New

NEW

A new year, a new page, a new resolve, a new plan -

a chance to begin again

we all tend

to yen.

One-by-one days add up to become a year

filled with memories – some sad and some dear.

The old year has passed, the New Year begun

at midnight when "Auld Lang Syne" has been sung.

Did you know "Auld Lang Syne" means the good old times?

The ones left behind - and the ones to be born in time.

Each day dawns like a new blank page,

surprises await at each new phase.

Some anticipated and some are not

for no one knows for certain their lot.

Each day new memories are being made

that you might record on a new blank page.

If you have made a resolution this New Year

you have made a resolve to change in the new year.

Every day we have a new choice -

to choose how we respond is our choice.

Choices bring about change if one is steadfast.

Determination keeps us doing the task.

A new plan to begin all over again

is written in God’s Word again and again.

Don't start the New Year without knowing

God the Creator – who's all knowing.

He knows what you struggle with each new day

and has a plan to come to your aid.

God is as close as a prayer away

so start your New Year in this new way.

Simply say, Dear Heavenly Father,

for with God it's never a bother,

to hear and answer our prayers in His time -

with pages of memories for "Auld Lang Syne."

Behold, I make all things new.

Revelation 21:5

Worship

WORSHIP

Worshiping God is simply praising Him.

Praising God is often expressed in a hymn.

When the angels announced Christ's birth to the shepherds

that night long ago as they watched over their herds,

the angels sang in worship:

"Glory to God in the highest!"

Those words have been composed into a hymn.

Next time you sing this hymn, you are worshiping.

"Angels we have heard on high

sweetly singing o'er the plains,

and the mountains in reply

echo back their joyous strains.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!"

Which means "Glory to God in the highest!"

Praising God in song is one way to worship.

The shepherds worshiped through their witness, telling

everyone all they had heard and seen that evening.

Shepherds who were considered unclean in that day's society

as they prepared sacrificial lambs as directed by legality.

Yet God used the lowly, the humble, the rejected,

to proclaim His gift of salvation to the world.

The shepherds worshiped Jesus Christ the Lord

by telling everyone all they had seen and heard.

Their testimony to what they had witnessed

is in keeping with God's wonderful promise

as the prophet's prophesied long before

to kings in their kingdoms and to the poor.

Joseph worshiped through his obedience.

Joseph's obedience showcased his reverence

to the God he served

and wholly adored.

He was ready, willing, and available

to do whatever God directed, though incredible.

Mary's prayer in Luke 1 records her worship.

Her prayer expresses her soul's and spirit's

total devotion

and compassion.

Her prayer even includes us when she refers to generations.

Her prayer reminds us of God's mercy and faithfulness in action.

Mary's prayer shows us she was acquainted with scriptures

so we can deduce she worshiped God by studying scriptures.

She spent time with Elizabeth and Zechariah,

who could be referred to as her spiritual mentors,

as they were upright in God's sight,

doing what God said was right.

Simeon, being righteous and devout, though waiting,

worshiped by being in tune to God's leading.

Simeon was waiting for God's promise.

He prayed praising God for keeping His promise,

for bringing God's promised gift of salvation:

to the Gentiles, a light of revelation;

to God's people, Israel, His glory -

revealing the fulfillment of God's story.

The prophetess, Anna, worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying, giving thanks always.

She loved God with all her heart,

all her soul, all her mind, and all her strength.

Not only had she believed God's promise of salvation,

she witnessed God's gift personally when she saw God's Son.

We read that the wise men worshiped the Christ child

after traveling months and months, mile after mile,

following a bright, shining star

which guided them from afar,

when they presented to Him their treasures.

Treasures meant for a king, they were.

* * * * *

Worshiping God is expressing our love.

Several ways to worship are mentioned above.

Let's review:

We worship God through:

singing,

obeying,

trusting,

praying,

giving,

praising,

listening,

waiting,

focusing,

fasting,

thanking,

serving,

loving,

believing.

We also worship God through:

obedience,

reverence,

devotion,

compassion,

studying scriptures,

spiritual mentors.

These are just a few ways to worship

all leading to personal relationship

with the Creator

who became our Savior,

who loves you more than anyone,

who desires you believe and come

to Him through a simple prayer

from your heart and soul where

confession

and declaration

that you believe God's promise of forgiveness

and eternity are yours to receive. Be blessed.

Believe

and receive.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest."

Luke 2:13-14

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:17-18

The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod,

Magi 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 2:1-2

After they had heard the king,

they went on their way,

and the star they 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.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:9-11

A priest named Zachariah..., his wife Elizabeth...

