God-Gifts of Christmas

We enjoy receiving gifts any time during the year, but we especially enjoy them at Christmas. Most of the time the wrapped gifts we receive include physical things, but other gifts, not wrapped, may come as intangible things like love and care by family members, good health, Christmas music, beautiful decorations, and celebrations with special friends or family. Did you know that the Bible tells us that God has given gifts to people? The phrase, “Gift of God,” occurs several times in the Bible and here are some of these God-gifts.

1)    The Gift of Salvation. The Bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is God’s deliverance of people from the power and effects of sin through the work of Jesus Christ dying on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin. Salvation is the sinner's rescue from death to life with God.

2)    The Gift of God’s Grace. The Apostle Paul tells us, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power” (Ephesians 3:7). Since all of us are sinners, we must rely on Jesus’ death on the cross on our behalf to receive forgiveness of sin and enjoy eternal salvation.

3)    The Gift of Eternal Life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift is available to anyone who believes in Christ and trusts that he died to pay the penalty of sin which we deserved to pay. Without Jesus Christ, it would be impossible for us to live with God forever.

4)    The Gift of Righteousness. Scripture explains, “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17). When anyone puts their faith and trust in Jesus alone, they step into righteousness, which is only available because Jesus died on the cross for each of us. We become righteous, not because of anything we have done, but on what Christ had done.

5)    The Gift of Life. The Bible says, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (I Peter 3:7). Marriage is a blending of two lives, and when a man has found a virtuous woman to marry, she becomes a precious gift – the gift of life.

Obviously, these God-gifts originate with God himself. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father [God] of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). We can enjoy these God-given-gifts all year long, but they are particularly precious during the Christmas season. Have you personally received these gifts from God? They are yours for the receiving. Take time to thank God for what he has given you. Do not let Christmas slip by without showing your appreciation to God for the wonderful gifts he has provided for you.

Life After Christmas

Have you noticed that as soon as Christmas is over something disappears?  Christmas carols are no longer heard on radio or TV.  Everyone has stopped singing Christmas songs.  Holiday Decorations have been packed away for another year.  Hearing about the Savior’s birth is not expressed by anyone, including religious leaders.  “Merry Christmas” greetings are missing when someone addresses you.  And Christmas cards, letters, and emails are not found in mailboxes or on computers.

What happens when these things are gone?  People are unenthusiastic and they feel letdown.  They have lost their sense of expectation, and it seems as if their vibrancy has decreased.  But this is not the way it should be after Christmas.  Why?  Because Jesus should still be at the center of our thoughts and conversations.  His birth has taken place in what we call the first Advent, but there will be a second advent.  Jesus is coming again (John 14:1-3).

What we need is a transformation – a change in our thinking so our mind is aligned with God.  The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).  We need a complete change in our mindset.  Christ died on the cross taking our place and paying the penalty for our sins.  He came not just to be born in a manger but to offer abundant life to us, to forgive us, and to provide eternal life through faith in Him.

What we need after Christmas is to focus on Jesus, and not just the things that are missing.  In our response to the good news of Christmas let’s allow Jesus to come into our life and make us a new and different person in all that we think or do.  The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (II Corinthians 5:17, TLB).  The Bible also points to other things which were lost including a lamb, a coin and a son (Luke 15:3-32).  However, the text tells us that each of these things were found and as a result there was much rejoicing.  When you receive Jesus as your Savior, you will experience great joy because He will provide just what you need.  The Bible says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  When we find Christ we discover what was really missing in our lives.  Inviting Him to come into your life will make your joy complete.  Jesus is with us.  He is not missing. Let’s be glad and rejoice.

The Promise of Christmas

All of us have had someone make a promise to us.  It may have been the promise of a gift, a visit, or to complete a task.  Promises are fun to receive, especially if the person who makes the promise follows through with what they promised they would do.  However, there is great disappointment if the promise is broken. In the book of Acts we are told of a promise that God made to us.  Since the promise is about Jesus, we’ll call this a Christmas promise.  The Bible verse says, “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised” (Acts 13:23).  Notice three things about this special Christmas promise.

