Here we go – another New Years eve – my 81st to be exact. I wonder just how many resolutions I’ve made and broken over those 80 years. I’ve probably lost and gained the same 25 pounds. Undoubtedly, I’ve done about 20 pushups and 5 planks. I’ve joined a number of health clubs, only to cancel my membership a month later. I’ve promised to try harder, to persevere, to buck up, more than I actually did. I’ve resolved to be kind, to help others, to encourage, to befriend only to hibernate instead. I’ve become a real “couch potato,” as we now sleep on our sofa bed, because there’s no bathroom upstairs. I’ve learned that making resolutions is fruitless, ineffectual and a waste of time.
In those 80 years, I’ve overindulged, broken promises, made serious mistakes, turned my back on what’s really important. I’ve had good intentions, but like most good things, intentions are the first to take hit. I don’t make resolutions anymore, because chances are, I will break them within hours of making them. Another reason is that I rarely stay awake long enough to make them. So why bother?
This has been a year – like most – which I’d rather forget. It has been wrought with sickness, hospitalizations, loss of dear friends, trying to make ends meet, political unrest, very disturbing things happening all around us. The only thing that doesn’t change is God’s relationship with me. I know I can count on His promises. I realize that He is with me in all the steps I take while tramping over this mortal coil. He knows my weaknesses and yet He forgives me. He loves unconditionally and makes life worth living.
So, I won’t make any resolutions this year, because I know my aging body will give way to old habits. I won’t make promises I can’t keep. I will trust in God to lead me through the remainder of my New Years, because He never lies. His Word tells me so.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS & FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN 2023 AND BRING PEACE TO YOU AND YOURS!
Drama queen that I’ve been almost my entire life, I’m familiar with the masks of comedy and tragedy. These two extremes rest on opposite sides of the emotional scale. We are made up of so much more than laughter and tears. All the emotions in between comprise how we look at things, how we live, how we relate to others. The Greeks established these as symbols for theater in ancient times. The Tragedy mask was used to denote stories that had to do with something people were familiar with – like the fables and myths of old. Comedy came later, and it really was a way for the characters to bring in some relief from all that tragedy and let the audience laugh at themselves as well as the tragic stories they were used to. Personally, I prefer looking at the lighter side of things and I usually go to the theatre to be entertained – not to be depressed or beaten down.
If you look at these two faces you see some very obvious extremes. In the comedy mask everything is raised up. The lips curl up at the corners, the cheekbones are raised, and the eyes are open wider – while the tragedy mask displays mouth and eyes turned down and every line in the face is sagging. Maybe that’s why it sounds better to say you have laugh lines rather than sag lines.
In reality our emotions run the gauntlet of extremes. Our emotions can be as unique as we are, and that’s what makes life interesting. It would be pretty weird if everyone was depressed at the same time; or if they all exhibited shyness or low self-esteem; or each of us was paranoid. The world would be pretty strange if we were all the same.
Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 says, “Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth. with both of them.”
When we approach the end of a year, we tend to look at all the highlights and difficult situations and try to make changes for the new year to come. Sometimes we get caught up in the making of resolutions and setting goals which are impossible to keep. God doesn’t want us to go overboard with anything. We also learn that God has filled us with an abundance of all things, including our emotions. He has already planned our lives meticulously before our conception. He is in charge. He knows what is best for each and every one of us. It is wise to plan ahead, but always know that God has predetermined your future. He’s got this. Be assured that He will be there by your side through the entire journey – even the highlights and the lows.
(bottom left to right) Son, Bob Boecher – Paul Boecher – Kathy Boecher – Daughters, Joy Oquist & Amy Pentti. (Top left to right) Granddaughter, Kaeli Oquist, Bob’s fiancee, Janet Stroup, Grandson, Josh Pentti, Amy’s husband, Brian Pentti, Joy’s husband, Tom Oquist and grandson, Jordan Pentti.
The holidays are designed to bring us closer together. Most families see this as a time of traveling, meeting airline schedules, possibly rearranging plans, preparing wonderful food, gathering, conversation, playing board games and things like that. Others dread the thought of getting everyone under one roof, finding things to talk about, reliving past experiences, eating too much, overspending, a time of depression and anxiety and trying to avoid talking about politics.
