Countdown

COUNTDOWN

The countdown to another Christmas begins

with many decorations displayed within

and festive lights outside

announcing the yuletide.

The Christmas tree is decorated

with special ornaments collected

year after year

from far and near.

There's Christmas cards to again write

occupying many a night

as friends and family are remembered

each year in the month of December.

Christmas songs are heard on the radio

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

You'll hear Christmas trees sung about

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

Presents are wrapped

in festive gift wrap

to be given to someone

before January comes.

Christmas cookies are baked

or maybe a yuletide cake

to share with loved ones.

Have another one.

Christmas parties are planned

for men, women, and children

or maybe a Christmas play

as parents mouth the words to say.

Maybe an impromptu choir

will sing carols that will inspire

as they walk from door to door

as snowflakes quietly soar.

"Over the river and through the woods"

much laughter is heard in neighborhoods

as families gather together again

when Christmastime comes around again.

Amidst much hurry and scurry

Christmas is over in a hurry.

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

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

* * * * *

When the countdown to Christmas begins,

please take time to read the story about the inn

where the innkeeper said "there's no room"

one night under the midnight moon...

though he did offer his stable

in the midst of the rabble

of the census being taken

in the town of Bethlehem.

Expectant

parents

Mary and Joseph were relieved

when this invitation was received...

for any minute Mary would deliver

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

who would save us from our sins

when we ask Him to dwell within.

So there in the stable one night

under the stars shining bright

this baby was born that would change the world

becoming the greatest story ever told.

At the same time this announcement

was made by angels who were sent

from heaven above

with a story of love...

to shepherds that first Christmas night,

though they were terrified with fright,

to see the glory of the Lord shine round

as they fell to their knees there on the ground.

The shepherds then hurried to Bethlehem to see

this miracle which was too amazing to believe

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

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

This baby who was promised

longed ago by the prophets

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

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

It seems God chose the shepherds

to be His "good news" heralds

for they told everyone

that the Savior had come.

This "good news" passed down through generations

celebrated by men, women, and children

each December 25^th

now known to us as Christmas.

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

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

Please don't leave Christ out of your Christmas.

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

And he will be called

Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Sheep

SHEEP

God is in the details

everyday without fail.

Consider a powerful little ant that provides aeration

or a blade of grass miraculously producing oxygen.

Yes, even in the smallest details there's a plan

to secure life for this earth and for humans.

What about the sheep in the story of Jesus' birth?

I don't think their being included was an accident.

We read in Luke that shepherds were watching their flocks or herds.

The Old Testament tells us that tending sheep was a common livelihood.

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, King David, to name a few,

were shepherds who herded massive flocks of sheep, not a few.

The sheep in the Christmas story

are metaphors for our life's story.

"All we like sheep have gone astray,"

examples in the Bible teach us today.

The Old Testament shows us again and again

that God's people (His sheep) went astray then turned back again

to God, their Good Shepherd,

as recorded in God's Word.

Went astray as in seeking their own way

then turning back when their own way

caused heartache and hardship,

making a complete flip.

There's a parable in Matthew 18 about one sheep that wanders off.

When the shepherd realizes it, he's leaves the 99 in the fold and off

he goes to seek and save the one that is lost,

which brings the shepherd great joy when it's found safe.

We are that one sheep that goes astray.

The Good Shepherd, Jesus, is our Way.

He's also the Truth and the Life.

Is Jesus Lord of your life?

Do you seek God's will

over your own will?

If you seek your own will,

Jesus is not the Lord, nil.

* * * * *

The parable of the 99 was written into a hymn.

The lost is found. Don't you just love happy endings!

The Ninety and Nine

(copied)

There were ninety and nine that safely lay

in the shelter of the flock,

but one was out on the hills far away,

for off in the cold and dark;

away on the mountains wild and bare,

away from the tender shepherd's care,

away from the tender shepherd's care.

Lord, thou hast here thy ninety and nine;

are they not enough for thee?

But the shepherd made answer: This of mine

has wandered away from me;

and although the road be rough and steep,

I go to the desert to find my sheep,

I go to the desert to find my sheep.

And all through the mountains, thunder-riven,

and up from the rocky steep,

there arose a cry to the gate of heaven,

Rejoice! I have found my sheep!

And the angels echoed around the throne,

Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!

Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own.

From sheep to the Good Shepherd.

Jesus wants to be your Good Shepherd.

He wants you to come into the fold

and accept Him as Jesus Christ the Lord.

Matthew states that the shepherd is happy when the lost is found.

When you make the turn around (your wayfulness lost, God's way found),

Jesus and all the angels celebrate

this life-changing date.

