UNDESERVED MIRACLES . . .

Posted on December 18, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

In Bible times, miracles were nothing new. The entire story of creation was nothing short of a miracle from God. Moses led the children of Israel out of bondage by the strength of God’s miraculous deeds. Jesus showed His divine nature when he performed miracles during the time of His ministry on earth. Today, we see miracles too. They may not be as fantastic as those written in the scriptures, but they’re just as meaningful. We can find them every day if we just look for them.

My husband and I had just turned fifty.  His business had grown in size and was maintaining a certain level of success.  So much so, that our accountant advised us to sell our current house and buy a new one so we could deduct more interest on our taxes.  It was our dream home. We celebrated our 25th anniversary, planned our oldest daughter’s wedding, watched with tears as she left the nest and were about to see our then 21-year-old son move into a sort of animal house filled with young men.  Our youngest would graduate from high school would leave home soon.

We were living in a house that we’d soon be rattling around in by ourselves.  We still held the mortgage on our old house, which didn’t sell for another year.  Making two house payments wasn’t a problem at the time, but then the bottom fell out. The business had to close its doors because of a failing economy.  Everyone was cutting back on advertising. We were forced into bankruptcy as the bank called in the business loan.  Our world suddenly caved.  We were left with an almost empty house that we couldn’t afford, which would eventually be foreclosed upon.  The house went up for sale and didn’t sell until the last minute when the realtor bought it for the balance due.

For many folks these circumstances could be devastating and to say we didn’t go through some depression would be an all-out lie.  My husband kept a journal, which read much like the Psalms of David, groaning for God’s intercession.  We had no income – only one car which was paid for – a closet full of nice clothes and Christmas was coming.  For us it seems like the most amazing miracles occur at this time of year.

Still, it was Christmas and the time of the most amazing miracles of all times – an undeserved miracle – a gift directly from God.  His Son, born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Ghost to atone for the sins of all the world.  We didn’t deserve God’s grace, yet because of a love we will never understand, He took our place to pay for our sins.

It was getting down to the wire.  We’d spent the past year doing odd jobs so we could survive. We also received help from friends and our church. A full-time position opened up for Paul, but it was too late. We still had to find a place to live. Out of the blue, a friend and former business associate offered us a house to buy on a land contract.  We would not have to qualify for a loan.  During that year of restructuring our lives, the Lord gave us opportunities to explore the things we truly loved doing.  I began teaching drama classes and Paul got back into sculpting wood, which would eventually lead to the start of another fruitful business.

Once again, God had our backs.  Not by anything we did to deserve it.  Simply because of his amazing love.  Through this ugly time, He’d remained steadfast, consistent and compassionate.  We grew closer to Him and each other as well.

“He who learns must suffer. And even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God.”     Aeschylus

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UNEXPLAINED MIRACLES

Posted on December 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It was a bleak December.  Snow covered the ground, but had been soiled by the salt on the road.  The skies held ominous clouds.  Another storm was on the horizon.  In my heart, December had always been a time of anticipation, but this year was different.

My husband spent his evenings in the basement, making a rocking horse for our daughter.  He also made an assortment of animals and cars for our son.  I’d been up in the wee hours of the morning, sewing clothes for them to wear on Christmas.  And now the snow was ready to burst through the clouds, making even the short trek to church difficult.

We were a young family just starting out.  Our children were age four and two.  We’d just purchased our first home, with help for the down payment from my husband’s grandma.  One income – a house in need of repair – two kids excited for Christmas – a bleak economy and barely enough in the bank to make the payments.

I poured myself another cup of coffee.  Woke my husband to get ready for work, dressed the kids and took a deep breath.  My prayer life at that time was less than active.  I blamed the busyness of motherhood for that.  God knew what I needed anyway, so why pray?  Besides it seemed selfish to pray for material things.

That morning, as the children played together and my husband left for work, I remembered Christmases of my own childhood – waiting until Christmas Eve to start trimming the tree, because dad said he could get a good deal on the last one in the lot.  I thought about cutting out cookies with my sister and mom and being covered up to our elbows in flour and sparkling sugar.  I pictured the Christmas Eve Service when we would don our new clothes and shoes and stand in front of the whole congregation, singing the story of Jesus’ birth.  Then we’d be handed a bag of hard candy, peanuts and fruit. I honestly don’t remember a single present I got during those years.  It was more about the kindness and joy of those around us.

There was a mortgage to pay.  We lived a couple hundred miles from our parents and couldn’t afford a trip back home. In the midst of  feeling sorry for myself, I asked God to make some wonderful memories for my children this Christmas.  I wanted them to feel the joy of the season and know how important it was to celebrate our Savior’s birth.  I wanted them to feel God’s presence in their life.  I wanted – I – I – I.  I was pouring out my own needs rather than those of my family.

That evening, as we sat down to dinner, my husband announced that he got a bonus that day.  Only two weeks prior, the boss told everyone there would be no bonuses. There was more good news.  A co-worker, who had a cattle ranch, left a package on the hood of Paul’s car. It contained enough frozen meat to keep us fed for half a year.  Talk about miracles.

As we prayed for our meal that night, we thanked God for His blessing on our little family.  He indeed does answer prayer and He does so in miraculous ways.

“How quickly we forget God’s great deliverances in our lives. How easily we take for granted the miracles he performed in our past.”  David Wilkerson

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CHRISTMAS OVERLOAD . . .