1)      The Christmas Promise comes from God.  The text says, “as He promised.”  We can always be assured that when God makes a promise, He will fulfill it.  It will come to pass.  The Bible says, “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13). God always does what He says He will do.  That is the Christmas story.

2)      The Christmas Promise involves God’s Action.  Scripture reminds us that Jesus was born in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem.  But His birth in that town, at that specific time, did not just happen.  The text says, “God has brought.”  It was God’s activity.  He sent His one and only Son demonstrating His great love for us.  That is the Christmas story.

3)      The Christmas Promise Intent is Salvation through God’s Son.  The text tells us that God brought to Israel “the Savior Jesus.”  Why do you and I, and all mankind, need a Savior?  It is because all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (or His holy standard) – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  The penalty of our sin is death – spiritual separation from God – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Jesus came to die on the cross for us to pay the death penalty that we owed. That is the Christmas story.

Many years ago, at the World’s Fair, when electrical gadgets were new, an electrical building had a door with no door handles.  You could not enter the building unless you stepped on a mat outside the door.  When you made that step, the door would open.  That action is almost like the Promise of Christmas.  God’s promise of Christmas is for everyone; but the only way we can claim that promise is by faith.  We take a step of faith when we put our trust in what Jesus has done for us.  Believing in Jesus and receiving by faith will enable us to claim salvation as God’s Christmas promise to us.

The Wonder of Christmas

Wonder is part of Christmas.  The word “wonder” means “to marvel, to be amazed, or to stand in awe.”  So, what is it about Christmas that causes people to wonder?  Some people wonder at Christmas time because they see such things as: Christmas trees and brightly colored lights. Others have a sense of wonder when they see the snow glistening in the moonlight or hear the snow crunch under their feet as they walk.  Still others tend to wonder when they see beautiful Christmas decorations, hear or sing Christmas carols, or watch a church Christmas program.  These things, enjoyed by most everyone, are all part of the Christmas season.  However, there is something else about Christmas that causes people to wonder.  This wonder is found in the most famous verse in the Bible – John 3:16 – which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Let’s examine the wonder of Christmas from this biblical perspective.

1)      God’s Motive.  The wonder of Christmas begins with God’s motive which is one of love.  Why did God send the Christ-child to be born in a manger?  Why did God speak to the shepherds on the Bethlehem hillside telling them about the Savior’s birth?  Why did the wise men come to worship the newborn king?  God did these things to share His love for us.  The verse begins, “For God so loved the world,” means that He wrapped his love in the person of His one and only son, Jesus, and sent him to “The world” – to all people, including you and me.  “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

2)      God’s Method.  The wonder of Christmas continues with God’s method which is the act of giving.  The verse simply says that “He gave.”  At Christmas we give gifts to family members and friends to demonstrate our love for them.  God did the same for us.  He loved us so much that he gave us his son to show his great love for us.  “He [Jesus] himself bore our sins in his body on the tree [cross], so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (I Peter 2:24).

3)      God’s Miracle.  The wonder of Christmas is God’s miracle which is explained as eternal life.  When Jesus died on the cross he made it possible for us to have a right relationship with God and experience “eternal life.”  This miracle is available for everyone who “believes in Him.”  Belief in him is needed along with reception of him.  The Bible tells us, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Maybe it is time for you and me to look at Christmas in a new light through this significant bible verse.  Think about it: God’s motive is love, God’s method is giving, and God’s miracle is eternal life.  “He who has the son has life; he who does not have the son of God does not have life” (I John 5:12). This Christmas wonder can be yours when you believe in Christ and receive him by faith.  Why not make the Christmas wonder part of your celebration this year?

Tis the Season

Have you ever thought about the message that many of our popular Christmas Carols covey?  For example:

“Silver Bells” tells us to be upbeat – “Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile.”

“Up On the House Top” suggests merriment – “Ho, ho ho!  Who wouldn’t go?”