My family has been a tightly-knit unit for many years. Looking back over those times always makes me wonder how that all came to be. Sometimes when you go through the actual raising of a family, you question your ability as parents. You pray that your kids will make the right choices. You try to instill a good work ethic, morality, consistency and love. When God is the head of the family, you have the true glue which binds you together.
Of course, it’s not always a bed of roses. The things of this world always seem to seep in no matter how hard you try to avoid them. Being a Christian is not going to guarantee perfection, but it will make the rough spots bearable. God’s plan is always for our good.
In our family photo this year, we were all available to be photographed together. This hasn’t always been possible, since our oldest daughter hails from South Carolina – their oldest son just returned from S. Korea and a four-year adventure teaching English. Their other son is now employed in North Carolina. Our other two children live in Minnesota. Sometimes one or another is missing from the family photo. Our son has photoshopped the missing person in, but it is nothing like the real thing.
This year has been a wild ride for us medically. When you turn 80 things happen and you wonder how many more of these family photos will be taken, with everyone present. We don’t know the answer to that question, but we can treasure the moments of this Christmas, knowing that one day we’ll all be reunited in our heavenly home. Saying goodbye can be difficult, but each goodbye leads to another hello – to precious hugs – to irreplaceable memories and love everlasting
All the time and preparation leading up to Christmas can lead to a full-blown bout of depression. Today, all the hub bub of Christmas has come to a standstill. There are still cookies in the freezer. Presents have been opened snowmen and Santas sitting on the front lawn?
During this time, many folks crawl into a cocoon of self-preservation. They turn inward and focus on not being hurt by the depression of post-Christmas syndrome. The protection of those silk threads acts as a suit of armor against feelings of loneliness, sadness, loss of a relationship or job and returning to the ho-hum of everyday life. It’s like a big letdown, but it doesn’t have to be.
When the house is empty of all the laughter and you can hear a pin drop, you know that Christmas is over, but is it? We’ve watched all the Christmas movies, enjoyed playing board games and just being together for a few hours, a few special moments, a few days. Then suddenly it comes to an abrupt end. Now the memories linger, but soon they will be gone too. As we get older, those memories become more treasured, because we know our days are numbered. It’s a quick recipe for sadness, loneliness and depression to set it.
Jesus was born more than a couple thousand years ago, but we still celebrate His birthday. There has to be something in that. One child who grew into a man and sacrificed His life for humanity, so that the clutches of sin would no longer torment us. I would say that’s reason enough to celebrate. The even bigger picture is that it didn’t end with His death. He overcame death and made it possible for us to also have the promise of eternal life with Him.
When all the decorations come down and the tree is sitting on the curb, we should still be enjoying the afterglow of that amazing birthday. Without Christmas, there is no hope for a future. Without Christmas, the love we share on that day would not exist. Without Christmas there is no peace on earth. Christmas can be a difficult time, because it stirs thoughts of the past and fears for the future, but our Savior reminds us that He’s got our lives all mapped out for us and we have nothing to fear. We can be sure that it’s all for our good.
Instead of wrapping yourself in hopelessness, let Christmas live in your life every day of the year. Sharing the great news with others is the best gift you’ll ever give because the return on sharing that gift will fill your heart with joy.
Streets dusted with powdered sugar snow are empty now after the hustle and bustle within this tiny town. Everyone empties the church after singing praises to the newborn King. The lights dim as the final wishes of “Merry Christmas,” are heard in the streets. A homeless man huddles in the darkness. Dare he enter the sanctuary? He isn’t dressed in the festive clothes. He smells bad – hair uncombed – fragrance of cheap wine still lingers on his lips.
Some might say there’s no place for someone like that – especially in the church. At least that’s how many of our churches look at outsiders. Still the tiny child laying in a manger, beckons each and every one – inside and out – to come to Him. Jesus, Christ was born for all people.
If it is not possible to attend a service in person, remember that our worship begins in our hearts and that’s exactly where Jesus wants to meet us. Come, let us worship the King. Let us bow down to the Lord of our salvation. Jesus is deserving of our praise. He loves us, no matter how we look or where we come from. He makes no exceptions. So, come let us adore Him!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OUR BLOGGING FRIENDS FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
A frail man, not more than thirty, huddles in the corner of a dank freight car to keep himself warm. He nibbles on the remnants of a discarded sandwich from the trash at the local burger shop. To him, it’s a Christmas feast. He’s alone and unaware of where he is. In a dark place physically as well as mentally. He thinks back to Christmases past, when he had a home, a family, a life. Now that was gone – swept away by the need to escape reality. What could’ve been a successful life, turned sour. Out of money, alone and lost, he became a feral man without a home. He couldn’t let his thoughts go there. It was too painful. So he finishes the last bite – rubs his hands together to create enough friction to warm them – closes his eyes and sleeps to try and forget everything.