Posted on December 16, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

This time of the year is packed with a complete bag of mixed emotions.  We can be up one minute and down the next. In all the rush and anticipation, we find ourselves with not enough time, money or ability to process all that’s happening.  Add to that, the madness occurring in our world and we have a plethora of emotions vying for our attention.

We spend weeks in preparation and it’s all over within a day or two.  This most celebrated time of the year is here and gone in no time.  Visitors come from far off places or nearby.  The excitement builds as children open packages and wonderful food is served.  Beautiful music inspires – old movies make us laugh and cry – memories of Christmases gone before are remembered.  Then, without a beat of the heart, it’s over.  Loved ones return to their homes and lives.  Routine sets in. The joy of the season is wrapped up for another year and suddenly we’re faced with empty homes –  Christmas bills – a dwindling bank account and new memories that will soon be forgotten. 

Once the celebration is over, kids will return to school, university or their homes far away.  Those who were unable to be part of the busyness will feel somewhat cheated and saddened. Those of us in our golden years will see the joy of a family who has come together in order to make our waning years more bearable.  We think of the past and wonder how much longer we will be part of these celebrations.  Age is a fact of life.  We know each Christmas is a gift just as we accept the fact that our children are also a blessing from God.  As my husband and I are into our eighties, our thoughts turn more and more to heaven and we might even feel guilty about that.

Emotions can be like a time bomb running against the clock before the final explosion. All the feelings we experience were experienced by that little boy in the manger.  His life on earth lasted for only 33 years.  He cried when His friends died or were ill.  He bled like every other human being.  He experienced all the emotions we do, yet, because He is God as well as man, He never succumbed to sin.  He was the unblemished, perfect lamb, required to take away the sin of the world.

For the average person, when emotions play a number on us, it can result in a nervous breakdown.  With Jesus, the explosion came when He conquered death, defeated the devil and rose back to life.  He did that so we could have the same result.  All the emotions we feel at this time of year seem to be heightened, but the joy we should be experiencing should be enough to last for eternity.

Instead of putting such great pressure on us to make each Christmas perfect, let’s try to remember all the things that Jesus went through in his short time on earth.  Be glad that our brother, Jesus, was born and lived among us, so that we would have full redemption.  Shed a tear or two over the great love we have from God, the Father – undeserved and unconditional.  Give praise and thanks to God for His exceptional gift to everyone.  It’s a time for mixed emotions.

“Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ, and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” C. S. Lewis

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GLITZ, GLITTER AND BLING . . .

Posted on December 15, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It’s that most wonderful time of the year. At least that’s what the song says. Store windows are filled with sparkles, lights and glitter galore. The tree stands in the center of your living room, filled with more lights and glowing ornaments. It seems like the more lights, the better. Our Christmas cards are opened, and another splash of shimmering razzle-dazzle falls to the floor imbedding itself into your carpeting. Don’t get me wrong. I love bling. I don’t wear much of it, but I love looking at it. The colors, the lights, the excitement, the songs, the stories are all part of this wonderful time of the year.

So often we become blinded by the lights. Our thoughts of the perfect Christmas and all its trimmings are sometimes overwhelming. Maybe it’s time to look at that first Christmas again. The night of Jesus’ birth was an ordinary night, or was it? There were signs and sights in the sky that boggled the mind. A brilliant star, heavenly angels and songs from those beings filling the air. A field full of braying sheep, being tended by young boys and men – scruffy individuals who hadn’t had a bath in over a month. They sat as sentries, but even they dozed off occasionally. Can you even imagine the sight?

Today we try to replicate that first Christmas but think about it. The whole scenario was filled with wonder, yet here was a young woman about to give birth in a dirty animal shed. There was no midwife. There were no clean sheets to cover the child, only rags which were used to swaddle Him. A King was born yet there were no trumpets heralding the birth, no velvet robe or golden crown. Just a tiny baby, placed in a feeding trough filled with hay. There was no bling, simply new birth, but no ordinary child was in that manger. He was a human child, yes, but He was also true God in the flesh. None of those events even come close to making sense, but God’s amazing plan of salvation is beyond human comprehension.

As you trim the tree this year or wrap the gifts and place your beautiful nativity sets on display, think about this amazing event that still garners wonder. The Son of God was born to save everyone from their sins and the sting of death.

Children stare in awe at the ornaments and lights
Each sparkle puts a twinkle in their eyes.
The cookies in the oven, the tantalizing bites,
The gifts of Christmas come in every size.

The special clothes and widened smiles are evidence complete,
That something extra special waits right there,
Beneath the tree of balsam in a box wrapped oh so sweet.
It’s Christmas and the perfect time to share.

As children sing their songs to God in heaven above,
Let’s take the time to ponder what it means.
That on that day of Jesus birth our greatest gift was love,
A love that takes our sins away and cleans.

And so we join their voices and with a childlike trust.
We thank our Savior for redeeming us to life.
He’s dulled death’s sting and stomped it in the dust.
With Him we now can tolerate all strife.

Kathy Boecher©

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CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MOVIES . . .

Posted on December 14, 2024 by atimetoshare.me
ralphiebbgun

Though “A Christmas Story,” was written as a screenplay based on a series of monologues by Jean Shepherd a radio commentator for many years, it has taken the place of many of the old Christmas movies, like “White Christmas,” and even “It’s A Wonderful Life,” as one of the classics.

