THE CHORUS

 

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In Greek theater, the chorus was the part of the cast which moved the story along.  They were the “voice” of the drama, and  spoke or sang in unison so their message had to be clear and understandable.

In God’s Nativity story we hear about a multitude of heavenly hosts.  This was most likely a cast of thousands or even more.  Each voice was perfect and clear as a bell.  There was no question as to what the message was.  We don’t know if they were singing, because the Bible says they were praising God and saying –  but usually praise involves lifting your voice in song.

These angels had to be thrilled at what was taking place.  They were there at the beginning, when their brother Lucifer chose to think he was better than the rest of them and his Creator – and decided to branch out on his own.  He  was kicked out of heaven and destined to a life of misery that would last forever.

At that time, God promised His people that a Savior would come to take away the evil that had infiltrated His world.  It was quite a while before that happened, so I’m certain the angels were happy beyond belief when it finally did.

I’m fortunate to be part of a church that has an amazing choir.  The voices are perfectly blended and create wonderful sounds.  Can you imagine the sound of an angelic choir?  We’ve never heard the likes of it in our lives – but the day is coming when He will appear again and the voices of those angels will sing once more.  Come soon, Lord, Jesus!

There were thousands, maybe millions, singing praise to God on high.

Every voice was clear and perfect, as they gave their royal cry.

We, like those holy angels, sing of peace on earth to men,

And wait like little children ’til our Savior comes again.

KATHY BOECHER©

 

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CAMEO APPEARANCE

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A cameo appearance is usually reserved for someone who has already made their mark.  In this case, Gabriel, the Archangel had appeared in Old Testament times to Daniel and Ezekiel, but now was his greatest hour.  He was referred to as the “messenger” angel and boy did he have a great message.

Things were not going well for the Jews. They continued to live in bondage, this time to a super power -the Roman Empire.  Many of them had been taxed to the hilt and the promise of a Messiah seemed remote to them.  They had pretty much given up.

Things are much like that for us as well.  We don’t live in bondage, but we see signs of evil all around us – man’s inhumanity to man – irresponsible behavior – not following the law – wars and rumors of war – massive destruction through weather and other natural events.  The news is full of tragedy and destruction every day.  Rarely do we hear anything heartwarming.

We know that our Messiah is coming back.  We don’t know when, but we can count on it. Many of us can’t wait to get to heaven.  Many of us aren’t ready to leave this world.  Many think this is as good as it gets.  God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth and God always keeps His promises.  We can count on it.

It’s time for some good news for a change – tidings of great joy!

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GOOD TIDINGS

Within the manger we can see –  good tidings from our God.

In meekness and humility – the angels now applaud.

Sweet Jesus, God’s own Son – in human form we see.

This little child would save the world from all iniquity.

KATHY BOECHER

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WAITING FOR THE KING

Shepherds fending off their sleep, while they tended all their sheep.

Suddenly were startled by the hosts of angels in the sky.

“Do not fear,” was said to them – “We bring good news and peace to men.”

They followed God’s bright star above – and came to see their God of love.

In lowly manger there He lay, upon a scratchy mound of hay.

This King of glory promised long, had come to earth to right our wrong.

Again we wait for Him to come to take us to our heavenly home.

May we be ready for that day, pressing on where angels pray.

 

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OPEN THE DOOR

So many times we turn away a stranger. we push them out and never let them in.

Yet one so small lay in a lowly manger, so He could touch our  stone-like hearts of sin.

He came in poverty to wash away our sins. He lived that way so  we’d have wealth unknown.

When we push Him out you know the devil wins.  We simply cannot get through life alone.

So open up your heart to Him today.  Our Jesus wants to make His home right there.

He loves us even when we turn away.  He cares for us and answers every prayer.

KATHY BOECHER©

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CHRISTMAS PAGEANTRY

You didn’t miss a cue – you considered every part.

You set the stage with characters that touched the very heart.

You put it all in action.  You even wrote the script.

You blocked it out and staged it, so man can’t contradict.

We each have starring roles in the drama of this life.

In birth you showed your love for us –  your passion in your strife.

