The Wise Men Still Seek Him-The Advent Series (Part 5)

Weeks had passed, maybe months, no one knows the exact time frame. Mary had given birth just and was probably starting the natural healing process after labor. She and Joseph were adjusting to life with their newborn baby boy. She may have been up for visitors and company and maybe not, like any new mom. The thing is Mary, was not the mama of an ordinary baby. Her baby boy pride and joy, “Jeshua” (Hebrew) was the answer to prophetic prayers. She knew people would want to see and worship her child just like the Shepherds did that night the angels led them to the stable. Little did she know how far people would travel…

Read Matthew 2:1-3

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

The same star, the one that shown that night for the shepherds and led them to the stable and the manger…had led them to Jerusalem. According to a Harvard article http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1991QJRAS..32..389H “It is proposed that a remarkable sequence of three astronomical events stimulated the journey of the Magi: the triple conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in 7 BC; the massing of the three planets Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in 6 BC; and finally the appearance in 5 BC of the `star of Bethlehem'”. Just as it did last week and made it the brightest star in the sky in a very long time. God is in control of all the planets and stars and tells them where to move and hangs them all in perfect balance in the beautiful sapphire night sky. He aligns natural phenomenons just like He created them, He makes miracles and prophecy a reality. Some scholars even say, and you will find if you do some digging in Hebrew and Greek word studies that the word “aster” meaning star…or heavenly bodies or celestial bodies are sometimes mentioned in reference to angels. How could a star move and guide them from the far East to the west as a directional beacon? In my humble opinion, that “star” was in fact an angel. (Story for another time, I have in fact seen an angelic comet like figure in the sky before). The same heavenly messengers for the shepherds were now guiding and signaling another group of strangers…the 3 kings. He came for the lowly working class shepherds and the wealthy ancient kings of a far off land. He came for all people, and all people were going to come see Him. Except there was one person who wasn’t exactly excited or thrilled at the infant king’s arrival…

His name was Herod, and once he heard the birth announcement he knew his power could be challenged. He felt threatened that another king could steal his throne, even though he was only a baby. Seriously, a grown man feeling threatened by a newborn baby. He tried to manipulate the situation by using the traveling kings as “spies” unbeknownst to them. They were to find out where this king was and tell him where so that he could go “worship” him too. His plan was to find the sweet family and kill their newborn baby boy. An angel however intervened and warned the wise men not to report back to Herod but go home another way. That being said, you can imagine Herod was not happy.

Read Matthew 2:3-6

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Read Matthew 2:7-12

“Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

Sadly, he took drastic measures to have every male newborn and child under the age 2 killed to wipe out this potential king from existing. How heartbreaking for every mother and father of an innocent boy. The same angel warned Joseph in a dream to take his family far away to Egypt. Jesus and his parents Mary and Joseph had to take refuge in a far off land to be safe, at least until Jesus was over 2 years old and King Herod had died. Scripture states this prophecy will be fulfilled in Hosea 11:1 referenced in Matthew 2:13-15 “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:13‭-‬15 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.2.13-15.ESV

Hosea 11:1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Hosea 11:1 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/hos.11.1.ESV)

Read Matthew 2:16-23

“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.“
Matthew 2:16‭-‬23 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.2.16-23.ESV

Hold onto that thought and let’s unpack and unwrap these “baby shower gifts” they brought to Mary and Joseph, I mean I would think about it maybe some diapers or blankets? But they showered Him with gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Gold: wealth and riches, valuable as currency. This symbolized his royalty and sovereignty. Kings always has gold. Mary and Joseph could probably use whatever currency and valuables that were given to them.

Frankincense: a fragrant and expensive perfume, burned as incense during worship at the temple sometimes. He was meant to be worshipped, the Son of God.

Myrrh: a fragrant spice often used as medicinal purposes and a burial spice for embalming. He is the healer. He would one day die for all of us. His death was victory.

Back to the family and their extended stay in Egypt…shortly thereafter they returned to their hometown Nazareth, where Jesus grew up and learned in synagogue. Little did they know that one day, He would be the greatest Rabbi that they would ever know and love. The Messiah himself. He grew up and became a young boy, then a teenager learning his father Joseph’s skill of carpentry and also learning how to fish until the day He taught others how to be fishers of men. He was 30 years old (how old I am now) when he stepped into his role and really showed who he was. Personally, I think it’s a great age and time in life when you really start to know and figure out who you are. The ministry of the Messiah and MiracleWorker. Jesus, little Jeshua of Nazareth was now known as Jesus Christ “the anointed one”.

