Christmas Day!  Sunday, December 25, 2022. 

“Hug Him.  Squeeze Him.  Love Him.  Call Him ‘George!’”

Whew.  After 28 days of official preparation, intense traffic, website clicking, and devotion writing, Christmas has finally arrived.  All is quiet.  All is calm… Well, mostly. I’m still working today.  If I haven’t finished it by now, then it won’t get finished.  That’s okay.  It has to be okay because Christmas is not the conclusion.  Instead, Christmas is the beginning!

Christmas is the beginning of Jesus’ life on earth, but it is also our springboard to enter the New Year.  For those of us who have struggled this past year, we’re probably more than ready for 2022 to move along.  For others of us, we’ve experienced some wonderful stuff and we’re hoping and praying that next year will be even better!

Either way, Christmas arrives for everyone and begins something new.  God has given us another chance to receive the gifts that Christmas provides.  Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love are just a part of it.  The package also includes the LORD’s forgiveness for whatever we have messed up.  No assembly is required!  We need to do nothing, except receive the gift just like a child receives their favorite gift on Christmas morning.  

If you could receive one gift today that would help everything, would you accept it or not?  Christmas is the best gift we could ever receive.  Hug him, squeeze him, love him… and call him, “Emmanuel”. 

God is With Us!  Merry Christmas!

“Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will call him, ‘Emmanuel’.”  (Matthew 1:23, CEB)

 1 Day to Christmas!  Saturday, December 24, 2022  (Christmas Eve!)

“Ring the Bell and Open the Door!”

Here we go!  It’s finally Christmas Eve.  We still have some time to pick up those very last-minute gifts.  However, we can’t use overnight mail anymore to get our gift there in time.  We can’t rely on Amazon Prime anymore, nor can we suggest that someone else take care of it for us.  We are on the doorstep of Christmas and it’s time to ring the doorbell.

Have you ever experienced a moment in which you hesitated to do something?  I remember taking my first dates out to a movie or dinner.  My mom would be waiting in the car as I strolled up to the front porch of my soon-to-be (or at least, hoping for it) girlfriend.  I’d hesitate in nervous anticipation before ringing the doorbell.  I’d think about all the things I had done to arrange this big moment.  Passing notes, making phone calls and hoping her parents didn’t answer, and then finally stumbling through the words to ask her out.  Gee Whiz!  That’s some big stuff for a young teenage boy!

I wonder what emotions Mary and Joseph experienced when they finally arrived in Bethlehem.  We know they were turned down by the innkeeper and we know they found a place to stay, but we don’t know their emotions, nervousness, or anxious anticipation. 

Christmas Eve is a bit like arriving on that doorstep.  Or maybe, for you, it might be like opening the door as I’m standing out there in the cold rain waiting for you.  As you put your hand on the door handle to open it, what are you feeling?  As you peek out the window and see my mom outside with the car running, do you wonder if it’s worth it?

Yes, it’s worth it.  Not because I’m special, but because Jesus is special.  

Whatever we have anticipated or questioned, whatever we’re wearing and wherever we’ve been… Jesus is worth it. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus so that every person that opens their heart’s door might have eternal life - experiencing God’s love for eternity! 

Go ahead.  Ring the doorbell.  Answer the door.  Christmas is here! 

“Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you.”  (Revelation 3:20, The Message)

 2 Days to Christmas!  Friday, December 23, 2022

“Smiling is My Favorite!”

In just forty-eight hours, Christmas will arrive.  How will it arrive for you this year?  Will you attend a worship service on Christmas Day, since some churches and chapels are going through the trouble of hosting a service?  Will you sleep a bit longer than normal?  Maybe you’ll be awakened early by a four-year-old jumping on your bed!

I’m smiling as I reflect upon those Christmas mornings from long ago.  I’m smiling for two reasons:  First, my children’s excitement was awesome.  I loved it so much!  This leads to my second reason for smiling:  My kids are grown and I don’t need to be concerned about the wee hours anymore!  In some ways, I’m glad those days are passed because they were so physically and emotionally draining.  I remember plenty of Christmases when I was so tired that I could barely stand up, let alone cook and prepare the big Christmas meal.