“Jingle Bells” advocates fun – “Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!”

“Deck the Halls” proposes being jolly – “’Tis the season to be jolly.

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” advocates happiness – “With kids jingle belling and everyone telling you ‘Be of good cheer.’”

So, what is the conclusion we get from these Carols?  Christmas must be a time filled with joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings.  Right?  Maybe for some it is.  But this is wrong for others.  Many people experience Christmas as a time of anxiety, stress, loneliness, reflection on past failures, and concerns about an uncertain future.  Did you know that depression affects about 19 million American adults each year?  It takes away a person’s ability to function in everyday situations and affects thoughts, moods, and behaviors.  During Christmas many people are sad and grieve.  Some individuals avoid groups of people because they fear crowds or are afraid of being disapproved or embarrassed.  We need to realize that Christmas will not eliminate loneliness or feelings of sadness.  Here are some suggestions that you might want to try during this often stressed-filled season: 

1)      Look for positive things to alleviate disappointment.

2)      Volunteer to help others.  This will take your mind off yourself and give you a sense of usefulness.

3)      Do something for yourself.

4)      Do not spend the Christmas season alone but find people to be with. 

5)      Open the Bible and read the Christmas story.

6)      List the ways that God has been faithful to you.

7)      Focus on the real meaning of Christmas.

8)      Identify and write down at least 2 dozen (24) things for which you are grateful.

If Christmas does not seem like the most wonderful time of the year to you because of stress or disappointment realize that God wants to give you His joy.  Jesus said, “These things that I have spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11). Notice that the qualification for a joy-filled life is to possess the joy of Jesus.  This will become a reality when you invite Jesus, who is the reason for the Christmas season, to become your Savior and Lord.  It is He who will give you joy despite your circumstances.  Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

God and Us

As the Christmas season approaches, let your mind think about the biblical Christmas story and the song that angels in the Bethlehem skies sang over the shepherds so long ago.  Here’s how the Bible records it, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). Why such jubilation?  Why such proclamation?  Here are three truths related to the action of God who sent Jesus, His one and only Son, to the earth.

 1)      Jesus is God WITH us.  Matthew expresses this truth as: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23). Did you know that Jesus came to this world, not just so you could celebrate Christmas each year?  He came because God wants to develop a personal relationship with you through His son.  Is God with you?

2)      Jesus is God FOR us.  The Apostle Paul reminds us of this fact when he said, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ, but we also know that He lived among us and died on the cross.  Did you know that Jesus died on the cross for you, to pay the penalty of your sin?  Have you personally experienced God’s forgiveness of your sins?

3)      Jesus is God IN us.  The Apostle John uses this idea when he says, “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them.  And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us” (I John 3:24). The great miracle of Christmas is that God would choose to live in us.  He does so when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord by faith and invite Him into our lives.  Have you put your trust in Christ today?  Is God in you?

May you enjoy a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas by inviting Christ to come into your life.  Remember: by receiving God’s perfect Gift, Jesus, He is God with you, God for you, and God in you.  Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Good News at Christmas

All of us are anxious to hear news, but our appreciation for the news we hear is even greater if the news is good news.  This Christmas season are you prepared to hear some good news?  Here is some good news that comes directly from the biblical Christmas Story.  The angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks on the Bethlehem hillside and said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).  Notice that the news that was brought to them was (1) Quality News because it was “good news”, (2) It was Hopeful News because it would provide “great joy”, and (3) It was Extensive News because it was news that was important for “all the people.”

The news the angel was talking about was the gospel, which actually means good news.  When the word gospel is used in the New Testament, most of the time it refers to the total of the saving truth about Jesus as it is communicated to people who are lost in sin.  The bad news of the Bible is called sin, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  But when God entered the picture, He changed the bad news to good news. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were sill sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

I trust that during this Christmas season the news of Jesus Christ will be especially Good News for you because by faith you can experience Christ in your heart.  My prayer is that as you experience the Good News of Christ you will have great joy because of the personal peace that God gives.  I further trust that you will take time to communicate this wonderful news of Christ to others.  Listen to the promise Jesus gave in His own words, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).  May you have a joyous Christmas rejoicing in the Good News of salvation in Christ.

