A Poor Family Raises Jesus

My thoughts are still in the manger with baby Jesus as we close out 2025. We aren't told how long Mary and Joseph stayed in the manger before they moved into a house. We know the crowds in Bethlehem would subside as people completed their registration and returned home. 

According to my NIV commentary for Luke 2:21-24, Jewish babies went through several ceremonies soon after they were born. Circumcision and naming the baby boy happened on the eighth day. Jesus would have been taken to the temple for this. Then also, "A firstborn son was presented to God one month after birth. The ceremony represented buying back--"redeeming" --the child from God through an offering. Thus the parents acknowledged that the child belonged to God, who alone has the power to give life."

"The parents would bring a burnt offering to the temple and the priest would sacrifice a lamb and a dove or pigeon for a sin offering. If a lamb was too expensive, the parents could bring a second dove or pigeon instead. This is what Mary and Joseph did. Jesus was God's Son, but his family carried out these ceremonies according to God's law. Jesus was not born above the law, instead, he fulfilled it perfectly."  (footnotes for Luke 2:21-24 NIV Life Application Bible).

Knowing the history of Jewish law helps us understand the life of Jesus as it began as a human baby who grew up just like us, but became the Savior of the world, as God intended.

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich," (2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV). 

Father God, we thank You for sending Your Son as a baby of poor parents to show us just how much You love us! We consider how much Jesus gave up, as part of the Trinity, to come to live on earth as a man. Jesus, we thank You for giving so much to us in Your living Sacrifice to mankind. We praise You and thank You and pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remembering More Than Bethlehem

"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).

Christmas can be difficult when you live with depression. It is supposed to be all merry and joyful and instead it reminds me of sad things. My parents have been gone more than 20 years, still I grieve their absence at Christmastime. Mother spent the month of December baking cookies and making candy. Then close to Christmas she would bring out all the containers of goodies and begin to fill trays that she would make Daddy deliver to friends, neighbors and others who were in need of a plate of cheer. She was amazing.

Daddy was known for his Christmas surprises. The day before Christmas he would go shopping. Sometimes he would bring home a surprise for mother: a new stove for instance. Here was mother up to her ears in dinner preparations and Daddy would be putting in a new stove for her. 

Christmas at Mom and Dad's house meant gathering all the daughters and their families together for a big meal. Once the food was put away (taking much too long for the kids) everyone would circle around the living room. There were presents to open but my favorite part was singing Christmas carols with Mama at the piano. There was time to look at each face that I loved, and hear the story of Jesus' birth in the songs that we sang. That memory still brings tears to my eyes.

Christmas is more than Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. It is filled with emotions and memories of all the past celebrations, the desire for a perfect gathering of all my family together, the many midnight Christmas Eve candlelight services around my home church, the many Christmas pageants performed through the years, and yes, the precious gift of baby Jesus coming to earth as a human: to grow up as a Bible scholar who lived the perfect life for us to be like. This baby became the Man who gave His life for us on the cross. We remember so much!

Lord, be with us this Christmas. Fill us with the Love of that came down that Christmas morning. Heal our broken places and help us live a life for You as You planned for us. In the Holy Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Are You Ready?

Winter arrived yesterday with warm sunshine and a false comfort of the months to come. Are you ready for the arrival of our King? The stars shine brightly this time of year against a slate of darkness. A baby is about to be born in Bethlehem, under the star as placed by God.

"Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and strength, not one of them is missing." (Isaiah 40:26 NIV).

Just as the shepherds paused to see the bright light to lead them to the Christ Child, we must look up and see where God will lead us this Christmas. Even when we are tired or weary, God promises to walk with us.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,"  (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV). 

God is with us. He walks with us. He lifts us up when we just want to quit. There is a path before us.

"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).

Do not be afraid. God has a plan that has been in place for generations. He knows the future of our great grandchildren as well as He knew the path of our great grandfathers!

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you," (Isaiah 41:13 NIV).

The Savior is coming. Are you ready? He will come whether the packages are wrapped; the cookies are baked; or the baby Jesus is in the creche.

