I Just Wanna Be Bad

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God . . . Ephesians 2:8 (NASB)

My oldest nephew was a very inquisitive three year old. His curiosity often got him into trouble. One year he was especially “busy” during all the preparations and excitement of Christmas. Trying desperately to keep his behavior in check my sister reminded him frequently that Santa wouldn’t bring him gifts if he didn’t behave.

Finally, exasperated at another warning, he threw his little hands up in the air and exclaimed, “I don’t care if Santa doesn’t come. I just wanna be bad!” He said “bad” with such enthusiasm, shaking his hands overhead, no doubt was left in our minds that he meant it. Being bad was easier and more fun than being good—even when a reward was at stake.

We laughed at his adorable display of honesty. However, his words caused me to reflect on how easy it is to fall into temptation, which can lead to sin if our human nature is not yielded to the Holy Spirit.

Often we have to work at being good. Sometimes it’s less arduous to “just be bad.” Then, those sneaky sins come to mind, the ones we don’t deliberately commit, but are counted as sin all the same. Soon, our reward of Heaven appears distant and far away. It looks impossible to be good enough to keep God’s favor. The glowing gift grows dim, but thankfully, just before it disappears from our sight completely we remember the truth of God’s grace. Our salvation is a gift from God. We can’t earn it—only accept it.

Thank you, Jesus for taking care of our sin once and for all. Amen.

2012 Bonnie Mae Evans

 

The Christmas Star

He [the Lord] determines the number of the stars, he gives to all of them their names. Psalm 147:3-4 (RSV)

Why did God create shooting stars? People watch them and wonder. Attracted by stellar beauty or personal curiosity, students soon learn that shooting stars are meteors, often originating in the Leonid, Perseid or Geminid constellations. Dedicated astronomers can predict the time, place, intensity and visibility of these divinely inspired events; however, they keep searching for the reasons, the natural purpose for their destruction.

The Psalmist looked beyond the analytic facts of the stars’ existence and used them to praise the Lord for His greatness, abundant power and understanding. Someday, scientists may find a celestial parallel with earth’s annual disintegration of falling leaves. Stars may not fall in as great abundance as leaves, but nothing is wasted either in the Lord’s natural world or in His theological world. Everything has purpose.

When Christ’s followers look to the sky and remember the Christmas Star, they know it had a one-time theological purpose---lead the Magi to Christ. There was no need for it to appear again and again. Those living today never saw that particularly bright star, but through reading the Christmas story, we can imagine it. We don’t need to see it in because we remember our own journey to Christ. Our personal memory of discovering Him combined with the Magi’s story brings a joyous desire to celebrate Christmas—again, and again and again.

Lord, as we celebrate the beauty of the Christmas sky, remember the star, the Magi, and our path to your side, let us, like the Psalmist, praise your greatness, power, and understanding. Amen.

© 2011 V. Colclasure

Christmas Morn

And this shall be a sign unto you, Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:12 (KJV)

In a field, so lush and green,
a brilliant light could be seen.
Sheep stirred restless in their fright
to see this unfamiliar sight.
Shepherds knelt in instant awe,
when heavenly angels they all saw.
A choir of angels sang so sweet.
God's message to mankind was complete.
"A child is born, a Savior, dear.
In swaddling clothes, the Messiah's here.
In yonder town called 'Bethlehem,'
in a stable small, warm and dim.
Go! See the babe in manger there,
so sweet is He, in Mary's care."
So, off to Bethlehem they fled,
obeying the words the angel said.
A babe in swaddling clothes they found,
in the little Bethlehem town.
In manger small, made for His bed,
there was no pillow for His head.
He did not cry, but lay asleep
as Joseph, guardian, his watch did keep.
Mary, His mother, slept in rest
beside her babe in warm straw nest.
The shepherds knelt in wonder there
to give God 'thanks,' for a miracle shared.
They told of the heralds, the angels words,
they've news of a new-born king assured.
To the lowest of men the message was given
as those humble men gazed up to heaven.
The first to witness Messiah born
to bless us all on Christmas morn.
Two thousand years have passed since then.
Still the message is given each year to men.
"Glory in the Highest" we shout praises still.
And "Peace to men who need good will."

Lord, may we remember the reason you sent your beloved Son as the Christmas season comes once more. Amen.

