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I want to honor Jesus
And celebrate his day;
So, I’ll sing Happy Birthday
And thank God when I pray,
For sending us a present,
His son sent from above,
An awesome Christmas present
That shows the Father’s love.

Dear Friends,

Last week we used John 3:16 as our Scripture of the Week. This week, as we prepare to hand out Christmas gifts, let’s reflect a little deeper on the precious gift God gave us in Jesus Christ. Too often, the gift God gave us is left, as it were, unwrapped by Christians who understand that God gave the world a gift, but who don’t see themselves as worthy to be part of that world. They fail to appreciate that John 3:16 must be read and understood, “For God so loved YOU that he gave his only begotten son.”

In the book As the Ink Flows, Melony Teague discussed what she calls a “daisy petal way of thinking about God’s love.” To anyone trapped in a “He loves me; He loves me not” loop, God becomes a fickle suitor whose love depends on how well they measure up to an imaginary heavenly standard. Always afraid the last petal will be a “He loves me not,” they are deprived of the joy that comes from a safe relationship with their loving heavenly Father.

Scriptures tell us God is not fickle, capricious, changeable, variable, mercurial, inconsistent, moody, flighty, unstable, wayward, or unfaithful. He is not like anyone you have ever known or will ever know on this earth.

“No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39 (NLT) This Christmas, I encourage you to reflect on the words spoken by the angel who appeared to the Shepherds, ““Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10b (KJV)

Fear Not: “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. 1 John 4:16, 18 (NLT)

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17

Great Joy: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 (NLT)

 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Which shall be to all people: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” Titus 2:11 (NIV)

Still playing that “He loves me; he loves me not game? In Christ, we are offered a field of daisies, with each petal offering an unmistakable, “I love you.”

Verse for the week: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,”

Blessings, Your friends in Christ

 

http://www.becausewelovehim.blog

Dear Friends,

 “’The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us’)”. Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

God chose a very unusual time and place to make an appearance on Earth. Bethlehem, a small village in Judea, was not the kind of place one would expect God to make his presence known. Sure, King David had been born there, and the prophet Micah had prophesied Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah, but such a humble place … such a humble birth.

And what about the birthplace? A stable? Surely there was someone in town who would have “left a light on” for the one about whom we read in John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

What about shepherds as the first to hail his birth? This child in the manager was going to be a very different type of shepherd. “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.” Micah 5:4

Eight days after his birth, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. Simeon, a righteous man whom the Lord had promised would see the Messiah, held the baby Jesus and declared, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,  you may now dismiss your servant in peace. “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:  a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

The words of Simeon foreshadowed words Jesus would speak as a man, “’I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12

Another visitor at the temple was the aged Anna. “She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to [Mary and Joseph] at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38

Then there were those visitors from the orient —probably from a region that is modern-day Iraq or Iran. Consider the gifts they brought: gold (symbolizing royalty), frankincense and myrrh (aromatic resins that can be used in the treatment of wounds and in the preparation of the dead for burial). “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV)

Born in a humble town, in a humble setting, with few to herald his coming, “Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:5-7

Others may scoff as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, “But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:24-25 (NLT)

The baby in the manager became the Christ on the cross. Let’s use this wonderful season to spread the truly good news of Christmas, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Your Friends in Christ

Dear Friends,

In his book, Because of Bethlehem, Max Lucado reminds us, “We live between the Advents.” At Christmastime we look back in history to Jesus’ arrival as a small baby in a manager. The Second Advent is a future event when Christ returns in glory to take his place as King of kings and Lord of lords. We know the approximate date of Jesus birth, but as for the Second Coming, Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:36, “’But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.’”

Of course, many of those who engage in eschatology (the study of end times) look at the signs of our times and believe that Jesus’ return is just around the corner. Their arguments notwithstanding, for any of us, the end time may be just beyond the next sunrise. Which leads to an interesting question, “What would you do today if you knew for certain that you would meet Jesus tomorrow?”

Now there are flippant answers, and there are theological answers to that question. The flippant answers can be fun, so let’s consider some of them first.

“If I knew I’d meet Jesus tomorrow, the politician might say, “That’s one recall I’ll be glad to be a part of.”

“If I knew I’d meet Jesus tomorrow, an over-eater might respond, I’d have a large banana split and a sheet cake, with one fork. I’d deal with the weightier issues tomorrow.”

If I knew I’d meet Jesus tomorrow, one might — as W.C. Fields was reported to have said —“Scan the Bible looking for loopholes!”

“If I knew I’d meet Jesus tomorrow,” the addict might say, “I’d know for sure that I could give up smoking, or drinking, or swearing, or you name it!”

The atheist might respond, “If I knew I’d meet Jesus tomorrow, I’d say, ‘Jesus? Who is Jesus?”

