Tag: Christmas

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Give and Get More this Christmas Season

Give and Get More this Christmas Season

The holiday season is when most people spend and do a lot. From statistics and survey results, we know that this is a global trend. Summary data just from 8 countries covering a 10-year period revealed the top spot belonging to Canada with the U.S. taking second place.

December is the biggest month of shopping. People are buying stuff. People are getting stuff. People are going places. People are cleaning up, cooking up, setting-up parties, and more. It’s busy, busy, busy. It’s things, things, things. It’s activities, activities, activities. The Christian family (especially the parents) needs to be careful not to allow themselves to be molded into this kind of Christmas culture. Young ones need to grow with a proper understanding of the meaning of Christmas. They must grow with more meaningful experiences and memories of spending Christmas and New Year holidays.

So, how can we give and get more during the Christmas Season?

  1. Instead of buying for people, “do” more for them. Let help be your gift. That will be more memorable. Ask friends and family who are nearby (and those at home), “What can I do for you this Christmas?” and let that be your gift. Maybe mow someone’s lawn or do some laundry and clean-up. Babysit kids or pets so a couple can go out on an unhurried date.
  2. Prioritize meaning and purpose over price and aesthetics. Give better gifts. These don’t need to be expensive. People don’t need more mugs, shirts, or shoes. How about short meditational books that give spiritual benefit? How about worship music CDs? How about a simple cup of coffee and meaningful chat?
  3. Prioritize time together with your most important relationships. Parties and meetings will be everywhere but time with your spouse, kids, siblings, and parents are most important. You won’t be together forever. Build stronger relationships with them while you can. Put time towards improving primary relationships.
  4. Choose simple over effort-consuming plans. It’s nice to plan for Christmas activities. It’s nice to want the best time for your family. Many times though, preparations suck the life out of you. By the time you are able to sit down and eat, no one is in the mood. It’s because tempers were lost and levels of frustration are high. Someone was late. Some food wasn’t cooked enough (or cooked too much). Think how much better it would be to just have minimal cooking and more enjoyment. Save your energy. Save your focus and joy. Eliminate the unnecessary tasks and go straight down to the business of just enjoying time together.
  5. Worship and remain worshipful. Christmas is not a once-a-year thing. It happened once but it changed everything for you and me. He’s done great things for us and He’s still accomplishing great things for us, in us, and through us today. Include Him in the festivities. Make time to be still in His presence. Worship as a family. Worship in solitude.

Steer your heart and mind away from the current trend of materialism. Pursue intangible and more meaningful ways to celebrate the birth of Christ. That is how you give and get more this Christmas season.

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The Deeper Meaning of Advent Can’t Be Ignored

The Deeper Meaning of Advent Can't Be Ignored

Starry lights. Tangled tinsel. Glorious ornaments. Crowded malls and an Amazon hangover for sure. Welcome to the Christmas season as carols and favorite tunes are heard forevermore.

We have to dig deep to muddle through the crazies that could easily ensue. ‘Tis the season of Christmas…let’s not forget what it really is for.  

Today kicks-off the season of Advent. Take a moment to savor what it means. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the greatest arrival of all time.  God in person. Deity comes. The birth of Jesus reveals God’s plan.

I want to encourage you to linger on this truth. God has come to earth to save mankind, inviting you to know Him intimately. To think that God Almighty loves us so is beyond our comprehension.

God loves you on your worst day. He loves you when life gets messy. He loves you when all hope seems lost. He loves you when you stray. He loves you when you don’t deserve it…when you seek things other than Him. He loves you when you plot through life blas or emphatically insist that things go your way.

We serve a God whose love was so great that He made a way for us to know Him. He came to earth as a babe….JESUS is His name. He knows you deeply and personally. He knows everything about you.

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

He knows your deepest hurts and pains. Your sorrows and your worries. He knows the sin you try to hide, or wallow in at night. He sees and hears you all the time. There is no escaping. And in the midst of all of this, He came…He came so you would know Him.

And so, this Advent season I encourage you to get to know Jesus. Seek Him. Pursue Him. May you discover His realness.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Ps. 19:1

How do you prepare for Advent? What sets this season apart?

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Have We Got It All Wrong About Christmas?

3 Challenging Thoughts about Christmas

The story of Christmas is a good passage to meditate on at any time of the year; but yes, most especially around the Christmas season. Passages like Luke 2: 1-20 gives us insights about a lot of things. It actually challenges our way of life and thinking in a number of ways.

Christianity is not about recognition or fame.

