Word of the Year

 Have you noticed people mentioning their chosen word for the new year?

This morning the word persevere came to mind.

The word persevere reminds me of flowers growing up through cracks, in the most unlikely places.  I have taken photos of such.  Love seeing Johnny-Jump-Ups surprise me here and there.

Just completed two cataract surgeries the end of 2023.  January 2024 having left thumb surgery to repair lack of cartilidge.  Recovery time 3 months.  Plan to have right thumb repaired January 2025. This is going to take some perseverance.  (Perseverance to not complain.)  Prayers appreciated.  Also having an update this week re leg weakness.  As a friend states, "getting old is not for sissies."

One good thing will be catching up on reading.  Especially my Christmas gift to myself - some of John MacArthur's studies on OT books.  

When I think of flowers growing up through cracks, I also think of being rooted.  A strong root system is needed to endure the storms of life.  You'll appreciate this analogy if you are a gardener.

Jesus' parable about the 4 planting conditions (Matthew 13) mentions pros and cons of the root system.  What sprang up in good soil had developed a healthy root system vs what sprang up in poor soil died.

How is your root system?  A strong root system is developed through faith and trust.  Faith and trust are grown through trials, those storms of life.  Think of the trials of Joseph in Genesis, yet God turned it into good.  Or the trials of Job which God turned into a blessing.  These two men had no idea God had a good plan in mind through their suffering - both emotional and physical suffering.  Recall the prediction of Jesus' birth in Isaiah - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  These characteristics bring comfort.

"The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first." Job 42:12 (Think I'll read John MacArthur's commentary on Job first.)  

I'm in the latter part of life.  I'll be looking for God's blessings. It's a good idea to make a habit to look for daily blessings and write them down.  If not in a blessings jar, then on your calendar.  Talking about daily blessings is a subject to discuss with your children at the end of the day.  It will grow their faith and trust as well.

I pray that out of his glorious riches 

he may strengthen you with power 

through his Spirit in your inner being, 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

may have power, together with all the saints, 

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 

and to know this love the surpasses knowledge - 

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  

Ephesians 3:16-19

What's your word for the year?

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 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

A new day is dawning...

be on the lookout for God's blessings.

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

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

The Reason for the Season

To us a child is born,

to us a son is given...

He will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, 

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

As promised in the Old Testament, this promise was fulfilled in the New Testament.

This is the "reason for the season."

Give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21 

Call him Immanuel - which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:23

In the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Thank you followers of this blog.

Merry Christmas to all.

You are a blessing.

Home for the Holidays

 

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.

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

From a Child's Viewpoint

 Wouldn't it be fun to ask your children/grandchildren who the nativity characters are and their story.

INDESCRIBABLE

 

INDESCRIBABLE

The news was so unbelievable,

the shepherds must have thought "indescribable!"

The angel had promised "good news of great joy"

to ALL people – not just good girls and boys.

The shepherds were so astonished by this news

they practically ran to see if it was really true.

Yes! Good news, indeed!

It was true, we read.

So unbelievable they told everyone -

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

Everyone who heard this good news were amazed.

Wondrous! Glorious! Was there even a phrase?

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

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

Do you realize it was the shepherds who told her about the angel's pronouncement.

UnbelUnbelivable! Unthinkable! She must have been overcome with amazement!

That God should orchestrate such an awesome production

that would be talked about even to our generation -

of the glory of the Lord descending from heaven

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

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

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

that God should come down to earth

in the form of a baby's birth.

This incredibly good news is still spread abroad today

as Christians everywhere celebrate on Christmas Day

the most indescribable gift of all -

God's gift of salvation is for us ALL.

* * * * *

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

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

Let Jesus be your burden bearer.

Acknowledge Him today as your Savior.

Christmas will take on a whole new meaning

when you comprehend the true beginning

that Christmas is Christ’s birth

when He came to earth.

When they had seen him,

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

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

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:17, 18, 20

But Mary treasured up all these things

and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

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

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

II Corinthians 9:15

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

GIVING

 

GIVING

Joseph gave his obedience.

His obedience was expedient.

Only once did he question God's request.

From then on, obeying God was his quest.

Mary gave God reverence.

Her prayers were godly and precious.

Generations have called her blessed.

Giving reverence was giving her best.

The innkeeper gave, he was courteous.