Meditate on these verses about the sheep and the shepherd.

Let them be a metaphor for your life - before and after the Lord.

Let the sheep of the Bible lead you

to the Good Shepherd who loves you.

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Luke 2:8

The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want.

Psalm 23:1

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:3

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way.

Isaiah 53:6

When he saw the crowds,

he had compassion on them,

because they were harassed and helpless,

like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36

The sheep listen to his voice.

He calls his own sheep by name

and leads them out.

When he has brought out all his own,

he goes on ahead of them,

and his sheep follow him

because they know his voice.

John 10:3

I am the good shepherd.

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me -

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father -

and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:14-15

My sheep listen to my voice;

I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27

Our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

equip you with everything good for doing his will,

and may he work in us what is pleasing to him

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen

Hebrews 13:20

For you were like sheep going astray,

but now you have returned to the Shepherd

and Overseer of your souls.

I Peter 2:25

And if he finds it, I tell you the truth,

he is happier about that one sheep

than about the ninety-nine

that did not wander off.

Matthew 18:13

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 expecting?

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

when the baby decided to come

though it was the traditional custom

for female relatives to attend.

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 did 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 did abide.

Have you ever thought that perhaps God provided

encouragers when He sent the shepherds

to the stable that night?

Were they 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.

And 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

Prophecy

PROPHESY

God shared with the prophets of old

the greatest story ever told

now recorded within the pages of scripture.

It's the most wonderful news ever captured.

When humanity was at its worst

God promised to lift the curse

due to willfulness

and waywardness.

God reassured them with a plan,

a baby would be born to a virgin.

This plan promised forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Never before offered in the history of civilization.

Years and years passed before this promise was realized.

This promise still holds true today for us to realize.

The promise of a savior who would save us from our sins.

The promise of forgiveness and a new way of life begin.

Compare the scriptures below from the new and old testaments

which verify the promise of God's gift to us, a testament.

As we've learned, the shepherds became the first eye witnesses

as they verified the promise made when they saw baby Jesus.

God's Son, Jesus came to earth, born as a baby,

which we celebrate each December yearly.

A holy day now known the world around as Christmas,

remembering God's gift to us - who is Jesus.

* * * * *

Christmas is much more than decorations with merriment

when celebrating with family and friends met.

The true meaning of Christmas isn't about receiving presents.

The true meaning is found in seeking and finding Christ's presence.

God's presence is as close as a prayer away

when you simply confess in your heart and pray

through receiving God's gift of salvation

which is forgiveness of sins or pardon.

God with us, Immanuel, will abide in your heart

and He has promised He'll never, never depart.

Right now, today, receive His gift of salvation. It's free. No pretense.

It's the best present you'll ever receive, assurance of God's presence.

New Testament

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel - which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:22-23

Old Testament

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

New Testament

"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied,

"for this is what the prophet has written:

'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Matthew 2:5-6

Old Testament

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans of Judah,

out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Micah 5:2

He will stand and shepherd his flock

in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they will live securely,

for then his greatness

will reach to the ends of the earth.

And he will be their peace.

Micah 5:4-5

New Testament

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

You will be with child

and give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus.

Luke 1:31

He was named Jesus,

the name the angel had given him

before he had been conceived.

Luke 2:21

Old Testament

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

New Testament

Does not the Scripture say

that the Christ will come from David's family

and from Bethlehem,

the town where David lived?

John 7:42

Today in the town of David a Savior

has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Joy

JOY

What joy

that day

when angels sang

sweet anthems.

Songs of jubilation

and glad exultation

with much rejoicing

came down from heaven.

That day when angels came to earth

to announce the Savior’s birth

delightful music filled the air,

heavenly music they shared.

Singing for all they were worth

with jubilation and mirth,

filled the shepherd's ears

sung loud and clear.

A song never before heard

was sung to the shepherd’s herd

but still rings true today

lighting our weary way.

A melody singing "glory"

bringing God praise and glory

today we sing in a hymn of bliss.

It’s “glory to God in the highest.”

This song of joy and rejoicing

gives glory to God in heaven.

Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace and new-found rest.

* * * * *

As the angels promised

we can find peace and rest

with joy and gladness

when we simply trust.

The angel’s joy is found

in Christ and can abound

in you when you believe

and in prayer receive.

You’ll be glad

you did

believe

and receive.

Do it now.

This is how:

Dear Jesus, I believe you came to earth to die for my sins.

Please forgive me and help me to live a new life within. Amen.

Give God glory

in melody

or thankful delight

each day and night.

Joy is yours!