Christ did not come as a celebrity. All throughout the Gospels we see a Christ, a Messiah who did not come for fame nor recognition. He was mostly low-key. He never showcased His power. He displayed it to perform miracles that directly served a purpose and met a need. This tells us that there is more to life than worldly achievements and preoccupations. Knowing this challenges us that as Christ was more interested in making a difference in the spiritual and internal conditions of man, so should we. Earthly responsibilities and obligations must be met. But we ought to make sure that doing Kingdom work is part of our regular routines.

Christianity is always inclusive.

The primary characters in the narrative were common people. Christ’s earthly parents were a carpenter and an ordinary girl who had average standing in society. Luke 2:24 mentions what Mary offered a pair of turtledoves at the temple. According to the law, that was what poor people presented for purification offerings. Christ was first welcomed by worshippers who were shepherds by profession; a class of workers looked down by society in those days. Later on, Christ would call mere fishermen to take part in his earthly ministry.

From these we gather that God wanted to affirm his all-inclusive love and plan of salvation for all. That He made connections and paid attention to the lowest “ranks” of society tells us that God excludes no one. 2 Peter 3:9 says He is never willing that any should perish but that all should come to know Christ as Savior of mankind. This challenges us to try to reach all sorts of people for Him. As God thought of all people so should we. Even the most unlovable person is loved by Him. Even the cruelest, evilest, most incorrigible person is loved by Him. Though we are unable to extend love as supremely as God does, we can love people enough to pray for salvation and enlightenment to dawn on their lives. In fact, the best way to get rid of your enemies is to pray for them to get saved and be changed by the saving and transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Christianity is always about giving.

God gave, God gives, and He will keep giving. His giving never stops. Our receiving will never end. All mankind are recipients of God’s benefits each and every day, whether people acknowledge and thank Him or not. It is God who gives us the ability and strength to perform tasks and accomplish things. (Deut. 8:18). It is God who blesses us with daily needs and sustenance. Our very need for the sun is supplied by Him. (Matthew 5:45). It is God who adds days to our lives. (Job 12:10). Knowing all these challenges us to try to be more giving in life and to afford grace to others even when they may not deserve it. When we nurture a giving heart, we become more understanding and more forgiving towards people. We become blessers instead of hoarders. We become content with what we have and become more purposeful with our spending. We become less selfish and less self-absorbed. We become more appreciative of life and people.

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Should I Do Yoga if I am a Christian?

Recently I’ve been on a spiritual journey that includes deep prayer, meditation, and mindfulness to help me to connect with God. At the same time, I’ve also been on the hunt for some low-impact stretching that could potentially help with chronic pain in a natural way.

Meditation and stretching. Put those two together and what do you get?

Yoga.

So, I’ve said I need to stretch. And I find that meditation brings me closer to God. These all naturally come together in the form of yoga. But, as a Christian, should I do yoga? Am I allowed? Will Jesus love me less?

Well, first, let’s see”¦what does the Bible say about the word “yoga”? Nothing. Zero. There’s no record of that word being used.

So now what do I do? Since the Bible doesn’t talk about yoga specifically, I have to use the brains God gave me to dig a bit deeper. Then I can determine how best to deal with this current cultural trend.

Let’s start with a few of the basics:

Yoga began as a spiritual disciple in Hindu which includes breath control, meditation, and static postures of the body. Some people who practice yoga are active Hindus or Buddhists. Many are not.
In the western world, yoga is a broad term that is often descriptive of people engaging in the physical body postures that encourage strength and stamina. Sometimes this is combined with meditation for mental strength, but not exclusively. Some yoga classes used sacred words such as “Om”, “Namaste”, and certain chants that hint to Buddhism and Hinduism. Other classes make no reference to the spiritual world at all and are simply a form of physical exercise. Yoga potures have Sanskrit names that have spiritual meanings. Many times these are replaced with English names that simply describe the form the body is taking. (For instance, “lotus” has become “criss-cross applesauce”.)

The word “yoga” in Sanskrit means “yoke” or “union with God”. God tells me to not worship another god, and I must obey.

So I know that yoga started as an ancient spiritual practice of another religion which should lead me to move forward with caution. But I also know that Jesus came to redeem all things.

Is it possible to engage in a moderated form of yoga that feeds our Christian souls, or should we avoid it altogether? Can we be aware of the potential pitfalls and dangers of the spiritual side of yoga and then practice it in a meaningful way with a Christian bent and attitude?

The famous American minister John Piper seems to think that we can’t. He says we should avoid yoga completely, citing it as antithetical to Christianity.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Piper has some good things to offer. But in this situation I tend to think that maybe he’s throwing the proverbial “baby out with the bathwater”.

