BLESSINGS

 

BLESSING

If you're at all familiar with the Bible

you know it's filled with promises wonderful.

Promises that come true in your life and mine

as the Bible applies to everyone at all times.

You've noticed that blessings are given

freely to one's and others' children.

Many blessings were presented at the temple

by God's designated dedicated people.

Zechariah was a priest, upright in God's sight,

who obeyed God's commandments, always doing right.

Zechariah blessed his son John (the Baptist)

with God's words of wisdom.

Luke records that Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit.

How, like Moses, Zachariah’s face must have been lit!

John was to prepare the way for Jesus' coming

as a prophet preaching about forgiveness from sins.

This blessing or benediction was ordained by God

even before John the Baptist was born, we're told.

What an amazing blessing

to the world was coming.

When Jesus was a baby, He was consecrated to the Lord,

in accordance with what is written in the Law of the Lord.

Consecrated, or dedicated, to the Lord.

Because of Christmas, we know this birth would change the world.

Simeon, righteous and devout, blessed Jesus in the temple.

A blessing that extends even today to all peoples.

This eternal blessing is found in believing

the One who came so our sins would be forgiven.

Anna, a prophetess,

also blessed Jesus,

stating He would redeem Jerusalem.

Anna's words were filled with God's wisdom.

Blessings.

Earth changing.

Bringing about a change for the good.

Christmas, Jesus' birth, changed the world - it would.

* * * * *

Are your spoken words blessings

or do they come out as cursing?

If your words are full of doubt,

than a cursing has been let out.

Unfortunately we tend to talk more about what's wrong

than we do about our many blessings, which is wrong.

Words have power. What we say affects us emotionally,

we often find, as well as physically and spiritually.

Our words have power to tear down or to enrich,

not only ourselves, but others within our reach.

Our words make a lasting imprint on others.

May our words always bless one another.

God has spoken blessings over you too.

In His faithfulness He cares for you.

May you realize God's love for you.

Here's a blessing from God's Word to you:

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

(This is the blessing Zechariah spoke regarding his son, John:)

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

to shine on those living in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Luke 1:76-79

When the time of their purification

according to the Law of Moses had been completed,

Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

(as it is written in the Law of the Lord,

"Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord").

Luke 2:22-23

(This is the blessing Simeon spoke regarding Jesus:)

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon,

who was righteous and devout.

He was waiting for the consolation of Israel,

and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die

before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.

When the parents brought in the child Jesus

to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

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."

The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel,

and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.

And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Luke 2:25-35

(Anna also blessed Jesus:)

There was also a prophetess, Anna,

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

She was very old;

she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,

and then was a widow until she was 84.

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

(Jesus) took the children in his arms,

put his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:16

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms

with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.

My brethren, these things out not so to be.

James 3:10 (KJV)

As surely as I live, declares the Lord,

I will do to you the very things I heard you say.

Numbers 14:28

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,

still off they went on this NEW WAY, tired.

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

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 hosts 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

PERSEVERING

 

PERSEVERING

composed by Judy Janowski

December 1, 2010

For weeks and months they hike

persevering countless days and nights

with only a star shining bright

as a beaming, guiding light

wise men or magi alight

persevering camels that fight

sandstorms at night

and windstorms quite

harsh and not liked.

Whatever their plight

they persevere with might

keeping that star in sight.

These camels, stately like a knight

or a steed, persevere day and night

plodding along keeping one bright

glorious shining star in sight.

Persevering these wise men are right

to persevere and not give in to fright.

It is their hope, this shining star so bright,

of which poets across the ages write.

That star, His star, in the sky, so bright

unbeknownst to them will bring delight

for it leads them to the one who is the Light.

The Light of World, in fact, is in sight.

You know, it's only God who could write

a story with such intrigue and delight.

Who would ever think that a star shining bright

or camels that plod day-after-day and night

would be part of the greatest story ever told, that's right!

This story that guided countless civilizations alright.

A story that unfortunately has become an oversight

for many keep Christ out of their Christmas celebration night.

The greatest gift you could give your family tonight

is to read this true story one December night.

This story that never grows old and will delight

when you persevere in doing what is right.

* * * * *

What if the camels had gone on strike?

What if the wise men had given up their flight?

What if there had been no extraordinary star?

This story would have had a different ending, by far.

Have you ever felt like giving up?

Do life's hardships seem like too much?

Perhaps it's because you're not looking up?

Perhaps you need to feel God's loving touch.

If you fix your eyes on your circumstance,

then you are not giving the Lord a chance

to perform a great and good work in you.

Is that the reason you've been feeling blue?

Consider that circumstance a test

that is sent to grow your faith,

then look to the Lord who has your best

interests – always – in His heart.

Don't give up.

Keep looking up.

God will be there for you

with a good plan for you.