But even without these fond memories, it doesn’t take much to find reasons to smile.  Family and friends, Christmas cards, and check-in texts are just some of my reminders to be thankful.  Each breath I take is a blessing and each bird that flies overhead is a part of God’s creation.  Like you, I am a part of a much larger, wonder-filled world that is captured by God’s gift of Christmas.  God provides plenty of reasons to smile.

Oftentimes, it’s the simplest things that create the most joy.  A conversation with a friend, reconciliation with a neighbor, or being greeted by a stranger can make us smile.  Holiday performances, big light displays, and Christmas Choirs can do it, too. 

God communicates often and clearly.  If we try, we should be able to find some smiles.  How will we find some smiles today?  One of my preferred smile discoveries is a quality Holiday show, like “Elf”, starring Will Ferrell.  I like it… because “Smiling is My Favorite.”  

Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joyful shouts.  It was even said, at that time, among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them!”  Yes, the Lord has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed.  (Psalm 126:2-3, CEB)

 3 Days to Christmas!  Thursday, December 22, 2022

"Imperfectly Perfect”

When Mary and Joseph left Nazareth for Bethlehem over two thousand years ago, they were making a true faith journey.  Mary was expecting a baby at any time.  The trip would likely take about 4 or 5 days when they would arrive in Joseph’s hometown.

Would they make it to Bethlehem before the baby Jesus arrived?  Where would they stay if they made it to Bethlehem before birth?  Or, would they give birth somewhere along the road?

The Holy Family’s journey was far from easy.  It had begun months before when the angels visited Mary and Joseph separately.  Now, Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem.  They knew the great joy and responsibility of having a child was upon them in the very near future.  They surely were both excited and nervous, just like all parents who are expecting a child.

However, Mary and Joseph had something extra.  They had personally received God’s assurance that everything would be okay.  Is that how they did it?  Did the visit from the angel give them so much comfort and assurance that Mary and Joseph would never be worried about the birth or the child’s life?  No, not likely.

We don’t have a personal angel visiting us and telling us what great joy is coming.  However, like Mary and Joseph, our journey toward Christmas is nearing its conclusion.  What will we discover when we arrive?  Will God deliver us something of great joy and responsibility?  Could God speak through other people in the form of prayers, support, gifts, smiles, and welcoming hugs?  Or, when we arrive, will we find closed doors and no one to offer us assistance?

The Holiday Season isn’t perfect.  Christmas is not without tears, scratches, and mended holes.  Christmas doesn’t arrive without hiccups and complications.  However, God does administer Christmas perfectly, according to His plan. Just as God used inconveniences, obstacles, and hurdles to bring the perfect Christ, God can and will use all of our imperfections, challenges, and even mistakes to a perfect conclusion for our good and His glory. 

The next three days may be challenging, but we need not fear the ending: Christmas is coming!  Emmanuel - God with Us - overcomes our darkness and the perfect Light of God shines eternally. 

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.  For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  (Isaiah, 9:2, 6, NRSV)

 4 Days to Christmas!  Wednesday, December 21, 2022

“Just Right”

Today is the Winter Solstice, which is the first day of Winter and the shortest day of the year.  Less sunlight will hit the earth today because the Earth is at its furthest distance away from the sun.  Today could feel colder.  Indeed, many parts of the country will get much, much colder today. 

Whatever the reason, whether it has something to do with Jack Frost, Punxsutawney Phil, or the polar ice caps, cooler temperatures are a big part of the Christmas experience.  Granted, in some places, it will be too cold.  In other places, it’ll be too warm.  Like the Three Bears, most of us are just hoping for something just right.

When God created Christmas, it was not what the world expected.  No one in the first Century could certainly have imagined what Christmas has become as a cultural influence, and neither could anyone have predicted the impact Christmas has on our human existence.

