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

Sugar Cookies

SUGAR COOKIES

Let's make Christmas cookies today while it snows.

We'll get out the rubber scraper and the mixing bowl,

measuring cups, and spoons, and baking sheets.

Cutout cookies will be a special treat.

We'll need two sticks of butter and sugar,

two eggs and some yummy smelling vanilla,

salt and baking powder,

some milk and flour.

Cream the softened butter

with the sugar and vanilla.

Add the eggs and blend again but go slow.

Measure baking powder and salt in the bowl.

Dump in the flour with the milk. Blend again.

That's it. We're almost ready to begin.

We forgot the cookie cutters.

You decided which cutters?

Shall we make angels or wreaths or bears,

stockings, poinsettias, or trees, or stars,

snowflakes or snowmen this afternoon?

Christmas music will make a lively tune.

How about we make these snowmen and trees today.

Try not to get flour on the floor, okay?

If we do we'll be skating

because our feet will be sliding.

First sprinkle the counter with flour just so

and don't forget the rolling pin too, you know.

Now it's time to roll out the dough.

You can cut out the shapes now.

Onto the cookie sheet to bake.

Just 10 minutes it should take

so set the timer until about 10 past 2:00.

You need more flour if the dough acts like glue.

Now its time to clean up the mess.

After we frost them we can test

so after the mixing bowl is clean

we'll make frosting as white as snow seen.

For the frosting we'll need confectioners' sugar,

shortening and butter, milk, and vanilla.

Blended all together in the mixing bowl

then whip until fluffy like new white snow.

You'll have to decide what colors to use

to tint the frosting in a pretty hue.

Would you like to use sprinkles and these m&m's too?

You can decorate these trees with m&m jewels.

It's finally time for the fun part.

Sit in the chair. Are you ready to start?

There is one rule to follow:

no licking your fingers now.

Here we are making a memory:

decorating cookies, just you and me.

Who should we share with when we're done?

Your sister or brother? Someone?

Look at yours with lots of frosting.

Don't forget the rule: no licking!

When we're done you can have a treat

but only one because they're sweet.

This afternoon making cookies went so fast

as time always does when we're having a blast.

There's more dishes to wash

so we'll clean up fast...

then it's finally time to taste.

Look at that smile on your face!

Is it yum?

Did you have fun?

How about we do this again next year -

making a memory with someone dear!

Here's the recipe for you to take home.

Don't forget to share your cookies with someone.

Sugar Cookies

2 cups sugar

2 sticks butter or margarine, softened

4 teaspoons vanilla

Cream together.

2 eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

Blend.

4 ½ cups unbleached flour

2/3 cup milk

Blend until comes together. Do not over mix.

Refrigerate overnight for best results.

Flour rolling pin and cookie cutters. Roll out on well-floured surface.

Place on either lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake at 350 until lightly browned around the edges.

Frosting

4 ½ cups confectioners' sugar

1 cup shortening

¼ cup butter, softened

½ cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

Blend all ingredients in heavy-duty mixer for 7 minutes.

Stable

STABLE

Sawn from rough-hewn wood

to house cattle it would

one starry night host a guest

that the world could never guess.

Did the innkeeper realize

or was he in for a surprise?

This stable in which donkeys and cows

daily sought shelter and bedded down

was loaned to God one wondrous night

to Joseph and Mary, his wife.

Did the cattle realize

or were they in for a surprise?

This lowly stable though crudely made

is where the shepherds found Jesus laid

in a manger box -

the cattle's feeding trough.

Did the manger realize

or was it in for a surprise?

You see, the world expected a King

born in pomp and circumstance to bring

salvation to the world,

not Jesus Christ the Lord

born in a humble stable

shared with barnyard animals.

His birth, quite remarkable,

with wonder filled that stable,

was rejected by the curious

and even made others furious.

So many curious never realized

and would be in for a bigger surprise.