The thing I most enjoy about this film, is that it was almost exactly like my childhood Christmases.  I didn’t want a Red Ryder BB gun, but so many of the incidents in that movie are things I can totally relate to.  For example, the fanciest restaurant we dined at was a Chinese restaurant in downtown Milwaukee.  We didn’t go there for Christmas dinner, but it was a special place, because we could eat food we didn’t normally eat, use chopsticks and be served by people in starched white shirts and black pants.  They didn’t sing “Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra,” but if we came on Christmas Eve, I bet they would have.

Almost every little vignette in this movie is something we can hitch our own hats to.  There was the washing out of the mouth with a bar of soap.  I never actually experienced it, but was warned about it and believed it to be a possibility if I ever were to use a bad word.  There was the Santa visit where we waited in long lines to see this man that we knew really didn’t exist, but hoped he did.

My dad won a prize for bowling one year.  It wasn’t a lamp of a woman’s leg, but because he scored an almost perfect game of 298, he was awarded an onyx ring with the score imprinted upon it, along with a case of Wheaties, the Breakfast of Champions.  I learned to love the cereal and still enjoy a bowl of Wheaties from time to time.  I was very impressed with my dad and shared my bragging rights with everyone.

When a huge Christmas box arrived from Grandma, we knew there would be lots of fun things to enjoy – including  her special home made cookies.  There would be coloring books, books to read, socks and Muck Lucks (stockings/slippers all in one.)  I loved wearing those toasty socks.  I never got a bunny suit, but there was always something I didn’t particularly like, but I knew grandma spent a lot of time thinking about what to get us, so I appreciated it.

The “triple dog dare” was probably instituted during my childhood.  Almost every year we’d hear about someone who got his tongue stuck to the flag pole.  There were the snow suits that made it impossible to walk.  Instead we rolled our way to school.  Wonder Bread plastic bags were also applied to our feet before our boots went on. I also remember writing essays on what we wanted for Christmas.

When I was dating my now husband, my mother wanted to impress him by making his favorite meal – turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes and all the trimmings.  The first time, she forgot to turn on the oven before going to work.  The second day she tried again and forgot again.  On the third day, we all sat down to a wonderful feast.  I’m surprised we didn’t get salmonella poisoning.

My dad was much like Ralphie’s dad.  At the time, I didn’t like him much, because he was very stern, but when I became a parent, I realized why he was that way.  He would always wait until the day of Christmas Eve to buy our tree, because he could get a good deal on it.  Then my sister and I would spend hours decorating it – filling in all the empty spaces with silver tinsel – under his watchful, critical eye.

I don’t think the classical literature compares to this kind of reality.  So many times we see the poverty of people – the lack of money for gifts or special food – the sadness of the holiday.  There are other times when we simply must enjoy the laughter, the fun, the excitement of this special time.  The message of Christmas hasn’t changed down through the centuries, but the memories and traditions often do.

I give this movie five stars for stirring up some great nostalgia.

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A BIRTHDAY LIKE NO OTHER . . .

Posted on December 13, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Birthday celebrations for little ones are always special. A new life brings hope for the future, a fancy cake and lots of friends gathered to celebrate. Jesus’ birthday didn’t consist of those things. He was born at a time when poverty ran rampant. His mother was under the scrutiny of her family, because of her pregnancy. Her betrothed husband was not the father. It was a difficult situation to say the least. In addition, Joseph willingly conceded after being visited by an angel and took Mary as his wife. At this time in history, the governor of Syria had demanded that all households register in a census. Being from the line of David, they traveled to Bethlehem to do so. Mary was about to give birth at any moment. There was no room for them in the little town, so they found a space in an animal barn. She produced her firstborn Son (the Son of God) in that place. She swaddled him in strips of cloth, to keep his little body warm and protected. She placed him in a feeding trough filled with scratchy hay. The only guests at the party were shepherds who had heard about this unusual birth from angels who sang their hosannas, and the bright star that led them to Him.

Instead of birthday candles on a cake, the angels from heaven sang His praises. Instead of many insignificant gifts, there were none. In fact, the little One was the gift himself. His mother held Him close to her heart and remembered what Gabriel, the angel, had told her from the beginning. This child would be the promised Messiah who would save His people. She treasured that thought in her mind, having no idea what lay ahead. The old prophesies containing this Messiah were coming to fruition. The Old Testament prophets referred to His coming, His unusual birth, the one who would come before Him to preach repentance. There were promises that He would save the world, which was misinterpreted by those who were looking for an earthly King. There are so many prophesies that were being fulfilled in that lowly birth. I wonder if the people realized it at that time.

We know that He lived a humble life. He was perfect in every way, yet He experienced all the emotional highs and lows that we do. He became a carpenter alongside His stepfather. He played games with other children. He was totally human, yet He was also God. He suffered, was pinned to a cross and died. On the third day He returned to life and promised the same for those who would follow His Word.

As we sing our Christmas carols this season, let’s not forget that Jesus will return again. The prophesies in the New Testament book of Revelation are proof of that. Will we recognize Him? Will we be worthy of His return? When we place our faith in the words inspired by God in the Bible and follow the teachings of Jesus, we will recognize Him. We are worthy because of what He accomplished for us.

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I WANNA BE MARY OR THE ANGEL OF THE LORD . . .