In fact, something extraordinary

that He can only accomplish through you.

So that circumstance, less than ordinary,

is sent to perfect, mature, and complete you.

View it as a gift.

Then you'll see your spirit

within you lift.

Doesn't God give good gifts!

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him endured...

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men,

so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1b-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 10:36

OUR LIGHT

 

OUR LIGHT

More than two thousand years ago in a stable one night

cow and donkeys were witnesses to a holy sight.

A baby was born to Joseph and his betrothed wife.

They named their son Jesus, a boy, who brought such delight.

The animals shared their own manger that night

for the baby needed a place to sleep tight.

The cows and donkeys shared their manger with delight,

reminding us all to share, which is also right.

God told the new parents they would have a son who would become our Light.

They cared for him the best they could in a stable that first Christmas night.

He also is called Immanuel, or God with us, that's right.

God provided a way to guide us in our journey through life.

Nearby there were flocks of sheep bleating in the night.

To these shepherds, everything seemed to be all right.

When suddenly the sky was filled with a bright light.

The shepherds never before had had such a fright.

“Do not fear” the angel said with delight.

“Good news of great joy" I bring to you tonight.

Then many angels appeared singing with all their might:

“peace on earth, good will to everyone.” Meaning no strife.

The shepherds prepared to go see this Light,

who was born to save us all from our plight.

They found the baby in the city of David that night

with Mary and Joseph who were filled with so much delight.

The shepherds then told everyone with delight

a new king is born to us, He is our Light.

Everyone who heard this new news that night

were amazed and also filled with delight.

The shepherds returned home praising God for the Light,

born in a lowly stable that first Christmas night,

for everything they had seen and heard with delight

happened just as the angels told them that dark night.

Meanwhile wise men were searching far and near for the Light

riding humped camels who clumped over the lowlands and heights.

They followed a special star way up high in the sky so bright.

The star was so bright, it lead them all the way night after night.

The humped camels clumped on and on with all their might,

following that star which lead them right to the Light.

The star stopped over the house where Jesus was, that's right.

Then the wise men, also, were filled with much delight.

The wise men bowed down and worshiped Jesus, the Light,

and gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that night.

Gifts meant for a king, who was born on the first Christmas night,

King Jesus, who came to save us all from our sins, He's our Light.

* * * * *

Jesus came as our Light to give us life:

eternal life in heaven so bright

and on this earth abundant life without strife

for Jesus will carry our burdens in life.

You can live you life free from strife and with delight

when you believe and make Jesus Lord of your life.

For He is a close as a prayer, so just sit tight.

Do not fear. God is with You. Jesus is your light.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world."

John 8:12

"I am the light of the world."

John 9:5

"I have come into the world as a light."

John 12:46

CHRISTMAS DAY

 

CHRISTMAS DAY

Today,

Christmas Day,

as happy children laugh and play

be sure to take time to relay

the very first Christmas Day

of the baby who once lay

in the manger far away

in the stable where donkey’s brayed.

Perhaps a horse neighed

while cattle munched hay

for it was in a stable baby Jesus stayed.

(Later as Savior He would wash our sins away.)

That’s why we celebrate today

now known on earth as Christmas Day.

Be sure to gather together to pray

a prayer of joyful thankfulness today.

Be thankful for every day -

those that are bright rays and those gray;

for friends and family to be okay,

and for others who live far away.

Then pray a prayer of confession as you lay

the debts and faults you could never repay

at the foot of the cross where they

are always forgiven – washed away.

And be sure to pray

for those who betray

for the Lord longs to make everything okay,

but you must first ask God's blessings on them when you pray.

Praying to the Lord does pay

when in simple prayer you lay

your burdens that weigh

each and every day.

What once was turmoil and gray

will one day turn out okay

for every time you say

a prayer to God when you pray

it will find a way

to lift burdens away.

What once was decay,

in God’s time, will turn out okay.

When burdens are lifted away

you’ll see God’s many blessings – yeah!

Everyday remember what Christ did today

when He came as a baby laying in the hay.

He came as Immanuel to be with us always.

He came as the Savior to wash all our sins away.

He came as Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One that day

when He was born as God’s only Son that first Christmas day.

He also came as Jesus to provide a bright ray.

This name meaning the Lord saves, and He will help us obey.

He came as your everything so when you pray

thank God for His plan when He made a way

to cleanse us from sins and wash away

all that separates us from Him today.

What a glad day

this Christmas Day!

This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Love your enemies,

do good to those who hate you,

bless those who curse you,

pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 6:27-28

Joseph, the husband of Mary

of whom was born Jesus,

who is called Christ.

Matthew 1:16

You are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

Will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel -

which means "God with us."

Matthew 1:23

Wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

Psalm 51:7

WONDER

 

WONDER

When you set up your nativity this year,

have you ever wondered about each figure, so dear?