Finding Christmas Joy

As a child, one of the things at Christmas that was most fun for me was finding a gift under the tree with my name on it.  When I looked at the name tags on the presents and discovered my name listed, I began to wonder.  Was it a toy?  A game?  Something fun?  Would it make me happy?  Or was it a dreaded article of clothing?  It is interesting that “finding” is mentioned in the Biblical Christmas story.  It was an angel who told the shepherds on the Judean hillside so many years ago, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).  As I began to think of Christmas in terms of finding I discovered several other wonderful things from the Bible that are worth finding.

1)      Christmas is finding God’s Love.  Too often, people feel like they are not loved.  When downhearted and discouraged it is good to peel back the curtain of despair and recognize that God’s love is available in abundant measure to bring light, peace, and joy. To hear the words, “I love you”, brightens the day and turns discouragement into hope.  God sent His Son, Jesus, to express His love to us. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (I John 4:9).

2)      Christmas is finding Forgiveness.  The Scripture is clear that everyone sins and is born with a sin nature.  In addition, sin must be punished.  However, God’s plan was to send Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin.  “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43).

3)      Christmas is finding Hope.  Without Christ there is despair and despondency.  The Apostle Paul says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).  Without hope there is not much to look forward to.  Finding God is to find hope.

4)      Christmas is finding Joy.  Joy goes far beyond happiness because it does not depend on circumstances.  Joy comes from a close relationship and fellowship with Christ and results in strength to the individual irrespective of circumstances.  “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:8).  “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

5)      Christmas is finding Peace.  One of the names given to Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6 names Him with these very words – “Prince of Peace.”  With Jesus you and I can experience peace even in tough, unsettling times.  “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36). 

6)      Christmas is finding Everlasting Life.  Jesus came for the purpose of giving something that would last forever – eternal life.  He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). From the Apostle Paul we learn about this special gift.  “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 3:23).

All these gifts are a special find and they come through Jesus Christ.  Do not let another Christmas season pass without going on a hunt to find the wonderful things that God has for you.

 

The Star

There is an object in the Christmas story that we often refer to as the star of the east.  The biblical text says, “After they (the magi) 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” (Matthew 2:9-10).  It might be helpful for us to reflect on what a star does.

First, a star brings cheer.  The darker the night, the brighter the star shines.  The darker our night of sin, the brighter God’s redeeming love is to us.  When talking to those whom He forgave, Jesus often encouraged them to be of good cheer or to take heart.
Second, stars are used to provide guidance.  Navigators used the stars to find their way - as did the Magi.
Third, stars have a lasting presence.  They endure from one generation to another.  Who hasn’t seen the big dipper, the little dipper, or the North Star in the sky?

In addition, the words of Scripture tell us that Jesus is: “The Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16).  He always shines to brighten the way for everyone to not only see their spiritually lost condition but to help them understand their need of surrendering to God for forgiveness, peace, hope and eternal life.  Christmas is a special time for us to realize that we can personally receive the precious gift of Jesus Christ.  He alone can remove our guilt and the curse of that guilt, which is eternal death.  He alone can give us an unending blissful life.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Let’s accept this unspeakable gift as our very own and know what it means to have the Bright and Morning Star as our constant guide to cheer our way through the darkness of this world into the light of eternity.

What is Christmas?

Think about that question.  What might your answer be?  For some people, Christmas is giving and receiving gifts.  For others, it is the bright colored lights, beautifully decorated trees, and the joyful sounds of the season.  Still others would explain Christmas as family get-togethers, laughter, and lots of great food.  Some might even say that Christmas is church programs and Jesus in a manger.  All of these are part of Christmas; however, Christmas is much more than that.