The atheist’s response actually moves us from the flippant to theological. Jesus wants to know who we say he is. “Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets. “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?’” Mark 8:27-29a (NIV)

The first Advent answered Jesus’ “Who am I?” question. We find the answer in the words spoken to the shepherds, “And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11 (KJV)

Who you say Jesus is will determine how you anticipate the Second Advent. With this in mind, if I knew for certain that I’d meet Christ the Lord tomorrow, I think I’d invest in some heavy-duty knee pads. In fact, I think I’ll start praying more today.

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT)

Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ

Dear Friends,

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Here we are in the season of Advent: a time when Christians prepare for and remember the real meaning of Christmas. It’s also a time for the annual debate over how retailers can effectively increase sales volume without offending anyone who may have a hyper-sensitivity to the words “Jesus” or “Christ.”

To Walmart
If “Happy Holidays” seems right, and makes your lawyers smile;
It’s not my place to criticize as I walk down your isle.
Yet, as I give my credit card and start to walk away
Accept my “Merry Christmas – and have a Christ-filled Day.”

I used to get really upset when a sales clerk would say, “Happy Holidays,” instead of “Merry Christmas.” Now, rather than vent, Bonnie and I seek ways to make Advent a time of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

Advent Habit #1: Discover quiet time by starting an “electronics fast.” Set a specific time period each day when you commit to turning off your computer, your phone, and your television. Use that quiet time to read your Bible or an inspirational book, such as Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado.

 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! Psalm 47:6

Advent Habit #2: Listen to the words. We all love the melodies of Christmas carols, but they are much more than elevator music. The words tell the story of the birth of our savior. The poems that lie beneath the melodies of “Oh, Holy Night” or “Mary Did You Know?” serve to remind us what a blessed time this is.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Advent Habit #3: Give Jesus a gift. The Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, and Toys for Tots are just a few of the charities that serve our community.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy …” 1 Corinthians 13:4

Advent Habit #4: Show your love. Yes, there will be crowds. Yes, people will be impatient; and yes, there will be that sales clerk who rubs your last raw nerve. We show our love by how we act and by how we react.

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul wrote, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The pattern of the world is to strip Christ out of Christmas. We can help put Christ back in Christmas by putting more of him in us.

Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ

Dear Friends,

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (NIV) reminds us to ”Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” With this verse in mind, let’s look at grace said at mealtime.

Jesus made it a habit to offer thanks before meals. “
And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.” Matthew 14:19

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’” Matthew 26:26

 

Grace is a prayer.
Whether we offer a simple, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” or take time to thank God for everyone — from the farmer who planted the seed to the men from Waste Management who pick up the garbage — we offer grace for the grace we have received.

Those who come from an episcopal background are probably familiar with the prayer: Bless, oh Lord, this food to our use and us to Thy service, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others – In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.

This prayer reminds us to be “mindful” of the needs of others. South County Outreach, The Peace Center at Saddleback, and other foodbanks serve our community by providing food for those less fortunate. We can make our donations of groceries tangible prayers of thanksgiving.

Grace is a way to witness.
When there are children or grandchildren in the house, saying grace before a meal is a way to remind them that God is the ultimate source of our daily bread.“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.” Psalm 78:4 (NLT)

My niece decided to have her wedding reception at a buffet in Las Vegas. The sound of slot machines and people talking didn’t provide the most romantic setting. But the atmosphere changed dramatically when she asked my brother to offer a prayer before the meal. You could have heard a pin drop; it seemed as if everyone stopped what they were doing and listened respectfully. When we pray in public we become witnesses to the goodness of God. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 (NIV)

In business situations or in groups that include people of different faiths, we may be uncertain what to do. I have found that we can show our love for God and our respect for others by asking if those present would like to join us in a prayer of thanksgiving, and by praying a silent prayer if anyone feels uncomfortable praying with us.

There is a wonderful story in the twenty-seventh chapter of Acts about the apostle Paul being on a ship that was caught in a hurricane. For fourteen days the crew did what they could to save the ship. Just before dawn on the fifteenth day, Paul encouraged the men to eat. Notice what he did next. “³⁵ After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all.” He really meant it when he wrote, “Give thanks in all circumstances.”

Grace can take many forms.

Traditional

God is great! God is good! Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.

Poetic

Thank you for the world so sweet, Thank you for the food we eat. Thank you for the birds that sing, Thank you God for everything. — Author Unknown

Catholic

Bless us, oh Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Benedictus Benedicat (May the Blessed One bless)

Whether you are eating in the solitude of your home or sitting at the table of honor at a banquet, you have the opportunity to honor God with your prayer of thanksgiving. Remember, Thanksgiving is just a day. Giving thanks is a lifestyle.

Verse for the week: “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:8

Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