An elderly woman walks the street looking for aluminum cans she can redeem for cash. Maybe only a few cents, but enough to get her through the next day. Her fingers have grown dark and distorted from frostbite. Her hair hasn’t been washed for months. Her face is wrinkled and molded into a mask of despair. Yet, she carries on. She recalls the night she was dumpster diving and found a fifty dollar bill. It was like winning the lottery. She spent every cent the minute the liquor store opened the next day. Her days were drawing to a close. She had trouble remembering things and often got confused about where she was. She thinks about the three children she raised and the husband who loved her. She had a habit of erasing things that made her sad. The contents of the bottle seemed to numb them for a while. She pushed the grocery cart down the empty street until she came to a bridge. She’d been over this bridge many times and sometimes even stopped to watch the trains as they switched tracks below. The sounds were inviting. The clanking of metal against metal sounded like church bells in her mind. Maybe she could find rest – finally.
A young girl of fourteen also roamed the streets that night. Her anger with her family caused her to run away. She couldn’t take it anymore. The fighting, the accusations, the unbelief and lack of trust. It just wasn’t fair. She didn’t need them. She could try to find her own way, but she didn’t have a job, no money and nowhere to go. She made her way to the steps of the church. The door was opened wide, even though snow was falling and the wind was picking up. She slipped into the building unnoticed. She heard the sound of music and voices singing. It reached the center of her heart. It was Christmas Eve and the choir was preparing for the candlelight evening service. She sat in the last pew and listened, recalling her childhood Christmases. Things were so different then. Her parents didn’t argue like they did now. They spent time with her and loved her without question. What happened? Was it her fault? Was it theirs? She stared at the figure of Mary and the baby, Jesus. It was only stone and paint, but there was something about it that made her feel safe.
It was late. The streets were empty, but there was the chatter of conversation and laughter coming from within the buildings. The sky was cloudless and every star was shining brightly. The air was crisp and the wind chilled the young pregnant woman. She felt a twinge of pain and wondered if it was the beginning of labor pains.
There was no room in the inn for the young couple. The innkeeper led them to a shelter behind the inn – a place where lambs were born. It was the only place for them to stay. As her espoused husband lifted her off the donkey, he tried to assure her that everything would be all right, but it was so hard to understand – so hard to be strong. The child to be born was the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit. No one believed the story. He even had his doubts until an angel explained it to him.
His heart was heavy. Here was Mary, ready to deliver her first child, and she had no place to rest her head. Joseph held her in his arms as she struggled with each contraction. He prayed the child would be born soon and without incident. He wasn’t prepared for any of this, yet he believed that God had a plan and wouldn’t leave either one of them.
At last the child was born – perfect in every way. She wrapped Him in strips of cloth and laid him in the feeding trough. As the stars gleamed above, one brighter than all the rest shone with a brilliance neither of them had ever seen. A host of angels appeared and praised this little one who had come to save the world.
He looked like any other baby. He was just an ordinary child, but there really was nothing ordinary about Him. He’d left His heavenly throne to become one of us. Emmanuel – God with us. This boy would take away the sins of the entire world – past, present and future. His hand would heal the suffering – His words would calm the depressed and anxious – His love would cover all wrongs and carry them to a wooden cross in thirty three short years.
In that lowly manger, lay the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, Mighty Counselor and Savior of the world
Don’t run from Him. He has chosen you and me to be part of His kingdom. We hold a place of honor in His heart. We’ve already been made His heirs. No matter how difficult things are – no matter how bleak things look – no matter how hopeless life seems – He’s already chosen you and me. He’s waiting for us to come to Him. He has a room reserved for each one of us.
Can you imagine an entire army of angels, singing songs of praise to announce the birth of the Savior? Maybe if you did actually see such a miraculous sight, your friends and family might have you admitted for psychiatric evaluation. Think of the star of Bethlehem and the brilliance of that beacon of light. It extended for miles and miles to other countries. It was so bright it lit the entire sky. Angels appeared in the heavens and sang with an orchestra unmatched by any on earth. The shepherds were shocked and afraid. Yet their ears were witness to the most spectacular sounds they had ever heard.
