Christmas Reflections – The Heart of Christmas

Luke 2: 8 – 14
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah,the Lord. 12 This will be a sign  to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

O/A – The shepherds were doing their ordinary thing – watching the sheep under their care, at night. They were doing their jobs. Being faithful in the daily task of life. It was interrupted by a heavenly messenger. The glory of the Lord. The heavenly host of angels praising God. Life interrupted. The glory of God.

What were they thinking at that moment? They were terrified. The angel told them not to be afraid. These simple, ordinary shepherds, doing their simple, ordinary jobs, were chosen by God to be the first to hear His news. They were chosen to spread the word. They were asked to go see the Christ Child, given directions to find Him, and then given a final send-off of praise.

Am I faithful in the daily tasks of the day, so as to be interrupted to “go” and find the Christ child and announce the good news? Do I recognize the signs before me of His presence? Do I announce the news? This is “good news of great joy for ALL the people.” Do I spread it – knowing that it is for ALL people? This year, this day, may I rejoice – and spread the news of the heart of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas…

P = Father God, may I spread the heart of Christmas to those I meet, those I talk with, those I encounter today. Help me to recognize the signs of Your coming – in my life. May I give, and share, Your love. Yes is good news of great joy for ALL people. But, I, too, am charged with announcing it. Interrupt my ordinary day today with opportunities to share Your love. Amen.

The Heart of Christmas –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tho8r0n_y6Y   – “The Heart Of Christmas”

I’m gonna make a wish this Christmas
I’m gonna say a little prayer
I’m gonna stop here for a moment
Before the moment disappears

The world’s in a hurry this December
City streets and shopping malls
I wish we could slow down and remember
The meaning of it all

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas

Let’s make it feel the way it used to
Let’s find that wonder of a child
You can see the magic all around you
Come on, and open up your eyes

You can find it in the warm embrace of your family
Or calling up a long lost friend
You can even find it in the eyes of stranger
When you reach out a helping hand

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas

In the shadow of a steeple
In a star that lights the way
You will find Him in a manger
The heart of Christmas has a name

I’m gonna make a wish this Christmas
I’m gonna say a little prayer

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can and cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas

Christmas reflections – No Room??

Luke 2:  6-7 – ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

O, A – I have often wondered what it would have been like to be at the stable when Christ was born.  An animal barn.  I remember the small pony shed that my dad built when we took care of his friend’s pony for a few years.  It was dirty, smelly, and dank.  Would I want to give birth there?  Certainly not!   Even cleaned up, and freshly mucked, it was not pleasant.  But, Mary gave birth to our Savior in such a place.  He was wrapped in cloths, and put in a manger – an animal food trough.  Not freshly washed blankets.  No fancy crib or bassinet.  A food trough, probably lined with straw.

Why would God choose such a place for His Son’s birth?  Why not a palace?  Or a fancy hotel or hospital?  He sent His Son into what we would consider a mess – because probably that is our state.  A mess.   Dirty, smelly, dank.  Not pleasant.  Sin is like that.  There was no room anywhere else – and He came.  Into a dark, dirty, smelly place.  Into our dark, dirty, and unpleasant lives.

Do I have room for Jesus in my life today?  Do I make the time, the energy, the effort – to include Him in my daily walk?  I have room for other things….  Things that I don’t think about – but just add them to my life.  “Room for pleasure, room for business, but for Christ the Crucified…”  “Room and time now give to Jesus….”

P – Father God, I clear my heart today for You.  As I work to clean, launder clothing, make dinner – bring my thoughts to You.  Help me to reflect and meditate on You – how to not just “make room” – but to swing my heart’s door WIDELY OPEN.    Come in.  Make it home.  Clean out the disorder in my heart and arrange it to YOUR liking.

Piano – just haunting….  Have You any Room for Jesus – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwxreGM2kLk

Vocal – Have you any Room for Jesus  – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIhKqnvQSmE

No Room – Have you Any Room for Jesus (Evie) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMus8df0HBU

1. Have you any room for Jesus,
   He who bore your load of sin?
   As He knocks and asks admission,
   Sinner, will you let Him in?
   • Refrain:
     Room for Jesus, King of Glory!
     Hasten now His Word obey;
     Swing the heart’s door widely open,
     Bid Him enter while you may.
2. Room for pleasure, room for business,
   But for Christ the Crucified,
   Not a place that He can enter,
   In the heart for which He died?
3. Have you any room for Jesus,
   As in grace He calls again?
   Oh, today is time accepted,
   T’morrow you may call in vain.
4. Room and time now give to Jesus,
   Soon will pass God’s day of grace;
   Soon thy heart left cold and silent,
   And thy Savior’s pleading cease.