Both of them were upright in the sight of God,

observing all the Lord's commandments

and regulations blamelessly.

Luke 1:5-6

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.

Luke 2:28-32

There was also a prophetess, Anna...

She never left the temple but worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying.

Coming up to them 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 2:36-38

Love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul,

and with all your mind,

and with all your strength.

Mark 12:30

You

YOU

Since the beginning of time

YOU have been on God's mind.

In case YOU've never heard

what's recorded in God's Word,

here's a few verses to remind YOU

that God loves YOU, for just being YOU.

YOUR name and YOUR days are written

in God's eternal book in heaven.

Before God formed YOU

in the womb God knew YOU.

God is thinking precious thoughts about YOU.

Not only is God thinking about YOU

He has a constant reminder of YOU

for engraved in the palms of God's hands there's YOU.

God knows about YOUR fears

and God collects YOUR tears.

God has a plan and purpose for YOU

and He will teach and direct YOU.

And it was for YOU God sent His Son Jesus

on this day the world celebrates Christmas.

God brought this good news of great joy to YOU.

This good news - a Savior, who was born for YOU.

YOU have been on God's mind

since the beginning of time.

* * * * *

YOU were the reason God sent His Son.

YOU are the reason Christmas comes.

It's not about the gifts you receive (if you behave),

it's about the gift that God in His great love for YOU gave.

He gave us a Savior that day

to take our sins away

when we believe

and this gift receive.

Do take time to reflect on these verses

and look up some other Bible verses

that shows YOU

God loves YOU.

All the days ordained for ME were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:16

You created MY inmost being;

you knit ME together in MY mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

YOU whom I have upheld since YOU were conceived,

and have carried since YOUR birth.

Even to YOUR old age and gray hairs I am he,

I am he who will sustain YOU.

I have made YOU and I will carry YOU;

I will sustain YOU and I will rescue YOU.

Isaiah 46:3-4

How precious to ME are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Psalm 139:17-18

I have engraved YOU on the palms of my hands.

Isaiah 49:16

Record my lament;

list MY tears on your scroll -

are they not in your record?

Psalm 56:8

I know the plans I have for YOU, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper YOU and not to harm YOU,

plans to give YOU hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

I am the Lord YOUR God,

who teaches YOU what is best for YOU,

who directs YOU in the way YOU should go.

Isaiah 48:17

"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

Leaders

LEADERS

The first Christmas story mentions the leaders of that day,

though the focus is on the angel's message, the baby,

the shepherds, the manger, Mary, Joseph,

a bright star and wise men bearing gifts.

There were political leaders

and unnamed religious leaders.

The political leaders were Caesar Augustus

and the governor of Syria named Quirinius.

Another leader was King Herod, a malicious fellow,

who issued an edict for the wise men to follow.

The wise men were very astute, quite true to their name, it seems,

as they heeded an opposite instruction from a dream.

There were also religious leaders well versed in Old Testament law.

These were the chief priests, or Sadducees, and other teachers of the law.

These priests ensured that the order of worship was adhered to,

obeying the law, but in their hearts they didn't have a clue.

Even the teachers of the law practiced a legalistic religion,

one lacking relationship, following rules vs. heart application.

Gaining head knowledge, obeying the law which is right,

but lacking heart knowledge leading them to the Light.

When Herod inquired of them where Christ was to be born

they knew the answer based on scripture – in Bethlehem.

Old Testament prophesy was being fulfilled right then, in their lifetime,

but these leaders seemed to be too preoccupied to take time to seek and find.

So all these leaders learned that the king of the Jews, as prophesied, was born.

Did any of them jump on their chariots or horses creating a dust storm?

It seemed to be just another day in the neighborhood.

Perhaps if they had heart knowledge they would have understood.

Were they too busy to even set an hour apart?

Or maybe not interested because of calloused hearts?

No one interrupted their schedules from their daily duties

to go see a newborn baby whom everyone thinks is a cutey.

Not just any baby adored.

He was the Savior, Christ the Lord,

of whom the heavenly host did joyfully sing

and of whom the wise men called a newborn king

Quite the opposite from the shepherds and the wise men who

sought the promised Christ-child until He was at last found.

The shepherds hurried off to see if the announcement was true.

The wise men persevered for weeks following the star eastward bound.

The shepherds through their witness and testimony gave glory to God

telling everyone everything while glorifying and praising God.

Matthew records that when the wise men saw the child they worshiped him

recognizing that the Christ-child was God's promised one, the King of Kings.

Two totally different responses. The political and religious leaders were indifferent.