Messiah was born that night

in a stable filled with delight

for when the shepherds entered in

that stable there by the inn

they found their Savior

who would bring favor.

They were in for a surprise

and that wonder and surprise

became their bold testimony

still today making history

as they went and told

so the whole world would know.

* * * * *

That little unpretentious stable by the inn

housed the One who provides stability within.

Good news! With God in you

your life is stable too

for God will remain steadfast

despite whatever comes to pass.

God can use the mundane

to bring praise to His name.

Never think God can't use you

for your life has worth and value.

God has for you a unique plan and purpose

and He's preparing you for the Master's use.

Sometimes God uses the pain of humbling

to prepare you for good that's someday coming.

Learn to ask "what is God teaching me"?

Seeking God will provide stability.

It takes faith to realize.

You'll be in for a surprise!

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

The God of all grace,

who called you to his eternal glory in Christ...

will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

I Peter 5:10

He guides the humble in what is right

and teaches them his way.

Psalm 25:9

(God) gives grace to the humble.

James 4:6

Good Things/Great Things

GOOD THINGS

Mary thanked God for filling the hungry with good things.

I'm sure she was thinking of more than what she was eating.

I'm certain she thanked God often for everything

and everyday added to her prayers of thanksgiving.

Thankful for God providing her husband, Joseph,

who obeyed God in taking her as his wife.

Thankful that he was a righteous, godly man,

who set a good example as a Christian.

I'm sure Mary viewed her husband as a good thing.

Thankful for the safe trip as they traveled

for there were often reports of muggers.

Thankful to see family and friends

as they reached their long journey's end.

Safe travels, friends and family, are more good things.

Thankful for a place to stay,

even though it smelled like hay.

Also thankful there were no complications

when her pregnancy came to its completion.

Shelter and good health are always good things.

Thankful for those encouragers

that came in the form of shepherds

who told her of events too awesome and wonderful to contemplate.

Events that the foundation of society would one day shake.

Those who encourage us bless us with good things.

Thankful that God keeps His promises

in providing a Savior named Jesus,

who is also Immanuel, God with us,

when in faith we believe in God and trust.

God's promises are very good things.

* * * * *

So thankful Mary was, she treasured and pondered all these amazing things

in her spirit, heart, and soul for God had become her everything.

There wasn't anything she didn't thank God for.

There wasn't anyone she could have loved more.

Like Mary, does your soul glorify the Lord?

Like Mary, does your spirit rejoice in God?

Are words of gratitude spoken throughout your day

in praise to the Creator of all your days?

You'll find that if your day starts

filled with a grateful heart

joy will bubble up in you

and last the whole day through.

He has filled the hungry with good things.

Luke 1:53

Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant...

the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.

Luke 1:46-49

GREAT THINGS

A miracle: a great and good work that only the one true God can do – a miracle for sure.

Mary glorified God with rejoicing for the great things God was doing through her.

Not only for choosing her to be the mother

of Jesus, the Son of God, the promised Savior,

but for God's mercy to all generations,

God's forbearance seen everyday in action.

What a great thing God's gift of mercy is!

Undeserved for sure. How gracious God is!

Compassionate.

Faithful. Patient.

Abounding in loving-kindness which endures forever.

And thankfully hearing and, in His time, answering prayers.

Consider what a great thing God's mighty deeds are.

Speaking forth night and day, the sun, the moon, the stars,

vegetation,

animals, humans...

starting with creation -

then bringing salvation!

Great things - lifting up the humble,

causing the proud in heart to stumble.

Great things – filling our hungry souls

while mindful to rightfully bestow.

God does desire the best for us

lovingly honored through faith and trust.

What great things God has done for us!

What great things God has planned for us!

What great things are available when we, like Mary,

rejoice in God, our Savior, and bring God glory.

I know you can say with me, God has done great things.

That God should love you and I, what a great thing!

* * * * *

How God desires that we be like Mary -

that our soul and spirit give God glory!

