HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

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 voice.

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

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When you pass THROUGH the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass THROUGH the fire,

you will not be burned...

Isaiah 43:2

Coming across "through" in Scripture readings recently.  Isaiah 43:2 is an example. In this example also notice the word "when".  When, not if.  Difficulties are assured in life.  (Jesus stated, "In this world you will have difficulties, but be of good cheer.")  Through suggests our difficulties will not last forever. It is through our difficulties we mature.  In turn our difficulties can encourage another on their journey.  

My poem "Ode to Rose" came to mind when pondering through and when.  So thought I would share today.

Ode to Rose

How lovely a blooming rose.

It’s beauty comes from within, it glows

as its petals open and pose.

Spiraling around it shows

one petal at a time, it grows

full bloom into a lovely rose.

How fragrant this blooming rose

delighting everyone’s nose

as most everyone knows.

How beautiful it grows.

Covered with dewdrops, it glows.

Yes, how lovely a rose.

It’s the object of many poet’s prose

who often pen heartfelt tributes to a rose

one day quoted as romantic words sowed.

You’ll find this perfect rose from thorns arose –

as joy from sorrow one day will be bestowed.

Yes, hope deferred is born – as time will show.

It’s the thorns in life that eventually sow

internal beauty grown from heartache and woe,

the end result being lovelier than a rose.

Long-time gardeners know a rose

will endure a lifetime of woes

for roses attract many foes.

Not only are poets romanced by a rose,

so are aphids and green worms, and black spot grows.

These insects might be knocked off with the water hose.

Even deer are know to nip off rosebuds by their nose

often tattle-tailed by the tell-tale print of their toes.

Yes, roses are know to attract many unwanted foes.

Despite the woes

that roses pose,

lovely is a rose.

This ode to a rose

written in prose

now comes to a close.

* * * * *

This ode refers to “hope deferred”

as in when our dreams are on hold

or when prayers are seemingly ignored.

As we all know, waiting is hard to do,

even though patience is bestowed, it’s true,

as a diamond in the rough turns into a jewel.

Yes, waiting has much to teach everyone of us.

It ultimately grows our faith as we learn to trust.

It’s meant to be a time of rest instead of stress.

As we grow in faith and faithfully trust

we realize God has a good plan for us,

our prayers are heard and therein we place our trust.

So we wait for our prayers to one day be answered

then often realize God had a better answer

for it’s in God’s time wherein lies the key to the answer.

Often when God doesn’t answer your prayers when you’d like him to,

it’s because He has something much better in His plan for you.

In the meantime, continue to give God glory because He loves you.

In God’s time, in God’s time...

God makes all things possible in His time.

May the prayers I offer Him

bring glory to my King

as God makes all things possible in His time.

(Deviation of “In His Time”.)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

Psalm 29:2

Thy will be done.

Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

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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

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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.

Twilight welcomed.

There's no place like home

with dad and mum.

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RECOLLECTIONS

 

RECOLLECTIONS

Long ago when I was a kid, every Christmas meant

a new pair of flannel pjs made by mom in secret.

It’s ironic not being able to remember the toys,

but to receive new fuzzy pajamas – what joy!

Still today the thought brings comfort.

Thank you, mom, for years of warmth.

A recitation of “The Night Before Christmas”

every year from dad made us all groan and fuss.

Dad's yearly "bah humbug" was heard.

Mom would get out the checkerboard.

I remember she always won.

Today the memory is fun.

Mom made fruitcake and gingerbread

along with homemade yeast breads.

I can still smell cinnamon scenting the air

and warm bread baking and wafting through the air.

Though fruitcake has a bad reputation

her fruitcake was requested without question.

I don't recall Christmas' receiving lots of toys

but I do recall giving so others could enjoy

this wonderful season of peace and joy

for those no longer girls and boys

as my parents loaded us in the car and we went to share

with those who lived alone, some elderly folks with white hair.

A quart of soup, a loaf of bread, a plate of gingerbread cookies.

This edible feast given to these folks always seemed to please.

We five would line up in a row

and be commented on head to toe

for each Christmas season would bring

proud parents showing off their offspring.

When I was a kid the Christmas tree wasn't put up Thanksgiving night.

Magically it appeared Christmas morning trimmed with colored lights bright.

I don't recall a mountain of gifts

but I do recall pjs and socks.

You know, I've asked kids today if they received pjs and socks

and I get looked at as if I haven't a clue of what rocks.

Santa's snowy footprints were found on the floor.

When we were older we learned it was flour.

Christmas oranges were a treat back then

and one was placed in each stocking.

Christmas songs were heard played on the radio

as our house didn't have a TV, you know.

Christmas meant a visit to my grandparents.

Over the hill in the packed car we went.

My gram, mom, and aunt prepared a feast.

With bounty from the garden, plates were heaped.

The kitchen table set with pretty glasses and plates.

A table in the living room for the kids did await.

December meant snow piled high.

Pictures show higher than I.

We had a white Christmas every year

with an extra day off school – we cheered!

When we were kids, down the hill on sleds we would squeal,

though today snow doesn’t hold quite the same appeal.

December meant custard cooked on the stove top

soon to be put in the container than topped

with ice and salt

then hand cranked

until it became harder to churn

then it became everyone’s turn

to dig in – for ice cream,

homemade, we all screamed.

There was the Christmas play at church.