Posted on December 12, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to direct the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It is based on the book by Barbara Robinson that most of us have read or at least seen performed. The tale relates the story of a rag tag family of children being raised by a single mom. These kids are left to their own devices most of the time. They’re constantly getting into trouble. In their attempts to rob the church of its offerings, they hear about a Christmas pageant that is being planned by the Sunday school teacher. They listen attentively to the character list and decide they want to participate. It’s a heartwarming, tear jerking, humorous tale that touches the minds of those who experience it.

My group of children were excited to perform this classic. Most of the time, when a church activity requires a pageant performed by children, chaos ensues, and this story is no different. All the girls want to be an angel – more specifically the Angel of the Lord. If not an angel, Mary topped the list. The boys don’t really care. They would prefer not to be in the pageant anyway. Usually someone will volunteer to play the shepherds or Joseph. The tree kings are overlooked because they have to wear fancy velvet robes and crowns. On the other hand, shepherds carry staffs and sling shots.

One of the common phrases in the story is, “There are no small parts, only small actors.” Once again, this played out through the casting process. In the true story of the Nativity of Christ, each character served a purpose. The holy family was the centerpiece. Mary and Joseph along with Mary’s newly born son (God’s Son, Jesus) were the main characters. Mary and Joseph would watch the new child grow into a man destined to change the world forever. Jesus, would be the pure final sacrifice, come to destroy sin, death and the power of the devil. The shepherds would begin spreading the news. The angels would praise the child and honor him with their voices. Even the star in the heavens had a part to play. The angel of the Lord was the same angel that visited the parents of John, the Baptist, Mary and Joseph and the Shepherds in the fields.

We all hope we are part of something amazing when we review the story of Christmas and we are. Of course no one wants a small part in this story. We want to share in the message and spread it to others. This was Jesus’ goal for us as well. He came for humanity as the perfect Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. He came to give us a reason to live. He came to promise life after death in eternal paradise with Him. He gave Himself because He loves us so much. Never consider yourself as having no purpose. God gave you a reason for living that surpasses anything that man can provide. Spread that news to others. Jesus makes the difference for all of us.

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THE CHILDREN OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT . . .

Posted on December 11, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The Ghost of Christmas Present was quite a sight. He was clothed in a green velvet robe, trimmed with white fur. Upon his long amber tresses sat a crown of holly and ivy. As he opened his cloak, he revealed two children. Scrooge asked who they were. The symbolic children known as Ignorance and Want suggests poverty – which is the consequence of society’s ignorance and want. It is not a problem set aside for the future or the past. The poor require our help now. Charles Dickens knew all about the plight of nineteenth century London. He lived it. He experienced it. He saw the injustices awaiting the poor and wanting. He observed young children working in factories, sweating to make enough for a loaf of bread. “A Christmas Carol,” was his way of expressing some of those societal problems and hoping for a better future.

This story of redemption reveals the need for all of us to look at Christmas in a different light. Poverty and want will continue to fill the streets of this bountiful country of ours. Many are homeless and struggle for survival. Many don’t have enough money to pay their mortgage, much less put up large Christmas displays in front of their homes. Many continue to go into debt to cover the cost of elaborate gifs. Some have never experienced the true and blessed meaning of Christmas.

When our Savior came to earth in the form of a little baby, He was not the mighty king the people expected. Instead of a robe of glory and a crown of gold, this little Messiah was laid in a manger where cattle would feed. He was born in poverty and want. Throughout his 33 years he struggled to survive. He lived a humble life. He skinned His knees like most children do. He humbled Himself even further when He served others as a slave would do. He paid the final ransom to deliver humanity from the sting of death. That’s the true story of redemption.

Dickens’ classic story, “A Chrismas Carol,” explores the life and redemption of an old codger who had forgotten that truth. May we all turn our thoughts to Jesus as we continue this
Advent season and prepare our hearts for His second coming.

I once in poverty did lay, my heart was full of need.

You came and took my sins away and now I’m rich indeed.

You gave your richest treasure – your one and only Son.

You are my greatest pleasure. With you I now am one.

Poetry by Kathy Boecher







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IS IT A WONDERFUL LIFE?

Posted on December 10, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

One of my favorite traditions for the holiday season is to sit back with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  It’s a story of the impact each of us has on the world as we know it.  We may think we’re insignificant, but as George Bailey discovers at the pivotal point of his life, the world would not be the same without us

Of course, in the movies, there has to be someone in charge of making sure that a perfect ending happens.  Case in point, the guardian angel, Clarence, who has not yet earned his wings.  He’s been following George’s life from the day he was born.  He witnessed George save his younger brother from drowning in an icy river.  He saw him fall in love, set aside his own dreams of becoming the world’s greatest architect, and put everyone else before himself because he was just that kind of a guy.

When push comes to shove, George is about to lose the business he kept alive after his father’s death.  He faces bankruptcy, public humiliation and the loss of everything and everyone he holds dear.  This is where Clarence steps in and finally finds his own place in the rank of angels.  He shows George the impact he had on others and the reasons he should go on living.

Have you ever been in a spot like George?  Have you felt that you were insignificant, unimportant, disposable?  I think we all face those thoughts at some time in our lives.  We’re especially vulnerable at this time of year when emotions run high and everything seems so intense. The fact is that suicide is not the answer. God created us for a purpose. We haven’t yet discovered what that is. Maybe that’s why I like this movie so much.  It shows us that we all have value in some way or another.

