The Wise Men

"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were over-joyed. On coming to the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route," (Matthew 2:9-12 NIV),

As we come to the end of a year it is often wise to ponder the past months and evaluate changes we may wish to make in the New Year. New Year's resolutions have a bad name but the idea is still wise. It is okay to make resolutions that sometimes get broken. However, it is better to create a plan that may help you be successful at making a change. Small steps are better than leaping into a huge transformation, cold turkey fashion. 

Trying to improve our habits, challenges us to focus on a goal, and focusing on a goal gives us direction. Just like the Magi who followed a star, we can set a goal and move forward, following the path we desire. Goals need to be small and specific. They should be attainable. One goal I've set for myself is reading through the Bible in a year. There are many plans available to follow and I know the goal is attainable. 

This year I plan to journal several times a week. I have a new journal that will make it fun to write in. Though, I may do better with reading the Bible than journaling if my right hand is incapacitated part of the year. 

May you find time to consider what plans you have for the New Year and how you will accomplish those plans. Mark your calendar in March to review your goal and access how you are doing. Then give yourself grace if the goal has faded or congratulate yourself if you have done well. Be over-joyed with your success.

May you have a blessed New Year! 

The Shepherds

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shine around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told,"(Luke 2:8-20 NIV).

What a blessed story. May it bless you this morning as we continue in the joy of Christmas.

The Christmas Story

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:1-7 NIV).

The story never gets old. It brings my mind into focus on the birth of the baby Jesus.That's what Christmas is all about. A baby, a holy child, born in a stable with the cattle and sheep all around. Jesus. The promises of a King have been fulfilled. He is here! Joy to the World! A Star, a Star glowing in the night, alerted everyone of His coming. Jesus came to change the world. He came to take away the sins of the world. He bore our stripes so we wouldn't have to. And He is just a baby now.

My study Bible lists eighteen Messianic Prophecies and Fulfillments that Jesus was the answer to. He was born in Bethlehem. He was born of a virgin. These first two happened in the stable, just as predicted. Jesus is born! Hallelujah!

May your Christmas be centered on the baby Jesus. And may your hearts be filled with hope eternal.

Christmas Memories

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation," (Isaiah 12:2 NIV). 

When my family gathered for Christmas my parents' huge farm house was full. I have three sisters and all their children who were able to come made a great house full. We gathered in the kitchen, women helping prepare the Christmas feast, men peeking their noses in for a snack or to pester. As each family group arrived there was a great welcome from everyone. Mother was in charge but each person was responsible for what they brought. The food was set out buffet style on the counter and added tables as needed. One table was reserved for desserts: homemade pies, pistachio dessert, and Christmas cookies by the dozens.

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his hearth gently leads those that have young," (Isaiah 40:11 NIV).

The dinner table was full and often another table was set up in the living room to accommodate everyone. Sometimes there was a table in the kitchen for the younger kids. Daddy would offer his prayer before we went out to fill our plates. The best part of the day was the stories that were told around the dinner table. There was laughter, non stop. Sometimes all it took was a look across the table at another sister and the giggling would begin. The men would egg the sisters on and tease us. It became a table of delightful laughter.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand," (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

After the dishes were done and the food put away, we would gather in the living room making a circle around the room with the Christmas tree in the corner. The kids would hand out presents from beneath the tree and we would take turns opening the gifts. Then the fun began with one of the pianists taking the piano and playing Christmas carols. All would sing. Since Mom and Dad have been gone we haven't had a Springer Christmas together. Their big house is gone, too.

Memories are precious keepsakes of the heart.

The Sounds of Christmas

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the rams horn--shout for joy before the Lord, the King," (Psalm 98:4-6 NIV).

Christmas music makes the season. I love Christmas music. You'll find my radio blaring as I bake or cook or clean. Life 107.1 is playing Christmas music full-time now until Christmas and is my go-to station at all times. I have stacks of Christmas CDs that I haven't even played yet. They include all my favorites. Nearly every Christmas song is my favorite. I can't think of one I don't like.

I love the old Christmas carols. They are like comfort food for my soul. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear," "What Child Is This, Who, Laid to Rest," "The First Noel, the Angel Did Say," "Angels from the Realms of Glory," "Away in a Manger," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "As with Gladness Men of Old," "Go Tell It On the Mountain," "Good Christian Men, Rejoice," "Silent Night, Holy Night," "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks," "Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come," and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." 

Christmas is a time to enjoy the sounds of Christmas bells and music. It prepares my heart for Christmas Day. The wonderful day Jesus was born.

