Ever go Christmas caroling--on a BUS? I remember bundling up, climbing aboard a church bus and trailing around the town--stopping at homes, gathering on front porches, singing our hearts out to happy listeners, climbing back on the bus and back to church for our well-deserved earthly reward--FOOD, of course! Whew! Long sentence--and lots of fun memories!
Then there was the morning I had my own personal, special delivery SOLO carol - placed in my heart by the Holy Spirit, who knew I really needed a song! It wasn't a Christmas carol you?ll find in your hymn book...but turn back a few pages to "The Name of Jesus." THAT's the song the Holy Spirit placed deep within my heart that morning...and THAT's what Christmas is all about!
You see, the trimmings and gifts, the shopping and food, the candles and trees, are just symbols--Christmas is celebrating the story of Jesus...when the angel told a lowly maiden, "...thou shalt...bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." It's that Name we call upon in times of trouble; it's that Name we bless in times of thanksgiving; it's that Name that brings us love, joy, peace--and salvation.
Amidst the songs of the carolers on your porch and at your mall, let another song sing in your soul, ring in your rafters and hum in your heart--it rings TRUE--the powerful, lovely, wonderful, life-giving, all-powerful . . .
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One of the "joys" of Christmas is "Toy Assembly 101." Late Christmas Eve, you take "it" out of the box--whatever "it" is--read the so-called simple instructions ALWAYS including the magic words, "No assembly required" OR "Easy assembly instructions enclosed"--and the fun begins! You can't find all the parts, the parts don't fit together, you read and re-read and re-read the directions, you count and re-count and RE-count the parts, you hit your left thumb with the hammer held by your right thumb--you let out a scream--and the nightmare begins! Remember?
Two thousand years ago, a carpenter's life was turned upside down by the news that his betrothed was with child--not his! The child was the Son of God, promised by prophets of old, and Joseph was about to become the early caregiver of the Lord Jesus Christ. And loving caregiver, I can imagine, this carpenter was--can you see him making wooden toys for Little Boy Jesus? Can you see him patiently showing Young Teen Jesus the "tricks of the trade," so He too, could become a GOOD carpenter from Nazareth?
Jesus, the CARPENTER? - Joseph, you better forget the dreams you hold in your heart for this young charge--God has bigger dreams for Him!
But wait...those plans STILL include . . .
Two thousand years ago, a carpenter's life was turned upside down by the news that his betrothed was with child--not his! The child was the Son of God, promised by prophets of old, and Joseph was about to become the early caregiver of the Lord Jesus Christ. And loving caregiver, I can imagine, this carpenter was--can you see him making wooden toys for Little Boy Jesus? Can you see him patiently showing Young Teen Jesus the "tricks of the trade," so He too, could become a GOOD carpenter from Nazareth?
Jesus, the CARPENTER? - Joseph, you better forget the dreams you hold in your heart for this young charge--God has bigger dreams for Him!
But wait...those plans STILL include . . .
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hear the fist sermon Jesus preached?
We heard part of it when Isaiah 61 was read this morning. In Luke's gospel, shortly after His baptism, Jesus goes to the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth, reads from Isaiah 61 and then is seated. Luke says everyone was waiting to see what he might say concerning the text. Their eyes are all fixed on him, waiting. He does not disappoint them and His commentary on it was to say, "This scripture is being fulfill today." He could have added, "before your eyes, even as we speak." Apparently He didn't need to as the people understood the implication and began muttering to themselves to the effect of "who does he think he is?"
Not only did Jesus? words not go over well, but the congregation tried to throw him off a cliff immediately after the sermon.
I prefer our custom of having coffee and cake.
What Jesus is saying is "this is why I have come...to bind the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom and release for those in slavery."
You would think a message like that would be wildly popular. Who wouldn't want to hear a message of freedom?
It all depends on which side of the bars you are standing, I suppose.
Jesus said to a man who was . . .
We heard part of it when Isaiah 61 was read this morning. In Luke's gospel, shortly after His baptism, Jesus goes to the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth, reads from Isaiah 61 and then is seated. Luke says everyone was waiting to see what he might say concerning the text. Their eyes are all fixed on him, waiting. He does not disappoint them and His commentary on it was to say, "This scripture is being fulfill today." He could have added, "before your eyes, even as we speak." Apparently He didn't need to as the people understood the implication and began muttering to themselves to the effect of "who does he think he is?"
Not only did Jesus? words not go over well, but the congregation tried to throw him off a cliff immediately after the sermon.
I prefer our custom of having coffee and cake.
What Jesus is saying is "this is why I have come...to bind the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom and release for those in slavery."
You would think a message like that would be wildly popular. Who wouldn't want to hear a message of freedom?
It all depends on which side of the bars you are standing, I suppose.
Jesus said to a man who was . . .
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Sulking and soaking. For me, the two always go together. I know when I'm not fit to be around people, especially the people I'm mad at, so the bathtub is the best place to be. I run the water as hot as I can stand it and stay there until I feel like I can be civil again. That night, the night before Christmas, I thought I might be there till dawn.