Christians have often taken “secular” symbols or practices and re-stored them into something that is healthy and even God-glorifying. Take Christmas, for example. December 25, the day on which we now celebrate Jesus’ birth, was reclaimed from the pagans. That date was redeemed from a pagan holiday to a Christian celebration.

Jesus has come to redeem all things. Even pagan holidays. Possibly even stretching and meditation and breathing?

Over the ages, Christians have used wisdom and the discernment to choose what is right for them as individuals and as a Body of believers. To apply Jesus’ redemption to various non-Christian things.

“Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.” 1 Corinthians 10:23

So I need to decide if yoga could be beneficial (or detrimental) to me. In my case, I truly believe God has given me the wisdom and discernment to be able to stretch and strengthen my body without accidentally worshipping a false god. I even believe that I can meditate and breathe while I simultaneously reflect and contemplate how incredible God is. All without slipping into the devil’s snare.

But I am aware that this may not be the case for all people.

Personally, think that I can apply the idea of a “yoke” or “union with God” in yoga to my relationship with Christ. But that doesn’t mean I’ll just sign up for any yoga class that is offered. I need to be wise and first ask questions about how spiritual a class is before taking it. For my own purposes, I tend to learn at home with videos, so there’s not much of a risk of me getting caught in an awkward situation. If something gets a little weird, I can just turn it off.

Holy Yoga is a practice that is gaining traction, offering the grounding of the Gospel while reframing the positive aspects of yoga in a Christian way.

“Holy Yoga embraces the essential elements of yoga: breath work, meditation and physical postures. In all of these elements, Christ is the focus of our intention and worship.”

So as I‘m making a decision about yoga (or anything in my life!), I need to ask if it creates a risk of becoming a detriment to my walk with Jesus. If so, then I absolutely shouldn’t do it! But if yoga can be practiced in a way that is healthy to my body and mind, while drawing me closer to Christ with mindfulness and meditation, then is it possible that even John Piper can’t argue with that?

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“Britain should take pride in its Christian heritage” says Theresa May

Portrait of British Prime Minister Theresa May. Author Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. This file is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (OGL v.3).

The Prime Minister referred in her UK Christmas message to taking pride in Britain’s Christian heritage – in which  some considered a bold  statement for a politician in an increasingly secular and politically correct society in which Christianity is tolerated less in favour of other faiths. However,  Teresa has previously said there is “no way” Christianity will be marginalised in the UK while she is Prime Minister.

“In the face of unspeakable suffering, Christian  faith has provided solace where no other source of comfort could.”

The  UK prime minister paid tribute to the Churches Together initiative, an ecumenical organisation that brings together the vast majority of Christian denominations in Britain and  to the armed forces and emergency services. Mrs May mentioned that the response to terror attacks in Manchester and London earlier this year, and to the Grenfell Tower disaster, “inspired the nation” and  acknowledged that the action of the emergency services “saves lives every day, including on Christmas Day.”

Mrs May, whose father was an Anglican vicar and who is a regular churchgoer, has  already spoken of the influence of her Christian faith on multiple occasions, saying in an interview earlier this year that it “guides me in everything I do”.

“Theresa May was voted the Conservative party leader most like Jesus in a poll carried out by Christian radio station Premier.”

In her Christmas message Mrs May  added:

“As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us celebrate all those selfless acts – and countless others – that epitomise the values we share: Christian values of love, service and compassion that are lived out every day in our country by people of all faiths and none.”

“Let us take pride in our Christian heritage and the confidence it gives us to ensure that in Britain you can practice your faith free from question or fear.”

She also added: “Let us remember those around the world today who have been denied those freedoms – from Christians in some parts of the Middle East to the sickening persecution of the Rohingya Muslims.”

And let us reaffirm our determination to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to speak about and practice of their beliefs in peace and safety.”

Unlike last year, May made no mention of Brexit in the Christmas message.

In contrast, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s Christmas message made no mention of  Christianity or any other religion, but instead emphasised a message of ‘compassion’. Not surprising as Jeremy Corbyn’s has previously refused to discuss whether he holds any religious beliefs, probably in fear of losing votes.

In recent years the Church of England has reported relatively steady Christmas attendance figures of around 2.5 million across the country – more than three times the average total Sunday congregation. But for the vast majority, the festival has become purely secular.

Recent surveys suggest that persecution of Christians in the past few years has, on a global level, reached unprecedented levels. For Christians in the UK there is a sense of being a target: sometimes for aggression, but primarily for ridicule or simply bemusement by non-believers. Therefore, Theresa May’s words of encouragement are not only timely and most welcomed, but also come at the end of a year where  the British  government has proposed radical social policies that have caused major concern  throughout the  Christian community in England.