Angels played an important part in the Christmas story. Music has always added to the magnificence of a massive production. This event went far beyond human comprehension. In the very beginning of this epic story, we see angels coming to various people to bring them news about the coming Messiah. Messengers from heaven – the Angel of the Lord and an entire cast of heavenly beings was summoned to share this amazing event. In each case, they comforted those they appeared to with words to ease the shock. “Do not be afraid!”
I believe the same thing will happen when Jesus returns to us. There will be angels then too. We will be told not to be afraid. Imagine how that might sound today in a world so full of anger, hatred, violence, slander and malice, How many of us will be shaking in our boots at the thought? After the initial shock wears off, the truth will sink in. The Lord will return in great majesty to judge the world. Are you ready? Does the thought of Christ’s return frighten you? When He came the first time, the angel said, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy.
Let the angels’ comforting words fill our hearts with longing for His return. His birth was just the beginning. His childhood found Him doing His Father’s work. His ministry was filled with hope and promises fulfilled, along with unexplained miracles. His death was His gift to us as He carried the sins of humanity to the tomb. His resurrection is the completion of His earthly mission. Jesus was born to live, to die and to live again. Because of that, we will sing along with those angels someday. Praise His holy name!
The stage was set. All the promises of old were being fulfilled by God. The Messiah was here! His mother cradled the tiny infant in her loving arms as stepdad, Joseph looked over her shoulder. Shepherds wondered at the sight of this little boy who would bring deliverance to the weary, sin filled world. An angel spreads his wings and above the entire scene we see a star of brilliance shining down on the cast of characters; but this is no ordinary story and it certainly isn’t the end. There would be more characters in this scenario. Men of science and astrology from the East would follow the Bethlehem star, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They had heard about the promised Messiah. Through all their studying, the alignment of the stars and one star in particular.
The gold would represent a gift normally intended for someone of royal birth. Gold was the most precious of commodities in those days. They also bought Frankincense. This fragrant spice was usually used in the temple as a form of worship. This would indicate that this was no ordinary king. Jesus was also God and deserved to be worshiped as such. The final gift was myrrh. Again, there was a reason behind this special present. It was often used in the process of burial. Jesus mission in coming to earth as a human fulfilled all of the reasons for the gifts they laid before him. By living among us, by dying for us and by coming back to life and reigning again in heaven, we have the promise of eternal life.
The little town of Bethlehem was bustling with people from all over the empire. The shepherds went and spread the word. The timing couldn’t have been better. It occurred again when that child would grow into a man and carry a heavy cross to Calvary; another point in history when people were gathered from all over to celebrate the Passover. God’s timeline is always perfect. He knows what He’s doing. By allowing for a large assembly of people, He was causing His truth to spread. Our world today faces so many problems and yet it is the right time for God’s truth to be made known.
Give us the right words, Lord, to share the truth with all who need your love today. You have already laid out the plan for the world. It is a perfect plan that will bring eternal peace to all mankind. Help us to use our talents, gifts and voices to share this wonderful news with others. In the name of your precious Son, Jesus we pray. Amen!
The feeding trough shown in the image may or may not be accurate. The strips of cloth that swaddled the Baby Jesus were probably not left in that manger either. Most of what we imagine about that first Christmas has been portrayed in different ways over the centuries since the first Christmas, but the message doesn’t change. Jesus is God – made human flesh – born of a virgin – a man of sorrows and poverty – yet He would be the necessary payment to ransom all mankind from the clutches of sin. He left His heavenly throne behind, because His love for us was much greater than we can imagine.
The cloths that swaddled Him would one day be replaced with burial cloths. His dead body would be wrapped again after hanging upon a torturous cross. Bloodied and bruised, after facing a kangaroo court of religious and political enemies, He submitted to the death sentence willingly. His followers left. He went uncomplaining to His death as the innocent, unblemished Lamb of God. A shroud was placed over his swollen, beaten and abused face. The Son of God would die, but that was not the end of the story.
Christmas is the beginning. Jesus came to earth to change our relationship with God. Once again, we would be reconciled with our Creator. It was the promise made in the Garden of Eden. The entire story seems unbelievable and even foolish to those who don’t believe, but it’s the greatest reality love story ever told. Jesus shed those burial clothes and came back to life after defeating the devil. He rose from death and will return again. Jesus is our Christmas present. He alone is the reason we celebrate this time of year. You won’t find a better one anywhere.