The shepherds and wise men testified of this One who was born to make a difference.

The shepherds and wise men wholeheartedly made time

while the leaders had no interest in their minds.

* * * * *

Who are we most like?

Do we search and find the Light?

Do we make the time for Bible study

or do we find we are too busy?

Do we make the time to make a difference

imitating Christlikeness

or do we often find ourselves indifferent

to our neighbor's trials and stress?

Be like the shepherds or wise men.

Do not be like these leaders, those men,

who were too busy, too preoccupied, too indifferent.

Study God's Word, imitate Christ. You'll see in yourself a difference.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod,

Magi 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."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed,

and all of Jerusalem with him.

When he had called together all the people's chief priests

and teachers of the law,

he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied,

"for this is what the prophet has written."

Matthew 2:1-5

"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,

which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby,

who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

Luke 2:15-17

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

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

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

Pharisees and Sadducees (from NIV)

The Pharisees were a legalistic and separatist group who strictly, but often hypocritically, kept the law of Moses and the unwritten "tradition of the elders." The Sadducees were more worldly and politically minded, and were theologically unorthodox – among other things denying the resurrection, angels, and spirits.

Chief priests - Sadducees who were in charge of worship at the temple.

Teachers of the law – The Jewish scholars of the day, professionally trained in the development, teaching and application of OT law.

A New Way

A NEW WAY

Miles and miles of dry, sandy terrain behind them

with miles and miles to go still ahead of them

the wise men had come a long, long way from afar

being led along a NEW WAY by a bright star, His star.

No map to guide them along the way.

Just a star in heaven leading the way.

Their goal was to worship the newborn King of the Jews.

Not something they questioned. A fact they just knew.

So by looking up they plodded along

through many days and starry nights long.

Stopping for direction in Jerusalem along the way

they learned Bethlehem had been prophesied,

so off they went on this NEW WAY.

This special star led them

to a house in Bethlehem

where they bowed down and worshiped this child-King

who came to earth with a NEW WAY of life to bring.

Worshiped by adoring Jesus Christ the Lord.

Worshiped through praising and glorifying in word,

just as the shepherds had earlier done,

when announcing a "NEW WAY" had come.

This NEW WAY of life for mankind brought needed salvation

and as Simeon spoke of, "a light for revelation."

This NEW WAY of life now ensures us

that Immanuel or God is with us.

After weeks of searching for, then finding the Christ-child,

the wise men were ready to return to report to King Herod,

except they were warned in a dream not to,

to return home by a NEW WAY hereto.

A NEW WAY, the opposite direction, both figuratively and literally.

This NEW WAY is also available to each one of us personally.

So off these truly wise men (and humbled shepherds) went

though never again the same

for a NEW WAY of life was available to them, and to us also,

as God's Word claims.

* * * * *

Do you need to make a U-turn?

It's never too late to return -

to seek God's way, His plan and purpose for us

by living a life of believing faith and trust.

As the Bible is written for our example

the Old Testament records many examples

of Israel turning to the Lord in times of trouble

after finding out going their own way got them into trouble.

Where did they turn to when they repeatedly got themselves into trouble?

It was always the Lord they depended on to get them out of trouble.

God is always ready, willing, and available to help us in our times of trouble.

Do you need to return by going the opposite direction? God is truly able.

If you truly know the Christ of Christmas

you'll find your way will be different

as His presence will go with you

as you travel a way that's new.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod,

they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:12

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

"For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel."

Luke 2:28, 30-32

Come, let us return to the Lord...

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.

Hosea 6:1, 3

"Even now," declares the Lord,

"return to me with all your heart..."

Return to the Lord your God,

for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and have pity

and leave behind a blessing.

Joel 2:12-14

"Return to me," declares the Lord Almighty,

"and I will return to you."

Zechariah 1:3

Here's some verses to contemplate as you go your NEW WAY.

Teach me your ways so I may know you.

Exodus 33:13

What does the Lord your God ask of you but to

fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him,

to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees

that I am giving you today for your own good.

Deuteronomy 10:12

Show me your ways, O Lord,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

Your ways, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God?

You are the God who performs miracles;

you display your power among the peoples.

Psalm 77:13-14

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

"This is the way, walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21

I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

I am the way and the truth and the life.

John 14:6

I worship the God of our fathers

as a follower of the Way.

Acts 24:14

And we pray this in order that

you may live a life worthy of the Lord

and may please him in every way

bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God,

being strengthened with all power

according to his glorious might

so that you may have great endurance and patience,

and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints

in the kingdom of light.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:10-14

Wise Men

WISE MEN

In the Bible story of old

a story of wise men is told.

