Showing love to others is our witness to Jesus Christ.....

John 13:34 “I give you a new commandment: love one another, such as my love has been for you, so must your love be for each other.” (NAB)

 

 “….as I have loved you, you must love one another.” (Phillips)

 

 “This is how all men will know you are my disciples.”

 

 Heavenly Father,

If we wish to be Jesus’ disciples and lead others to him to find grace and forgiveness through his sacrifice, then we only have one choice: “love one another.” We simply must do this! People are not going to get the message of Jesus Christ in any other way! We can’t force it on people or scare them into it. We can’t convince them of your great love (John 3:16-17) if we don’t show any evidence of this love having affected our own life.

 

 How can anyone believe that I have found the most wonderful love in the world, the love that can change lives, cancel sin, have victory over death, if I don’t show any concern for their lives, their circumstances, or any enthusiasm about the story I try to tell them? It will remain just a “story” to them and not a living truth!

 

 Just as Jesus has loved me, I must feel the results of that love in my life and show it. What has Jesus’ love meant to me? How has it changed me? Why do I want others to believe? I must have answers for these questions. Saying, “Jesus saves” with no first-hand knowledge of being saved myself will have little meaning. Saying, “Jesus gave his life on a cross for me” will have little impact if we don’t give any part of ourselves, our time, our treasure to the person we are telling of Jesus’ love.

 

Any dissention in the body of Christ will convince others that being a Christian doesn’t mean much. What do non-Christians think of our denominations? How can they believe something with no unity? We must take every opportunity to love and join with others in ecumenical ways.

 

 Each person we love adds to our witness! Each person who understands that we love them and also each other will become a follower of the one who showed us how to love. They will want to find the same wonderful love that they see in us. Love changes people. As Christ’s love changed us, so will our love change others. Thank you. Amen.

Loving Jesus in loving others....

Matthew 25:40 “I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.” (NAB)

 

 I assure you, that whatever you did for the humblest of my brothers, you did for me.” (Phillips)

 

 Heavenly Father,

 “You did it for me.” Anything we do for someone else we do for you. Jesus died for all of us, made us all his brothers. How we treat our brothers and sisters is how we treat you, because you are in every believer. If only we would remember that every time we fail to help someone, every time we turn someone away empty and alone, every time we don’t show up when we should! Forgive me Father, my failures! Forgive my laziness and apathy and self-centeredness that keep me on my own schedule rather than on yours. My time is your time and I must learn to treat it that way. It is hard, but that is no reason not to try!

 

 I don’t want to fail you. If I truly saw your face every time I looked at someone else, how could I ever say “no” to helping anyone? My beloved Savior who died for me! The One who loved me above all things! How could I refuse you anything? Teach me to see you in everyone I meet. Teach me to care more about others and less about my own convenience. Teach me to act out of love and not guilt.

 

 My actions must always speak louder than my words! My actions show what is truly in my heart, what I love, what I value, what I’m willing to give myself to. Jesus Christ is the love of my life! I must always act on that love and desire to please him. This must become my character, my natural state of being.

 

 Christmas time is a time that we think more about others and about giving. The baby in the manger tugs at our hearts and like the wise men we want to give gifts to this beautiful Christ child. What we can’t give to the baby we feel compelled to give more generously than usual to all in need. This is the real heart of Christmas. Giving out of love for the Christ Child. Giving our hearts to others because we see Christ in all of them, too. I wish it was always Christmas in my heart. Thank you! Amen.

Loving others with our presence.....

Matthew 22:29 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

 

 Heavenly Father,

 Loving you with all of our heart, mind and soul is the first and most important command. But Jesus made it plain that we cannot stop there. We have a second command: “love your neighbor as yourself.” These two are the basis for any other law or command. All we do must show love for you, our Father, and love for our neighbor.

 

How do we love someone “as yourself”? We must have the same concern for their well being as we do our own. What we need, they need, whether it be for their physical well-being or their spiritual well-being. We must see others and the circumstances of their lives. We must love enough to act on their behalf.

 

It’s easy to read this command and say, “well, I don’t love myself very much”, but that is a cop-out. We all love ourselves enough to have an instinct of survival and desire to be happy. We love others by helping them survive and be happy. Charitable organizations stem from that sort of love---food pantries, soup kitchens, rescue missions, prison ministry, helping hand groups, energy assistance, battered women’s shelters, clothing banks, hospice, humanitarian aid groups, Habitat, etc. We want to help and we try. We don’t always know how, but give to groups who do know how.

 

 We also love on a more personal basis; listening to a friend’s troubles, hugs, running errands, giving rides, sharing things we have, smiling and speaking to others, giving time to enter into another’s daily circumstances. Hospital visits, home visits, funeral home visits----much of our love has to do with sharing our presence, just as you shared your presence with us in Jesus Christ.

 

The sacrificial giving of love will stem from the time spent together getting to know each other. Jesus “knew” everyone he ever met and loved them for who they really were---a child of God. We need to do the same for all we meet. Thank you for showing us how to love others. Amen.

God loves us....

Isaiah 43:4 “Because you are precious in my eyes and glorious and because I love you.” (NAB)

 

 “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you.” (NIV)

 

 Heavenly Father,

You spoke those words to Israel, your chosen people. How you love them and honor them and care for them! Later you extend your promises to the Gentiles as well. We, too are called by your name, loved and protected.