There’s another story that talks about that same thing, but it’s not just a story.  It’s true. The Bible tells us exactly what God expects of us – perfection. Because we were born sinners, it’s impossible for us to be perfect, so God provided a means for us to obtain perfection.  It was through Him – through His great love for all humanity, that He took on human form, became our brother, experienced all the things that we do, but never sinned.  Because of His perfect sacrifice we can approach His throne completely washed clean. God loves us so much that He alone made it possible for us to be free of the thing that draws us away from Him – our sin.

George Bailey discovered that his was a wonderful life.  We have that same confidence, not by why we’ve accomplished, but because God stretched out His arms to redeem us. We can rest assured that a perfectly wonderful life awaits us in eternity.  In the meantime, we have a lifetime to share ourselves while here on earth.

OK, so I cried as the movie ended.  I always do.  I’m a sap for happy endings.  I’m also thankful that our happy ending is just on the other side of eternity.

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CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM . . .

Posted on December 9, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Memories of my maternal grandparent’s farm in Wisconsin, brings back all kinds of special thoughts for me. Christmas was not only an event, a celebration or time of wonder, but there were so many connections to that first Christmas so long ago. The young couple, Mary and Joseph, made their way across almost a hundred miles of rugged terrain. The woman was about to deliver her first child at any moment. The man who brought her to Bethlehem was betrothed to be her husband but was not the father of the child. God, the Father was. They brought their meager belongings and Mary sat upon a donkey to make the journey a little less burdensome. They were required to go there to be counted for the census imposed by the governor of Syria. When they arrived, the town was bursting at the seams with people. There was no room for them anywhere, except in a place reserved for animals.

Grandma and Grandpa’s farm was filled with milk cows, stray cats and years of struggle and difficult times. Grandpa took an extra job with the electric company, planting rows of electrical wires throughout the countryside, while Grandma milked those cows by hand. When she was done with that, she would put on a huge spread of freshly roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and homemade bread. I can almost smell that wonderful aroma right now.

When Christmas came to the farm, there would be an influx of relatives and friends. there were many of them, since they had eight children and many more grandchildren. The house would be covered in lights and beautiful handmade decorations. Even the old deer mount that hung on the dining room wall would be transformed into one of Santa’s reindeers. The sights and sounds, the smells and the love within that home was apparent. They made sure to include Jesus, Mary and Joseph as part of the story.

I can’t imagine what was on the minds of Mary and Joseph during that night so long ago. Mary was following the instructions of a heavenly angel. Joseph did too, but he must’ve have been filled with confusion and wonder all at the same time. To think that the King of Kings would be born in a stable intended for calves and little lambs. Still, it was so appropriate for the Lamb of God to born there.

The memories we relive each Christmas can be filled with traditions and special events, but that first one was the beginning of what would change the world forever. Prepare the way for the Lord!

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THE FORERUNNER OF A KING . . .

Posted on December 7, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

An empty cradle sat in a hidden corner, collecting dust and cobwebs.  It had gone unnoticed for several years.  Early in their marriage, the couple had longed for a child.  They waited and prayed, but it was not to be.  At least not until much later in their lives.  The woman was far beyond child-bearing years and her husband had given up by this time.  The stigma of not having sons to carry on his name, had become a fading dream.  God’s timeline doesn’t often match up with our hopes and dreams, but it’s always good and produces the best outcome.

Zachariah and Elizabeth continued to serve God throughout their years.  They were convinced He would send a Messiah to save the people of Israel.  Zachariah served as a priest in the temple and carried out the duties  of the division of Abijah, while Elizabeth eventually outlived the scorn of being barren.  It was in their golden years that God answered their prayers.  And what a child he would be – the forerunner of Jesus, who would come to save the world from their sins.

The blessed event was heralded by the angel, Gabriel, as he appeared to Zachariah in the temple and said:

“Do not be afraid, Zachariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

This fulfilled the prophesy in Isaiah 40:3 “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

John the Baptist would be born before Jesus.  He would spend his life filled with the Holy Spirit and a desire to reveal the wretched condition of man and their need for a Savior.  He lived in the desert, dined on locusts and honey and wore animal skins.  His hair was long and matted by sweat and sand, and his skin dry and leathery from exposure to the elements.  He certainly wasn’t much to look at, but his words carried great strength and his bluntness regarding sin and repentance would make people stop and listen.  The necessity for people to realize they had sinned and needed a Savior was the message this unusual fellow had to offer. 

Of course, nothing about the coming Messiah was the way you’d expect it to be.  God used ordinary people to accomplish the promise made to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. All of them were part of the extraordinary salvation God had planned for humanity

Help me, Lord to come to you with a heart full of sorrow over the sins I have committed. Help me to realize how much I need your forgiveness and then help me to be confident that you have absolved me through your precious blood. Amen!

 

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THE DAYSPRING FROM ON HIGH . . .

Posted on December 6, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high.” Luke 1:76-78 ESV

If you’ve ever watched the sun rise early in the morning, you’ve witnessed one of God’s masterpieces. Shades of red, yellow and blue all intermingle into colors that blend and change at God’s direction. The actual definition of the word. “dayspring,” describes the coming Messiah in this way. He will come as the rising of the sun – the dawn of a new day – a new beginning for the entire world. Waiting for that sunrise is like waiting for Jesus. He is the new start that everyone needs. We can capture the beauty of the rising sun on our phones or cameras, but the actual image is so much better.

