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

Names

NAMES

Take time to read the story of Jesus' birth

which you'll find in Matthew and in Luke.

Take note of the names used to describe

this one of whom was prophesied.

You'll find God's one and only beloved Son has many names.

The New Testament tells us that the holy child will be named:

the Lord saves or "Jesus"

and "Immanuel," meaning God with us.

The wise men called Him

the "king of the Jews" when they sought Him.

The angel referred to Him as "the Son of the Most High"

when Mary was told she was the one chosen from on high.

The angel also called Him the "Son of God"

when Mary learned of her destiny from God.

The angel told the shepherds He would be known as "Savior"

as He was sent to earth as our needed deliverer.

The title of "Christ " or the Anointed One

was another name for His earthly mission.

The name "Christ the Lord" gives Him reign

over the universe supreme.

Isaiah in the Old Testament speaks of this child-to-come by other names.

Contemplate the awesome characteristics of God's Son as described in these names.

In part, these names demonstrate that God is approachable, sustainable, available, peaceable,

and the ups and downs of everyday life attest that He is undeniably able.

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

As "Wonderful Counselor," God is approachable,

assuring us that our concerns are manageable.

As "Mighty God" He will sustain us

no matter what may come to pass.

Our "Everlasting Father" is always available

as through prayer He is accessible and attainable.

The "Prince of Peace" tells us He is peaceable

as recorded over and again in the Bible.

* * * * *

Whatever you call this King

He will be your everything

when to Him you continually bring

in daily heart-felt prayer offering

your big and little concerns, unconfessed sins,

your gratitude and attitude within.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about...

Matthew 1:18

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

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 1:23

Where is the one who has been born

king of the Jews?

Matthew 2:2

You will be with child and give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus.

He will be great and will be called

The Son of the Most High.

Luke 1:31-32

So the holy one to be born

will be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:35

Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

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

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

There are many more names attributed to God's Son.

Sometime take time to make an ABC... list. It'll be fun.

A = Almighty, B = Bread of Life, C = Comforter

D = Deliverer, E = Eternal, F = Friend, and more...

Signs of the Season

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

December comes but once a year we know.

Christmas soon comes and then it goes.

Twinkling lights everywhere all aglow

underneath white new fallen snow.

Snowflakes falling from a darkened sky

delight little children who now lie

in the new snow making snow angels

or Frosty the snowman in the dell.

Christmas carols heard around the town

will turn someone's sad frown upside down.

Trees are decorated everywhere

inside and outside lights they now wear.

Children are on their best behavior.

Holiday foods prepared and savored.

Cookies decorated with colored frostings

and there's red and white candy canes for licking.

Gifts exchanged by friends and family.

Loved ones we make an effort to see.

Pleasant memories often brought to mind

this Christmas season time after time.

Nativity's displayed on tables.

Mary and Joseph in the stable.

The Christ-child born this night long ago

is why we celebrate Christmas, you know.

Let's not forget God's gift to us this day

rather we're at home or far away.

God sent His Son born as a baby.

God's precious gift to you and to me.

Merry Christmas to each one of you

and blessings to last the whole year through.

Until next year when we meet again:

from my heart, peace with joy I send.

(May be sung to the tune of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”)

Remember

REMEMBER

December is a time to remember

when it’s snowing and the temperature is burr,

when it's too cold and you prefer to stay indoors,

when snow plows in the night roar,

when a Christmas tree is cut down – timber,

when you catch cold and there’s no short cure,

when chowders satisfy your hunger,

when there are several last-minute trips to the store,

when toys and merchandise are advertised to lure,

when cards are addressed to those familiar,

when gifts are exchanged with neighbors,

when Christmas music begins in November,

when there’s a wreath hung upon the door,

when cookies are baked and shared once more...

December is a time to remember

that this month there is something much more -

Jesus is the reason

for this festive season

so when there’s a ton

of work to be done

and amidst all the fun

with parties among

this merry season -

don’t forget God’s Son.

Without Jesus Christ there would be none

of this celebrating going on.

So do enjoy and share this season’s

merriment but remember the reason

we observe every Christmas season.

When you set up the nativity

remember Jesus was God’s gift to you and me

This gift came as a baby wee

and filled human hearts with much glee.

When you put up your decorated Christmas tree

do be mindful of the cross of Calvary

when one day you prayed a sinner’s heartfelt plea

and now you’ll live with God for eternity.

When you sing carols, even off-key,

the Lord will hear and be pleased

to hear you sing with a heart filled with glory

as you remember the first Christmas story.

Remember

December.

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 reverence.

Her prayers were 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 existence.

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 existence.

Mary and Joseph were abundantly blessed

with these events so wonderfully expressed.

The star gave its brilliance

through its lone existence.

Leading the wise men from west to east.

It was God leading the way on their quest.

The wise men gave perseverance,

not stopping until they reached their quest,

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 gifts.

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 2:10

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

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 wicked 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 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

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 treasured and pondered 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.

Unbelievable! Unthinkable! She must have been dumbfounded 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 was quite dumbfounded by it -

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 has your Savior.

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