To be so in tune with God's will for us

that our words and thoughts glorify Jesus!

We all can say like Mary, God has done great things for us.

May we use God's blessings to us to glorify Jesus.

One blessing is God's mercy, God's love for us despite our actions.

This is one blessing that God extends toward all generations.

Every day God performs mighty works, miracles,

when prayer is answered for something that seems quite impossible.

What great thing has God granted you recently?

Like Mary, are you praising and giving God glory?

God will bless you when you worship Him

with words of praise and thanksgiving.

May giving God glory

be your life's story.

And Mary said:

My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me -

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers.

Luke 1:46-55

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Be glad and rejoice.

Surely the Lord has done great things.

Joel 2:21

Take a moment to read the following from Psalm 146.

Quite similar to Mary's prayer starting at Luke 1:46.

A verification of Mary's believing faith

through a spiritual upbringing and her heart of grace.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the Lord his God,

the Maker of heaven and earth,

the seas, and everything in them -

the Lord, who remains faithful forever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free,

the Lord gives sight to the blind,

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,

the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the alien

and sustains the fatherless and the widow,

but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

Psalm 146:5-9

When you read the word "great" throughout the Scriptures daily

perhaps you could transpose great to mean extra-ordinary

and come to realize God's amazing grace, also extra-ordinary.

Chosen

CHOSEN

Luke 1 tells us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was chosen.

There's nothing about Mary's upbringing written.

Perhaps she was from a modest family.

Certainly she came from a holy family.

It seems as if her family worshiped God

for her response shows she chose to please God.

She referred to herself as the Lord's servant or handmaid.

A role after which all of us should choose to be made.

Have you wondered where were Mary's parents

when the angel announced this awesome event?

Instead of discussing it with Joseph

she went to stay with Elizabeth?

Did she choose Elizabeth as her spiritual mentor?

Is that why God arranged to bring them together?

What did Zechariah think?

We know he could not speak.

We don't know if Mary had any siblings.

Do you suppose Mary was fair in appearance?

I'm sure as in choosing David to be king,

God did not choose her outward appearance.

God looks at the attitude of our heart

and Mary's heart must have been right:

devoted, reverent, trusting, believing -

in every aspect of her daily living.

Surely she chose to honor God

in all she said and did.

Certainly her words and actions

were filled with heart-felt adoration.

Based on her prayer starting at Luke 1:46

Mary was familiar with God's loving kindness.

And she chose to give glory to God with rejoicing

as she was humbled by God's incredible choosing.

Mary's prayer shows she was acquainted with God's ways.

She was familiar with how God provided, always,

choosing to praise God for His loving blessings

for God is merciful, though we're not deserving.

Certainly Mary's family believed a Messiah would come

and when that time did come He would surely be welcomed.

She was humbled that God chose her to fulfill this prophesy.

As she says, her soul and spirit were filled with God's glory.

Chosen for a unique purpose

known throughout the universe.

Chosen to be the mother of Jesus -

God's gift to us; celebrated each Christmas.

* * * * *

As Mary was chosen and used,

God desires that you choose

to be a child of the King

simply through believing.

Let Mary's life be an example to you

for she gave glory to God each day anew.

Though afraid when the angel announced the unbelievable news,

she surrendered her life to God after receiving the news.

She chose to give God the glory -

a vibrant, bold testimony

becoming her life story

now established in history.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:7

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me -

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers."

Luke 1:46-55

Obedience

OBEDIENCE

Not much is recorded in the Bible about Joseph,

Jesus' stepfather, other than he loved his wife

and he was quick to be obedient to his God

who spoke to him in dreams through an angel of the Lord.

Just as Mary was chosen to be Jesus' mother,

Joseph was also chosen to be his earthly father.

Was Joseph chosen because God knew he would be obedient

to follow God's instructions whenever and wherever sent.

We do know Joseph was quick to obey

as we read he got up right away

to do what the angel had said

through a dream as he slept on his bed.