Christmas Reflections – We Beheld His Glory…

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NIV) –

O – God’s gift to us, His Son, came to earth – as a human, a man, one like us.  He garbed Himself in flesh – and lived with us.  He did what we do:  eat, sleep, interact, grow, experience emotions.  BUT – He had His Father’s glory, His image, His blessing, His name.  “We beheld His glory.”  His glory was evident – to those who bothered to notice.

And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).  (AMP)

A – Do I “bother” to see His glory?  I KNOW that He came, that He was human.  I’ve read in the scriptures that some didn’t know Him.  They turned their back on Him.  Would I have seen His glory – believed in Him for who He was?  And now, having the knowledge from His Word and from experience with Him, do I EVEN STILL notice?  Does His presence make a difference in my life?  Does it shine forth to those around me?

Now that Paul and I have delivered cookies to our neighbors, what is our next step in living out His story in our lives?  Will they behold His glory within us?  Will we give them opportunities to do so?

P – Father God, thank You for Your unspeakable gift –Your only Son.  Thank You for making Him known, so we can BEHOLD His glory.  May I reflect His image today – to those around me.  Help Paul and I to make You known to our neighbors.  Thank You for opening doors for conversations – and for open hearts.  Speak to us.  Help us to listen.

 

See more at: http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/are-you-just-visiting/#sthash.xOhQA6rt.dpuf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBdAq4zLEV4

“And the Word became flesh….”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiA_fVoqe04

Names of God – Jesus

Week Six – Day 5

Read John 3: 16 – 18.  SOAP John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

O – Jesus – Savior of the world. God SO loved the world that He gave His only Son. He loved the people that He created SO much that He gave all that He had – His only Son. Why? So we could have eternal life. We deserve death because of our sins, but Christ’s death covers them with His blood. We are NOT condemned – we are forgiven.

A – Oh, that the world would know – and believe this! Those of us who know Him, and believe in Him are forgiven and will have eternal life. How much more should I be anxious to share this good news! How often do I share my “news” on Facebook – birthdays, special events, random thoughts or pictures? How often do I share the news of Christ – and the difference He has made in my life? Do I do that gently, with taste, and an openness that people that I know would accept? Food for thought today – and for this Christmas season.

P – Father God, again, You convict me. Yes, I know that You have forgiven me and given me the hope and reality of eternal life, with You. Help me to share that with friends and family. Give me the words, the ideas, the ways that bring them to You. Help me to find ways, even on Facebook, to share Your love for me, for the world, and my love for You. Father, as Paul and I plan to visit neighbors this weekend, give us the ways to bring Your love with us. May our lives reflect Your love for the world – so great that You gave Your only Son to die in our place.

God so Loved the World – I love this classical arrangement of this song. I’ve sung and played this in choirs – absolutely beautiful! –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Akz6J8Rw0

God so Loved the World – Hillsong –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIvf238Vh3c

Names of God – Jesus

Week Six – Day 3

Read  1 Timothy 1:15-17 SOAP – 1 Timothy 1:15

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages,  immortal,  invisible,  the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

This is a faithful and trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance and approval, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost. ¹⁶ Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example or pattern for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King of the ages [eternal], immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (AMP)

O – This is SO TRUE!   Christ came to this world to save sinners.  I am a sinner.  I know that we all like to gloss over our own sins, compared to the “horrible” sins of others.  BUT – God doesn’t categorize sin.  Paul’s comment about being the foremost of sinners points out that we need to accept and acknowledge that our own sins are horrible in God’s sight.  If we recognize that, we also can show that God loves us, and His Son died for us.  This is an example to point out to others.  “Look – He saved me.  He lives in me.  He can do the same for you!”  We are the “example or pattern” to others who “would believe in Him for eternal life!”  THIS is why we give Him glory!  He is eternal, immortal, invisible – the ONLY GOD!  THIS is the God who loves us.  Personally.   Intimately.  For real.

A – DO I live what I just wrote?  Do I believe that this passage from I Timothy deserves full acceptance and approval – that it is faithful and trustworthy?  If so , WHY DON’T I live that out?   DO I look for ways to share His love?  Do I go out of my way to point out my Savior to those I encounter?  Do I look for ways to converse with those who don’t know Him?  Does my Facebook page reflect my faith – or my daily life?  What is the example or pattern that I am setting for others – so they can see Christ.  Oh, that Christ would be shining through me – and that I would not only seize the opportunities, but seek them out.

P – Father God, You have saved me, brought me into a life that this full and meaningful – because of Your Son.  Father, live through me today.  May my thoughts, my words, my actions, shine for You today.  May I seize opportunities – and seek them out – to share Your Love.  Live in me – today.  May You receive honor and glory through my life, reflecting Your love and forgiveness.