KATHY BOECHER

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THE UNDERSTUDY

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An understudy is defined as an actor who studies a part to replace the usual actor if necessary.  In the story of the Nativity – Joseph is the understudy.  He took the place of the Heavenly Father and acted as stepfather of Jesus through His early life. 

We aren’t told much about him, except that he was a righteous man and followed directions to the letter.  When he discovers the condition of his soon to be bride, he doesn’t run away or give up on her.  Instead of subjecting her to disgrace – not to mention the possibility of a death by stoning – he decides to break the engagement quietly.  It’s then that we see the kind of man God has chosen to be the earthly father of His Son.

Joseph has undoubtedly been anguishing over what to do.  He knows he wasn’t responsible for Mary’s pregnancy – he wonders about her faithfulness – he wants to do what’s right and yet his heart has been torn to pieces.  He’s exhausted by confusion, anxiety and depression so he escapes into sleep.

Enter Gabriel – the messenger angel who has been making his voice heard a lot lately.   He tells Joseph not to be afraid.  What an opening line!  Here you are standing in front of a holy angel and he tells you not to be afraid.  Joseph seems to be calmed by these words, for he doesn’t say a word – he simply listens.  Gabriel tells him that the child Mary has conceived is from God and Joseph has been chosen to stand in for Him – so to speak – and raise Him as his own adopted Son.

Joseph had the answer he needed to move ahead with his marriage plans and  father Mary’s unborn Son.  He also showed great leadership in his role as father, by being the one who guided his stepson’s earthly path in the ways of His Heavenly Father.

It’s not easy being an understudy.   You have to do everything the main character does, but you rarely get a chance to put your work into action.  God gave Joseph this special opportunity to take the stage for a brief time so that His will would be done.

Lord, give me a faith like Joseph’s – receiving what you have in store for me with quiet acceptance.  Let me be still and know that you are God.   Amen!

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A POWERFUL TYRANT

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Picture this – a man who thinks nothing of building a kingdom for himself, built on the lives of others.  A sinister character with total power as his constant driving force.  He has no morals – no ethics – no value for human life – extreme political savvy and knows all the right buttons to push to achieve an end result that will benefit him alone.  Hmm, sounds like many of our current leaders, but this one lived over 2000 years ago.  His name was Herod, the great.

This guy was a real winner.  He used his talent as a manipulator to maintain his status with the Roman empire along with being able to rule a country of people that despised him for over 30 years.  He stopped at nothing to advance his political career, but along with obtaining great power, he became obsessed with the fear that others were trying to usurp him.  He killed three of his own sons and seven other of his close relatives.  He even had his Jewish wife murdered, because he thought she had been unfaithful to him.

Herod was also known for his great talent as an architect and builder.  He is responsible for the building of a temple for the Jews – a system of aqueducts – many impressive structures and the remarkable mountain fortress at Masada.  All of these projects required money, so the Jews were heavily taxed.

This, along with the fact that Herod wasn’t a Jew, but a descendant of Esau, made him extremely unpopular with the citizens of Jerusalem.

However, this unlikely character in the Nativity story was an important piece of the puzzle. Every great plot has a villain and Herod fit the bill perfectly.  He was the one who set the wheels in motion for more taxes – a census – and finally the massacre of thousands of innocent children in search of the Christ child, whom he thought was out to take over his throne.

Dear, God, in your wisdom you’ve determined a time and place for everything.  You are the ultimate architect, who designs our destiny.  It is because of your plan that our salvation was set in place and you used the most unlikely characters to carry out that plan.  Thank you for working everything together for our good.  Amen

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Arms Raised

Arms raised, reaching up to heaven.
Pleading for forgiveness,
Longing for deliverance.
Eyes surveying heaven’s darkest recesses.
Mind in turmoil, pain and agony.
Out of the depths I cry to you, oh, Lord.
Release me from the sin that clings to me.
The weight of the transgressions rests on heavy shoulders.
The sting of death pierces his side.
He dies taking every sin to the grave.
Death is swallowed in victory.
He lives again and beckons from above
To come to his warm, welcoming arms of love.