Christmas is explained in God’s Word when it says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11).  Do you see it?  Christmas is the gift of salvation that comes to us through the person of Jesus Christ, all because of God’s wonderful grace.  The angels announced the coming of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem.  However, the announcement recorded in John 3:16 reminds us that Jesus was God’s love-gift to us.  It says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Aren’t you glad that God, by His mercy and grace, is a giving God?  Aren’t you glad that He gave His only Son as a love-gift so that you and I might receive salvation by personal faith in Christ? “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  God’s love gift is significant, but we need to make it ours.  How?  Simple.  Look at the instruction to us, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

The gift of Jesus is ours by believing in Him.  Don’t let Christmas pass and enter the New Year without experiencing God’s wonderful grace—Jesus Christ.  To know Him is life eternal.

Christmas is explained in God’s Word when it says, “For the grace of god that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11).  Do you see it?  Christmas is the gift of salvation that comes to us through the person of Jesus Christ, all because of God’s wonderful grace.  The angels announced the coming of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem.  However, the announcement recorded in John 3:16 reminds us that Jesus was God’s love-gift to us.  It says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Aren’t you glad that God, by His mercy and grace, is a giving God?  Aren’t you glad that He gave His only Son as a love-gift so that you and I might receive salvation by personal faith in Christ? “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  God’s love gift is significant, but we need to make it ours.  How?  Simple.  Look at the instruction to us, “Yet to all who receved him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

The gift of Jesus is ours by believing in Him.  Don’t let Christmas pass and enter the New Year without experiencing God’s wonderful grace—Jesus Christ.  To know Him is life eternal.

The Gift that Keeps Giving

After December 25th our focus on the Christmas season is over.  Christmas lights are turned off, decorations are put away, Christmas carols no longer fill the air waves, and Christmas cards become a memory of
the past.  However, the opposite is true of the Biblical story of Christmas because God’s gift is continually available to us.  The gift of eternal life that God offers us through His Son, Jesus Christ is just the beginning.  Listen to these verses that reveal that this gift is for us today.

• “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

• “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).
• “But when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, who he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

Have you personally received the gift that God so graciously offers?  It can be yours.  “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (John 3:36).  Why not continue into the New Year with God’s wonderful gift of Christmas in your heart?

Memories of Christmas

As soon as the first snowflakes began to fall I start to think of Christmas.  I’m sure my thoughts of Christmas come because of the warm childhood memories I have of this wonderful season of the year.  However, this time of year also brings me some sad thoughts.  Both my father and father-in-law each passed away (although in different years) shortly before Christmas.  I rejoice because both of these godly men are in heaven today.  How do I know?  Because both of them made a personal decision to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.  As a result they were assured by God’s Word that eternal life was theirs to enjoy. “Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

In spite of the absence of these dear men and the sadness that it brings, it is God who brings joy to my heart and to the hearts of each member of my family.  How is it possible to experience sadness and joy at the same time?  It is because of the gift of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

This Christmas I encourage you to take time to rejoice in the Christmas memories you have in spite of some of the sadness that may come your way.  Allow the joy of the gift of Christ to fill your heart.  Why not give a special gift to someone this year?  Here are some suggestions:

• The Gift of Listening.  You must REALLY listen.  No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.  Just listen.
• The Gift of Appreciation.  Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds.  Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
• The Gift of Laughter.  Clip cartoons and share them with others.  Share articles and funny stories.  Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
• The Gift of a Written Note.  It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet.  A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

• The Gift of a Compliment.  A simple and sincere, “You look great in red”, “You did a super job” or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day.
• The Gift of a Favor.  Every day go out of your way to do something kind for someone.
• The Gift of Solitude.  There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.  Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
• The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition.  An easy way to feel good is to make others feel good.

What's In a Name?