We practiced each December weekend in church

doing our best to reinvent the first Christmas

with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and baby Jesus.

Still today parents sit on the edge of their seats

to recite with their children each word beat by beat.

Christmas meant family together

irregardless of the weather

though snow or wind or ice meant dad had to plow

so others could visit with family somehow.

Over the creeks and through the woods

the roads were plowed so someone could.

As we grew and became old enough to drive

we would participate in the Arctic League Drive

delivering toys to neighborhood children

who otherwise would have little to open.

It was the spirit of giving that was instilled

and hopefully today abides in us still.

So those are a few of my recollections

of Christmas with my parents and siblings.

I’m sure they have a different slant

of how their Christmas memories went.

Until they share their thoughts with me

I’ll make due with my memories.

Mom's Fruitcake

Prepare a month before Christmas.

1 cup sugar

1 cup apple juice or water

2 teaspoons lemon juice

½ cup melted butter or margarine

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

1 ½ cups flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cloves

½ teaspoon allspice

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon mace

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup raisins (dark or light)

1 cup dried candied fruit

1 cup nuts

Bake 50 minutes at 325 degrees.

When cool, pour 1 cup apple juice or cider over.

Wrap tightly and freeze until Christmas.

For a holiday presentation, mom would bake in greased soup cans,

then slice into rounds.

(I’ve been told by many they don’t care for fruitcake,

but their minds were changed when they tried this recipe.

Basically a fruited spice cake.)

A NEW WAY

 

A NEW WAY

Miles and miles of dry, sandy terrain behind them

with miles and miles to go under the hot sun

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 making a pathway.

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

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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 you’ll find will bless your spirit.

* * * * *

C Comfort the Comfortless

So many people are in bondage -

to depression, addiction, or rage.

They are searching for an answer.

Comfort 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 compassion will make their day.

R Right Delights

Does your inner attitude

change with each shifting mood?

Replace this fight

with what delights Christ.

I Imitate Christ

When Jesus Christ was reviled,

he did not revile again.

Do you tend to seek payback when reviled?

Imitate, 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,

seek to live by God's rules.

Peace, joy, and contentment will follow

when you memorize truth and allow.

A Abandon Abundance

Are you caught up in materialism?

It's another form of idol-ism.

Realize God will supply.

Blessings will be multiplied.

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

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PERSEVERING

 

PERSEVERING

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

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PROVISION

 

PROVISION

Caesar Augustus did proclaim one day

that a census should be taken right way.

Everyone was to return

to the town where they had been born.

So Joseph and his expectant wife

traveled by donkey for days and nights

from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea

traveling through the mountains of Samaria.

The town of Bethlehem was filled with travelers,

crowded and noisy with boisterous revelers.

There were many reunions with loved ones.

Bethlehem was filled with gaiety and fun.

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem

was there no one at all there to welcome them?

They soon learned there were no more rooms in the inns.

Did these two feel alone and unwelcome?

Did they wonder how God would provide?

Would God provide a place to reside?

Neither did they have a midwife.

Did they start their life with strife?

Seemingly alone as no one welcomed them

despite the large gathering in Bethlehem.

Did no one at all pay attention

to Mary's delicate condition?

Did the long journey start the contractions?

Did Mary know that night there would be action?

Did Joseph worry that they would spend the night outside?

Did Mary tell Joseph, “Just wait and see, God will provide”?

And God did provide

just as Mary confides

for shelter was suggested

though not usually subjected.

For there was an innkeeper

who was kind enough to offer

them shelter in his stable

where he kept his animals.

Did the innkeeper realize Mary was expecting?

Or was it payment for a night's lodging he was accepting?

Did the expectant parents think, "no thank you,"

or were they too weary and tired to argue?

Was Mary in pain

and did the added strain

of no place to stay

on their hearts lay?

There would be no one to attend,

though it was the traditional custom,

for female relatives to attend

when the baby decided to come.

Was Mary's travail easy?

How did Joseph keep busy?

Would God somehow in time provide?

Did Mary in Joseph confide?

Did they pray and ask God for help

when there wasn't any to help?

Were they left alone to fend for themselves in the world,

though assured they would nurture the Savior of the world?

Were they alone or did God provide

after they prayed and in God confide?

Wasn't there anyone to encourage them

there in the little town of Bethlehem?

But wait – encouragers arrived

when some strangers hurried

to Mary and Joseph's side

when the shepherds arrived.

Have you ever thought that perhaps God provided

encouragers when He sent the shepherds

to the stable that night?

Surely a welcome sight?

The shepherds saw this newborn named Christ the Lord, Jesus,

the promised Messiah – Immanuel, God with us,

who encourages every man in every nation

down though the ages through hundred of generations.

* * * * *

Today God still provides encouragers among us -

friends, who are often ministering angels among us.

God does provide every need along the way.

Often when we take the time to pray.

What has God provided for you today?

Was it something for which you have prayed?

Maybe it was a friend who saw a need

and provided encouragement in deed.

Yes, God will provide

when we confide.

Often with a surprise

so open your heart wide.

Then wait to see how God abundantly provides.

Be sure to celebrate the real Christmas this yuletide!

The birth of the Savior, Jesus, who once came to earth

so that we would believe and receive eternal birth.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree

that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

(This was the first census that took place

while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth

in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David,

because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary,

who was pledged to be married to him

and was expecting a child.

While they were there,

the time came for the baby to be born,

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

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

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7

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