As we go through this season of Advent, let’s wait like we wait for the dayspring to rise. He’s there every single day, just waiting for you. Prepare for His second coming too. He will arrive in all His majesty and glory to take those who believe in Him to heaven. Being prepared means making ourselves ready for that day. It isn’t going to count for us to do good deeds or make important mission statements to others. If we depend on our own actions, we’re forgetting that Jesus already paid for our sins on His first visit. Our good works should be a result of our love for Him.  He defeated the devil, yes, but Satan still roams aimlessly around the world looking for those he can convince otherwise. Being prepared means that we trust God’s plans for us – we depend on His wisdom – we turn to Him in time of need – we believe that we are His children because of what Jesus did so many years ago.

No one knows when He will return. Not even Jesus is aware of the day or hour. God, the Father alone, has determined the time. Because of that, we have been promised a place in His kingdom. Waiting for Jesus is much like waiting for a sunrise, but when it happens it will be like nothing we’ve ever seen before.

 

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BEST LAID PLANS . . .

Posted on December 5, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The children are bundled in their warmest clothes. Mom has filled the thermos with hot chocolate. Dad has warmed up the car and it’s off to the tree farm. When they arrive, everyone sprints out in wild anticipation. All of them searching for the perfect tree. Dad removes the axe from the trunk and off they go. Icicles begin to attach themselves to mom’s nose hairs and dad’s beard. One of the children is having difficulty walking with all the extra weight of her snowsuit. The other two scurry around looking for this year’s Christmas tree with the rest following. The air is filled with a heavy mist. New fallen snow makes tough to get to their destination. It looks as though every tree has already been decorated. God’s special paintbrush has created a winter wonderland. Dad’s artistic eye spans the glowing evergreens. He won’t cut down just any old tree. Finally, the waiting is over. There it is in the middle of the forest. Waiting – just for them.

Does this scenario sound familiar? It is a true story of the many Christmases past in our family’s history. Eventually the tree cutting was replaced by an artificial one, but the smells of fresh evergreen has now been replaced by scented candles. There’s nothing like the real thing.

As I think about this yearly tradition or should I say, adventure, I can remember all the preparations that seemed so necessary at the time. With each passing year, I’ve grown to realize that what was really important about our search for a Christmas tree, was that we did it as a family. Even though feet were cold. mittens wet, and cheeks red, we persisted with that plan.

Are you ready for the coming of Christmas? There are many out there that feel this is a time to show off with a spectacular light display in your front yard – a time to spend more than you have – to have the best tree and ornaments and the most presents under that tree. Remembering that Jesus came the first time to live with us and experience all that the human race deals with. He lived in poverty. He faced a skeptical crowd. He performed miracles. He was the promised Messiah, but no one recognized Him. They had waited so long.

We now wait for His return. Will we recognize Him? Will we be ready? Will we have made the necessary preparations? He completed His Father’s mission for His coming. He overcame the devil and gave humanity a second chance at Heaven. He did this without hesitation. The plan that God ordained was set in motion. When Jesus returns, He will come in majesty. Are you ready for the King of Kings?

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I JUST CAN’T WAIT . . .

Posted on December 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

There’s nothing like a road trip to make the best of family or friends into the exact opposite by the time the journey is over. I recall many of our family road trips. Most of the early years of our marriage, we spent hours on the road traveling to Wisconsin from Minneapolis for the holidays. We gathered three children, a dog, us, a playpen, a dozen or so gifts and snacks to get us through the journey. There were a couple sleeping bags and suitcases as well.

The quest almost always involved inclement weather, potty stops, or just a moment to restore our sanity. If you’ve traveled this way, you understand what I’m talking about.
Those trips are planned in advance. Time and energy is necessary in getting there, but the first, “Are we there yet?” usually comes after the car is started and reaches the end of the driveway. That phrase is predominant from there on. Every camp song known to man is sung. Every snack eaten. Every interesting site has passed and now you’re in a blizzard. The wind blows, the windshield fogs and your nerves are frazzled. You try to convince your children that this would be a good time for a nap, but the incessant, “Are we there yet” reverberates throughout the vehicle. Those days are long gone, but even as we aged, a road trip could turn the anticipation and excitement into disappointment in no time.

We are like that with the onset of Christmas. We get all hyped up for the season, by covering our homes with decorations and lights. We buy gifts that we know will probably be exchanged. We bake and bake and bake until the freezer will hold no more. We want the day to be perfect, but often there’s a big letdown at the end of the journey. Things have changed in our house. Our children are all grown. Grandchildren are too. We rarely entertain anymore. My Christmas decorations this year, consist of a Charlie Brown Christmas tree (with lights), two poinsettia plants (a gift), a wreath (from the old days) and my treasured Santa collection (hand carved by my husband.} No cookie baking in my house. I usually wind up too hot by the time the last batch is pulled from the oven. Isn’t it funny how life changes as we grow older. We adapt and adjust. Still, we can’t forget that long ago phrase, “Are we there yet?”

The season of Advent is a great reminder of what lies ahead. We look forward to the birth of Jesus. We look forward to the pomp and excitement. We can’t wait for it to come. Our patience runs out. Why aren’t we there yet? Our aching bodies and failing senses are saying, “Enough is enough!” We even ask God to take us to heaven. Apparently, that isn’t in the plan right now. As we wait for Christmas, let’s never forget what’s waiting at the end of the trip. Jesus is there, with arms extended, anxious for you to enter His kingdom.

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WAITING FOR JESUS . . .