Not just once but four or more times.

Joseph obeyed time-after-time.

Willingly, with a heart of faith,

in whatever challenges he faced.

We don't know if Joseph ever questioned God

perhaps thinking the request was too hard.

It seems as if Joseph had learned to trust God

and was willing to embark with a “yes, Lord” nod.

Surely it must have been difficult to move

but Joseph's willing obedience proved

that he knew God's plan was best

so he set out on each quest.

Joseph, a man of few words,

yet chosen by Holy God

perhaps for his willing obedience

in turn changing the world's essence.

For this obedient man

played a part for all humans

passed down to countless generations

in the Christmas story rendition.

* * * * *

Have you ever felt nudged in your spirit by God

to do something contrary, a bit hard?

Was it something easy to obey?

Or did you grudgingly obey?

Will generations be affected by

whatever it is you were asked to try?

Perhaps you need to pray that your testimony will be bold

for there are millions all over the earth waiting to be told.

Your legacy that you pass down may be

obedience that others will see

that may change the course of a nation

now and through future generations.

Here are a few verses signifying Joseph's obedience:

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife...”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:20, 24

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.

“Get up,” he said,“Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt...”

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt....

Matthew 2:13-14

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt

and said,

“Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel...”

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

Matthew 2:19-21

Having been warned in a dream,

he withdrew to the district of Galilee,

and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth.

Matthew 2:22b-23

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.

Luke 2:39

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another;

they will tell of your mighty acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and I will mediate on your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works,

and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness

and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you.

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom

and speak of your might,

so that all men may know your mighty acts

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and your dominion endures through all generations.

The Lord is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord upholds all those who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

he hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord watches over all who love him,

but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.

Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145:3-21

Immanuel

IMMANUEL

Composed 12/4/11

In the Old Testament God showed himself to his people,

sometimes in a cloud, sometimes through visitations from angels.

When the Israelites wandered 40 years in the wilderness

God presided over them, leading, guiding through every test.

But the sinful nature causes one to rebel

and ignoring God's directives causes trouble.

History is shown to repeat this cause and effect

of either praying for help - or of willful neglect.

So God's blessed people chose to follow their own, selfish will

only to be led on a continual spiral downhill.

Will humanity ever learn

that God is waiting for their return?

Later a promise was made to Isaiah, fortunately,

for it seemed like there was no hope for humanity.

This promise was the coming of Immanuel

though hundreds of years before His coming would befall.

Years pass. The New Testament begins

with a reminder of this promise again.

An angel told Joseph in a dream that Mary would have a son.

He should be named Immanuel. God's solution for the world had come!

Today we commemorate this first Christmas

with celebrations and decorations in mass

often forgetting the reason

we celebrate this season.

We forget that God's solution

to the world's many problems

came that night as "God with us" or Immanuel

when Jesus comes into our heart to dwell.

"God with us" replaces the restlessness,

the searching to fill the emptiness,

to fill the void, to make us complete.

“God with us” is what our soul seeks.

* * * * *

December – a month of fa, la, la, la, la.

Of festive gatherings of those near and far.

With twinkling lights and decorated trees.

Of gifts that delight you and me.

Then suddenly Christmas is over

without a thought of whatever

is the reason

for the season.

Matthew records why Jesus came.

The reason is found in His names.

Jesus means the Lord saves.

Christmas Day that way was paved.

As promised long ago,

the name Immanuel

means God with us

when we simply trust.

His name Messiah means The Christ,

the Anointed One, despite the price

that would be paid on Calvary's tree

where Jesus died for you and me.

Died to save us from our sins

when we believe in Him.

So that's what Christmas is all about -

when the birth of Jesus came about.

God's Christmas gift to us

is His beloved son Jesus.

So this year when Christmas is over and done

can you say you made room for God's Son?

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud

to guide them on their way

and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light.

Exodus 13:21

The Lord will go before you,

the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

Isaiah 52:12

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

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