Christmas is about God’s love for the world.  God knew that we needed a Savior so God sent one.  Even then, it wasn’t what lots of people figured.  Instead, God gave us something just right.  Of course, we didn’t recognize it for a long time.  Still, God stuck with His plan and now all of us can experience life in a whole new way.

If you haven’t yet caught the Christmas fever, it’s okay.  There’s still plenty of time.  Remember, though, that Christmas is not just a reason to throw parties and buy stuff.  Instead, God created Christmas so that we could have a chance to enjoy true life, forever.  God’s plan wasn’t an accident and neither were any of us.  Jesus was Just Right for the world.  On the day we were born, God looked at us and thought the same:  We Are Just Right.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”  (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

 5 Days to Christmas!  Tuesday, December 20, 2022

“When Your Co-pilot is a No-Show”

Last weekend, I made a quick trip home.  Since it was the week before Christmas, the airports were already crammed with folks trying to get to various places.  Flight delays were common and I experienced two separate delays, barely making it to my destinations on time.  One of the delays was most peculiar:  There was no co-pilot. 

That’s a new revelation for me.  I’ve never considered what it would be like if the co-pilot called in sick, which was the case.  Even though we were flying through the airline’s major hub, a replacement co-pilot could not be found.  We were stuck!  Fortunately, I was among the last group to board the plane, so instead of allowing us on the plane, they asked our group to step back and wait at the gate.  Thank goodness!  (Much sorrow for those who had already boarded!)

I thought it was interesting that the gate agent was very candid with his announcement.  He explained that the airline was talking to inbound co-pilots, offering them a quick trip to Florida if they would be willing to hop on another flight upon their arrival.  Finally, after about an hour, a young female in dress blues appeared at the gate counter and we received our much-anticipated boarding instructions.  We were late, but only slightly (apparently because the pilot and new co-pilot had the accelerator floored). 

Finding ourselves without our co-pilot can stop us in our tracks.  Lots of us may feel we are “stuck at the gate”, waiting this Christmas.  We love our co-pilots and we don’t know how to fly without them.  God understands our needs even better than we do, and God is not going to leave us at the gate.  The LORD promises to supply us with all that we need.  Whatever trip we take, we can trust the LORD to guide us through any turbulence.

This Christmas, keep the Lord in the co-pilot seat.  God knows our flight plan. God will make sure we’re safe and that we receive all that we need.

“Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the LORD your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9, CEV)

 

6 Days to Christmas!  Monday, December 19, 2022

“Happy Hanukkah!”

Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, officially began last evening.  For the next eight days, our Jewish friends and neighbors will be celebrating a special moment in history when the Second Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated.  The Syrian king had conquered the Jewish people in about 200 BCE, ruling with a harsh hand and forcing the Hebrews to worship the ancient Greek gods.  Then, in 168 BCE, Syrian soldiers descended upon Jerusalem, killing thousands of Jews, desecrating the Temple, and outlawing their religious freedoms.

The Hebrews revolted. Several years later, in 164 BCE, the Hebrews defeated the Syrian armies in Jerusalem under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus.  When Judas Maccabeus entered the Temple, he found that the Menorah, a candelabra with seven branches that was supposed to always be lit, had been extinguished.   Maccabeaus found enough consecrated oil to burn the Menorah for only one night.  Miraculously, the Menorah burned for eight nights before the consecrated oil was replenished.

As a result, the Jewish people created a new Menorah with nine branches.  Each candle branch represented one day when the Temple candles remained lit. The ninth and middle candle was used to light the other eight.  Thus, in celebrating the Temple Rededication, the Hebrew people celebrate Hanukkah each year for eight days, lighting Menorahs in their homes, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special food delicacies each day of Hanukkah.  

These traditions are significant to all of us, especially Christians.  It is almost certain that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah with His Hebrew nation, recognizing and celebrating God’s constant protection and provision to His people.  Like Christmas, Hanukkah helps us to remember that we should never give up on God.  The Menorah light, like Christmas, reminds us that God is always present.  