Tim had dropped the bomb when he came home from work two days before we were to go home for the holidays. Somehow he'd managed to mess up making the flight reservations. How could he mess up something so important, so essential to my sanity? Bad enough he'd talked me into coming here, to the end of reason and any sign of civilization, just so he could have a "real northern experience." Bad enough he didn't once compliment me on how I'd bravely been enduring the minus fifty degree temperatures. Bad enough we still had five more months to endure life in this town on the edge of the universe. Now we were stuck here for Christmas.
Even if we drove south till the temperature was warm enough for planes to fly, there weren't any seats to be had. And what was his excuse? He thought he'd told the travel agent to book it, but he had only asked her to give him the details. When she didn't hear back from him, she assumed we'd changed our minds but didn't bother to check. There are too many people . . .
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Christmas is in the air, believe it or not! Yesterday, five women from our church met to decorate the church for Christmas. It's an exciting time, in that we gather, work in the church, making it beautiful for worshipping the Lord, play Christmas music, and eat. Yesterday was no exception. One of the ladies brought homemade chili, one took a dessert, and another brought the trimmings (tea, crackers, etc.). We had a great day in the Lord, working to beautify His house.
There are those out there that want to eradicate the Christmas holiday, or, at least, rename it something more to their liking, such as Winter Holiday or something like that. Even some Christians aren't comfortable with celebrating Christmas, because they see it as a pagan holiday.
I believe Christmas is what you make it. Sure, we buy gifts to give our loved one and decorate a Christmas tree. Some say the holiday is too commercialized. But, the meaning behind Christmas for me and almost everyone I know is the fact it is considered a celebration of the birth of Christ our Lord and Saviour. I, in no way, idolize the tree or gifts I give to my family. That is only an act of love. The true spirit of Christmas is in the way we worship God and show Him the love and respect He deserves and wants.
This Christmas season, may we all stop to . . .
There are those out there that want to eradicate the Christmas holiday, or, at least, rename it something more to their liking, such as Winter Holiday or something like that. Even some Christians aren't comfortable with celebrating Christmas, because they see it as a pagan holiday.
I believe Christmas is what you make it. Sure, we buy gifts to give our loved one and decorate a Christmas tree. Some say the holiday is too commercialized. But, the meaning behind Christmas for me and almost everyone I know is the fact it is considered a celebration of the birth of Christ our Lord and Saviour. I, in no way, idolize the tree or gifts I give to my family. That is only an act of love. The true spirit of Christmas is in the way we worship God and show Him the love and respect He deserves and wants.
This Christmas season, may we all stop to . . .
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The Spur Article Count: 92
Marcia Laycock is a pastor's wife and freelance writer living in Alberta Canada. Her devotional book The Spur of the Moment has been endorsed by Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and others. To order, and to view more of Marcia's writing, see her web site - www.vinemarc.com
Wonders of Creation Article Count: 37
Written By Richard Gunther.
Harris Dvores Article Count: 1
Harris Dvores is a corporate lawyer in Orlando, Florida. But only from 9 to 5. For more than 20 years, he has pursued his passion to create: everything from Christian music and church skits, to Star Trek scripts and board games. His new website, www.harrisdvores.com, is a playground for the mind and spirit. A Jewish believer, Harris has been given truly amazing stories to share about the power of God.
Rev. Spence Laycock Article Count: 49
Rev. Spence Laycock pastors at Church of the Open Bible, Ponoka, Alberta, Canada.
Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis Article Count: 2
Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis is the interim pastor at Somerset Bible Chapel, Manitoba, Canada.
Diane Davis Article Count: 1
Diane Davis, a former policewoman in Toronto, recently retired from a lengthy career as a civilian member of the Ontario Provincial Police. Amongst many things, she is now turning her attention to writing, music, and her 5 grandchildren. She is also Pastor Tim's mom.
Melva's Devotions Article Count: 48
Blog Writings by Melva Cooper.
Melva Cooper is a wife, mother and grandmother from Jonesboro, Arkansas. God has given her, in her retirement years, the ministry of writing for HIM. "Even in old age, you will still produce fruit" is a verse He has given her (Psalm 92:14). And it is her desire to serve Him all the days of her life.
Barb's Mantle Article Count: 59
Barbara, a Christian homemaker, began her Web Site through encouragement from her son, and a dream. It quickly became a ministry for the Lord. She began writing devotionals to encourage, inspire, and build up spiritually those coming to her site. Barbara is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Sandra Boyte Article Count: 10
Writing poetry that brings glory to God is Sandra's passion. No matter where she has lived, or what she has gone through, she has found that God is always there before her to lead her in His paths and to catch her when she falls. Married, with two sons two granddaughters on the way, Sandra's future goals include writing more poetry trying her hand at writing short devotionals for children.
Dr. Harold McNabb Article Count: 98
Dr. Harold McNabb pastors at Westshore Presbyterian Church in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Peggie's Den Article Count: 77
"Ever feel as though life is a lions' den and like Daniel, you're right in the middle of it all? Enjoy these "Devotions from the Den" (Lions 'n Life at Peggie's Place) and delight in God's promises of love, joy and peace for whatever is happening in YOUR den today!"
Misc Article Count: 77
Miscellaneous archived items.