SIGN OF TRUE LOVE

This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:12 (NAS)

Each year tucked away on a little twelve-house court, neighbors display a lighted version of The Twelve Days of Christmas on their front lawns.  When our children were small we enjoyed driving through the court singing the song at the top of our lungs. Although it was a cherished part of our holiday tradition, I wondered what this carol had to do with the true meaning of Christmas.

After some research, I was excited to find each symbol had a Christian-based meaning. Although there is debate as to the origins of this idea, some believe several centuries ago in England, Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith. They made up a song with secret signs for all the elements children needed to remember for catechism. The "true love" mentioned in the song lyrics was, of course, Jesus and His great love for us. The partridge in a pear tree would also represent Jesus, crucified on a tree. Two turtle doves were reminders of the Old and New Testaments, as the three French hens symbolized faith, hope and love. Four calling birds stood for the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Each successive verse edified another facet of the Christian faith.

I am so thankful each year for traditions such a nativity scenes, children’s reenactments of the Christmas story, scripture readings and carols that remind us of the true love that came to earth that starry Bethlehem night.

Father, I am so thankful for the freedom to express our Christian faith in America. I pray we will boldly exercise our privilege this season by sharing the beautiful love story of Jesus with others. Amen.

© 2015 Bonnie Mae Evans

CHRISTMAS WISHES

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." James 1:17 (KJV).

When I was eight years old, I sat gazing at the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and made my first wish for a slinky, one that actually walked down our stair steps. An art kit was my second wish. My heart told me there was an artist inside wanting to create a beautiful painting. Knowing, in reality, there was no Santa Claus, I said a silent prayer to Jesus. After all, Jesus is truly the reason for the season, isn't He?

My sisters and I got the Sears & Roebuck catalogue and grew excited to see all the things for kids. We put our names on paper and carefully wrote down all the things we liked and put them on the table. Before bed that snowy Christmas Eve, Mother read us the story of the first Christmas and the birth of Jesus. We went to bed with the joy of baby Jesus in our hearts.

Christmas morning there were a few gifts for each of us girls under the tree. Mother smiled as we excitedly opened them. We got dolls and coloring books with crayons, comic books and drawing tablets. We each got a Christmas stocking filled with candy, nuts and an orange. We felt rich as we played with our gifts. Most of all, we were blessed with the love of our parents and the joy we felt in knowing the baby Jesus was our Gift from God.

Father, thank You for blessing us with our parents love, realizing our blessings came from You and Jesus. Amen.

© 2015 Evelyn B. Ryan

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.  Psalms 47:1 (NIV).

Thoughts of the many parties, dinners and gatherings this season brings, causes my heart rejoice in the love of the Lord. I am reminded that I am truly blessed because of the grace of my heavenly Father.

There are times when I want to clap my hands, shout to everyone and sing about the joy of my Lord. The Christmas season gives me the opportunity to do this every day. Everywhere I go the holiday music plays over the intercom, and I sing along with the songs praising God.

Throughout the Bible, there are countless times that His people sang, shouted and danced before the Lord. Many times it was after a difficult situation. God delivered them from the trials and tribulations that they sometimes brought upon themselves.

David spent part of his life running from the king in fear of his life. Yet even in the darkest hours, he found the strength to sing his praises to God. Throughout the book of Psalm, we see this happening time after time.

When I go to all the parties, dinners and gatherings, I will clap, shout and cry out my joy to the One who is the reason for the season. Jesus! 

Let the good times roll. Today, tomorrow and the years to come, I will be a testimony to the love of God, a witness to His mercy and an example of the power of His strength.

Lord, I rejoice every day, not just during this time of the year. Help me to boldly shout your praises to the nation with clapping hands through the whole year.

©2015 Dawn Sexton.

APPOINTMENT

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NAS)

This morning I had an appointment with a wonderful counselor. He is world renowned and the top authority in all he does, and yet no advanced scheduling was necessary.

So unlike me when meeting someone, my need was so pressing, that I rushed to talk with him before showering or even brushing my teeth. More amazing still, he made house calls and was already waiting for me in a quiet corner of my room.

I sat before him broken, weeping without words. He heard my heart and comforted me. He did not judge, only wrapped my ache with the healing warmth of His love.

There was no ticking clock on the wall to signal when time was up.