John 3:16 KJV:For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For centuries before the Messiah’s birth, the perfect sacrifice presented before the God of Abraham was an innocent little lamb. This would be the payment brought before God to ransom mankind from the hold of sin, but it was a temporary fix. When Jesus was born on that first Christmas Eve, He became the lamb without defect that would take away the sins of the entire world. – past, present and future.
The sun went down. The herd of bleating sheep had finally had their fill of fresh, nourishing grass. They snuggled together for a quiet night of sleep. The shepherds were tired too, but they remained watchful as danger lurked at every turn. They took turns watching over the flock, making sure the sheep were all safe. Hungry wolves circled the herd in hopes of finding that one lamb that might be weak and vulnerable. Stars filled the midnight sky. The smell of the lingering campfire filled the air. The stillness was only interrupted by an occasional bleat or the sound of a shepherd’s flute. The shepherds knew they’d be taking these lambs to be slaughtered soon, but they continued to care for them until they drew their final breath.
Suddenly the temporary peace was interrupted by the appearance of a heavenly angel. The shepherds shuddered in fear, because they had never been approached by such a bright, shining light. Even the hungry wolves stopped their pursuit and bowed down to the heavenly being. The sky lit up with every star in the galaxy dancing for joy. It was the Angel of the Lord, come to tell them the greatest news they would ever hear. The long-promised Messiah had finally come. The angel was joined by a choir so massive; it was impossible to count them all. Their voices blended in perfect harmony. The light was almost blinding. The shepherds fell to their knees. Just as suddenly, the angels disappeared, leaving a single bright star that continued to illuminate the sky. It was the star that would lead them to Bethlehem and the place where Jesus had been born. The ancient prophesy had been fulfilled. The shepherds would become the first missionaries to spread the good news. The Lamb of God had come and would redeem all who followed Him.
Dear, Lord and King Jesus, the world waited so long for You. You weren’t the king they expected, but the shepherds couldn’t help knowing who You were. Your birth was announced by heaven itself, as angelic voices filled the sky. Help us to lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for this most precious of all Christmas gifts. Remind us that You are the Lamb of God who goes uncomplaining, to die for our salvation. AMEN!
A new life emerges. Air fills His little lungs. He lets out a big scream. His mother swaddles Him in strips of cloth already prepared for this journey. She snuggles Him tightly and kisses his curly head. This child entered the world just like we did. He pushed His way through His mother’s birth canal, took His first human breath and longed to be held close. Birth is a traumatic experience in a way. It creates excruciating pain for both mother and child, yet the result almost instantly brings joy.
Jesus was a helpless little baby in the manger intended as a feeding trough for the animals surrounding Him. His tiny body rested on a mound of hay as His mother and stepfather looked on in wonder. All the events leading up to this particular one, were finally completed. The birth off the Messiah had come. The sky filled with angelic choirs, singing praises to this humble, newborn King.
He appeared to be like any other child. He went through childhood, working hard to stay alive in a town that seemed quite insignificant. He learned to be an artisan, using His hands to create useful items for the everyday people in His community. As a man, He associated with the scum of the earth – tax collectors, prostitutes, soldiers, murderers and thieves. He walked with a group of farmers, fishermen and others who listened intently to His every word. He was tempted in every way but never gave way to sin. When the time was right, His mission on earth ended He died a pitiful, excruciating death as a common criminal on a cross. What could a man like that do for humanity?
Jesus came as a servant, not a king, to give us an example of how we can serve Him. He came in deep humility to be the perfect sacrifice. He lived in poverty to remind us that His kingdom was not of this world. He suffered and died to take our place – so we could have eternal life. Then something amazing happened. He rose from death and came alive again. Through that miracle He gives us a glimpse of what’s waiting for us after we die.
So, what do we do with this little one? Let’s hold Him tightly in our hearts – for He is our only salvation, our only hope and He fills us with a peace that defies all human understanding. He is our Savior – our God!
They arrived in Bethlehem late that evening. Stars filled the sky like diamonds exploding across the expanse. Before entering the city, Mary noticed a flock of sheep in the fields. Many were sleeping, but the shepherds took turns watching them and making sure they were safe from any predators. One of the young herders was playing on his flute as another tended the campfire. It was anything but a typical night in the area. The town was filled with strangers. Some came early in the week and made use of this time to reunite with relatives. There were many who came to be counted for the census, so there were no accommodations left for latecomers.