A King like This  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OsAKBFtEr4

– “A King Like This”
A King like this, majesty
Laying in a manger
A King like this
Unto us is born a Savior
The Light, the Light has come
A King like this, the highest
Name and the song of heaven
A King like this born of
Flesh into our suffering
The Light, the Light has come

He is Christ, the Lord
He is Christ, our Savior
I bow my heart before no other name
I bow my heart before no other King

A King like this, a saving
Love that would not forsake us
Betrayed by a kiss and led
To the cross for our forgiveness
The Light, the Light has come

He is Christ, the Lord
He is Christ, our Savior
I bow my heart before no other name
I bow my heart before no other King

We lift up our eyes, the
Light has come!
We lift up our eyes, the
Light has come!
We lift up our eyes, the
Light has come!
We lift up our eyes,
lift up our eyes,
Lift up Your Eyes!

He is Christ, the Lord
He is Christ, our Savior
I bow my heart before no other name
I bow my heart before no other King

A King like this, a throne of grace
That will stand forever
The angels sing glory, glory, hallelujah
The Light, the Light has come
The Light, the Light has come

Names of God – Jesus

Week Six – Day 2

Mark 2:16-17 – And the scribes of[a] the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat[b] with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

O – Jesus spent time with those the up and coming society thought were “sinners.” Tax collectors. Prostitutes. The “un-religious.” He was INTENTIONAL about this – he was eating with them. A social interaction. Sharing a meal is an “intimate” thing. But His reply is what was telling – ““Those who are healthy have no need of a physician, but [only]those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners [who recognize their sin and humbly seek forgiveness].” (AMP) Jesus came to call not the “self-righteous” (would they even hear Him?), but the ones who recognized their need for Him – and humbly asked for forgiveness.

A – Who do I willingly spend time with? Do I take time out of my day to interact with those who don’t know Him? Or – do I, like the Pharisees, spend my time with “like?” As I move into “life” here in Indy, I want to be able to meet those who need Him. Will a job bring me into more contact with the world? Or volunteering? I need to be INTENTIONAL about interacting – “eating with sinners and tax collectors.” This means I need to be proactive in meeting people, not waiting for them to meet me! Neighbors, especially. This weekend, as Paul and I deliver cookies, we need to be wise in opening conversations and taking time to listen and share.

P – Father God, thank You for coming to the world to give us Your healing and salvation. Help me in my own life to not be self-righteous, as the Pharisees were, but to humbly recognize my own need for You as my Saviour. Give me Your heart for my neighbors today. Help me to see opportunities to share Your love, and to bring Your light into our neighborhood. As I think ahead, I pray for a position that will help me to shed Your light into our dark world – and to connect with others.

O Holy Night- Josh Groban –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17kiIIxSdC0

Oh, these words….

Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,

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.

Names of God – Jesus

Week Six – Day 1

Matthew 1:20-22 “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:” (Matthew 1:20-22)

O – Jesus’ birth is foretold by the angel to Joseph – after he realizes that Mary is pregnant. He planned to divorce her quietly, but was told that she conceived by the Holy Spirit, not another man. He was told what to name the baby – Jesus. A common name. “Salvation.” He will save his people from their sins. Not just the Jewish people – but His people. All those who believe in Him! This fulfilled prophecy – “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means God with us.)” (Isaiah 7:14)

A – Joseph was trying to do the “honorable” thing – to divorce Mary quietly, as she “evidently” had been with another man. He is told of being “righteous.” But, his plans were diverted by the angel, who told him what really was happening – Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, she was a virgin, and that she would bear the Saviour – “God with us.” His name – Jesus – Salvation. He believed the unbelievable. He married Mary. He stayed by her side. He named their son – Jesus.

Do I act in faith when the circumstances don’t match what I “believe” to be true? Do I act on the Holy Spirit’s prompting, despite what those around me might think? Do I go through my day, with the knowledge (and actions) that support my belief in the Jesus – the Savior of the world, my Savior? May I, today, walk through the day, with my actions showing my belief in Him – my Savior. May they reflect His love, His glory, His saving power, not only for me, but for His people – all people.

P – Father God, thank You for sending Jesus, our salvation, our Savior. Thank You for including me in Your plan of His saving grace, His forgiveness. May I live, today, in full knowledge and power of Your saving grace. May I bestow His love on others today.