(c) 2011 E. Bonnie Ryan

Christmas Travel

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; . . . And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

On the way to Bethlehem perhaps Joseph sang, “Pele Ya’ate, Pele Ya’ate, Wonderful Counselor, Pele Ya’ate.” His song calmed Mary and her unborn baby as she tried to balance between a donkey’s withers and its haunches. Mary needed to hold off the pangs of child birth until their journey was finished.

Today, I imagine this scene as most of us visit friends or go to Grandma’s house. Life is so different. Some people will take cross-country trips via plane or car. True, all basic traveling concerns are the same as Mary’s: pack enough clothes, carry enough food, have enough money and find places to stay. But now we call ahead for hotel reservations; interstates have designated rest stops; and every town has restaurants and fuel stations. The process is much more comfortable and convenient.

Normally, though, trips in the twenty-first century are voluntary, not mandated by government officials. Like Mary, though, travel is difficult because it interrupts normal routine, adds elements of the unknown, and produces cranky people. Kids must be strapped into car seats. Bones and muscles start to ache. Rigid airline agents dislike travelers’ attitudes. Bad weather impedes and changes everyone’s schedules.

What a wonderful change, then, for us to hear someone sing the Christmas songs extolling Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, a Son given to us to be King of our hearts and souls. Let us remember the angels’ song, and carry the Lord’s joy no matter where we go, and share it.

Lord, Bless us with thoughts and songs of your joy and peace as we travel this Christmas. Amen.

© 2011 V. Colclasure

Don't Forget the Batteries

I am the way, the truth and the light!” Jesus answered. Without me, no one can go to the Father. John 14:6 (CEV)

When one thinks of all the wonderful things of the Christmas season, the birth of our Savior, baking, singing and shopping, what is the one thing we always forget? The batteries! No zooming cars, no talking dolls, no electronics! The children and even some adults are are upset because they are unable to use some of their gifts immediately.

What do we do next? We run to a store in search of batteries. But to our dismay, most of them are closed, the open ones have raised the prices drastically, and they are always sold out of the size we need. What a mess, no batteries, little children (and big) children upset, no toys to play with, no peace, no joy. Is the day ruined? I don't think so. It is exactly in times like these that we need to remember the true meaning of Christmas, the Celebration of Jesus' birth. We give gifts, but he is the gift. Wise men followed the star which is light and ended up finding the Light.

Just like some of our presents won't work without batteries, our lives don't function properly if we are not connected to the right power. Acts 1:8 says “You shall receive power. When the Holy Spirit comes on you.” Sometimes, just like the batteries in our toys need to be replaced or recharged, we need to be mindful of checking our connection with our Power Source

Thank you, Father for sending your son Jesus, the gift, the light and power. When we are connected to your energy force, all is well in our lives.

© 2011 Wanda Currie

More to Come

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. Isaiah 11:1 (NKJV)

As we headed down the road, the driver of an oncoming car flashed his headlights several times. We didn’t know what the warning was, but knew we needed to be careful about something up ahead. At the top of an icy, slippery curve, we saw a car turned sideways, hanging over the guardrail. Its unharmed driver stood next to the car, when providentially, a patrol car came from the other direction. Help had arrived.

“That’s just like Christmas,” I thought. It’s a flashy warning that Jesus has come into a world that needs His help. Glittering ornaments on Christmas trees, greenery and red bows attached to street lights, twinkling lights outlining rooftops—they all declare that the day of celebration is near.

At Christmas, we often think of Jesus the child and baby, but the Lord promised that He would send a Savior wearing belts of righteousness and faithfulness, that we would have wisdom, understanding, counsel, might and knowledge. Isaiah’s prophecy is a two-for-one. We remember Christmas while looking forward to the rest of the prophecy, the time when the Lord’s presence ensures that everywhere we look wolves will dwell with lambs, cows and bears will graze together, and nursing children will play beside the cobra’s nest because enemies will no longer be enemies.

We celebrate Christmas joyously because it reminds us there’s more to come. God who faithfully keeps his promises is still leading us forward to Christ’s second coming.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for loving us so much that you sent a Savior to show us the way.