Joseph knocked urgently on the door of the inn. His betrothed, Mary was about to give birth any minute, but the innkeeper told him they had no more vacancies. The innkeeper’s wife looked on. She took pity on the pregnant woman. She knew what it was like to go through the birthing process. She felt sympathy for the young couple but realized that the only place for them to stay was the stable out behind the inn.
Cam you imagine? A stable where animals rested. A birthing place for new lambs and calves would be the delivery room for the Lamb of God. It seemed so unfair, so humiliating, so wrong, but the couple knew they had no choice. I wonder what was going through Mary’s mind as the first contraction occurred. She must have felt somewhat abandoned even with Joseph at her side, but then she remembered the announcement to her nine months ago. Words that she had held in her heart for the entire time. God, the true Father of that soon to be child, would be with her as well. Through every step of the journey, He was with them. He protected them from harm and danger. He kept the unborn child safely tucked in Mary’s womb. He was there for each of the pains that began to plague her, right through the delivery of this perfect infant.
So many things had to be going through the couple’s minds. How would they provide for this new life? Why did God’s own Son have to be born in such a way.? What would His future hold? How could Mary savor the moments of holding a newborn without some kind of trepidation. When Jesus was born, she snuggled Him in strips of cloth. Like most new moms, she checked His fingers and toes. She pressed Him against her breast to nurse. There in the dark, dank and smelly stable, the Son of God rested in His Father’s arms too. Joseph also marveled at the provision made for this special event, but Mary tucked each little nugget into her heart for future remembrance.
He didn’t come in glory, but God, the Father was at His side from the very beginning of Jesus’ human existence. When I was a child, I thought the word “ponder” referred to pounding something. Maybe that’s exactly what Mary did that night. She pounded everything into her heart to save it for the years to come. May we also pound this exceptional event into our hearts as a reminder of what was to come – the salvation of mankind.
The months leading up to this journey were filled with shame, humility, fear, doubt and at times confusion. Mary had been given news of her purpose in God’s plan of salvation. She accepted the task with wonder. Even though she had faith that God was using her for this mission, there were so many outside influences that must have affected her. With each month, having the Son of God growing within her, created wagging tongues and stories of indiscretion on Mary’s part. Even her betrothed husband had his doubts until an angel appeared to him revealing God’s plan for his part in the story. The couple accepted what was about to occur with faith that the long-awaited Messiah would come through that child.
As they prepared to make their way to the town of their lineage, Bethlehem, they were about to take a journey that would change the world forever. It wasn’t a big town, but it was bursting at the seams when people entered from all over the country to be counted for the census. Imagine a little farm community with a small town for people to gather and do their trading. I suppose some people camped outside of the town, some probably stayed with relatives and others went to the local inn for a room.
For Mary and Joseph, it had been a tiring trip. The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is less than 100 miles, but can you imagine what they endured on that trip? Many say it would have been virtually impossible for a nine-month pregnant woman to travel so far on the back of a donkey. They also claim that because Joseph was a Jew, he would not have allowed Mary to travel with him at this time of her pregnancy. They would have to pass through country where their enemies, the Samaritans lived. They may have met up with bandits or all kinds of seedy characters, but they were on their way to fulfilling the prophesies laid out many years ago.
Why did it happen this way? I guess if you knew that you were carrying the Son of God in your womb and had been told exactly what to do by a Heavenly messenger, you would follow the directions to the letter. The angel told Joseph what to do and in an act of complete faith, the stepfather of Jesus, listened. Mary also must have been in much pain and discomfort, but she leaned on the breath of God to carry her, rather than the animal she sat on.
Mary and Joseph were on their way to fulfilling God’s plans for humanity. Through the two of them and their common faith, they were able to complete the task – not because they were better than any other human beings, but because God had planned this way back in the Garden of Eden.
Lord, I yearn to have such a strong faith. I can’t survive without your assistance and guidance in my life. Please strengthen my trust in you through your Holy Spirit and the birth of your beloved Son. Help me to realize the magnitude of your plans and purpose for my life and help me to learn something new each day from your gift of Christmas. Amen!