“May’s message  in one of  encouragement to practice  Christianity ‘free from question or fear.”

Teresa’s message also directly follows  the treasurer, Scott Morrison, message in which he recently  vowed to stand up to “mockery” and jokes about Christians.

We have seen this so often from Christians facing disciplinary action at work for sharing their faith and wearing crosses to businesses being sued and forced to close for refusing to serve openly gay people, to nativity plays being banned in schools for fear of offending other religions. Christians in the UK also raised concern over their freedoms to live out their faith with Lord Pearson leading the way suggesting that it would soon become a hate crime to proclaim Christianity.

Numerous street preachers  have also been  arrested throughout the year – yet all (eventually) had charges dropped against them.

“The paradox of a secular Christmas, perhaps, is that it is no less Christian for that.”

“Every year, the straws in the wind seem to come a little harder. Plummeting church attendance; ignorance of the most basic details of the Bible; advent calendars filled with chocolates or sex toys rather than illustrations of the nativity.” a nation newspaper reported.

However, the Church  has nothing  to worry about for if  we ask, if we seek and when we knock, God will answer, we will find and  God will open the door.

Secularists may take pride in having transcended the religious identities that prevail elsewhere — but they are no less Christendom’s heirs for that.

The paradox of a secular Christmas, perhaps, is that it is no less Christian for that as our secular society continues to  draws from the well of Christian tradition that is embedded in the frantic of British society.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

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How should a Christian view success?

How should a Christian view success?

The Christians definition of how we define “success” in a year usually falls alongside worldly goals. It’s easy to create New Year’s resolutions. They are the sum of all things that happened the previous year we didn’t do. It’s also the compilation of things we want to stop doing. It’s human to look at what is quantifiable. Here is usually how we evaluate a year in review:

  • We count how many “wins” we had during the year, not reviewing what we’ve learned from failures.
  • We define success on what we’re able to buy during the Christmas season, not current blessings.
  • We evaluate God’s response rather than his present provisions.

How do we break this?

It begins in the Spiritual realm. We have to retrain our minds to look at the bigger picture. It’s not what happened or didn’t happen, it’s where God has us, and his care and covering over us. It’s a difficult area of thought because our humanity wants to achieve our goals.  As Believers, it should always be the priority to live our lives to give God the glory. As we slowly exit another year, let’s focus on how we can do that:

  • Start your conversations with what God has done for you. Give thanks.
  • Gifts? List God’s blessings to you and your family.
  • How were you able to help others?
  • What happened that made God’s provision for your life more than words?

Keeping a Godly perspective is hard. Sharing that perspective is harder. The hardest thing to do at the end of the year is to reflect with a perception that doesn’t forget 2017 but gives God the glory for it. The Christian definition of success begins and ends with God.

 

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Yes, I Will Share Christmas Tree Photos, Gifts and All

There’s nothing wrong with that, right? Well it’s around this time I also see the following messages about materialism. Parents get chastised on Social Media about the number of gifts, the size of the gifts. They’re not teaching the ‘real meaning of Christmas’. I usually pose the question, “Your meaning of Christmas or the true meaning, Jesus Christ?”  It never gets the warm fuzzy response. It’s usually followed by the usual defense about Christians are wrong and hypocrites. There is a reason to why I share my photos of the entire Christmas scene in my home. I take my thinking from Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV):

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Every gift under my tree, and yours, is a representation of those good works. It’s a testament to how God has blessed you through the year to get to the point you’re at now. Readers won’t know about the job loss, the bills that didn’t get paid on time, when you came up short on the mortgage or rent. No, they don’t know that.  Those that know you will get it.  They will see what God has done for you and testify on your behalf without you even knowing it. That ripple affect changes those hearts that look at what’s under your tree.  Those that don’t believe will see what God can do when you hang in there. Those that believe get motivated by seeing God’s masterwork in your life.

Social Media Guidance for Sharing Christmas Tree Photos

  1. When you post your photo, post your testimony with that photo. Talk about what God has done for you and your family.
  2. Share how God has blessed you to be a blessing to others
  3. Remind people that while there are gifts under the tree because of God’s grace, Christmas is about the birth of Christ, period.
  4. Finish with a call of inspiration to those who are “going through it”. Remind them that Jesus has not forgotten them, and always responds on time.

Make your post a blessing to others. We’re here, now let’s go there.

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Seasonal Depression: Remembering God’s Provision

Seasonal Depression: Remembering God’s Provision

When we see those words, some of us may think about those persons who lost loved ones during the year. They’re facing the great task of celebrating the holidays without that person for the first time.  What I would like to do is help you rethink the term from a big picture perspective.