Minutes flew by as regrets, sadness, fears and disappointments were lifted from my heart. Mercifully left in their place was joy, hope, peace and love.

For such an exchange surely I would have to empty my bank account or take out a loan to pay—gladly.

Perhaps most incredible of all, my Wonderful Counselor said, "Your debt has been paid in full. Jesus paid it all."

For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NAS)

Father, I lift my hands in praise that You ARE my Wonderful Counselor who is the one and only Mighty God, strong enough to take away my burdens and forgive my sin. Your love for me is eternal, as You are my Eternal Father. You are my Prince of Peace who can quell all my fear and distress.
I thank You by giving You my heart. Amen.

THANKSGIVING DAY

Let us come before Him with thanksgiving, and extol Him with music and song. Psalm 95:2 (NIV).

THANKSGIVING DAY

We're giving thanks to God above
For the abundance we have and His sweet love,
A love so intense that His Son He gave,
So we could grow closer, our souls to save.

We're giving thanks for our ancestors, too,
For the hardships and work they had to do.
We give thanks for the natives who helped them survive,
Who brought food and medicines that kept them alive.

The lessons they learned sank deep inside.
On the wagons of success they were happy to ride.
Every year a celebration was held in the fall,
To give thanks to God from one and all.

Today we remember the way it began,
When natives helped strangers in a new land.
We give thanks to God for showing the way,
To live together this Thanksgiving Day.

© 2015 Evelyn B. Ryan

PROUD PARENT

Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. Psalm 91:14 (RSV)

 Remember how excited we were as parents when our babies took their first steps. We were so thrilled, we called everyone.

Not growing up in church, the only reason I went to a healing service was out of curiosity. Did the people really get knocked down? Totally overwhelmed with the service, I realized I needed God. I accepted the altar call. Did God call Angels Gabriel and Michael, and joyfully say, “My baby took her first steps today?”

Then I responded “Yes” to a neighbor’s invitation to join Community Bible Study. My heart was like a sponge soaking in the Word of God. Did God call his Heavenly Hosts, saying, “My little girl’s going to school now.”

Then I felt drawn to volunteer at a nursing home, becoming a Candy Striper. I refreshed each residents’ water daily. Did God call his Angels and say, “My girls got a job serving others.”

Community Bible Study offered me the position of Childens’ Director, and I accepted--directing teachers and children in the Children Program for ten years. Did God call Gabriel proudly announcing, “My child is teaching my babies.”

Can you imagine God’s eagerness as a loving parent as He views our spiritual walk? When the time comes for me to go to my heavenly home, I’ll get a new name. “I will also give to each one who wins the victory a white stone with a new name written on it.” (Rev. 2:17) Earthly fathers give pet names to their children—what name has God have for you? I pray mine's "Obedient."

 Thank you Lord for being my Loving Father, protecting and guiding and forgiving me when I fall short. I love you, too. Amen.

 (c) 2015 Lois Gosley

HEAVENLY EYES

Things which eye hath not seen and ear hath not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those that love Him. I Corinthians 2:9 (NAS)

 Early one morning I opened the blinds in my bedroom and was greeted with a blast of color. The bright gold leaves on the trees and the carpet of fallen ones in our yard dazzled me with such brilliance that it almost hurt my eyes. Our entire yard appeared to be bathed in gold. It was practically glowing. Immediately, the verse "How manifold are thy handiworks, O Lord," came to my mind.

It was surprising and wonderful and almost overwhelming. The golden moment brought an early morning reminder of the marvelous gifts the Lord has in store for those who love Him. During unanticipated moments, in unexpected ways He blesses us each day. We only need the eyes to recognize His works.

In the same way we would do well with eyes that are continually looking beyond our possessions and attachments to this world, focusing instead on things eternal. Words spoken, deeds done, encouragement given that would lead another to know Christ as Savior, these are the things that have eternal significance.

Our Heavenly Father has promised that in Heaven He has prepared an unimaginable place for those who love Him. We’ve never seen nor heard or could ever possibly imagine what He has planned. When we view everything we do in the face of eternity our priorities will automatically fall into step with the Father and hopefully lead others to seek Him.

Loving Father, thank You for giving us glimpses of the wonderful things You have in store for us. Give us a heart to lead others to You. Amen.

© 2015 Bonnie Mae Evans