The Advent and Christmas seasons are filled with miracles – unexpected, undeserved and often unbelievable. What are we to do with these amazing events? I happen to believe that miracles happen every day and if we look for them, we’re ceertain to find them.
In ancient times, the best way to keep a miracle alive was to retell it. Folks would sit around the fire and talk about the amazing events that happened through God’s intervention. Like the lost sheep that the shepherd thought was dead, found stuck in a bush. Like the food that came from heaven when they thought they’d die in the wilderness – the tablets which carried the words of commandments from God Himself. In the telling of stories like this, they may get embellished along the way and become even more miraculous than they started out to be. As time progressed, the hand-written word was used to record these events. Later, the printing press helped to carry stories to people and places in remote areas as well as the common man.
As truth can be altered by man, we could say that the miracles of the Bible are just an elaboration on an old story. It may seem somewhat outlandish – like a man building an ark for himself, his family and two of every species. How about the guy who got swallowed by a whale and spat out on the shore of a city which he resisted doing God’s will? Those stories are in God’s Word. We can depend on their accuracy and truth, because God breathed them into ordinary men’s pens, to record for future generations. By the truth of His Word we see many miracles.
When they happen in your life, do you talk about them? Or do you keep them to yourself? I believe when we share those events, someone else may profit. The miracle of God’s provision, His healing power, His omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence all assure us that God is working through us. If you’ve experienced a miracle, think of how it may give hope to someone who’s going through similar situations. Examples include the death of a child – going through financial ruin – suffering the loss of job – going through addiction, abuse, divorce or any other difficulty.
Today we have access to one of the world’s greatest inventions for communication. The internet opens doors and hearts of suffering people. We can use this implement to share our stories – our experiences and our miracles. Even through a long world-wide pandemic, new ways of communication came to be.
Every living thing is a miracle. God formed each one and knew what would become of them before they were born. He had a plan already laid out for each life. It’s time for us to stop preaching to the choir and let everyone know what God has done in your life. The strength you’ve received from God will help you share your story with others. There are a lot of hurting people out there and God’s miracles are waiting for all of them. This is the perfect time to share those miracles with others. Christmas gave us the best miracle ever.
“We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.” H. G. Wells
I didn’t realize there was really such a thing as a blue Christmas. Elvis touched hearts many years ago with a song about spending Christmas without the one he loved, but there actually is a day on the calendar set aside for Blue Christmas. It’s December 21, which is also the longest day of the year and the beginning of the winter solstice. There are many reasons to be joyful during this season as we prepare for the birth of our Savior, Jesus, but there are also times when we don’t feel so happy or sentimental. In fact, our emotions can run like the highs and lows of a rollercoaster. Some of those memories stir thoughts of those who are no longer with us. We remember happy times together as a family. There are thoughts of Christmases when there was more than enough and those that were comprised of homemade gifts and a simple meal together.
Jesus was born as a human baby on Christmas. He grew up like any other human child – worked beside His stepfather – played with other children – skinned His knees – and laughed and cried like children do. He grew into a man of sorrows, experiencing all the ups and downs that we do. This was part of His mission. He came to live among us and share in our sad times as well as the good ones. He knew and continues to know the human experience. He was aware of God’s plan for humanity and willingly laid down His life for all of us. A greater love than man has ever known.
There will still be times that Christmas brings on more of the sad, depressed, overwhelmed feelings than we’d like. We often pray that the season will go by quickly and we don’t have to feel the tugging at our heartstrings. Yet, we must honor the God/Man, Jesus who came to reconcile us to God the Father. This is the way it had to be, because there was no way we could purchase our redemption. Because of His mercy, love and sacrifice, we have a clear path to heaven – a place where there are no tears, no pain, no sorrow – only joy.
There is no doubt that Christmas time brings great joy, because we are again connected to God as forgiven. Still, we are at a time when emotions overflow. Thoughts of sadness, loneliness and emptiness will fill our minds, but the glory of God coming directly into our lives to save us, is more intense than any human emotion can evoke. Praise Him. Honor Him. Place Him at the center of your life and trust that He will heal all our sorrows and pain. Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas.
