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

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up;

do you not perceive it?

I am making a way.

Isaiah 43:18-19

GIFTS

 

GIFTS

It happened more than two thousand years ago

according to the true story of old

when wise men presented gifts to baby Jesus.

Costly gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense.

Gifts meant for a King

these wise men did bring

as they came and bowed down to worship Him.

Today we sing about this in a hymn:

We three kings of orient are.

Bearing gifts we traverse afar -

field and fountain,

moor and mountain

following yonder star...

To the Christ-child they presented their gifts

after traveling over sandy drifts.

From the far west they came

to the town of Bethlehem.

Today we give gifts at Christmas

because of their example to us

from these wise men who brought royal presents

to the King who still lives in our presence.

Have you thought about what gifts you could give to Jesus

as you prepare to celebrate another Christmas?

Not costly gifts but divine gifts.

Gifts that will lift someone's spirit.

* * * * *

C Comfort the Comfortless

So many people are in bondage -

to depression, addiction, or rage.

They are searching for an answer.

The answer is found in the Savior.

H Help the Helpless

Yes, bad things do happen to good people

rendering many good people unable.

Be a helper to someone today.

Your willingness will make their day.

R Right Delights

Does your inner attitude

match your outer attitude?

Replace this fight

with right delights.

I Imitate Christ

When Jesus Christ was reviled,

he did not revile again.

Do you tend to pay back when reviled?

Instead, be like Christ again and again.

S Surrender Selfishness for Selflessness

We live in a me-me-me, more-more-more generation,

seemingly never content with our situation.

Many others wish they had it as good as you do.

Maybe something you have will bless someone, or two.

T Thank the Thoughtful

Have you ever thought to thank

those who everyday make

our lives a little easier?

Do so before you become busier.

M Meditate on Memorization

With Scripture to guide you,

learn to live by God's rules.

Peace, joy, and contentment will follow

when you memorize and follow.

A Abandon Abundance

Are you caught up in materialism?

It's another form of idol-ism.

Realize God will supply.

He even likes to surprise.

S Share the Savior

Christmas is a perfect time

to share the Savior so take time

to pass on the Good News to those you come in contact with.

Sharing the Savior is the most perfect Christmas gift to give.

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasures

and presented him with gifts of

gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

It is more blessed to give then to receive.

Acts 20:35

God loves a cheerful giver.

II Corinthians 9:7

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,

not reluctantly or under compulsion,

for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you,

so that in all things at all times,

having all that you need,

you will abound in every good work...

Now he who supplies seed to the sower

and bread for food

will also supply and increase your store of seed

and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

You will be made rich in every way

so that you can be generous on every occasion,

and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people

but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

II Corinthians 9:7-8, 10-12

Comfort

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

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

II Corinthians 1:3-4

Help

...those able to help others...

I Corinthians 12:28

Delight

Delight yourself in the Lord

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Imitate

Be imitators of God,

as dearly loved children and live a life of love,

just as Christ loved us

and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering

and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Surrender

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4

Thanks

I thank God every time I remember you.

Philippians 1:3

Meditate

May my meditation be pleasing to him,

as I rejoice in the Lord.

Psalm 104:34

Abundance

Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed;

a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Luke 12:15

Share

...sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:6

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

 

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Twinkling lights welcome

travelers that come

on their journey home.

Others call on the phone

wishing they were home

for there's no place like home.

Falling snowflakes come

making snow cones

atop posts and stones.

Fresh cut pine boughs welcome

from their new home among

shining Christmas lights strung.

A Christmas tree adorned

with decorations from

loved ones old and young.

Ribbon candy tastes yum

on everyone's tongue.

Can't decide which one.

Stockings on mantels hung.

Some short and some long.

Filled with toys for some.

Gifts exchanged by everyone

remind us of God's gift born

long ago in Bethlehem.

Laughing children run

with new toys among

discarded paper torn.

Gingerbread cookies welcome

everyone old and young home.

At the end of the day there's just crumbs.

Eggnog made with rum

welcomes one home

and warms ones tum.

Carols are sung

by old and young

the whole day long.

O come, O come

let us adore Him

is the day's anthem.

After dinner someone

can be heard give a groan.