God has in store

so much more

than you can wish for.

And if you're weighed down with worry,

stop, and start giving God glory.

Joy will abound

when worry is gone.

You'll find constant worry

is Satan's territory

and robs us of joy.

God's plan is to bring joy.

So with a joyful heart

give God glory, just start.

You'll see life differently

when joy replaces worry.

The joy of the Lord is my salvation (deliverance).

Nehemiah 8:10

Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace to men.

Luke 2:14

No Room

NO ROOM

Two little significant words: “no room.”

The inn had no available rooms.

Because of the new census being taken,

Bethlehem was overflowing with citizens.

"No rooms" may have been passed along the street.

"No rooms" greeted many who stood on tired feet.

Amidst the excitement of seeing family and friends,

there was no rooms for these travel-worn citizens.

The streets were crowded with visitors.

The inns were full with weary travelers.

The innkeepers had no more available rooms

though one innkeeper offered shelter, none too soon.

Did this innkeeper realize he was part of God's plan?

Had he prayed, "O Lord, may my life bless other humans?"

Or was he in it just for a profit?

Surely he knew the stable wasn't fit.

Did the innkeeper take pity on their plight?

Did other travelers sleep under the stars that night?

Was Bethlehem's weather forecast chilly or mild?

Did he know Mary was expecting her first child?

Mary and Joseph were offered a roof over their head.

A humble, crude protection without even a bed.

Not the delivery room one would expect

though this baby's birth was foretold by prophets.

There were no rooms, but God provided in the 11^th hour.

Yes, even these parents had to wait on God to reveal his power.

Not in the way one would expect to be sent

but in a way only God would invent.

* * * * *

No room history writes.

No rooms available that night.

No rooms anywhere.

No rooms to share.

Rejected even before He was born.

Later He would be beaten and scorned.

Promised as the Savior of the world

yet born in a humble cattle fold.

The question of the hour is: do you have room in your heart?

Have you rejected God and His Word or have you given God your heart?

Have you said to God there's "no room" for you?

Or have you found His promises to be true?

Though you may have rejected Him

God will never reject you. Amen!

Today, ask God to come in.

You'll be blessed again and again.

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.)

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

He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Isaiah 53:3

Nativity

NATIVITY

It's unpacked first

before the rest -

the nativity,

for all to see.

The stable crude

with a cow that mooed

and a donkey gray

laying in the hay.

Perhaps there are fowl

or a barnyard owl.

Maybe sheep and goats

with wooly winter coats.

If you listen you might hear

the barnyard animals cheer

with bleats and brays and moos and coos

and even a cock-a-doodle-doo.

Look inside the stable and you'll find

Joseph and his wife Mary, so kind,

bending over the manger bed

where baby Jesus laid his head.

The manger, the animals feeding trough,

filled with hay so it wouldn't be rough

was shared by the animals that night.

A night filled with surprise and delight.

Weary from their trip and from childbirth

this night God sent His only Son to earth

Mary and Joseph sent a prayer of praise

to thank God for His wonderful ways.

For a safe trip through the hills

and a warm place to stay filled

with animals

was special.

There's the angel hovering

who told the shepherds abiding

that Jesus Christ was born

in the town of Bethlehem.

See, the shepherds are here

with lambs and sheep near

to see this Savior

who would bring favor.

For the angel announced "good tidings

of great joy" to the shepherds abiding

and they hurried to Bethlehem

to see this divine newborn.

So awed by this reverent event

the shepherds told wherever they went

all they had seen and heard.

Today this news is still heard.

All those who heard were amazed

with wonderment at this new phase

and bore witness of this news.

Good news for me and you.

If you look up in the sky

you'll see a bright star up high

much larger than the rest

coming from the west.

In the distance you might see

camels clumping through the trees

laden with packages to give as presents

from wise men who seek the Christ-child's presence.

These presents we read,

amounted to three:

gold, frankincense, and myrrh -

for a king they were.

Next time you get out your nativity

be reminded of this first Christmas story

for its story never grows old

no matter how often it's told.

* * * * *

There's always something that grabs my attention.

This year it was "glory" that merited attention.

Luke 2:9 "The glory of the Lord shone around"

when the angel spoke to the shepherds on the ground.

"Glory to God in the highest..."

for God's name is above the rest.

Giving glory to God should be

our catch-phrase until eternity.

And when that day does come

when our earthly work is done

giving God the glory

will be our life's story.

When we do give God the glory

God's glory will shine all around.

So do give God glory instead of worry.

You'll find blessings abundant will abound.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them...

Luke 2:9

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest..."

Luke 2:13