 

 Isaiah 49:6 says: “…I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Simeon recognized this “light” when he held the baby Jesus: “Let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all people. A light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people, Israel.”

 

Your Light came to all of us in Jesus Christ. When we look at the light and behold its glory, you invite us in. Advent is the time to be seeking, waiting, looking for the Christ child. We are precious to you and you honor us with your love come to earth in human form. We don’t know why you love us---we are unworthy, sinful, full of self-justification, pride, willfulness. But the love of Jesus Christ breaks down the walls of our sin and draws us home.

 

We see the baby Jesus in the manger and kneel in wonder at your love in this precious child. You came as one of us---Immanuel----God with us! We watch the baby grow, become a man, our gentle Savior, teacher, Rabbi. We gaze in horror at the cross, our punishment borne by our loving Savior. We leap in joy at the resurrection, the risen Lord, Salvation’s plan complete! Good News! The Lord has come! Good News! He lives and reigns! Good News! Our God loves us and wants us as his children forever! Love---precious and glorious---through one perfect child, one Lord, one Savior! Thank you! Amen.

If you don't know love, you don't know God....

1 John 4:8 “The man without love has known nothing of God, for God is love.” (NAB)

 

 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (NIV)

 

 “The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love….so you can’t know him if you don’t love.” (MSG)

 

 Heavenly Father,

There is a song that says: “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Today’s verse could be a basis for that song. John 13:35 says: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” We can’t be Christians if we don’t love each other. We can’t know you, our Father if we don’t love each other. The “Good News” we seek to spread to the world is about love….your love for us in giving your Son to die for us, Jesus’ love for us in becoming that Lamb slain to bring salvation to the world, the Holy Spirit’s love as he abides in us making us disciples of your holy love. It isn’t a message at all and it certainly isn’t “Good News” if we rob it of love!

 

 You, our holy God, our Creator, our Father are love. Jesus Christ was love in human form willing to sacrifice for all. If we know that love, feel that love, understand grace and mercy and forgiveness, then we too will love others. If we have no love for others, we don’t know you.

 

The scriptures are full of words of love. Everything Jesus Christ did or said was about love. Even when he chastises people, it is because he loves you, his Father, with all his being and want us to know that perfect love as well.

 

The Message uses the phrase, “refuses to love”. That is the problem in a nutshell. We refuse to love---it’s a choice. It’s a choice that goes against every command that you have ever given us. It is choosing to defy our God, our Loving Father, and not feel or show love to others.

 

We are born with love in us. Our love can be killed by other people, but if we know you, we will resurrect love from human ashes in heavenly form. Human love is uncertain, but godly love is forever! No one can separate us from your love and that is the Good News in Jesus Christ that we preach! Let me show more of your love to all I meet! Thank you for loving me. Amen.

Cheap grace?.....

(Christmas is just the beginning of a journey. The story doesn't end at the stable. Now that we have the Christ Child, we must gather him into our hearts and continue the journey to follow him wherever he goes. I will pick back up with the meditations I was doing before Advent, based on the scriptures from the book "Follow Me" by David Rosage. December was the month to study "the call to love".)

John 3:16-17 “Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

 Heavenly Father,
Thank you, LORD, for your great love! Thank you that no matter how bad a sinner I am, you still loved me enough to send your Son to save me. I’m not proud of my sins and I hate it that Jesus suffered for them. But I’m so happy that you loved me that much! John 3:16 may be the most well known verse in scripture, but why isn’t verse 17 just as widely quoted? “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” This is the Good News! Jesus came to save us, not condemn us. We have enough ministers and religious leaders trying to “condemn” us on a regular basis! But Jesus came in love and as love from our Father to set us free from condemnation. Free to be loved and accepted. Free to devote our lives to you, our Father. Free to fix our relationship with you. Free to come home to your loving arms.

Why, oh why do people want to keep preaching damnation instead of your love? Why do they want to beat us to death with our sin instead of allowing us to put it behind ust, just as you have forgotten it, once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior? I hear so much about “cheap grace” and never really understand it. I understand the concept, but think the idea is over-worked. Grace is “cheap” because we don’t pay for it. Grace is your gift of love and I refuse to allow anyone to take it away from me or “cheapen” it by calling it “cheap grace!” It’s my gift from my Father given to me in love.

I believe that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that he redeemed me through his blood on the cross. My tears are tears of sorrow and joy combined in response to this love! I don’t ever want to be separated from you again! Not by the world, not by sin, not by those who want to steal my joy, not by those who want to steal my grace! “Yes, God so loved the world….!” Thank you! Amen.

Dec. 25.....For God so loved the world that he gave his Son!

“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 church 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 and praised God

“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! Hallelujah! amen

Dec. 22......presented Jesus to the Lord 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.....the LORD 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 worshipped him

“At the house, the Wise Men saw Jesus with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshipped 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 birthday should be a time of rededication, reawakening of commitment, rediscovery of joy, repositioning 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.....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, 

I find that reflecting on small bits of this story daily is better than absorbing the whole message at once and missing the small details. 

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 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, status, etc. Some come to “fit in” with their peers. Some come to gain power, 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....We 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! amen

Dec. 15......Mary treasured these things and pondered them

“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......After the shepherds had seen...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 angles 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......a 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 no 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 simple 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.

(Mary Freeman 12-2000)

Dec. 7......the Baby 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