Posted on December 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

As we await the return of our Savior, Jesus, we wonder how long it will be. Will He return to judge the world during my lifetime? Will I have to wait to actually meet him when I go to heaven? The Advent season is filled with stories of waiting. We look forward to Christmas and remember all the promises of God being fulfilled in this one amazing event. Why is it so hard to wait?

When I think about the characters in the Christmas story, the shepherds come to mind. As they waited for centuries for the fulfillment of God’s promised Messiah, they eventually must’ve lost hope. The Old Testament is filled with events and people who hung in there, waiting for the Messiah. To them it must have seemed like an eternity. When we think of our own existence, having heard about Jesus’ birth and the many years that followed His ascension into heaven, we are much like those people of old who waited.

When we see a new life come into the world, filled with hope for the future and anticipation as to what will become of that child as he grows into adulthood? When we grow old and look back on our lives, we may wonder what made our life worth living? We wonder why it must go on and on and on. When illnesses prevail, we wonder too. When will they end? When will I get to see Jesus?

Psalm 25:5 ESV “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”

Jesus is with us today, even though we can’t see Him. He is present in every aspect of our lives. Waiting is hard, but He is walking right alongside each of us, because He knows that the waiting is worth it.

“WAITING FOR JESUS” by KATHY BOECHER

You came to a world filled with darkness and sin.

You loved us devoutly without and within.

Your love conquered all through a child meek and small,

Sweet Jesus, Your Son came and died for us all.

You took away sadness and filled us with peace,

You give us a hope that defies life’s surcease.

You gave Your life for us so we could be free.

Sweet Jesus, Your blood you did shed on the tree.

Your body lay lifeless, but rose on that day,

To show us that our sins you carried away.

So now we look forward to that special time

Sweet Jesus to join you in heaven sublime.

We know you’ll return to carry us home,

To empty the darkness of this world that we roam.

Be with us forever and love us each day,

Sweet Jesus, we love you, come quickly we pray.

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THE YOUNG & RESTLESS SHEPHERDS . . .

Posted on December 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

This is a rerun of what will probably be posted annually. It is a wonderful memory from several years ago, that will remain in my mind forever. There’s nothing like a Christmas pageant with children that seems to ignite all kinds of issues. For me it was a cast of ten boys and 2 angelic little girls.

I believe the picture says it all.  These young shepherds show how antsy little boys get when they have to wait.  The shepherds from the original nativity story, were young boys who were tending sheep in their fields. For many years, they would hear the promise that God had made to their ancestors of a Messiah who would come to save them. Can you imagine waiting for centuries for this promise to be fulfilled? Many of them had undoubtedly given up on that promise ever coming to fruition, but it made for good campfire conversation. This is not the best time to get into character development or acting skills, because each of those darling children couldn’t wait for it to be Christmas. It was their main focus. I wrote a script on that premise. The restless shepherds would discuss waiting for the Messiah – again. One of them may have given up hope, while another recited Old Testament prophecies telling of the impending event. Most of them were just bored and tired from watching their sheep at night. The main theme of the pageant was “patience.”

The script called for a couple of sheep too. I named them Bob and Joe. The significance of sheep referred to the unblemished Lamb of God, His only Son, as the final sacrifice given to God. Their angel voices would herald the good news – even though there were only two in this story, they had nice loud voices which carried throughout the hills and valleys. Some of the feathers from their wings were left behind though.

To keep the boisterous little boys quiet, I tried to remind them that shepherds would try not to disturb the sheep with their uproarious behavior. That lasted for about two minutes. Kids coming out of a full day of classes and going into another learning situation isn’t always going to work. The two angels stood by quietly, waiting for their time on stage. One worried if she’d be able to say the word – Alleluia – without getting her tongue tied. The other was more concerned with keeping her halo in place.  The imaginary sheep finally fell asleep, except for Bob and Joe – the rowdy ones.

In order to connect this to an exciting upcoming event, we talked about a super-hero coming to wipe out the bad guys. Suddenly those little boys settled down and ears perked up. Each rehearsal became more interesting.  Real life was breathing excitement into the scenario. Soon it became apparent that the kids were digesting this familiar story as they had never done before. We talked about Jesus’ cousin, John, the baptizer, who was born shortly before Jesus. One boy said, “He’s the one who got his head cut off,” which completely turned everything 180 degrees. I was able to wrap it up by saying that Jesus came to take away the sins of the world – even the guy that chopped off John’s head. You had to be there.

I have a real problem being patient, especially when answers are left unknown, and time runs out before we can achieve any patience at all. When we wait for something for such a long time, we often begin to doubt if it will ever happen. Our faith weakens – we become impatient. But when we are waiting for the King of Creation to be born as one of us – to live as our brother – to experience all that we do – it is definitely worth the wait. So, after six Mondays of rehearsals, ramping up the extending storytelling, my cast of shepherds, sheep and angels pulled off an amazing pageant. Not only did they learn some side stories about the birth of Jesus, but I did too. It had a lot to do with my patience.

ALLELUIA!

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THE MESSIAH IS COMING . . .

Posted on December 1, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The merriment of Christmas, brings smiles to everyone,
But often we forget the joy of God’s own precious Son.
When packages are opened, and wrapping are all torn.
The ribbons lay upon the floor, expectation has been worn.

The wonderment of Christmas is over in a day,
But Jesus gave His life for us, our sins for us did pay.
A perfect life He lived with man yet took death’s bitter pill. He left His mark on every heart. He did His Father’s will.