There was no time to be more gracious.

Though seemingly his second best,

he gave shelter and rest to his guests.

The cattle also gave their assistance.

A feeding trough became a cradle in its substance.

Though humble, giving was expressed,

to this welcome surprise guest.

The angels gave praise surrounded by brightness

for they were adorned with God's holy radiance.

Praising God was expressed.

When we praise God, we are also blessed.

The shepherds gave testimonial with assurance

for they had seen God's heavenly hosts beingness.

Mary and Joseph were extravagantly blessed

when they heard of these events so boldly professed.

The star gave its brilliance

through its lone persistence.

Leading and guiding the wise men from west to east.

It was God leading the way through the long distance.

The wise men gave perseverance,

not stopping until they reached their pursuance,

then giving the Christ-child their best -

myrrh, frankincense, and gold in a chest.

* * * * *

Yes, Christmas is a joyous season of giving,

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

Our focus should be on that first gift

given to the world in Bethlehem one night.

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

in December when we celebrate Christmas.

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

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

God's gift to us: His Son.

What will you give Him, dear one?

He desires you give Him your heart.

He's only a prayer away, so start:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I believe in my heart that your Son, Jesus,

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

Jesus came to save me because I am a sinner

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

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

When Joseph woke up,

he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:24

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Luke 1:47

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

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

Luke 2:9

The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

The star they had seen in the east

went ahead of them until it stopped

over the place where the child was.

Matthew 2:9

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:2

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

OUR LIGHT

 

OUR LIGHT

More than two thousand years ago in a stable one night

cows and donkeys were witnesses to a holy sight.

A baby was born to Joseph and his betrothed wife.

They named their son Jesus, who brought such delight.

The animals shared their own manger that night

for the baby needed a place to sleep tight.

Those cows and donkeys shared 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 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.

The Lord is a close as a prayer, so 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

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

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

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

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

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

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GIFTS of FAITH

 

GIFTS OF FAITH

Christmas, a time of giving to others,

to show our love for one another.

Christmas, though a time for giving and receiving presents,

is oftentimes forgetting to include Christ's presence.

Busyness with many festivities,

recapturing childhood memories,

yet the reason for the season is oft forgot,

though it's the reason we exchange gifts we brought.

So how about we make a conscious effort

this year to give Christ heartfelt, faith-filled gifts.

What would you give to Christ this Christmas?

What would you freely give if someone asked?

Let's start with the three gifts the wise men brought to Christ.

These gifts will also make a difference in our lives.

As you know, these gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Precious, meaningful gifts meant for a king, they were.

Gold is the symbol of royalty, a gift fit for Jesus Christ,

as the wise men acknowledged Jesus was King of the Jews.

When we acknowledge and confess Jesus as Lord of our life

we agree His way is best and give Him the right to rule.

So we faithfully follow God's commands

written in God's Word for His children.

We know that obedience shows God we love Him

so we endeavor to live our lives to please our King.

Frankincense is a symbol of Christ's purity, His sinless perfection,

being God's provision to guarantee our sins are forgiven.

To be pure is to be "set-apart" from the influences of this fallen world.

To live in this world as ambassadors being obedient to God's Word.

Striving to be pure in word, thought, and deed;

living a life of love instead of greed.

Having the Holy Spirit who enables us

to remain strong when sin attracts us.

Myrrh is a symbol of Christ's death and suffering

used at that time in burial preparations.

We imitate this by "dying to self," daily to aspire.

Seeking God's ways instead of our own selfish desires.

Dying to self is a daily battle,

one in which God will enable.

To say "no" to ungodliness,

as we acknowledge God's way is best.

* * * * *

Three gifts to give to Christ each day of the year:

l acknowledging Jesus is Lord keeps His presence near,

2 being pure or set apart from the world,

3 daily dying to self by saying "no."

These three gifts of abiding faith

we give to Christ who by His grace

was the very first Christmas present.

Don't forget to acknowledge His presence.

Lord, may I seek to please you

in all I say, think, or do

so that my life is a testimony

giving you praise, honor, and glory.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him

with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?"

Matthew 2:1-2

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

Hosea 6:3

And this is love:

that we walk in obedience to his commands.

2 John 1:6

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

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable -

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

while we wait for the blessed hope -

the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness

and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,

eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11-14

You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being.

Revelation 4:11

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

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