God is always at work!  During the Holiday Season, we can help reflect God’s light by affirming all people in their Faith journey and sharing the magnificence of God’s Love.  

“Light, space, zest— that’s God!  So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.” (Psalm 27:1, The Message)

 7 Days to Christmas!  Sunday, December 18, 2022

“The Reason for the Season”

The theme of Christmas Love should be an easy one to work with, primarily because Love is the reason we have the blessing of the Holiday Season in the first place.  And, in many ways, Love still drives the entirety of our Holiday Traditions.

Manufacturers, service providers, and retail outlets are hoping that our Love for each other will encourage us to spend some cash.  Our Love for Holiday decorations pushes us to hang lights and decorate trees.  Our Love for a special food item takes us to the kitchen or favorite restaurant, and our Love for special experiences influences our decisions and priority lists this Holiday Season.  And, of course, our local churches are working diligently to provide special worship on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, helping us to experience God’s Love in unique and beautiful ways.

But there’s one thing that we sometimes forget about Christmas.  The reason that God gave us Christmas is so that we could receive the love of God without fear of consequences, rejection, or doubt.  God wants us to love and be loved, not as a directive, but as a desire.

God’s gift of Love is an option that all of us can access.  At Christmastime, God’s Love blossoms in a big and beautiful way, clearing the path for us to move forward in our relationship with both him and each other.  This week, keep the focus on God’s Love.  Indeed, it is the Reason for the Season.

“But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NASB)

 8 Days to Christmas!  Saturday, December 17, 2022

“It’s Now or Never”

Today is the last day in the Continental US to send packages via USPS First Class Mail to arrive in time for Christmas (except for my home in the Florida barrier islands, which never receives packages on time).  That’s right.  After today, you’ll have to pay more money to get it there on time, and the shipping charges will increase each day afterward.

What a nightmare.  It kind of sounds like the late charges on a bill.  Creditors try to ding us for every day that we don’t pay on time. Though it’s not something I currently need to worry about, although I’ve spent enough on late charges to know that being on time pays, literally.

Those increased shipping charges and additional late charges are a good comparison to our Faith lives.  As each day passes that we don’t follow God’s advice, we miss more and more of the blessings that God may have prepared for us and those around us. 

I know.  You’ve probably quit reading because the pastor is “trying to make me feel guilty” again.  Well, that’s not exactly right, but you’re not too far from the truth, either.  I am trying to make all of us think carefully about God’s leading, especially during the Holidays.  We will encounter and recognize many different circumstances that need God’s presence.  The problem is that we tend to ignore those instances.  Instead, we throw it away and assume that we’re not qualified or pretend to have another valid reason.  The excuses for ignoring God’s direction are plentiful and we’ll find other priorities if we try (Trust me, I am a professional God-dodger). 

This doesn’t have to be the day that we turn away!  The people and places we find today will change by tomorrow… so we must capture the moment and answer God’s voice when we hear it.  It’s now or never because every day will have unique situations with a choice to respond!  God needs us today so let’s make it NOW! 

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.”   (Galatians 6:9-10 The Message)

 9 Days to Christmas!  Friday, December 16, 2022

“Be Smart.  Be Safe.”

Going somewhere?  Have you retrieved your luggage from the attic yet?  Or, are you one of those super-prepared, overly-organized types that have already packed and your suitcase is sitting by the door, a week in advance?  After spending much of the last 12 hours in airports, I noticed a few things.  Let me offer a few suggestions before you whisk yourselves away to Mexico or Michigan for Christmas!

Airports, stores, and restaurants will be packed.   Those bosom-buddies, COVID and FLU, are looking for unsuspecting carriers to help them get a free trip to the tropics.  Wear masks in busy places, especially airports, planes, and crowded areas.

 

Pick up a travel-size of hand sanitizer at a local store before you leave.  That small, $2 investment is a miniature insurance policy to keep your sinuses clear and your stomach working properly.  

Wash your hands. Most people don’t, so before you eat something, sanitize your hands so that the other person who packaged your food or sat at the counter before you doesn’t limit your days in the sun or snow.  