O God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to walk with us through the plan You have for us. Quiet our hearts of fear and show us Your right hand that invites us to be with You. Help us keep Jesus, the reason for the season, as You intended. We praise You, Lord, as we pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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Christmas is a Time To Treasure

“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,” (Luke 2:15-19 NIV).

Most of all, Christmas is a time to treasure. Christmas is a time to reflect on our blessings and to give thanks to God; a time to celebrate quiet family time, perhaps by reading the Christmas story in the light of your tree. It is the feeling you have when you tuck your trusting little ones into bed at night. It is remembering wonderful times together and the loved ones who are no longer with us. Christmas is a time to give selflessly and loving completely.

Christmas is a time to treasure all these things and ponder them in your heart. Christmas is a time to take all the good things in life and locking them in your heart, never to be forgotten.

The time of anticipation is nearly over. Christmas is one week away. It is time to be ready. Ready to feel the joy. Ready to hear the music. Ready to treasure the moments of Christmas’ past.

Father God, thank You for this season of remembering and treasuring all these things in our hearts. Thank You for sending Your Son to earth as a baby that everyone could love. We treasure the Christmas story as the beginning of His life with us. Show us what we need to do this season to be ready to hold the Christ Child in our hearts. Praying in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Joy of Christmas Music

"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 2:13-14 NIV). 

Wouldn't you love to experience that? Or as The Message puts it:

"At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: "Glory to God in the heavenly heights. Peace to all men and women on earth who please him." (Luke 2:13-14 The Message)

It gives me goose bumps to imagine how beautiful that would be. I have been enjoying Life 107.1 as they have been playing all Christmas music since December 1st. My car ia always on that station and I have Alexa turn it on in my kitchen. It fills my heart with joy!

One of my favorite Christmas memories is hearing my Dad sing "O Holy Night" at our church Christmas Eve candlelight service. For many years it was a tradition at Bethel Grove Church. "O Holy Night" was written by French poet Placide Cappeau in 1847 and set to music by French composer Adolphe Adam (1847) with the most famous English translation by American critic John Sullivan Dwight in 1855. The carol first debuted at a Christmas Eve Mass in France.

O Holy Night

The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior's birth  Long lay the world in sin and error pining  "Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices. O night divine, O night when Christ was born. O night, O night, O Holy night, O night divine!  Truly He taught us to love one another;  His law is love and His Gospel is Peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother. And in His name, all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we. Let all within us Praise His Holy name. Christ is the Lore' O praise His name forever! His power and glory evermore proclaim. His power and glory evermore proclaim.

Music touches hearts with its beauty. Whatever your favorite Christmas song is, turn up the volume and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the season.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating music that fills the air around us. Perhaps music was first sung by Your angels. How I would love to hear Your angels sing! Thank You for sending Your Son to earth as an infant who saved us all. Help us prepare our hearts to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in the days ahead. We praise You and love You, praying in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Good News of Great Joy

 There is nothing quite like the look on the face of a child who opens a gift he has been longing for. One favorite family story that is retold nearly every Christmas happened when my brother-in-law was just a tike. After opening a special present this little boy shouted out, "Just what me always wanted!"

The eyes of children seem to hold special magic at Christmas. The excitement they feel can't be contained. It spills over into bouncing and jumping and hugging. There is true joy. Though there is joy in getting something you love, there is even greater joy in finding that perfect gift that you know is just right. 

Christmas joy is the cooing and smiles of a baby resting in your arms. Christmas joy flows on the face of a grandparent when the family gathers together. There is Christmas joy when that independent college-aged son or daughter comes home for holiday break. It is receiving a card from a friend you haven't heard from in a few years.

"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," (Luke 2:10-12 NIV).

This Christmas, the words of the song, "Mary Did You Know" have really touched my heart. The song as performed by Pentatonix is especially beautiful.

"Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm the storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm the storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb (Lamb) Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am?"