© V. Colclasure

Complete the Joy

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” Luke 2:10 (NIV)

Many of us seek joy and think we have to “make it happen.” God’s joy is given. We are to receive it and live it. After one accepts the life God offers, life overflows with joy.

I received word that a dear friend passed away. Glenna loved others in all stations of life. She had a very large family with many issues, an ill husband, many trials, yet she had great joy. People, and playing the organ for worship, increased her joy.

Glenna died following a sudden illness. She had previously written her desire for her memorial service to be a celebration when she passed away. Her family followed her instructions. Upon entering the chapel for the service, one could see filled brown sandwich bags placed on the pews. Those who knew Glenna personally had to chuckle. The bags contained a water bottle, pack of nose tissues, and a baggie of sweet treats. No one ever left Glenna’s home without a gift. The tone was set to celebrate her passing into the presence of God.

Joy bubbled from her in all kinds of situations. In her presence, everyone laughed. She chose life with God, loved Him, His creation, His people, and held fast to Him in trials. The Lord was her life. I cannot help but think Glenna is making music right now in His presence. I will greatly miss her on earth, but now her joy is complete.

Dear Lord, Help us not to complicate life and miss the joy You brought to earth long ago. Amen

©2010 Mary Burkey

Check Out Mission

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God" Psalm 14:1a (KJV)

While in the check-out line at the grocery store, the customer in front of me said, "Merry Christmas" to the cashier.

When it was my turn, the cashier said to me, "Why do people wish me a Merry Christmas? What makes her think I care? Why do people assume I'm Christian?"

"Are you Jewish?" I asked, surprised at her unexpected question.

"No. I'm not Jewish," she answered.

"What is your faith?" I said.

"I've no faith in anything," She said while scanning my items.

"Do you know where you'll go when you die?"

She became irritated as she abruptly said, "I'm not into all that."

I said, "I believe in Jesus Christ, that He died for my sins, and because of His sacrifice, I will go to heaven."

"That sounds ridiculous. What do you think about reincarnation?" she challenged.

"I believe we are all going somewhere. You just have to decide where you want to go." With that reply I left with my groceries.

I prayed silently for her. I wish we had more time to talk.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray your children are prepared to share the hope that is within You; some sow, others water, but You reap the harvest. I pray the lost will be saved. Amen.

© Lois Gosley 2010

Genealogy and Christmas

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1 (NKJV)

My sister received an unusual early Christmas gift straight from the Lord. "Let me tell you what happened," she said. "I was standing at the library's copy machine and the lady behind me said, 'Orville's buried in Sidney, not Woodlawn.' She was collecting data for Find-a-Grave.com and knew the exact spot." Only God could have arranged that.

The next day, just twelve minutes away from her home, my sister located the gravesite of our great-great grandfather. The marker was in good shape; the script quite legible. The two of us were excited to discover the forgotten past. It gave us an emotional sense of belonging -- an identification and a new kind of self-understanding. Somehow, the structure and detail of the way we fit into God's plan changed from being abstract to being concrete.

In the same way, the very dull topic of who's dad is who's dad, the begats of the Christmas story, provides continuity and emotional grounding for Christians. Since the records trace the Savior's connections back to David, Abraham, Noah, and Adam, Jesus' credibility as Savior and Messiah is verified. Knowing the facts allows followers to enjoy a peaceful sense of acceptance and belonging to Christ. As proved in the genealogy, God's faithfulness and commitment to mankind is sure. Anyone who chooses to follow the One who can and does keep His promises attains a life-long security. When He claims us, we have a place to be, forever confident that He is trustworthy.

Lord, Thank you for verification that your Son is your Son, the fulfillment of your plan. Thank you for the emotional assurance which comes with your love. Amen.

© V. Colclasure 2010

The Greatest Gift

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 (NIV)

When I was young, my mother went out of her way to get my sister and me so excited about Christmas that we had a hard time going to sleep. Christmas morning found us up at dawn pacing the floor outside Mom and Dad's bedroom, listening for any sound of movement. Trying to wake them up, I would cough, sneeze and clear my throat. I did not realize they had spent all night getting everything ready for us.

One particular year, when they finally woke up, we all went downstairs. Dad went first to prepare the camera to capture our expressions when we saw our gifts. Bicycles! We raced to our bikes, hopped on, and tried to ride them in the house. Mom stopped us saying, "Look, there are other gifts under the tree, too." I could have cared less about those other gifts—I had a bike, and that was good enough for me.