Have you ever wondered if the innkeeper charged

Mary and Joseph for their bed on the stable floor hard?

Or did he offer the stable for free?

Did he know about the baby wee?

Have you ever wondered if the innkeeper was willing to share

because for shelterless people he did seemingly care.

After all, he was chosen by God to provide a place,

making ageless history throughout time, though without a face.

Did his wonder (?)

turn into wonder!

Will you wonder what Joseph thought

when he was chosen for this new lot?

Was he humbled to be the one chosen by God

to be the guardian of this new life from God?

Suddenly his life was changed

from simply being engaged

to becoming a father.

Did he worry and wonder?

When did Joseph's wonder (?)

turn into awesome wonder!

We know that Mary pondered

everything she had seen and heard

from the very first day she had been chosen.

She glorified God, instead of supposing.

Right from the start she gave God the glory

when she said, “He has done great things for me".

An example for us

as we learn about trust.

Mary's prayer in Luke

was filled with wonder – look!

Have you ever wondered about the humble place chosen?

It was the only place available, it was reasoned,

for Mary and Joseph to spend the night

where baby Jesus was born, bringing delight.

I'm sure the stabled animals were surprised

to see this chosen baby before them lie.

It was a sight to behold.

Later the whole world would know.

Did they coo a lullaby

when the new-born baby cried?

Or was their coo a worshipful, happy song of praise?

After all, civilization was entering a new phase.

Do animals ever wonder?

Do their eyes sparkle with wonder!

Have you wondered about God's chosen angel sent to earth

to announce this most wonderful and precious holy birth -

good tidings of great joy

for men, women, girls, and boys.

Was it Gabriel?

Or was it Michael?

Two angels God previously sent down from heaven

to announce a change of events to humans.

A baby chosen to become a Savior

called Christ, the anointed one, the one favored.

Also named Jesus, meaning the Lord saves,

who would be our Savior when His life He gave.

Will you wonder about the angel's trip to earth

that night when they announced Christ the Messiah's birth?

Were they glad to return to their home in heaven

after being obedient by serving?

God's special messengers chosen to come,

called heavenly hosts, from heaven they were from.

Created to serve God in heaven

and to aid us in the life we're living.

Will you wonder about what angels do

all day when they are not assisting you?

They sing praises to God, their Creator,

for they know there is no one greater.

The wondrous sight of the angel

turned into wonderful news for all!

Have you wondered about the chosen shepherds that night

around the firelight under the starlight gleaming bright

tending their flocks, they feared

when the angel appeared.

Have you ever wondered about the first words said?

They were told by the angel, "do not be afraid,"

for the Savior born today has come to save.

This is God's Son that to us all He gave.

I wonder would you fear

if an angel appeared?

God knows that we do tend to fear

and reminds us often not to fear.

In fact another name for Jesus

is Immanuel, God with us -

a reminder not to fear

for God is always near.

Have you ever wondered what the shepherds thought

when this wonderful news to them was brought?

Did they bow in awesome wonder

when they heard about a Savior?

Do you too wonder (?)

about the wonderful Savior!

Will you wonder about the shepherds chosen that night to proclaim Christ's birth

who gave bold testimony to everyone everywhere throughout the whole earth.

Have you ever wondered if you could too?

You know, because someone did, you know too.

An example to us to make Christ known

when we say “Merry Christmas” in our town.

Let's not leave Christ out of Christmas

for He is the reason we're blessed.

The shepherds were forerunners of Christ, our Good Shepherd.

God knows we are like lost sheep needing a shepherd.

Have you ever wondered about this correlation?

They told the wonderful news with jubilation!

The shepherds wonder (?)

did turn into wonder!

Will you wonder about the wise men chosen to seek out the child-king

or wondered why these three particular gifts to Him as gifts they should bring?

Did you know today gifts are given at Christmastime

to remind us of God's gift to us, spanning across time.

Have you considered what gift you might give to God?

Perhaps a gift that would show others the way to God.

A gift of selflessness

which displays Christlikeness.

Isn't it simply wonderful

to celebrate this birth wonderful!

Have you wondered about that special star that was chosen

that guided the wise men to where Jesus was living?

Have you ever wondered how God supplies

every last detail in your life and mine?

How God supplies light to light our way,

rather it be the sunshine's bright rays,

or friends who bring sunshine into our day,

or a verse in Scripture to guide our way.

May your wondering turn into ponder,

then turn into worshipful wonder!

* * * * *

Have you ever wondered,

in your heart pondered,

this season of wonder -

like Mary who pondered?

(Ponder could mean treasure in your heart or meditate on.)

Have you ever wondered in full

about this person called Wonderful

foretold in Isaiah where God reveals His glory.

