Treasures Given

Joy to the World pillow quilted by my
daughter-in-law Laura Stewart, a treasure to cherish.

Last summer my daughter-in-law Laura and some of the granddaughters walked through the Iowa State Fair. One of our usual stops was the Fabric and Threads: Quilting exhibit. We always find a few projects that overwhelm us.

The pillow shown is Laura's duplication of a quilted scene we saw on display. Her version includes stars that light and shine. The detail is incredible. The white strips of border include the words to the Christmas carol, "Joy to the World." The quilting in the background features stars in a variety of shapes, and on the blue borders are landscapes of the city of Bethlehem. I am so humbled by this laborious gift from Laura, Brady and his family.

"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 overjoyed. 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). 

Heavenly Father above, We come to You in worship and praise this morning as we remember the carol, Joy to the World. Our hearts are filled with joy in the arrival of King Jesus on earth. Thank You for sending Your Son to us so we can follow Him all of our days.  We will always treasure the gift of Your Son, and we pray in His Holy Name, Amen.

One More Christmas Carol

For as long as I can remember the closing song of our Christmas Eve services (at several different churches) was "Silent Night! Holy Night!" I think it must be the most beloved Christmas carol ever sung. And it all came about because of a broken organ.

Joseph Mohr, a priest in the high Alps Church of St. Nicholas, and the church organist, Franz Gruber, were desperate for music for their Christmas Eve mass. Father Mohr wrote the words and Gruber said, "Friend Mohr, you have fount it--the right song--God be praised!" He immediately began composing the music to go with the words of "Silent Night! Holy Night!" On Christmas Eve in 1818, the two friends sang the new carol for their parishioners with Gruber playing his guitar. 

"Silent Night! Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright 'Round yon virgin mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent Night! Holy Night! Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven a far, Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. Silent Night! Holy Night! Son of God, love's pure light, Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Amen". (Joseph Mohr, 1818, Franz Gruber, 1818).

"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 2:16-20 NIV).

Oh, Mighty God, Giver of Thy Holy Son, our hearts are full of the glory of the gift of Your Holy Son. We rejoice that You gave us Your beloved Son, to save us from our sins. Lord, keep our hearts filled with the joy and the blessing of King Emmanuel, Jesus Lord at Thy birth. Help us to share this message with others whom we encounter. We praise You and worship You. Amen.

Kneeling In the Stable

"What Do I Want For Christmas?"

by Ann Weems, "Kneeling in Bethlehem"

"What do I want for Christmas?

I want to kneel in Bethlehem,

the air thick with alleluias, the angels singing

that God is born among us. 

In the light of the Star,

I want to see them come, 

the wise ones and the humble.

I want to see them come

bearing whatever they treasure

to lay at the feet of him who gives his life.

What do I want for Christmas?

To see in that stable

the whole world kneeling in thanks

for a promise kept: new life.

For in his nativity

we find ours." 

For as long as I can remember "Away in a Manger" has been sung by the children during the annual Christmas program. When I was a child, I remember my knees knocking in front of the full church as I whisper-sang the words I'd been taught. Every year after we sang it again and again. When I was a young mother I taught it to my boys. When I taught Sunday school and helped with the Christmas program, "Away in a Manger" was always sung by the youngest children. Actions were often added, also.

I remember a time when I didn't like to sing the song because I felt it was too childish. Then as I aged, "Away in a Manger" became beloved once again. How could 65+ years of "Away in a Manger" be discarded as immature? The "children's carol" or "Cradle Song" was written in 1885 by a source unknown. The third stanza was credited to Dr. John Thomas McFarland who added the line for a children's program in the early 1900's.

 Sing along as you read the familiar words to "Away in a Manger."

"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there."

 "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 2:6-7 NIV).

O Gracious and Loving God, we lift our arms in praise for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Awaken us to the true meaning of Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus. Help us keep our focus in the stable and remembering what we truly want this Christmas. With eternal thankfulness, we pray, Amen.

Glory to the Newborn King!

 Can you imagine the arrival of the angels on the night Jesus was born? I love the picture the following scripture paints for us.

"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 shone 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."" (Luke 2:8-14 NIV).