As I grew up, I learned that getting gifts is nice, but giving feels the best. Now that I have raised my own children, I wish I had a picture of the look on my parents' faces when we got those bicycles. How much more excited must God be when we receive His gift of salvation.

The Christmas season is a time to remember the meek entrance of our Savior into this world. The baby Jesus born in a manger with Joseph and Mary looking upon their innocent child, the greatest gift this world will ever know.

Father, thank You for the greatest gift of all. Amen.

© Marcella Panowicz 2010

Christmas Gifts

They presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11b (KJV)

Christmas was almost here. Money was tight, so my mother worried about providing gifts for her three girls. However, she would not be defeated. The week before Christmas she went to Highlandtown to window shop. Everything she wanted was too expensive. Eventually Mother found the perfect gifts, took them home and wrapped them.

We were so excited on Christmas morning. Our gifts were so big! Mother handed each of us a box. Paper flew. My older sister, Gene, got a large washtub with a miniature washboard. My younger sister, Barbara, got a cute little highchair for her dolls. I received a metal ironing board with a real-looking iron. I was elated! At nine years old I could iron my dolly clothes.

It is amazing how prophetic those gifts were. Years later, Gene did tons of laundry for her six children. Barbara used a real highchair for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild as they came along. I had plenty of ironing to do with three kids and a husband in the Army whose fatigues and dress uniforms had to look perfect.

Just as our gifts prepared us for our future, the gifts of the three wise men represented future events in Christ's life. Gold represented His deity. Frankincense was an aromatic resin representing Christ's sacrifice, and myrrh was sweet oil normally used in preparing a body for burial. God knew what was in store for His Son. The gifts to Jesus revealed who He was and what would happen in His life. Let us pay attention to the significance of God's gifts to us.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for our favorite Christmas gift, Your Son, Jesus. Amen

(c) 2010
E. Bonnie Ryan

It's Jesus - Not Santa

Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10 (NIV)

“Here Comes Santa Claus” is a song symbolizing the fact that a sacred holiday has been twisted into a business venture. Because merchants count on large income from holiday sales, some stores begin displaying Christmas merchandise in October. After all, it is the most lucrative shopping season of the year.

Only when people look away from the commercialization of Christmas, can it become apparent that this is a time like no other. Feelings of good cheer and goodwill abound on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Even among those lacking an understanding of the significance of the celebration, warm wishes and a spirit of the brotherhood of mankind can be observed.

Some repeat the slogan, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” And, He is. Piles of gifts and holiday parties cannot mask the true reason we celebrate. Such a divine purpose surpasses the presumption and arrogance of our meager attempts at human intervention.

The true significance of Christmas is that it is the day set aside to remember that the Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace, the Savior of the World, humbled himself out of love to come among us as a helpless baby. The shadow of the redemptive cross of Calvary falls over a manger.

Manmade commercialization cannot overcome the power of that fact.

Father God, thank You for the immeasurable gift you gave when You sent Your Son to us. Knowing we would torture and kill Him, You sent Him anyway—as a vulnerable infant. What indescribable love. Help us to understand that concept and to drink in the spirit of Your love this Christmas.

© Christena Struben 2009

Where Will You Be?

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15: 52 (KJV)

‘Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the earth
The Christians were gathered
For Jesus’s birth.

What they were praying was very unique.
They all came together,
For God they did seek.
They came from near, they came from far.
They were stopped in the fields.
They were stopped in their cars.
They looked to the sky.
Praising God’s Holy Name,
They would not stop; this wasn’t a game.

Then what in the sky did they see far above?
But Jesus who’s coming for his first Love.
With a sword in his hand, and a thundering shout,
“It’s time and I’ve come to take my church out.”
He stood tall on his heels as the Church did rise.
He was finally able to claim his prize.
No longer a babe in a manger you see,
He’s Savior to all who fall to their knees.

Where will you be on that wonderful day?
Up in the sky or asleep on the hay.

Lord, we remember the star shinning over Bethlehem when Jesus was born. I pray the true meaning of Christmas shines, in the hearts of all men.

© Copyright 2008 Marcella Panowicz