Kathy Boecher

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Prophecy Fulfilled

The prophets had foretold it in ancient days gone by –
How God made flesh would come to us and for our sins would die.
A virgin would conceive Him, so God and man He’d be.
In Bethlehem she bore Him in deep humility.

He left His throne in heaven – became a baby small.
Angels would sing His praises above that lowly stall.
The Son of God and David’s seed lay still upon the hay.
This lowly child would reign again on resurrection day.

Kathy Boecher

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THE PROPHET HAS FORETOLD . . .

 

Yesterday the Prophesy candle was lit on the Advent wreath.  If you have young children or and want to do something special as a family devotion, it would be so rewarding to share some of the ancient prophesies concerning Jesus and how they were fulfilled in the New Testament.  Here are just a few of them regarding His birth:

  • Born in Bethlehem.  Micah 5:2.
  • He would be called out of Egypt – Hosea 11:1 Jesus family fled Bethlehem to Egypt after His birth.
  • Born of the seed of Abraham – Isaiah 12:3.
  • Royal lineage of David – follow the family tree.  2 Samuel 7-12-13.
  • Born of a virgin and called Immanuel -Isaiah 7:14.
  • A messenger from out of the wilderness would precede Him and call people to Jesus. Isaiah 40:3-5.

There are enough prophesies written in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the new to cover all the days of Advent.  Maybe it’s time to start a new tradition in your home this year. These words were written centuries before His humble birth in Bethlehem.  They’re our  evidence of His existence and the saving work that has been accomplished through Him alone.

Our God is an awesome God.  He leaves nothing to chance.  He supports what He has done through His written Word, the Bible.  The prophecies concerning His life give us hope for our own future – not only here on earth, but also in eternity.  What a lovely gift to pass on to future generations.

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My Identity

I am but a speck – a dot – an insignificant piece of the puzzle.
My presence on this planet is nothing in comparison to others
I will be remembered for no great accomplishments in the world’s eyes –
no wondrous deeds of charity towards my fellow man.
My life, though inconsequential, holds value beyond compare.
My riches consist of God’s everlasting love – Jesus’ forgiveness and
The presence of the Holy Spirit within my heart. I would say I have it all.

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MY GOD AND KING

You are my only King, sweet Jesus, meek and small.

You came in deep humility to help me to stand tall.

You lift me up, dear, Lord – you lead me in your way

And now I praise your holy name on this your sabbath day.

Prepare my heart for you. Make me your servant, Lord.

Give confidence to this old heart and teach me through your Word.

You give new life to me. You wash me white as snow.

Now let me sing your praises, Lord. So others may you know.

Kathy Boecher

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MAKE WAY FOR THE KING

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The word Advent is from the Latin words Ad venite – literally means the coming of some one or some thing extremely important.  In Christianity it is the beginning of the season of celebration for the coming of the Lord, Jesus.  It is the official start of the Christmas season and like Lent is a time of preparation and repentance.

There are many traditions associated with this season – including the Advent wreath – which you may see in church today.  One of the four outside candles will be lit during each of the weeks leading up to Christmas.  The purple candles symbolize hope, peace and love and the pink represents joy.  The candle in the center symbolizes Jesus and His purity.

The wreath itself had its beginnings in northern Europe, where there was an absence of sunlight (just like in Minnesota) and candles were used to brighten a room.  Pines were significant because they, along with the circle shape of the wreath, symbolize eternal life.

The Advent wreath is another of those traditions associated with Christmas, but one that has some meaning.  Each week these candles are lit and are associated with some important event leading up to birth of Jesus.

We have become so busy preparing, that sometimes we forget what we’re getting ready for.  It isn’t about presents – decorations – baking – hurrying here and there.

In the busy weeks ahead, let’s take time to go back to some of these early traditions and use them as a teaching tool for our children so they can learn the true meaning of the Christmas season.  It is a time of getting ready – preparing for the most important event ever to happen to humanity – making way for our King, Jesus.

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Thy will – Not Mine

There are still mountains to climb – trails to forge –
goals to be accomplished.