One of the most popular Christmas carols is "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing", written by Charles Wesley in 1739. The melody is by composer Felix Mendelssohn in 1840. Wesley wrote more than 6,500 hymns. Besides telling the story of angels, the carol describes Christ's honor and deity and concludes with a prayer giving us second birth.

Sing along as we remember these familiar words of praise and honor to our Savior, born in Bethlehem.

"Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King: Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th'angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory top the newborn King."  Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the Virgin's womb" Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail t'incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."  Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

Oh, Gracious God: we look up and imagine the glory of Your angels as the shepherds saw that quiet night. Fill us with that same awe and wonder as we walk through these last few days before Christmas. Close our eyes to the busy-ness of the season and let us pause and rejoice with the angels! Fill our hearts with Your gift of the Savior and the thankfulness we feel. Let us experience the Glory of the angels once again. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Remembering the Holy Birth

Do you remember when your first child was born? Or perhaps your first niece or nephew? Or your first grandchild? The birth of a baby is such a big reason to celebrate. But the first child is so new. Everything you do is a first: the first bath; the first, second, third, fourth... diaper change; the first feeding; the first time in the crib; the first car ride home; the first time holding a new baby; nearly all of the firsts are worth recording in a baby book.

Imagine Mary and Joseph as they walked/rode the final mile of their trip to Bethlehem. They must have been exhausted and dirty and thirsty. Yet, they had no time to choose a leisurely bath, God's Holy child was about to be born! So they quickly accepted use of the inn keeper's stable: the place for the baby Son of God to be born. 

"O Come, All Ye Faithful" was an old Latin hymn, attributed to John F. Wade in 1751 as Cantus Diversi. The words of this hymn are familiar to many who sing Christmas carols. "O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Amen."

"So Joseph 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 2:4-7 NIV).

I wish I'd known what I know now, when our boys were born. But, I was young and easily influenced by the world where nursing your child was not popular. Our first son was colicky and my doctor was unsympathetic. He grew up with asthma and allergies. Five years later, it was more of a trend to breast feed and I was determined. Our second son was healthy and happy.

Dear God, we are excited for our Christmas celebrations, welcoming baby Jesus. We sing, "O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord." Help us to focus on Your Son and the mercy He brought us. Guide our hearts in worship and praise as we remember Jesus, Immanuel, born in Bethlehem, and His perfect life here on earth where He taught us to love others. We remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for us to have salvation. We thank You, God.  Amen.

The Shepherd is Coming

How I wish I had a picture of my husband John in the field with his lambs. He was a very good shepherd. The work of a shepherd is never done. John spent hours in the sheep shed, caring for his flock, all after he came home from his "real" paying job. That's why he was ready to retire from the sheeping business. There was no rest for the weary.

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

The nativity scenes we display during this season nearly all have shepherds and sheep. We can only wonder if there were sheep near the stable when Mary and Joseph arrived. Or perhaps the sheep came with the shepherds who followed the star to Bethlehem. Either way, sheep and shepherds are important to the story.

Though there are no mountains in Iowa, there are hills, as the traditional spiritual Christmas carol, written by John W. Work, II, 1907, says:

"Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born.  While shepherds kept their watching O'er silent flocks by night, Behold, throughout the heavens There shone a holy light. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born. The shepherds feared and trembled When, lo! above the earth Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Savior's birth. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born. Down in a lowly manger Our humble Christ was born, And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn. Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born."

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen," (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

I love reading the book of the prophet Isaiah, often recognized as the greatest prophet. The book of Isaiah is the first of the Prophets in the Bible. The first half of his book includes a scathing call to repentance of Judah, Israel and other nations nearby. But the second half of the book of Isaiah is a beautiful narrative of hope and prophecy of God's blessings that came true through the birth and life of the Messiah and will come again when Jesus returns.

"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).

The Christmas carol, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" dates back to the 12th century. The lyrics were translated from Latin, but the author and composer is unknown. It is one of the first carols to be sung during the Advent season. As we read the words, consider the hope that is promised to Israel and to us.

"O come, O come Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear (Refrain) Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. (verse 2) O come, O come, Thou Lord of might Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height In ancient times didst give the law In cloud, and majesty and awe (Refrain) (verse 3) O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny From depths of hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave (Refrain) (verse 4) O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight (Refrain) (verse 5) O come, Thou Key of David, come And open wide our heavenly home Make safe the way that leads on high And close the path to misery (Refrain) (verse 6) O come, Thou Wisdom from on high And order all things, far and nigh To us the path of knowledge show And cause us in her ways to go (Refrain) (verse 7) O come, desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind Bid Thou our sad divisions cease And be Thyself our King of peace Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel."