We read about them in Matthew 2.

They appear to have been well to do.

These wise men were said to be scientific astrologers

who for a living studied the night sky for special stars.

Perhaps the first horoscopes

came from these mysterious folks.

They recorded statistics

and were somewhat mystic,

foretelling of future unknown events -

perhaps calamity they would circumvent.

Traveling by camel caravan

eastward over strange and distant lands

they were following a unique star.

One which led them night after night afar.

They knew the star belonged to the king of the Jews

for the prophets said a king would be born to rule.

The star led them to the house where the Lord Jesus,

Christ, the Savior, with his mother, Mary, was.

These wise men bowed down and worshiped the Christ-child

then presented him with gifts they had compiled.

Do you know what made these men wise?

Was it the stars in the sky?

Was it statistics and supposition?

Was it financial gain and man's wisdom?

These men were wise because they followed the light

that led them to the One who could give them sight.

Sight to see their need of a personal Savior

where heaven's destination wasn't through labor.

Sight when they met the Light of the World

who was born that first Christmas Day, we're told.

* * * * *

These ancient wise men of old went searching.

Today men and women are still searching.

Searching through worldly thrills that bring a degree of pleasure

but in the end leaves an emptiness beyond measure.

Stop searching,

start reaching

toward the everlasting light

that brings hope and delight.

You will become wise, too,

if you end your search anew

and discover the Light of the World.

It's the greatest story ever told.

Wise men

still seek Him.

Become wise

in God's eyes.

...Magi 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..."

They went on their way,

and the star they 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.

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

They they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts

of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

God's Gift to Us

GOD'S GIFT TO US

C Christ the Lord is born, our

H Hope for the ages to come. Came as our

R Redeemer to save us from sin. Is now our

I Intercessor between God and man. Our

S Sacrificed Savior because of God's great love for us. Finding our

T Truth in Him will grow our faith as we learn to trust. He's our

M Merciful Father who forgives our sins and answers our prayers. Our

A Almighty Creator who gives all things life and lovingly cares. And daily our

S Shepherd who faithfully provides and protects us. Yes,

CHRISTMAS, is God's gift to us.

Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Our Christ the Lord

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Our Hope

This is what the Lord says -

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

“I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the way you should go.”

Isaiah 48:17

Our Redeemer

The Spirit helps us in our weakness.

We do not know what we ought to pray for,

but the Spirit himself intercedes for us.

Romans 8:26

Our Intercessor

He scarified for our sins once for all

when he offered himself.

Hebrews 7:27

Our Sacrificed Savior

I will ask the Father,

and he will give you another Counselor

to be with you forever - the Spirit of Truth.

John 14:16-17

Our Truth

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving.

Daniel 9:9

Our Merciful Father

The breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job 33:4

Our Almighty Creator

May the God of peace...our Lord Jesus,

that great Shepherd of the sheep,

equip you with everything good for doing his will,

and may he work in us what is pleasing to him,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Our Shepherd

Countdown

COUNTDOWN

The countdown to another Christmas begins

with many decorations displayed within

and festive lights outside

announcing the yuletide.

The Christmas tree is decorated

with special ornaments collected

year after year

from far and near.

There's Christmas cards to again write

occupying many a night

as friends and family are remembered

each year in the month of December.

Christmas songs are heard on the radio

about reindeer and Santa Claus – ho, ho, ho!

You'll hear Christmas trees sung about

and songs about "you'd better not pout."

Presents are wrapped

in festive gift wrap

to be given to someone

before January comes.

Christmas cookies are baked

or maybe a yuletide cake

to share with loved ones.

Have another one.

Christmas parties are planned

for men, women, and children

or maybe a Christmas play

as parents mouth the words to say.

Maybe an impromptu choir

will sing carols that will inspire

as they walk from door to door

as snowflakes quietly soar.

"Over the river and through the woods"

much laughter is heard in neighborhoods

as families gather together again

when Christmastime comes around again.

Amidst much hurry and scurry

Christmas is over in a hurry.

The countdown to Christmas is over then the year comes to a close.

What happened to the "reason for the season", do you suppose?

* * * * *

When the countdown to Christmas begins,

please take time to read the story about the inn

where the innkeeper said "there's no room"

one night under the midnight moon...

though he did offer his stable

in the midst of the rabble

of the census being taken

in the town of Bethlehem.

Expectant

parents

Mary and Joseph were relieved

when this invitation was received...

for any minute Mary would deliver

a baby boy, to be named Jesus, the Savior,

who would save us from our sins

when we ask Him to dwell within.