Matthew and Luke also tell this wonderful true story.

It's not about the treasures we receive.

It's about the treasure when we believe

in Jesus Christ the Lord, God with us.

Believe – then begin your life of trust.

Are you filled with wonder

when you take time to ponder

the story of the first Christmas?

It's wonderful news for us!

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given...

and he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Show the wonder of your great love.

Psalm 17:7

Praise be to the Lord,

for he showed his wonderful love to me.

Psalm 31:21

We give thanks to you, O God...

men tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 75:1

All this comes from the Lord Almighty,

wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.

Isaiah 28:29

The people were delighted with all the

wonderful things he was doing.

Luke 13:17

GO and TELL

 

GO and TELL

Why were the shepherds chosen, do you suppose,

to be visited that night out in the cold

by a surprising angel of the Lord?

Why were the shepherds chosen, do you suppose?

We do know that the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem

to witness this wonder of which the angel had spoken -

bringing good tidings of great joy to all peoples

born that day in the city of David's humble stable.

That night the shepherds saw with their own eyes

a newborn baby in the manger lie

cooed too by the cattle's din

for there was no room in the inn.

Mary and Joseph hovered nearby

as they showed off their new little guy

to these shepherds who came from distant plain -

a Savior, Christ the Lord, who would one day reign.

After bearing witness to this sight

the shepherds overwhelmed with much delight

returned to the hillside to guard their flocks

after telling others what they had sought.

They had made known abroad

all they had seen and heard -

witnesses to the Savior's birth

when God's own Son was born on earth.

Is that why, do you suppose,

the shepherds were the ones God chose?

For they went and told

all they had seen and heard.

* * * * *

Christ the Savior is born

celebrated Christmas morn

for the shepherds went and told

and today we too have heard.

"Go and tell" is our mission

to spread the news of salvation

to every person

in every nation.

"Go and tell" good tidings of great joy

to all men and women, girls, and boys

for Christmas is more than toys.

It's a season for joy.

Joy that's given when we believe

that God sent His Son and we receive

this gift of salvation,

redemption, and pardon.

Joy in God's perfect gift to us, a Savior,

who loves us with unconditional favor.

"Go and tell" so everyone everywhere will know

the good tidings of great joy to all peoples.

"Go and tell"

one's heart swells

with God's love to everyone everywhere.

Today let someone you know God does care.

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

CHRIST-mas TREE

 

CHRIST-mas TREE

Is there an angel atop your Christ-mas tree

heralding tidings of joy for all to see?

Perhaps there are musical notes decorating your tree

reminding you of these angelic songs of jubilee.

Maybe you display harps or trumpets that could have played

tidings of peace and joy with the heavenly host as they paid

a visit to earth that night

with God's glory shining bright.

Don't forget to display the words peace and joy

the heavenly host spoke of when employed

to announce the good news to all.

Words that still ring true for us all:

Gloria in Excelsis Deo.

(Glory to God in the highest.)

These angelic songs were first sung to the shepherds

as they cared one night long ago for their herds.

Is there a shepherd's hook on your tree

for your friends and family to see?

Perhaps there are sheep scattered among your Christ-mas tree's evergreen boughs,

reminding us of those sheep protected from animals that howl and growl,

as shepherds kept watch through the night

under the stars shining bright.

The shining lights on the Christ-mas tree

remind us of the stars twinkling brightly

in the midnight sky that night

when the shepherds were filled with fright.

Is there a manger hanging from within

your Christ-mas tree's evergreen limbs

cradling the Christ-child,

above pretty-wrapped gifts piled?

Do barnyard animals nestle in the boughs -

cattle, donkeys, or maybe feathered fowls -

in remembrance of the last-minute stable

that the innkeeper made available?

Maybe there's a star atop your tree

reminding you of the star the wise men did see

guiding them to where the Christ-child

was, with his mother Mary, as the star directed.

Perhaps camels are added to the revelry

as they too have a place in history.

Don't forget the wise men's gifts

of gold, myrrh, and frankincense.

Perhaps you'll display a golden treasure chest

to remind you of these gifts given after the long quest

to find the newborn King

who would forgiveness bring.

Do you hang a cross upon your tree

to be reminded of the cross of Calvary

where Jesus willingly gave His life,

in turn offering us eternal life?

Is there a heart in red

reminding you of the blood shed

when Jesus freely gave His life for us

reminding you of the real meaning of Christmas.

This year when you decorate your Christ-mas tree,

be reminded of God's gift to you offered for free.

The gift of salvation found in Jesus, whose name means the Lord saves,

offering you forgiveness, peace, and joy, with His life He gave.

 * * * * *

The angel said to them...

"I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people."

Luke 2:10

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

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

who was lying in the manger.

Luke 2:16

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

For God so loved the world

that he gave his only begotton Son

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16