” We need to be ready to imagine the impossible and in faith expect You to be able to do it.

 Fill me with Mary’s faith and willingness to be used by you. Show me that with You, all things are possible. Keep my heart and mind open and ready to serve. Give me trust, hope, and wonder as I seek to know Your will and to expect the “unexpected”. No human would dream of sending salvation in the form of a helpless baby, but You did, and we still feel the wonder and excitement every year as we celebrate that bit of the “unexpected” and impossible. “I am Your servant, may everything You've said come true.” Amen

Dec. 2: You will give birth to a son...

 “You will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be 

called the Son of the Most High and will reign forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:31 

  Heavenly Father,

Tonight we opened the second door, and the angel’s message to Mary continues: “You will give birth to a son, and will name him Jesus. He will be called Son of the Most High and will reign forever, his kingdom will never end.” 

I’m sure Mary was proud to know her son would be Jesus....Savior....and that he would reign. I don’t see how the full meaning of this could have been understood by her at this time. What could she possibly have made of the statement: “He will be called Son of the Most High, or that he would reign forever? We don’t measure earthly time in “forever's”. Something that never ends is beyond our human perceptions. I’m sure like most of us she just sort of skipped over the parts she didn’t understand and accepted what she could understand......”you will have a son”.

 Faith sometimes has to be accepted like that, a little bit at a time. Start simple and wait for God to show you more. My sister, Dorothy said something to me in an e-mail message along the lines of : “faith can change reality.” Mary’s reality was obeying God, having a son, naming him Jesus. Faith made possible the rest.....he would be God’s son, reigning forever.

 If Mary hadn't believed, hadn't accepted the role God gave her to play, would things have been the same? Would Christ have come at that point and time? Would the Savior have been born and saved the world? God works through us and in us, and our faith works with his will. God’s perfect will, our obedience. Mary obeyed and God’s will was accomplished.

 Let me be more obedient to Your will this advent season. Let me await eagerly my chance to join faith and obedience to Your holy will and watch and see what happens. Thanks and praise forevermore, amen.