When all the joy of Christmas is packed and stored away,
The Light He came to bring us will live in us each day –
A light that can’t be hidden no matter how we try –
This light will last forever and we will never die.

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GOD IS AWESOME . . .

Posted on November 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

The word, “awesome,” is rather over-used today. When we wish to express amazement, surprisingly stunning, miraculous are words that display this kind of feeling or outcome in our lives. To say you did an awesome job, means that you gave it your all and then some. To say you look awesome, means you went the extra mile to impress. To say our children are awesome is not always true, but we say they are again to impress.


When it comes to God, the word awesome is not nearly enough of a word to describe Him. He created the world, the universe, everything. He can heal the broken hearted. His power is beyond magnificent. His love is never ending. His timing is meticulous. His plan is not flawed. His design is divine. His kindness. wisdom, power, strength, patience and understanding are not to be matched. God is perfect in every way.

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This message from the Gospel is the promise of new beginnings. Jesus, God’s own Son was that second chance – a new beginning. The start of a new way of life. God is also referred as the beginning and the end. or the alpha and omega. Isn’t that amazing? He has His finger on the pulse of everything. He is in control. He won’t ever leave us. He comforts us. He heals us. He restores us and He gives us the promise of heaven.

Next time you say the word, “awesome,” think about the One who created you. Think about the many blessings He’s placed in your life. Think about the challenges He has brought you through. Think of Him as the awesome Father He is. Thank Him for your life and for loving your unconditionally.

IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Life comes at us like a raging river at times,

Pushing, crashing, dispersing its power,

Seemingly overtaking us with its fury,

Yet even in those times of fear, loss, despair and anxiety,

God is there in the midst of it all,

His right hand directs life’s miseries and hopelessness,

And leads them to the final destination,

The peaceful waters,

The placid lake,

The amazing eternity He has arranged for us.

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GOD UNDERSTANDS . . .

Posted on November 29, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Through every great blessing God bestows on us; for all the messes He’s repaired, for all the broken hearts; for providing relief from all our physical, spiritual and emotional needs, we give thanks today and every day. God understands.

The holiday meal has been served. A table of bounty, surrounded by friends and family is now empty. The guests have gone home. The leftovers have been packaged and stored for another meal or more. You’ve watched enough football to hold you until the next round. You may have gotten up way before your alarm went off to get in on all the black Friday deals. You fight the crowds. You buy more than you need. You arrive home exhausted and collapse in exhaustion. God understands.

Holidays like this and those to come can stir your adrenaline. A mixture of emotions can come out to haunt you. Many will suffer major bouts of depression as we enter the season of Christmas. You may be concerned about adding to an already hefty credit card debt. You hope that Christmas presents will be enjoyed by those for whom they were purchased. Decorations may go up, creating a beautiful display to praise the coming KIng of Kings, but what’s the motivation behind it? Are we trying to impress those who see them. Are those old ornaments going to make it through another Christmas? Are our aging bodies going to last that long? God understands.

You hang a wreath1, cut down a tree and display an Advent calendar which will be enjoyed each day. You go through the annual family traditions, but do you feel totally joyful? The joy we should feel at this adventurous time of year is not found in all the trimmings, the spending, the overindulgence, The peace that comes is in the form of a tiny baby born in a manger is all that’s important. This can also be a time of great depression for many. The loss of a loved one, the cancer diagnosis, the waiting to die, the trials of this life get in the way. The worries and fears that accompany these things naturally will bring us down, but God understands.

He knows everything about us. He made us. He knows our strengths and weaknesses. He has gifted us with talents, provision and abilities to be used for advancing His kingdom. He loves us with a love that can’t be duplicated. There are no strings attached to His amazing gift. This is a time of preparation, but don’t let the small stuff or the big things get in the way of what’s coming. A King left His heavenly throne to live with His creation. He lived a humble life – one that resembled that of a servant. He shared His Father’s loving message with many. He was unjustly arrested, suffered and died the death of a criminal. He rose again proving that He is God and He conquered death. God, the Father understands each of our problems, but He goes the extra mile by laying down His life for us. God understands.

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GOD IS WORTHY OF PRAISE . . .

Posted on November 28, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Thanksgiving is a special day assigned to give thanks for all our blessings. Maybe you don’t feel your life has dealt any your way. You might even wonder if God is real or if He was just made up to make us feel better. The simple truth is that God, our Creator, our Comforter, our Champion, our Best Friend Forever is more than worthy of our praise. There is so much we can say about the influence He has within our lives. He has infinite wisdom. He knows everything about everyone and everything. He created a perfect world filled with beauty and implicit design. He has His eye on each one of us and is watching over us with love and compassion. He desires to have us as His children. To say thank you seems inadequate.

Today as families gather and partake of sumptuous meals, remember where all that provision came from. As you look around the table at smiling faces (most of them) remember how each one of them has enriched your life. As you offer a prayer of thanksgiving, realize who is responsible for all the blessings you have been given.

Even if your life is in shambles. Even when it looks like tomorrow the sun won’t shine. Even when you can’t see your way out of an addiction or financial ruin. Even when you’ve tried everything to “fix” your life by yourself. Even in those times, thank God for those things too. Each challenge we face will draw us closer to Him. His perfect love is the greatest blessing we have. All He asks in return is that we trust HIm, have faith in His promises and thank Him for all of it. Thank Him today and every day, because He is worthy of our praise.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5 ESV

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