A sad but glad tone.

Children no longer seen run

for they're tired from so much fun.

They've been nonstop the whole day long.

The day is never long.

There's no place like home

with dad and mum.

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 shelter-less 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?

Surely their eyes sparkled 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 in 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 this 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

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

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT

 

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT

On that special day that the promised Messiah (baby Jesus) was born,

Joseph and Mary had previously arrived in Bethlehem.

Due to emperor's decree, with taxpayers the town was crowded,

so all the inns or dwellings or places to stay overnight were filled.

The only place lodging was available

for them to spend the night was in a stable.

It came to pass while they were there

in the stable that animals shared

that baby Jesus was born.

His crib was a manger loaned.

Borrowed from animals so kind

that they had used to eat and dine.

Meanwhile shepherds around the firelight

keeping watch over their sheep that cold, dark night

saw an angel appear in bright light.

They were afraid when they saw that sight.

“Do not be afraid,” the angel said,

I'm bringing tidings of joy, instead.

“Today your Savior has been born.

His name is Jesus Christ the Lord."

You'll find the baby in a manger.

Shepherds, go now, don't be a stranger.

Then many more angels appeared praising God.

Singing, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”

Which means “Glory to God in the Highest.”

For with God you will find peace, joy, and rest.

After the angels returned to heaven,

the shepherds said to one another, “Men,

let us go and see what the angel told us,”

for they knew in his words they could surely trust.

The shepherds did not wait, with much haste they hurried.

Just as the angel said, they found baby Jesus.

They told others what they had seen and heard

and today that news is passed down to us.

The shepherds gave testimony of God's good news.

Good news now available to me and you.

Wise men had heard about a new king's birth.

They began their search for Him on the earth.

Lead by a bright shining star

they traveled eastward from afar.

Persistent in their quest to meet this king,

they plodded along with gifts to bring.

Herod, the king, didn't like this new news borne

and asked, “Where was this new King to be born?”

His council advised, “Bethlehem, for certain,

according to what the prophet had written.”

Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem to find the child.

Atop of humped camels they rode mile after mile.

The brightest star guided them on their way

until it stopped over the place where Jesus stayed.

They found the young child-King with Mary, His mother,

and at once fell down to worship Him, Jesus, the Savior.

Gifts were given to the young King.

Treasures that the wise men did bring.

Gold and frankincense and myrrh were presented to the Lord.

Causing us to ask, “What can I bring Him, my God and Lord?”

“What shall I bring to the Lord, the God of heaven,

when I come to worship Him?” Micah (6:6) had spoken.

A question at Christmas to ask ourselves: “What can I bring?

What would He desire from me, He who has everything?”

* * * * *

What can you and I bring

to Him who owns everything?

First of all, our commitment of faith

when we accept His amazing grace.

Also, our daily surrender to God to transform our mindset

into His image – for our good and His glory; His best.

These are gifts God desires - our heart foremost,

and to allow God's Word to be our guidepost.

Everyday is Christmas in our heart

when Jesus Christ is a part

of our daily thoughts,

actions, and words.

The prophet Micah states: act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

Three acts of heart-felt obedience that will magnify

Christ as Lord of your life; displaying Christmas in your heart

each day of the year. Let's keep Christmas' joy and peace in our hearts.

With what shall I come before the Lord

and bow down before the exalted God?...

He has showed me, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:6, 8

Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!

Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Isaiah 1:17

An upright man gives thought to his ways.

Proverbs 21:29

Each one should test his own actions.

Galatians 6:4

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

May the words of my mouth

and the mediation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

PERFECT LOVE

 

PERFECT LOVE

Let's consider the miracle of Christmas.

Because of God's mercy and amazing grace,

in His perfect love His promise was fulfilled

one night in Bethlehem as God's glory spilled

across the night sky when an angel announced to the shepherds

news of a Savior born - the most incredible news ever heard.

The promise of salvation for all.

Forgiveness from sins now possible.

The miracle of forgiveness alone was bliss,

but now eternal life was also promised.

Forgiveness of sins and eternal life offered for free.

This miracle of God's mercy and amazing grace for you and me.

Not through anything we have done

but because of God's love which had come

one night long, long ago

in a stable where cattle lowed

as God provided shelter

in a town helter-skelter.