I have a friend that was dealing with unemployment during the holiday season. I have another friend that dealt with not having as much as he had hoped for the holiday season. This led to a depression that even they didn’t realize was happening. The stress of not having had become their evaluation of that year. Because they could not do what everyone else was doing, they drifted through the holiday season in a daze.  They were experiencing Seasonal Depression. It is the downward evaluation of your year in review. It’s what you feel when you look forward to the Christmas tree and the fear of having few gifts to wrap. It’s the evidence of goals met, or the evidence of how far behind you really are. That‘s in your mind. That’s what you’re thinking.

These are practical feelings going South quick. God has already presented words of comfort we can review.

Psalm 121 presents an active role for the Believer. It’s what I call a “Psalm on the move“. Here’s a breakdown:

  • V.1: There’s something Christians need to do, and we have to be confident in that action.
  • V.2-4: We should specify where that confidence come from, and remind people that he will never “go asleep on watch”.
  • V. 5-6: God is in control! He controls the day and the night! Why am I worried?
  • V. 7. God protects us externally and internally. It’s not about what you see all the time, but it’s about what you don’t see. The Holiday season is all about what you see. All the decorations, sales, and food of course. It hurts when you can’t participate at the level you want to participate. What I am challenging you to do this season is to let the Holy Spirit intervene. Don’t worry about what you don’t have and take it day by day, as Jesus tells us to pray (Matt.6: 9-13).
  • V.8: God tends to our daily operations. If we can remember that God is in control from the moment we get up to the time we lay back down, you’ll beat Season Depression. Ask yourself this question: How do you start your day? Am I starting my day from a Biblical worldview or do I turn on the TV first? (We all do this, relax.) Make it a discipline that before you start your day you talk to the Lord. Get your mind there  and the body will follow in health.

We all have goals. We’ll meet some and miss some. Life is going to happen. When it does, remember that though you may not be where you want to be, you’re further than what you were last year at this time. Broaden your perspective on Seasonal Depression and help protect yourselves and your loved ones from facing a season where we recognize the birth of Jesus Christ with stress.

You’re here. Let’s go there. We’re praying for you. Got a prayer request connected to Seasonal Depression Tell me about it.

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Tell Me the Story of Jesus: 7 Tips For An Effective Christmas Service

The Christmas season is a great time of year to have an impact for Christ in your local community!

Each year towards the end of the Fall school semester, I always enjoy having my music students play Christmas carols. As a general rule I have found that you are never to old or to young to enjoy this music. However, a  couple of years ago I had a student, who had never been to any type of Christmas service who  told me he had never heard  Away in the Manger…

I was shocked and grieved at the thought of anyone not knowing this simple and yet profound carol.  Because of this encounter I have become even more  convinced of our need for the Christmas service in our communities.  We had some great ideas and some not-so-great ideas, but here are a few hints to make your Christmas Eve nativity play an effective outreach for your community.

Charlotte and Clara as they wait for their big moment as angels in our Christmas Eve service. A couple of cuties no doubt
Charlotte and Clara as they wait for their big moment as angels in our Christmas Eve service. A couple of cuties no doubt

I have invited my good friend and colleague Ida Smith to join me with her thoughts. Ida has been successfully producing Christmas Eve services for over 50 years. When asked why she finds this work such a blessing  she replied:

“I believe that worship should involve as many people as possible. They always say, ‘Liturgy is the work of the people.’ I believe it! There are frequently hidden musical resources within your congregation and I enjoy finding the young instrumentalist, the treble soloist, or the farmer who loves to sing.”  and I whole heartedly amen these words…

#1. Get as many people involved as possible.  

The more people you have invested in the program, the more people you will have filling the seats. If you keep this in mind throughout the process, you will find that your Christmas service or program, whenever you decide to schedule it, will fill up to over flowing and be the best attended service  you have  all year. These services are not about perfection and often the most unpolished performance can shine with the greatest heart.

Ida  “include any child who is in the public school music program, or those who take private music lessons. Adults who have played in the past are often interested in worshiping  with their music. Don’t forget to see if there are any guitarists in your midst. Find these people in early fall, and invite them to be part of the Christmas worship.”

Ida Smith in her element in front of a well rehearsed ensemble. I love this woman's heart and she really is a hero in my eyes!
Ida Smith in her element in front of a well rehearsed ensemble. I love this woman’s heart and she really is a hero in my eyes!

#2. It is never too early or too late to start your preparations for your Christmas service.