So much to do before the earth consumes my flesh
and I return to it.

Where was this fire, this desire and zeal to serve the Lord
in my youth?

Why did I wait so long to realize the urgency of Jesus’
Great Commission?

Who do I think I am to undertake this overwhelming task?

I have no words – no works – nothing to offer in gratitude.
All that I possess and am is because of what He’s done for me.

Lord, you’re the only one who knows how I can be used for your benefit.
I commit myself to your loving hands and am confident that you will provide
What is needed to accomplish your will. I know it will be done with or
without my interference. Amen,

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WHITER THAN SNOW

Moon beams sift through pines on fallen snow.

Light sufficient to find the way back home.

A heavy load weighs on resistant ice below.

Weight of the world upon that glistening dome.

The tree of life stands firmly in its place.

It will not move in any time or space.

For God so loved this world He would not spare

The One who came to us – His love to share.

To melt the ice of frozen hearts in sin.

Renewed, refreshed and washed by Him within.

Kathy Boecher

 

 

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SETTLE DOWN AND ENJOY THE SEASON

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Today, many Americans will hit the stores in search of amazing “bargains.”  Many will have completed their Christmas shopping in one day.  Many will get into fist fights over those same deals or tear their hair out if they’re too late.  Some will give up entirely and stay home to make their purchases online.

I’m not condemning or condoning this behavior.  I’m all for getting a good deal, but I think we often become so consumed with getting more bang for our buck than we do for the real reason for this beautiful season.

We have just completed giving thanks for all our blessings.  We have praised our Lord for His bounty.  It seems that we should continue that feeling throughout the entire Advent and Christmas season and on into the new year.

Today might be the perfect opportunity to sit down and talk to your children about God’s greatest gift to the entire world.  You might share some of your family traditions with them so they can carry them on with their children some day.  Talk about why we place a Christmas tree in our homes – or what is the symbolism behind a holiday wreath.  Explain why we place a nativity set on our mantle and maybe even read the story of the first Christmas from God’s Word.

The gift of Christmas is one we don’t have to fight to get.  We don’t have to stand in line for it or get tangled up in overwhelming crowds.  Not only that – its absolutely free!  It’s given by our loving heavenly Father to those who see their need for it and simply ask for it.  Now that’s what I call a deal!

 
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LORD OF THE HARVEST

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How can I thank you, Lord, for all you’ve done for me?

Your perfect love surrounds me and sets my spirit free.

You’ve taken all my sins away. You cleanse my heart both night and day.

I come without one plea.

Before You I can stand – perfected by your Son.

You’ve molded me like clay. Like gold I have become.

The devil can no more defeat. I face to face will You soon meet.

Through all that You have done.

Kathy Boecher

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GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD!

th2X7RGMNPAs pies bubble in our ovens and all sorts of treats are prepared for the big feast – we join in thanksgiving for the bounty in our lives.  We may even bring a meal to someone in need or take items to a food shelf.  What we often forget to do is thank God for His most important gift to us – Salvation through His Son, Jesus.

After dinner is finished, some will face the flat screen TV for a day of football while others head off to shop for the best early deals on Christmas gifts.

Many will never experience a great feast.  Many will find it difficult to keep warm because they have no place to live or no coat to wear.  Some will eat to excess but still not be full.

God is with us in good times and bad.  He promises never to leave us.  Even if we have only a small crust of bread to eat – give thanks.  If our jobs are at stake – if we are suffering from depression – if it seems that there is no hope – give thanks.  When our bank account is full – when our health is great – when life holds promise – give thanks.

No matter what our circumstances, we should at all times give thanks to the Lord.  He never changes.  His promises are always kept.  He loves us even though we don’t deserve it.  Wherever – whenever – give thanks to the Lord – His love endures forever!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Kathy Boecher

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FLAMES OF PROTEST

Burning in the night – a blazing image of protest.

Flames lick the sky as people chant and cry.

Voices screaming for vengeance – hearts broken.

A life lost – another saved – an angry crowd.

God tells us that vengeance is His.

Will we never learn?

KATHY BOECHER

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