Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Greatest Gift of All

"and she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manager." Luke 2:7a

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Celebrate the gift of the Christ child.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Shine Brightly for Christ

I love seeing a star-filled sky. There is something majestic at seeing those lights shine.

During the Christmas season, shining brightly is often heard. The lights shine bright, the star shone all around us, etc..In Philippians 2, Paul admonishes us to shine brightly for Christ. He provides us guidance in order that we may shine. We are to “obey God with deep reverence and fear, do everything without complaining and arguing, live clean innocent lives, and hold firmly to the word of life”.

Father, I pray that during this Christmas season that I may shine brightly for Christ. I pray that all the frustration the season can bring will be diminished by knowing the true light, the true star of the season, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the giving the gift of the true light. Amen

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Beginning

I John 1:1 (NSB) “That which was from the beginning”

When thinking of the journey to Bethlehem the focus is often on the physical trip that Mary and Joseph took. While I shudder to think of taking such a difficult journey being very pregnant and under such difficult circumstances, the true journey to Bethlehem started long before Mary and Joseph took the first step on the road. It was no less an easy journey because it was filled with folks like you and I, less than perfect beings.

All journeys have a beginning, a starting point. The true journey to Bethlehem began at the very beginning of life. John 1:2 tells us that “He (Jesus) was with God in the beginning”. The Christ-child knew long before His arrival in a lowly stable, the cost of the journey. Yet, He came, without hesitation, because of His love for you and me.

Come travel this journey to Bethlehem, to the birth of our Lord. The road is filled with prophecies, praises, fear, danger, decrees, family issues and more. But most of all, it is filled will mercy. God’s mercy shines throughout it all. If you feel unworthy, come and allow God to show you His mercy, His boundless love, His grace that He offers to you. Come journey to Bethlehem.

Prayer: Father, as we begin this journey, travel with us.

Digging deeper: Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:17, John 1:1-4