I highly recommend however, that you begin thinking and planning in September. In fact, I find that my true Advent season is actually when the temps are toping 100s in July. That being said, the important thing is that you begin, and when you do, keep in mind that you can never have too much rehearsal.  There  will always be  several lost weeks due to unforeseen weather, sickness and just the normal “conflicts of interests” competing for your groups time.

 Ida: “Be in rehearsal mode by November First!”

#3. Plan a “Lessons and Carols” type service.

These are often the most meaningful and best types of services that can accommodate any size fellowship.

Ida “I find the most accessible Christmas Eve programs to be Services of Lessons and Carols. This kind of service can use very simple, but lovely carols. Small congregations would have difficulty in preparing a cantata, but can very nicely do a carol service.”

You will find  Lessons and Carols 101 here.   The nice thing about this kind of a service is that it connects the old testament passages with the birth narratives you find in the Gospels and you can easily mix traditional carols with more contemporary praise music. Variety is the key to appealing to the widest audience and keeping your program from lagging. Your goal is  to have something for everyone on your program.

#4. Plan for the photo opportunity.

Kids love dress up and nothing brings in the surrounding neighborhood like the chance to see their children dressed in costume on the stage. This can be as simple as a processional culminating around the nativity scene.  Dressing the children as angels, little sheep or children around the world are all themes that project a beautiful image along with a message that is memorable.

#5. Make a printed program.

A crowd pleaser as everyone loves to see their names on a program. These are the mementoes that people save and you can add  the scriptures  as a take home for later reference. This is a little extra trouble but the pay off is huge and well worth the effort. List everyone who was involved, from the performers to the dressmakers and cookie bakers. This then will save you from having to remember who to thank under the pressure of the night.

#6. Have a living Nativity.

This time honored tradition, began in the Middle Ages by St. Francis of Assisi, is one that never grows old. Look for a young couple within your congregation that may still be struggling to meet everyone and put them center stage for this part of the evening. They will never forget their special moment and the congregation will be universally blessed by their participation as a family.

Ida remembers last year: “We have recently added a limited live nativity, to be enjoyed as the congregation leaves. Our angel choir was joined by a few be-winged instrumentalists, as they sang for the Baby Jesus. Many pictures of Mary and the sweet infant were taken, and the donkey was petted by all. Christmas became warmer and quite wonderful, as we included even more people in the worship celebration.  

#7. Don’t forget the cookies!

What would  any event be with out the opportunity to linger around a rich assortment of Christmas treats. Again this is your chance to enlist the help of those who are more afraid of the spotlight but still would like to be a part of the production. Consider the possibility of providing some kind of goodie bag for each child to find, with their name written on it, under the tree.

These are just a few ideas that I have learned over the years provide for a memorable and time honored occasion.

My friend Stefanie who has participated in Ida’s programs says:

“Christmas Eve services are the highlight of our year. We love the festive music, the candles, the food, the fellowship. Reliving the nativity, with the children playing the parts is magical.”      

May God’s peace be with you as you prepare for this Christmas season.

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The Holy Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Future

The Holy Spirit played an integral role in the birth of Jesus Christ. The Gospels tell us that Mary became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matt 1:18, 20; Luke 1:35).

The significance of the Spirit in Jesus miraculous conception isn’t just that Jesus was born of a Virgin, as true as that may be. As theologian Steve Studebaker explains, the Spirit enables the incarnation as the “Spirit creates, sanctifies, and unites the divine Son with the humanity of Jesus Christ.”

The role of the Spirit in Jesus’ conception is also significant because it also points to the fact that Jesus is Israel’s Messiah.

Anointed by the Spirit

When we read that Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit played a dominant role throughout Jesus’ ministry. And this is, in part, what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah.

To be clear, being the incarnate Word of God does not make Jesus the Messiah—the Spirit does.

The Greek word Christ and Hebrew word Messiah both mean “the anointed one.” And in the Old Testament, the Israelites expected that the Messiah would be anointed with the Spirit.

When Jesus started his ministry, he was filled with the Spirit at his baptism. Afterward, he affirms Isaiah’s prophecy that “the Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor” (Luke 4:18).

As the Messiah (the anointed one), Jesus ministered “filled with the Holy Spirit’s power” (Luke 4:14). And long before his public ministry, we are reminded of this fact in Jesus conception.

Jesus Identity and Our Identity

The biblical stories of Jesus birth aren’t there just to tell us about how Jesus happened to come into the world. They are there to remind us of Jesus identity. As the angels told the shepherds, Jesus was not just any baby; he is “the Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

“The Spirit is central to both who Christ is and what he did.” The Spirit enabled the incarnation of the Son of God, and the Spirit-empowered Messiah came to bring redemption to the Israelites, and even for the whole world.