The name of Jesus is just one of His many signatures. However, this is the name that the angel told Mary to name her future son, who had not yet been conceived in her. Hers was an unnatural conception. She was a virgin – but was chosen by God to carry the Savior of all mankind within her own body. What an honor! The Holy Spirit – God Himself – would come upon her and conceive the child like none other had been conceived. The name, Jesus, literally means “rescuer or savior.” That is exactly what Jesus is. In times of trouble, we can call on his beautiful name and know that He will carry our burdens. In times of loss or grief, we can depend on His strong arms surrounding us with unconditional love. When relationships fail, when we find ourselves in insurmountable situations, we can trust that the name of Jesus will always rescue us.
There are many today who carry the name of Jesus, but there is only One true Jesus. The one who saved all of us from death and damnation. He alone is our Savior. As we think of a helpless infant snuggled in His mother’s arms, it’s hard to imagine Him as a king. As we see Him grow into a man without any sin, we often wonder what was so different about Him. When we see Him hailed by the crowds one week and crucified by the same group a few days later, this doesn’t look like our champion. When His body hung lifelessly on the cross, even His disciples were confused. When three days later He returned to life, He became magnified like none other. The name of Jesus is such a powerful name. One that changed the world.
I’m certain my parents never forgot the day when the news came over the radio that Pearl Harbor had been bombed by the Japanese. I am also convinced that the memory of 9/11 will live vividly in my mind until I die. In both of these events a piece of our freedom was destroyed along with the lives taken. Never again would people feel safe from foreign enemies. Our nation was not only broken – it had been deeply violated.
We can’t change history. We can’t go back and have a chance at a do-over. We can learn from it though. In all of the Bible’s history, every time God’s people walked away from Him and began to serve other gods and their own special interests, He would give them a wake-up call to bring them back to Him. He gave them victory over their enemies when they relied on Him and put their complete trust in Him. He accomplished impossible deeds through His people when they allowed Him to do the work.
He continues to do this for those who follow Him today. He never lets go of us. He protects, He comforts, He gives us back our freedom, He has paid the ransom to win us back, He loves us unconditionally. There is no one in this life that has that kind of love for us.
When our hearts are troubled – when it looks as if there is no hope for our troubled nation – when the evils of this world seem to be overtaking us – that’s when we must return to God. We should never forget the important times that shaped us as a nation. God has never forgotten us. He doesn’t give up on us. We should never give up on Him.
My mother was a part of the Greatest Generation – those who held tightly to their spiritual beliefs, weren’t afraid to go to war to defend their country or to stay at home and work for the war effort – people cared about each other in a way that has long since disappeared.
She was only 20 years old the day after Pearl Harbor. At that age, many of our young people today, have never experienced the ravages of war. Many have lost their patriotism, given up on their country, are afraid to stand up for truth for fear of offending anyone. There is no longer a fear and awe of the One True God.
My mom would’ve been 95 today. I wish we could still be celebrating her birthday with her, but I treasure the precious memories she gave me.
My parents never had much materially. Dad held two or three jobs to make ends meet and my mom could stay at home and raise the family. We always had a Christmas tree – even if it was the last one on the lot. There were handmade ornaments, tons of tinsel and popcorn on a string to finish it off. Christmas cookies were made from scratch and decorated with great care. My sister and I were always beautifully dressed for the church active Christmas activities. Mom curled my hair with rags and transformed my naturally straight hair into lovely, golden locks, held tightly in place with a ribbon that matched my dress. At times that hairbrush turned into a weapon. Though she never raised a hand to spank us, we knew that brush could do a pretty good job of scaring the pants off of us.
My mother was the most beautiful woman I knew. She worked at having perfect eyebrows until the day of her death. An eyebrow pencil was a regular resident in her purse and she often said, “don’t let me go to the hospital or die without my eyebrows. She made the best soups with homemade dumplings and noodles – hand shredding vegetables and simmering the brew over the stove. She rolled dough for the noodles and placed the dough over the back of the kitchen chair and then cut it into yummy pasta. I thought more of her as an older sister. Our twenty-year age difference allowed that. She had an amazing faith and she and my dad made sure we had a Christian education, even though it meant more jobs for dad and a reluctant agreement that mom would work to help pay for it.
The most wonderful memory she gave me was to have a patient love. She showed that in her relationship with my dad, my sister and I, but she also was incredibly thoughtful and had a genuine concern for other people. I guess that’s what endeared her to everyone. Mom taught me what Christmas really meant. It wasn’t the pretty dresses or presents – it was about sacrifice at the highest level. That was all I needed to know. She lived as a follower of Christ and as a servant of Him and others.
As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension.
I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog.
I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ.
My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.
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