When I was in elementary school I was fascinated with a teacher by the name of Bonnie Sue.  Of course, everyone, including me, called her, “Teacher.”  Her name wasn’t unusual, but it had meaning for me because she was a wonderful, loving, caring teacher.  What’s in a name?  A verse of Scripture that is read and re-read every Christmas presents four names for Jesus which are not only beautiful names but names that have great significance for all mankind.  These names also help explain why He came to this earth.  “For to 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, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

1)    Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor.  He not only came to give unusual help and wise advice to everyone who wants to receive it, but He also delights in providing this help for you and me.  Are you willing to receive counsel that He offers?  Read the Bible, His Word.  Listen to Him as you read and meditate.  Obediently do what He commands.

2)    Jesus is the Mighty God.  He has strength, power and might that is unparalleled.  Just imagine: this awesome power of the God of the universe is available to you and me today.  He is the source of strength to live day to day whether we are going through the valleys of uncertainty or the mountains of joy.  Have you come to Him for strength during a time of need?  He wants you to experience His might and His power.

3)    Our Lord is the Everlasting Father.  There is no beginning or end to Him so we can count on Him no matter what the circumstances in which we find ourselves.  He will not leave us.  As a Father He is also a personal God in whom we can find joy and delight.  Have you come to Christ and experienced His loving, caring hand?  He always stands with open arms to receive individuals into His forever family.

4)    He is the Prince of Peace.  He is quick to remove everything that disturbs and disrupts peace while at the same time He provides calmness and quiet assurance.  Through Him we can have the peace of God to calm us through uncertain circumstances and peace with God whereby we become children of God through our personal faith and trust in Him as our only Savior from sin.  Have you come to Him for both these kinds of peace?

What is in a name?  Lots.  But in the name of Jesus there is contained so much more than in any other name.  With Him there is fullness of joy forever more (Psalm 16:11).  As you celebrate Christmas this year and as you begin the new year, let Jesus be your Wonderful Counselor, your Mighty God, Your Everlasting Father and your Prince of Peace.

What I Heard

During the first week of August on a beautiful, warm day, I had a couple of meetings at one of our Elim Care facilities in central Minnesota.  Between appointments I was doing some paper work and heard someone across the hall whistling a tune that was very familiar to me – “Silent Night.”  As I listened to that song being whistled it reminded me of the truth of the words that the Savior – Jesus Christ the Lord – came into this world for all of us.  It reminded me about God’s great love for us – not just at Christmas time, but even on a hot summer day.  Jesus was born so people might come to God based on His death on the cross.  He wants everyone to have a personal relationship with Him and receive the wonderful peace He offers.  I thoroughly enjoy Christmas, so I just may begin playing Christmas music and celebrating early this year.  Take time with me to silently hum, “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.”  It was Jesus who said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

The Manger Experience

What is it you think of when it comes to the manger of Bethlehem?  Probably the most common thought is of the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  We usually don’t think about the fact that the manger was dirty, dusty, and quite pungent with the smells of the barn animals it contained.  Mary and Joseph experienced all the sights, sounds, as well as the smells of the manger.  In addition to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds had a manger experience.  Scripture tells us, “They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.  After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.  All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.  The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.  It was just as the angel had told them” (Luke 2:16-20).  Notice these things:

1)     Urgent Action.  They hurried.  They quickly obeyed the word of the angel and the company of heavenly hosts who told them of the Lord’s birth.

2)     Amazing Discovery.  And found.  Their search was richly rewarded as they sought and found the Christ-Child in the manger.

3)     Expectant Observation.  Seeing him.  Reality set in when they came to the manger and actually saw Jesus, just as they were told by the angel.

4)     Immediate Proclamation.  Told everyone.  In spite of their lowly, often despised job, these men of action quickly shared the good news with others.

 5)     Confident Worship.  Glorifying and praising God.  Although unlearned men, they could not contain themselves after having the privilege of experiencing God incarnate.

Don’t go through the Christmas season without having a manger experience.  You may not experience the smells, but you can certainly see Jesus, tell others about him, and spend time worshipping Him.  The Old Testament prophet said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).  “Seeing Him” was not only an event for the shepherds, but the manger experience can be your experience.  Have you had the manger experience yet?