Likewise, the Spirit is central to both Christian identity and action. The Spirit gives believers new life, making them children of God. And the Spirit anoints Christians to continue in the Spirit-empowered ministry of Jesus.

May we be found faithful as we move forward into 2018.

 

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Aussie Night Before Christmas

Aussie Night Before Christmas

It’s great to have you mob  (crowd) here today. Being an Aussie (Australian) I thought you might like to hear my Aussie Outback version of a Night before Christmas.

You’ll hear a bit of Aussie Lingo  here this arvo  (Australian language here this afternoon).

So let’s get a bushmen’s barbie  going here (outback barbecue), with a Billy  boiling on the campfire (Can for making tea)

You’ll hear a bit of Aussie Lingo  (Australian language).

I want to tell you a story around the campfire about the Nativity. Imagine what it would have been like if Jesus was born in outback Australia.  

Jesus, of course, was born in Bethlehem, not in the Never-Never (Outback Australia)

So our story is a bit of a furphy  (a made up story) but only concerning the place, not the actual events. The events are all dinki-di  from the Bible (The real story of these events are found in the Bible and are all true).

I won’t earbash  you no more (I won’t talk a lot), so lets shake–a–leg (Let’s get on with it).

AN AUSSIE OUTBACK NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

IT WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS; THERE WASN’T A SOUND. NOT A POSSUM WAS STIRRING IN BETHLEHEM’S TOWN. THE INN KEEPER’S TABLE HAD TUCKER AND BEER. BUT OUT IN THE STABLE, MARY’S BABY WAS NEAR; IF IT HAPPENED IN OUTBACK AUSTRALIA TODAY ON A HOMESTEAD UP NORTH, AND SO FAR AWAY WITH GOANNAS AND EMUS AND RED DIRT AND DUST WHERE CARS AND MACHINERY ARE COVERED IN RUST WHERE CROCODILES SNAP AND DEADLY SNAKES HISS I’VE GOT A FEELING IT MIGHT LOOK LIKE THIS”¦ ON A HOT CHRISTMAS EVE, WE’D BE SAFE IN OUR BEDS, WHILE DREAMS OF PAVLOVA DANCE ROUND IN OUR HEADS; MUM IN HER NIGHTIE, AND DAD IN HIS SHORTS, WOULD HAVE JUST SETTLED DOWN TO WATCH TV SPORTS, AS THE KANGAROOS GATHER OUT ON THE PLAIN AND A KOOKABURRA LAUGHS IN THE GUM TREE AGAIN THE RED DOG STOPS BARKING. THE SKY’S PINK AND BLUE WE CAN HEAR DISTANT SOUNDS OF A DIDGERIDOO THEN UP IN THE NIGHT’S SKY A STAR SHINES SO BRIGHT; LOUD VOICES OF PRAISE WAKE US UP WITH A FRIGHT. WE RUN TO THE SCREEN DOOR, PEEK CAUTIOUSLY OUT, SNEEK ONTO THE DECK, TO FIND WHAT IT’S ABOUT. GUESS WHAT HAD WOKEN US UP FROM OUR SNOOZE, BUT A WHOLE HOST OF ANGELS DECLARING GOOD NEWS. AND ONE OF THEM STANDING ABOVE A GUM TREE, SAID THE SAVIOUR WAS BORN AND TOLD US WHERE HE WOULD BE. NOW, I’M TELLING THE TRUTH. IT’S ALL DINKI-DI. THOSE HEAVENLY ANGELS FILLED UP THE SKY. ONE LOOKED AT US KIDS, HIS WINGS WERE LIKE FLAMES, AND HE SPOKE TO US ALL AND CALLED OUT OUR NAMES. NOW, DAVO, NOW BAZZA, NOW, KYLIE AND SHANE! ON MAGGIE! ON SHAZZA! ON, STEVO AND WAYNE! GO TO THE KITCHEN, GRAB A QUICK DRINK, SCOOT DOWN TO THE BARN AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK!’ SO DOWN TO THE BARN IN THE OLD RUSTY UTE WITH HEARTS FULL OF WONDER, ALL OF US SCOOT, WE PARK BY A GUMTREE AND JUMP TO THE GROUND, THEN IN, THROUGH THE WINDOW, WE ALL LOOK AROUND. THERE WERE DROVERS AND SHEARERS, A MAN WITH A BEARD. AND HIS WIFE HAD A BABY WHOM THE WORKMEN REVERED; THEY WORE SINGLETS AND SHORTS, BECAUSE OF THE HEAT. THEY TOOK OFF THEIR HATS AND BOWED AT HIS FEET THE BABY AWOKE AND HIS EYES SIMPLY SHONE! BORN OF A VIRGIN, GOD’S ONLY SON! THREE SWAGMEN ARRIVED FROM FAR EAST OF THE STATION THEY’D BEEN SEARCHING ALL DAY FOR THE KING OF SALVATION A SWAG FULL OF PREZZIES THEY FLUNG FROM THEIR BACKS, AND WITH EVERYONE LOOKING THEY UNDID THEIR PACKS. THEY SPOKE NOT A WORD, BUT BENT DOWN ON ONE KNEE, AND PRESENTED THEIR GOODIES AND GIFTS. THERE WERE THREE”¦ ONE BROUGHT GOLD NUGGETS, A GIFT FOR A KING AND ONE BROUGHT HIM FRANKINCENSE, A STRANGE GIFT TO BRING AND THEN THERE WAS MYRRH FROM THE LAST ONE TO COME, WHEN HE SAW US HE WINKED AND HE HELD UP HIS THUMB; THEN THE ANGELS APPEARED CLEAR OUT OF THE BLUE; FLUNG OUT THEIR WINGS AND PREPARED TO SHOOT THROUGH. THEY BELLOWED OUT LOUD AS THEY SWOOPED PAST THE GATES – ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND GOOD-ON-YA, MATES!’