 

I know. This seems like common sense, especially in a post-COVID environment.  However, you might be shocked to learn that lots of people don’t believe in common sense.  Everyone knows they shouldn’t travel when they’re sick (especially COVID-positive folks), but they’ll do it anyway.  Some people continue to sneeze or cough into their hands before shaking yours, and some won’t wash their hands after using the restroom.  Folks won’t act responsibly, convincing themselves that everything is just fine. 

In today’s world, folks know how to act and not act.  But sometimes, the Holidays bring out the knucklehead that lives in all of us.  Driving under the influence, overcharging our credit cards, and getting into arguments with our loved ones are prevalent knucklehead moves.  But we can be smart.  We can be safe.  We can use the smarts that God gave us to help bring Joy to lots of folks, including ourselves!  

Spread Christmas Joy today by refusing to take someone else’s. Be smart and be safe. Protect yourself and others.  Make good choices and be kind.  In doing so, we are agents of God’s Love in our actions toward others! 

“Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do.”  (James 3:13, CEV)

 10 Days to Christmas!  Thursday, December 15, 2022

“Anticipation and Anxiety”

So much for slowing things down this year.  Starting tomorrow, I’ll (we’ll) be in the single digits for the Christmas countdown.  I (we) really wish I (we) could slow things down, but Mr. Anticipation is coming quickly and Mrs. Anxiety is on his heels.  It’s peculiar that those two adversaries, who are usually standing at opposite ends of the road, become running buddies for a few weeks.

 

If you’re like me (us), for the next two weeks, these two conflicting emotions will battle for supremacy, challenging my (our) heart, mind, and soul.  At night when I (we) say my (our) prayers, I (we) reflect upon the day just completed and try to convince myself that I (we) didn’t act a fool as these two rallied for better positioning.

 

I’m (we’re) not completely sure why Anticipation and Anxiety are so dominating.  Oh, I (we) get the Holiday thing of gifts, lots of yummy goodies, and endearing traditions, but when the day is over, I’m (we’re) often upset with myself (ourselves) regarding something that I (we) experienced.  “I could’ve done better,” I (we) say to myself (ourselves).  Yes, it is a pastor’s (caring person’s) nature (DNA) to be overly self-critical about my (our) actions, reactions, and statements, but still, one would think that I (we) could have a much better handle on it all.

But again, this may be why Christmas is so important.  It’s not just that God assumed a huge undertaking in coming to this world, but also that he made himself vulnerable.  He didn’t arrive an iron-plated, sword-wielding, demi-God (which would have fit their context in the 1st Century).  Instead, the LORD came as a regular, without special treatment or protection.  And because Jesus didn’t force the world into submission, I (we) can also assume that Jesus knows what it’s like to live between Anticipation and Anxiety. 

 

God knows that we need all kinds of help, especially when it comes to issues of self-worth, self-doubt, plausible denial, overconfidence, impatience, depression, fear, anger, poverty, hunger, and of course, Anxiety and Anticipation, just to name a few.  And even if  I (we) didn’t know any other part of the story, I (we) would still consider sinking all of my (our) heart and mind into Christmas…If it all pans out the way we Anticipate, I’ll (we’ll) have no reason to be Anxious.

“Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.  Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7, CEB).

 11 Days to Christmas!  Wednesday, December 14, 2022

“Unexpected Quiet

 

Do you have a favorite memory and/or feeling of JOY regarding the Holiday Season?  For some, it may be the big party on New Year’s Eve.  For others, it might be the turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day.  For me, it’s the quiet hush that always follows after the final worship service of Christmas Eve (or this year, Christmas Day).  There’s just something about the silence that is so powerful to me.  The PEACE and quiet bring me great JOY.