God's provision – a miracle at the 11^th hour -

proving that He is our rock, our strong tower.

And God still performs these 11^th hour miracles today.

Miracles that build our faith and trust as we journey on our way

through God's mercy and amazing grace

faithfully sustaining the human race.

God's promise fulfilled by the birth of a baby,

which was God's perfect love personified, truly.

Perfect love that offers forgiveness and eternal life, also.

Perfect love that from the heart of God to ours continuously flows.

Christmas signifies the gift of God's perfect love

when the Savior came down from heaven above.

May you realize the incredible love God has for you

not only at Christmastime, but the whole year through,

as you recall God's promise of a Savior who came to earth -

announced by angels, witnessed by shepherds - with a birth

nothing less than a miracle:

God's gift of love to all peoples.

* * * * *

God's love is perfect because it is unconditional

based on God's continuous mercy and amazing grace to all.

Unfathomable from the human mind,

this perfect love that God has for mankind.

God's mercy and grace though undeserved

always lovingly bestowed

for God desires everyone come to repentance -

to receive His free gift of salvation through forgiveness.

I pray that you have received this free gift.

A gift that will bring peace and joy to your spirit.

Receive God's gift of love to us -

the gift of Jesus – this Christmas.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

James 5:11

Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy

and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

You have been my refuge,

a strong tower.

Psalm 61:3

There is no fear in love.

Perfect love drives out fear,

because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I John 4:18

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Be imitators of God, therefore,

as dearly loved children

and live a life of love,

just as Christ loved us.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Dear friends, Let us love one another,

for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

I John 4:7

God's kindness leads you toward repentance.

Romans 2:4b

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

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

 

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Gingerbread cookies and bread baking,

venison soup in a big pot stirring.

Mom's busy in the kitchen.

Later these goodies we'd be sharing.

Everyone piles into the car

to deliver Christmas cheer – not far,

to those who lived alone.

People now long gone.

A quart jar of soup, a loaf of bread,

a plate of cookies – someone it fed.

But there was a bigger gift -

for someone's spirits would lift.

To have company unexpectedly

for those alone was somewhat heavenly.

There was a twinkle in their eye.

They were sad to say goodbye.

...Still makes a memory sweet.

Christmas memories can't be beat.

Dad quoted "T'was the Night Before Christmas."

He also said "Bah, Humbug," I must confess.

Two stories that must have had meaning

from childhood days each year gleaning.

Dad usually was up all night plowing snow

for on Christmas Day people had places to go.

No moss grew under his feet -

nor snow, nor ice, nor sleet.

Not one to be materialistic,

but one to share wherever he saw fit.

Making memories for others

for it never seemed to be a bother.

Sharing was Dad's year-round motto.

Sometimes it was a sack of potatoes.

Perhaps Christmas comes everyday

if one takes time to share today.

...Still makes a memory sweet.

Christmas memories can't be beat.

* * * * *

I pray your childhood memories are sweet,

not just with holiday food prepared to eat,

but with joyous celebrations

filled with heartfelt adoration.

The Old Testament records many feasts and festivals, with gladness,

the Israelites celebrated to commemorate God’s goodness.

May our Christmas celebrations

be a time of adoration -

to remember the first Christmas,

not the one celebrating St. Nicholas,

but the one honoring Jesus – the reason

for this joyous Christmas season.

Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13

Do good, be rich in good deeds,

be generous and willing to share.

I Timothy 6:18

Do not forget to do good and to share with others,

for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16

Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me.

Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread...

Celebrate the Feast of Harvest...

Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering...

Exodus 23:14-16

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 would lead them 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

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 their journey.

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 asked the priests and teachers of the law if they knew the way.

The wise men learned Bethlehem had been prophesied,

so off they went on this NEW WAY, despite being tired.

Day after day, night after night, not giving up

their only direction came from looking up.

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.

Worshiping by adoring Jesus Christ the Lord.

Worshiping 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 assures 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 samples

of Israel turning to the Lord in times of trouble

after finding out going their own way became a hassle.

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 their struggles.

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 abundantly able.

If you truly know the Christ of Christmas

you'll find it will make a difference

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

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.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I will be found by you, declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

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