© by Ross Cochrane

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10 True Love Stories

The definition of love in the British and World English in Oxford dictionary states that LOVE is “A strong feeling of affection: babies fill parents with intense feelings of love their love for their country”.

However has love left you confused?

There are a few things most people say love isn’t. Some people say isn’t a feeling. Some people say that although real love is often accompanied by strong feelings, love does not equate with the sense of floating on clouds unlike the type of love that movies, television, and songs portray. Some people say that  friendships and relationships wouldn’t last long on emotions alone. In fact, most academics  say that knowledge is the basis of a healthy relationship.

However what does the bible say about love?

This verse certainly describes the characteristics of true #love.

“Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind. It Does Not Envy, It Does Not Boast, It Is Not Proud. It Is Not Rude, It Is Not Self-Seeking, It Is Not Easily Angered, It Keeps No Record of Wrongs. Love Does Not Delight in Evil but Rejoices with the Truth. It Always Protects, Always Trusts, Always Hopes, Always Perseveres. Love Never Fails.” —  I Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

These qualities can most definitely  be found in #Jesus  #Christ, and should perhaps exist in all truly loving relationships.

Included below are some  of the sweetest and most heart touching #loving photos posted on #Godinterest  so far  during this  festive season.

A Soldier Meets His #Baby for the First Time.  the Bond Between Parent and Child Is One of the Strongest Connections in Nature.

We  Love Seeing Old Couples. It Gives Us  Hope That Can  Stand the Tests of Time. “Young Love Is a Flame; Very Pretty, Often Very Hot and Fierce, but Still Only Light and Flickering. The Love of the Older and Disciplined Heart Is as Coals, Deep-Burning, Unquenchable”. – Henry Ward Beecher

Forever Love in Cuba by RHahn

Gereational Thinking Means Thinking Beyond Yourself. Knowing That Every Action, Belief, Conviction You Settle for Now, Will Have a Definite Impact on the next Generation. This Is Such a Great Theme…

Jesus Replied, This Is the Work (Service) That Asks of You: That You Believe in the One Whom He Has Sent [That You Cleave to, Trust, Rely on, and Have Faith in His Messenger]. (’­John’¬ ’­6’¬:’­29’¬).

So Jesus Can Relate to Suffering and Pain. In Fact, His Essential Purpose in Leaving His Kingship in Heaven and Condescending to Take Mortal Form Was to Suffer. And It Started with His Birth.

 

Homeless and Impoverished Children Living in New Delhi, #India, Receive a Free Education from Two Volunteer Teachers.

 

Greg Cook Hugs His Dog Coco After Finding Her Inside His Destroyed Home in Alabama Following the Tornado in March, 2012.

You’re Never Too Young to Start Praying! Are  We Right? The Truth Is, We All Need a Moment with God, Whether It’s to Thank Him, Praise Him or Ask Him for a Little.

The scripture is God’s love letter to mankind, the most amazing Valentine card ever written and in its pages is the description of the ultimate act of love and sacrifice and also, Gods blueprints for true love and true romance.

And Now These Three Remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the Greatest of These Is .And now these three remain: faith, hope and  #love.

So what is your love made of, surface romance or real romance rooted in unselfish sacrifice? Is it about all you want to get from someone else, or all you want to give?

 

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