Even while Jesus is in Mary’s womb, the angel declares that his name will be Yeshua (here in its Greek form Iesous, translated “Joshua” in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New), which means “salvation.” Jesus would bear this name because he would save his people from their sins (1:21). Jesus’ other acts of “salvation” (8:25; 9:22; 10:22; the Greek term is broad in meaning) point to his ultimate redemption of his people. One who expounds this paragraph in public thus may want to echo Matthew’s call to accept Christ’s salvation.
But Matthew speaks of more than personal repentance; he evokes the Old Testament hope of the salvation of God’s people, including the justice and peace of God’s kingdom. For Matthew, and for us, salvation from sin cannot end with a prayer. Matthew promises salvation not only from sin’s penalty but also from its power. Christ’s followers are not merely heirs of his coming kingdom but servants of the King, committed to exemplifying the values of that future world in the midst of this present evil age. (IVP NT Commentary –biblegateway.com)

Son of God (Michael W. Smith)-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9n7QDFAOXU

Sweet Little Jesus Boy  – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp9fiWs_txY

God with Us/Sweet Little Jesus Boy- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN0UQ3mTtFI

Names of God – Emmanuel

Week Five – Day 5

Read and SOAP Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (ESV)

 I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (AMP)

O/A – Emmanuel – God with us.  Christ is IN ME!  After a week of thinking of God with us, I come to this realization.  He is with me.  He will never leave me.  I can’t run or hide from Him.  I have His presence.  I have His promise.  I have His provision.  He lives –  in me.  He gave Himself – for me.

How should that affect how I live today?  My decisions – with Christ living in me, is this something I should do?  My thoughts – with His presence, I can keep them pure.  My actions – I can’t run or hide from Him, so my actions are seen by Him.  My worries – He IS my provision.  My concerns – He promised to never leave me.  Each step, each decision, each thought, each action – the life I live NOW I live by FAITH (adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting in) in the Son of God – who loves me and gave Himself for me!

P – Father God – You are with me.  You are in me.  Live through me – so that I can truly live today.  May my thoughts, my decisions, my actions, my life – be glorifying to You today.  Help me to live in full realization of Your presence, Your provision, Your promise, and the Person of Jesus Christ – living in me!  AMEN.

You are Emmanuel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgKGzOQtty4&index=78&list=PLXiEjH8JUZWgQnWYIYoM9mtXpmKd7Cx_k

I am Crucified with Christ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25wG9C0s1kA

Names of God – Emmanuel

Week Five – Day 3

Read Matthew 28:16 – 20.  SOAP v. 20.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

O – When Jesus was ready to go back to heaven after His resurrection, He encouraged the disciples. He told them that He had authority over heaven and earth (thereby able to give them authority as well…). His instructions were for them to go, make disciples, baptize them, teach them to observe what He had taught. AND – He would be with them – ALWAYS. Even to the end of the world (age). He gave instructions – and then encouraged them with His presence.

A – Do I live as though I have been given instructions – and then live, knowing that He is WITH me? Do I cling to His power? Do I follow through with His commands – those that I know and understand? Do I live under that same mandate – to go, make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them? (ministering to those around me, evangelizing, mentoring, and teaching?) I am meeting with two young women weekly right now. Do I sense the same urgency to help mentor and encourage them – to live for Him and to know that God is with them in the daily and the mundane? May I keep that in mind – knowing that His presence is with me – and with them!

P – Father God, thank You for Your presence – daily. For Your promise that You will not leave, but that You will be with me always – to the end. Help me to live with that knowledge. To see You in the daily part of life. To acknowledge Your presence. To fulfill Your mandate to go – and mentor – and encourage – and teach. Give me the eyes to see those You have in my path. Give me the heart to reach them. Give me the presence of mind to act on Your prompting – even in the daily life that You have for me. May I be Your servant today, living for You, and sharing Your love.

 

Emmanuel – God with Us – Point of Grace – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIbIF11H6m4

Emmanuel – God with Us – Mississippi Mass Choir – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsPjNQfAcyk

Names of God – Emmanuel

Week Five – Day 2.

Read and SOAP Isaiah 41:10

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

O – God is saying that there is no need for fear. Why? I AM – with you. I AM – your God. I WILL strengthen you. I WILL help you. I WILL uphold you. His presence. His person. His promise. His provision.

A – I found the makings of a four point sermon here! As I think of God’s presence in my life over the years, I think it is not just the “important” days, those days of trials and trouble. It is the ordinary, simple days that God’s presence is there as well. And, it is the strengthening and help in the ordinary that helps me through the extra-ordinary days! If I am faithful in the daily ordinary days, He will bolster me up and strengthen me for those days that I NEED His presence simply to get through them! Yes – I need His presence, His person, His promise, His provision – daily!

P – Father God, You remind me, yet again, how important it is to rely on You – daily. I repent for those days that I operate on my own power, working to get through them “because I can.” Help me to lean on You, to turn to You. I need Your presence – daily. I need Your person, the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God. I need Your promises to cling to, that will strengthen me for days and trials ahead. I need Your provision – the daily strength, wisdom, and grace to go through each day. Teach me to practice Your presence. Thank You for Your name – Emmanuel – God with us. God – with me – today.

Emmanuel – God with Us – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Y-Px39cm4

Emmanuel – Our God with Us – Hillsong – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnXDK8YWp_Y

Emmanuael – Hillsong – http://youtu.be/ynMZPaSFb1o