So there in the stable one night

under the stars shining bright

this baby was born that would change the world

becoming the greatest story ever told.

At the same time this announcement

was made by angels who were sent

from heaven above

with a story of love...

to shepherds that first Christmas night,

though they were terrified with fright,

to see the glory of the Lord shine round

as they fell to their knees there on the ground.

The shepherds then hurried to Bethlehem to see

this miracle which was too amazing to believe

and there they found Jesus Christ the Lord, a baby,

just as the angel said, in a manger lying, so wee.

This baby who was promised

longed ago by the prophets

would one day be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – to guide us on the path we trod.

It seems God chose the shepherds

to be His "good news" heralds

for they told everyone

that the Savior had come.

This "good news" passed down through generations

celebrated by men, women, and children

each December 25^th

now known to us as Christmas.

On the countdown to Christmas did you take a few minutes to read

this story in Matthew and Luke which established our nation's creed?

Please don't leave Christ out of your Christmas.

You'll find with Christ in your life, you'll be blessed.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Indescribable

INDESCRIBABLE

The news was so unbelievable,

the shepherds must have thought "indescribable."

The angel had promised "good news of great joy"

to ALL people – not just good girls and boys.

The shepherds were so astonished by this news

they practically ran to see if it was really true.

Yes! Good news, indeed!

It was true, we read.

So unbelievable they told everyone -

"Jesus our Savior is born, He's God's Son!"

Everyone who heard this good news were amazed.

Wondrous! Glorious! Was there even a phrase?

Mary, though, thoughtfully treasured and pondered these events in her heart.

Perhaps everything was so indescribable she didn't know where to start.

Do you realize it was the shepherds who told her about the angel's pronouncement.
Unbelievable! Unthinkable! She must have been overcome with amazement.

That God should orchestrate such an awesome production

that would be talked about even to our generation -

of the glory of the Lord descending from heaven

with good news of great joy: a Savior has been born!

The news was so indescribable, the shepherds could not stop talking about it.

The news was so indescribable, Mary stated she was humbled in her spirit -

that God should come down to earth

in the form of a baby's birth.

This incredibly good news is still spread abroad today

as Christians everywhere celebrate on Christmas Day

the most indescribable gift of all -

God's gift of salvation is for us all.

* * * * *

God has so many incredibly good things in store for your life.

One being that Jesus came as Immanuel, or God with us, through strife.

Let Jesus be your burden bearer.

Acknowledge Him today has your Savior.

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:17, 18, 20

But Mary treasured up all these things

and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

II Corinthians 9:15

Giving

GIVING

Joseph gave his obedience.

His obedience was expedient.

Only once did he question God's request.

From then on, obeying God was his quest.

Mary gave reverence.

Her prayers were precious.

Generations have called her blessed.

Giving reverence was giving her best.

The innkeeper gave, he was courteous.

There was no time to be more gracious.

Though seemingly his second best,

he gave shelter and rest to his guests.

The cattle also gave their assistance.

A feeding trough became a cradle in its existence.

Though humble, giving was expressed,

to this welcome surprise guest.

The angels gave praise surrounded by brightness

for they were adorned with God's holy radiance.

Praising God was expressed.

When we praise God, we are also blessed.

The shepherds gave testimonial with assurance

for they had seen God's heavenly hosts existence.

Mary and Joseph were abundantly blessed

with these events so wonderfully expressed.

The star gave its brilliance

through its lone existence.

Leading the wise men from west to east.

It was God leading the way on their quest.

The wise men gave perseverance,

not stopping until they reached their quest,

then giving the Christ-child their best -

myrrh, frankincense, and gold in a chest.

* * * * *

Yes, Christmas is a joyous season of giving,

but our focus shouldn't be on gifts we're receiving.

Our focus should be on that first gift

given to the world in Bethlehem one night.

We celebrate the birth of God's Son, Jesus,

in December when we celebrate Christmas.

It's not about the tree, the toys, the parties, the gifts.

The real, true Christmas is about God's gift.

God's gift to us: His Son.

What will you give Him, dear one?

He desires you give Him your heart.

He's only a prayer away, so start:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I believe in my heart that your Son, Jesus,

came to earth to die in my place, my sacrifice.

Jesus came to save me because I am a sinner

and I need a savior. I accept Jesus as my Savior.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

When Joseph woke up,

he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:24

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Luke 1:47

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

Luke 2:9

The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

The star they had seen in the east

went ahead of them until it stopped

over the place where the child was.

Matthew 2:9

"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