For a hard rock fan who listens with his earphones at maximum level, the exhilarating silence probably doesn’t make much sense.  After all, I’ve spent a Holiday Season with my ears maxed with noise!  It seems more likely that I would gravitate back toward the noise.   However, I’ve experienced so many of those Christmas Eve feelings that I’ve had plenty of time to process the “Why” of the silence which has become so important to me.  It’s not because I’m older, or at least, I don’t think so.  It’s not because I’m more mature (in fact, I’m probably less than before).  Instead, after the final carol is sung on Christmas, I finally realize that there’s nothing more to worry about.  All the details that have consumed me during the last six weeks are complete, or incomplete.  Regardless, it’s done and there’s absolutely nothing more I can do about it.  It is finished.

 

God’s work at Christmas is not quiet.  It’s announced by angels and heavenly choirs.  Shepherds run through the streets screaming about it.  The clamor finally reaches the King, and by that time, it’s such a loud noise that the king tries to use the Magi as spies to discover baby Jesus’ location.  The King tries to rid himself of the shouts of Joy that are ringing in his head.

 

Sometimes, God’s work is loud.  Other times, God’s work is silent.  But one thing is for sure:  God is at work during the Holidays, and if you haven’t yet witnessed the LORD’s work this Holiday Season, I’ll offer a suggestion:  Look somewhere new. 

Be different.  Change tunes.  Turn the radio dial.  There’s lots of Holiday JOY out there, and we can discover it if we look in the right places.  God is speaking!

“Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation.  I will be honored throughout the world.”  (Psalm 46:10, NLT).

 12 Days to Christmas!  Tuesday, December 13, 2022

“Sign My Petition, Please…”

Yikes!  It’s the “Twelve Days of Christmas!”.  No, not really.  The “Twelve Days of Christmas” doesn’t begin until Christmas Day.  Thank the LORD!  That means all versions and manipulations of the cursed “Twelve Days” should go away until after Christmas.  Then, those folks who took the risk to make and record the song can listen while the rest of us change our radio dials back to our pre-Holiday favorite channels.

How often do folks change their radio stations when the “Twelve Days of Christmas” begins?  My guess is that the ratio is very high, and if the radio folks would ask the rest of us, they would probably ban the song (and every form of the song thereof) and purge it from their computers and programming devices.

Granted, for years the highest-rated, worst Holiday song has been “Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer.”  To endure that song, one must listen for over three minutes.  The “Twelve Days,” however, is at least four minutes (depending on how long they wish to prolong our agony), thereby increasing one’s suffering for that much longer.  No thanks.  Personally, I’d choose to be stampeded by reindeer for three minutes rather than listen to someone sing about the partridge, twelve times in succession, for well over four minutes.

But, alas, I know I will lose this battle and I admit defeat.  Since I can’t cry over my failed attempt to ban the “Twelve Days” from Christmas airwaves, I might as well laugh.  After all, this week’s Christmas theme is Joy and I should be kind.  Someone spent lots of time and energy writing the “Twelve Days”, thinking that the rest of us would enjoy it… wait, there’s a new thought.  As much time was invested into the song, the LORD spent much more time and energy providing Christmas.  

Thank you, God, for Christmas Joy!  Now, if you’ll please excuse me for a moment, I need to help the dancing ladies.  Those angry-calling birds are chasing them around the parking lot.

“You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!”  (Isaiah 55:12, NLT)

 13 Days to Christmas!  Monday, December 12, 2022

“There Must Be More…”

Everyone likes a good story.  We like things that are different, unusual, and fascinating, especially if we can draw a connection to the characters in the story.  Whether in books, films, or reality television shows, we like to follow the story when it leads to something special.  Let’s face it, we don’t buy books unless the storyline catches our eyes.  We don’t watch films that are plain and ordinary, and we don’t follow a television series unless each episode can grab our attention.

The story of Jesus is obviously an interesting story because we’ve been following it for two thousand years.  We have a beginning and a conclusion, as well as lots of fascinating information in between.  We read about the cool miracles, contemplate the Divine wisdom, determine which characters in the story are most relatable, and look at four specific themes of the story:  Hope, Peace, Joy, and next week, Love.