Join me in listening to Christmas music this week and next. Rejoice and shout for joy. Sing jubilant song or play the harp or instruments. The King is coming. Hallelujah!

Christmas Traditions

 My mother spent the weeks before Christmas, baking cookies and making candy to use on trays she would give away. The week of Christmas she would pull everything out of her freezer or the back porch "cooler" and begin to prepare plates of goodies. Once she had them ready she would have Daddy deliver them to neighbors, the pastor, Sunday school teachers, Daddy's coworkers or his fellow volunteers or pianists who accompanied him at the Veterans Home where he led worship and songs. These gifts of Mama's hands were always appreciated. It was a tradition at my parents' home when I was growing up and beyond.

Another Christmas tradition for my family was "The Messiah" by G.F. Handel. My father had a wonderful voice and participated in the community singing of this masterpiece for many years. It was a tradition to attend the performance, after several weeks of practice, on a Sunday evening. The music still thrills me when I hear it. It always meant the beginning of the Christmas season.

When I was still at home our tradition was for Daddy to cut down a Christmas tree from the farm. Usually this meant it was a cedar tree. I was always impatient about getting a tree but in his own time Daddy would find a tree and present it to us. Mother would occasionally spruce it up a bit with a can of flocking or green paint. But, it was always acceptable once decorated. 

I always think of our home church and their annual Christmas caroling day. A group would gather and caravan with cars to shut-in neighbors or church members would could no longer attend. Eventually my parents became one of the places where the group would visit and carol. It meant so much to them. It brings tears to my eyes as I remember those days.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel," (Isaiah 7:14 NIV).

What are your signs or traditions that mean Christmas is coming?

Sights of Christmas

 "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go."

First, there were aisles of Christmas goods. Toys, candy, trinkets, wrapping paper, bows, and gifts line the shelves. A sea of sparkling red and green, silver and gold. A haven for children's temptations and adult shoppers, too. 

Next came the outdoor lights. Houses with rooftops lined in lights. Lights on porches, strung over bushes, hung on the door posts with wreaths and blown-up snowmen, Santas, even a Scrooge or two. Evening drives are delightful as I look at all the lights and decorations. 

Then came the indoor decorations and Christmas tree. We put up our tree on the day after Thanksgiving with the help of our teenage granddaughters. Payton helped me put the tree together. Unfortunately they had to leave before the decorations got put on so John and I covered our tall, narrow tree with my collection of sheep ornaments.

Christmas is a time of beautiful colors and sparkling lights. Enjoy them while they are here.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace," (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

The Announcement

 "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins," (Matthew 1:18-21 NIV).

Lives change in this paragraph of scripture. Matthew focuses on Joseph's story, sharing with us an insight to Joseph's personality. He was thoughtful and caring of Mary as he considered what to do about the baby he did not father. Matthew only shares the story of how Joseph learned the real story of the coming baby. He doesn't share with us the reaction Joseph has to the dream. 

The angel announces God's plan to Mary in the book of Luke. Two young people are suddenly given the greatest roles of bringing Jesus, the Messiah to earth. As expectant parents their lives immediately become centered around planning for the future.

Our hearts are in planning mode also as we prepare for Christmas. It's coming fast and our tasks are short on time. Let us not forget to focus on the stories that lead to Jesus' birth. He is the reason for the season of Advent. Let us have joy in our hearts as we prepare for the anniversary of His coming.

Lord, fill us with joy this season as we reflect on the stories that bring Jesus into our lives. Thank you for sending Your Son to save us from our sins. Amen.

Written on Human Hearts

"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts," (2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NIV). 

I don't know about you, but I want to be that letter, written on my heart, that can be read by everybody. I want people to see Jesus Christ in me, by the way I act, speak, react, and the actions I take. I want people

to experience the Spirit of the living God when they talk to me. I want others to see Jesus living in my heart. 

But that's a big order for me, a sinner who makes mistakes, who doesn't always feel like I have Jesus Christ in me. What happens then? I think the Spirit of God works in me to change my heart so I can be the loving, caring person that I want to be.

God turns my "I don't want to" into "I will gladly". He turns my grumble into a smile. Like the Grinch who has second thoughts about taking Christmas away, and suddenly returns all of Christmas to the Whovilles.

Christmas is coming, folks, and I want to be recognized as someone who has the Spirit of God inside her heart. I want my human heart to have writing all over it by the Spirit of the living God. 

Lord fill us with Your Word. Show us Your kindness and mercy so we can show them to others during this season of Advent. Fill our hearts with a giving spirit and let us be Your people with a letter from Christ on our hearts. Amen.