If you have time this Christmas, begin reading Isaiah 40 through Isaiah 66:24. Isaiah describes the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and his life and death with incredible detail, possibly written about 650 years before Christ was born!

O Gracious God: We thank You for the blessings You have given us as we celebrate the birth of Your Son, sent to Earth to save us.  Our hearts are full as we read about Your plan of salvation so many years before Jesus was born. Help us to grasp the wonder of Christmas and the coming of baby Jesus to a virgin mother. Comfort us in our misery and bring us our King of Peace. Amen.

Make The Better Choice this Christmas

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her," 

(Luke 10:41-42 NIV).

Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and worship Him, rather than help her sister in the kitchen. Although this isn't a traditional Christmas scripture, these words spoke to me as I prepared for this holiday season. "Make the better choice."

How can I make this Christmas better? Keep my focus on Jesus. Avoid the commercialization and remember, "Jesus is the reason for the season."

At our house the focal point in on nativities. I have several sets on display including a Fisher Price Nativity that has been on the fireplace hearth since our first grandchild was born, 26 years ago. Now my youngest grandchild is 11 1/2 so that no longer seems fitting. Instead, we have a nativity that is made of sheep at the stable, as shepherds, and as wise men.

Typically we depend on a variety of family activities to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Perhaps you will find an idea for your family to choose this year:

Attend Advent worship on Sundays

Attend special programs such as children's programs or Christmas Eve worship

Read scriptures daily until Christmas: Matthew 1:18-2:12, Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-20; and John 1:1-18.

Share family devotions at mealtime

Create a worship center focused on Jesus' birth

Play Christmas music

Create a prayer list: include shut-ins, the lonely, the grieving

Give gifts to needy families or children

Bake cookies together

Deliver plates of goodies to shut-ins in your neighborhood

Show appreciation to those who make your life better: postal persons, police officers, fire persons, pastors, teachers, bus drivers, or neighbors

Use Christian symbols on your Christmas tree

Go Christmas caroling to shut-ins

Display an outdoor nativity to remind others of Jesus this season

Attend a Christmas concert: Handel's "The Messiah" is one of my favorites

Make or choose Christian Christmas cards to send

Watch a Christmas movie

Luke's words remind us during this busy season to choose what is important: slow down and worship Jesus, our Savior. As we prepare the house and our lives for Christmas, make an effort to choose what is better. Make Christmas Holy by honoring our Savior's Birth. And this will not be taken from us.

Dearest God of Mercy and Love, we worship You and thank You for sending a little baby to teach us how to love others. Help us make better choices that bring You glory this holy season, and use us to reflect our Savior's love to others in all we do and say. Amen.

Expectation

"Come Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne. Amen." (by Charles Wesley, 1744; Rowland H. Prichard, c. 1830).

Expectation, anticipation, longing...the season of Advent...the coming of Jesus.

Are we ready? What do we do to prepare for the coming of Jesus? Do we focus on Jesus as we hang the Christmas lights? Is He the focus of each decoration hung on our trees? The season of Advent is here; ready or not! 

It seems like too much of our Christmas is without Christ. I have seen stories that give a Christian angle to some of the symbols we see at Christmas like the tree, the poinsettia, the candles, the wreaths and so on. That is a good thing. We need to center on the true meaning of Christmas rather than the commercialized icons. It is hard when Santas and reindeer and grinches surround us.

During the time before Jesus was born, the people were anxiously waiting for a Savior, a King to rescue them, as God had promised repeatedly.

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory...And in this place I will grant peace,' says the Lord Almighty," (Haggai 2:6, 7, 9b).

Lord Almighty, we come before You with expectant hearts during this Advent season. We know Jesus came as a baby and died for us as a Man. We ask You to fill our hearts with the true meaning of Christmas...the fulfillment of Your promise of a Savior. As we look into the rustic stable we see Jesus, the One and Only Redeemer. Thank You, Lord, for sending us Your Son. Help us keep our focus on Jesus as we move through this season of expectation. We pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.