Christmas JOY might be the easiest of the four themes to adopt.  Santa, his elves, and reindeer do a fantastic job with it, but they can’t do their work unless we have a birth story, “The Prequel”, one might say.  

As we begin the week of Joy, we can be intentional about adding some Joy to someone’s life.  We will encounter lots of people today, a few of whom have told us their stories.  In fact, most folks don’t even want to tell their stories.  Instead, they, like us, are looking for a positive, strong conclusion to the remainder of this Holiday Season.

Let’s be on the lookout today!  Let’s add some Joy to someone else’s story!

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”  (Psalm 118:24)

 14 Days to Christmas!  Sunday, December 11, 2022

“Joy in the Journey”

St. Joseph:  Husband to Mary and (earthly) Father to Jesus.  Though only mentioned a few times, Joseph is famous to this day and a character in every Christmas pageant and Nativity scene. We recognize Joseph’s importance, but we know very little about him.

 

Who was this Joseph?  What happened to him?  What kind of dad was he for Jesus?  How did he provide for and protect Mary and Jesus?  What was it like for him to make simple, daily decisions regarding the welfare of his family, especially the promised one, Little Jesus?  Did Joseph teach the Son of God how to serve as a carpenter?  Did he take Jesus fishing?  

Joseph is always present in our Christmases, but in just a page or two, he completely disappears from the story of Jesus.  Yet, in the context of the Christmas journey, Joseph might be the character most relatable to us.  

It couldn’t have been easy to parent Jesus.  Any dad will admit that their children have taught them patience and humility.  For Joseph, parenting must have been a mix of wonder with dumbfounded speechlessness.  Have you ever had trouble with technology that required the aid of someone a bit younger?  Did Jesus teach Joseph a thing or two about which trees were strongest or most pliable?

Challenge, awkwardness, and struggle would be just some of the undesired guests in Joseph’s home.  There may have been unhappy times.  They might have experienced sickness, struggle, and pain.  Though God would be present, Joseph is still human.  No part of this journey would be easy, yet somehow, Joseph would find a way to lead his family with Joy.   

Like Joseph, our lives aren’t always happy or easy.  Sometimes we have bad days. People, friends, or even family may hurt us deeply.  Sometimes we sleep through our alarms and other times have to work late on our least-favorite project.  But just like Joseph, we can choose to embrace Joy.  Like Joseph, we also have a place in God’s Divine plan.  Our lives are significant in God’s story. Somehow, God will take care of what we need.  Like Joseph, we can know the confidence and strength only found in the lasting Joy of the LORD.  

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

 15 Days to Christmas!  Saturday, December 10, 2022

“Always and Forever”

 

It isn’t peculiar that the Holiday Season creates such challenge and anxiety when it is designed to bring great Peace?  Folks are beginning to feel the pinch of the Holiday rush as they hurry to complete their Christmas lists.  On-site, retail shopping has historically served as the Holiday success barometer for over a century, but now, electronic shopping has become the preferred method of shopping for many people.

 

It seemed like yesterday when shopping mall parking lots were crammed with vehicles and Holiday shoppers.  Meeting people in the food court and giggling at old men sitting on mall benches used to be a regular part of the Saturday shopping experience.  Oh, it’s still a thing, but it’s not nearly what it used to be.  Old-school brick-and-mortar retail outlets are not nearly as prevalent as they used to be.  Things are certainly different these days!

For two thousand years, the world has continued to shift and change around the unchanging message of Christmas.  Empires and nations rise and fall, sliding into the depths of history.  Languages and technologies have progressed, and traditions and fads have come and gone, but the message of Christmas is still intact, the timeless truth of God’s lasting Love.

Only God can create something Eternal.  While we are the ones who created the Christmas “Holiday”, it is the LORD that provides the reason that we celebrate.  On this busy Saturday of the Holiday Season, it might be helpful to spend a little time thinking about God’s incredible Love for the world.  Always.  Forever.

“How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders!  His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;  his dominion endures from generation to generation.”  (Daniel 4:3, NIV)