Oh, God, thank You for creating the beautiful Christmas story that we share again and again, generation to generation. Thank You for sending Your Son to earth as a baby that changed the trajectory of the sinful world. Heavenly Father, the joy of the birth of Your Son fills our hearts this Christmas and every Christmas. Your gift to us shows Your Great Love for us all. We pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Anticipation of Joy

It is hard to wait, especially when you are little. When our boys were young we had an advent calendar for them. They could open a new door each day to help count down the days until Christmas. We also had a hanging with buttons tied to a ribbon with yarn. They could remove a button every day beginning December first and when they were gone, it was Christmas Day. Another year my mother prepared little packages given on the days before Christmas to make the waiting a little easier for the boys.

Even as adults, we often find our expectations inflating with each approaching day. We hope for the perfect Christmas and often rush around trying to do more: bake more, send more Christmas cards, buy more gifts, clean more throughly... so everything will be just right when the anticipated day arrives.

Instead of trying to make all the "things" better, we can fill our hearts with joy by anticipating the arrival of our Savior! That is true joy. As with the arrival of any baby, there is such overwhelming joy! I can't even imagine the joy of Mary as she looked upon her Holy baby, the Son of God, in physical form.

""Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of Most High," (Luke 1:28-32a NIV).

I wonder if the angel's words came back to Mary as she rested, after giving birth to the Kingly Child. Anticipation of the life of a Savior was before her. 

The author of Hebrews described Jesus as the, "Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven," (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).

Lord God, we bow down in humble adoration of Your Son Jesus. We know the story of His life, yet we enjoy remembering the way you brought Jesus into the world. We pause to anticipate the joy of the Coming Savior. Thank You, God, for sending Your Only Son to bring Salvation to a sinful world. We pray in the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

(Latin hymn translated by John M. Neale, 1851,  Thomas Helmore, 1854.) Based on one of the earliest forms of music known - the Chant or Plain Song.

This beautiful hymn calls us to remember the meaning of the Christmas season...the arrival of Jesus' first coming and expectation of Christ's second coming still ahead. Rejoice! We can sing these words over and over during the Advent season. 

At our house, the Christmas decorations are mostly in place now. It is kind of a hodgepodge of things collected over the past 52 years. Somewhere along the way, I gathered several creches and three of them are on display. My decorations aren't something you would see in "House Beautiful," rather they are meaningful only to me. There is a lot of blue because I love that color: blue lights on the tree, blue bows on the light fixtures next to the fireplace, a blue scarf on a pudgy little snowman, (made by granddaughter Piper years ago), and a blue tablecloth. 

The creches are the focal point of Christmas for me. I hope to remind anyone who comes, that Jesus is number one in my Christmas.

"In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you," (Luke 1:26-28 NIV).

Heavenly Father God, Thank You for this season of preparation for the birth of Your Son, and His arrival as a human baby on this earth- that You alone created. Thank You for the Christmas lights that remind us of  Jesus' arrival as Emmanuel, the Light of the World. Thank You for sending Him to be born a baby in Bethlehem, as foretold hundreds of years before. We Rejoice! Amen.

We give God the Glory. 

Our Hope is Light

The turkey is cooked and nearly gone. The wreaths of gold and brown have been taken down and replaced with red and green. The outdoor lights are glowing and the artificial Christmas trees are up and decorated. The flurry of Black Friday is replaced by Cyber Monday. Calendars have turned to December. The nativity scenes are in place and the lawns (in Iowa, at least) are coated with a plentiful blanket of snow. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  Or not.

Christmas can be a difficult season. I think of those who have lost a loved one since last Christmas, especially. The "firsts" are hard. It is challenging to see everyone else in such a joyful mood when inside your heart is breaking. 

"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).  

God's promise is hope. 

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned," (Isaiah 9:2 NIV).

Hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah proclaimed hope was coming. A virgin will conceive! A Son will be born, coming in the physical presence of baby Jesus. A child will be our Deliverer. The Messiah. Immanuel.

Mighty God, we enter this season with hope. Even when our hearts are breaking, we see Your Light coming. We have hope. Fill us with Your Great Light and lift our spirits as we anticipate the coming of baby Jesus, once again. Remind us of what is truly important this Christmas: Your Son. We pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.