Just as the wise men listened and followed, wise men and women still seek Him today. True wisdom comes from His word, not wealth wealthy nobility and titles. The shepherds listened. Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah followed their tasks faithfully as parents to raise up men to what God called them to be. We too, me and you can do the same if we seek Him and listen when He calls us.

In Christ hope, joy, grace and wisdom,

Heather H. Carnley

The Shepherds Visit the Lamb of God-The Advent Series (Part 4)

A life lived outdoors, weathering the elements whether heat or cold, rainy or snowy. The beasts and predators must be kept at bay as well. No one or no thing gets to their sheep. The flock must be protected. The phrase “I didn’t choose this life, this life chose me” may simply apply to these shepherds. Their job was never taken lightly. A shepherd’s sole responsibility is the safety, care, well-being of their flock. According to wikipedia’s google search results about shepherds: “Some flocks may include as many as 1,000 sheep. The shepherd will graze the animals, herding them to areas of good forage, and keeping a watchful eye out for poisonous plants. Shepherds often live in trailers or other mobile quarters.” As a shepherd you had to know where the good hiding places were and the good grazing places were and what plants were harmful. Shepherds were and are very much hunter-gatherers as well as protectors. Although their jobs were similar to farmers and farm-hands, shepherds were often paid to watch the sheep of others. Shepherds also lived outside of the society, or the outskirts near their pastures presumably. Shepherds were and are largely nomadic. Most shepherds were males without children, and families. New shepherds were often recruited externally. Shepherd could quite possibly seem rather lonely, just you and your flock and maybe a few other shepherd comrades nearby. They were indeed rugged and hardworking, and what we would call “blue collar boys” today. In biblical times they were often thought of as lowly positions in society.

As more research shows, typically the youngest son in the family in chosen to shepherd the sheep. As the each older son grows up, he transfers his responsibilities from sheep raising and shepherding-to helping his father with farming duties like sowing, plowing, and harvesting the crops, and passes on the shepherd’s task to the next little brother. The job is passed from oldest to youngest until all have been the family shepherd. Leaving the very youngest to remain the shepherd. We see this in the book of 1 Samuel, when Jesse raised his family of eight sons and David was his youngest son “And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and behold, he keepeth the sheep” (1Sam. 16:11). David, was the family shepherd. We see in scripture that it was prophesied in Isaiah 11:1 “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.”
Isaiah 11:1 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.11.1.ESV

Read and reflect on Luke 2:8-20

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
Luke 2:8‭-‬20 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.2.8-20.ESV

The angel, went to the lowly and lonely, far out in an isolated pasture on a cold winter’s night…the shepherds in the country. The same way Samuel found young David, the king of Israel the angels told them that the NEW King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace had been born in the city of David! The shepherds knew all about preparing the spotless and perfect lamb for Passover, yet little did they know they were about to meet the Lamb of God. What a moment!

Jesus, Son of God and Son of man. King of kings, Lord of lord’s. Prince of Peace. Jeshua. Messiah. The Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. He is called and named many things, to Mary and Joseph that’s their baby boy and pride and joy. Jesus was called the Christ, or the Messiah when he entered into his ministry at age 30 after his baptism by John his cousin. The name “Christ” means anointed one or the Messiah. He had been prophesied and chosen by God the Father long before He was born, He knew everything and existed in heaven with the Father. The angels were sent to shepherds, the chosen caretakers. Shepherds often anointed or poured oil over their sheeps heads to keep burrs, briars, and bugs off as a protection from the sun and harsh elements as well. Jesus, the chosen anointed one is the Lamb of God, yet HE is also our shepherd who guides and guards us, cares for and protects as well as anoints us with his blessing of protection. God revealed his perfect plan to all who listened when the time had come…yet His story is still unfolding and we get to be a part of the story…

Follow along next week as we follow the wise men as they followed the star…

In the true spirit and anticipation of Christmas season, Heather H. Carnley

The Unexpected Earthly Father: Joseph- The Advent Series (Part 3)

Hardworking, rugged, God fearing man with a plan-that was Joseph. He was engaged to the woman of his dreams who loved the Lord and family. Together they would one day create a family of their own. Years of carpentry and woodworking as a family trade, he couldn’t wait to build a home and life with Mary and teach his future sons his craftsmanship skills. Fishing together, all the memories a father wants to make with his children. He was quite a bit older than his young wife, so they definitely wanted children. Little did they know how soon that dream would be a reality.

That beautiful, glowing, unexpected heavenly visitor named Gabriel was almost finished fulfilling his earthly assignments-Joseph was the last one he needed to see to complete his mission. Joseph wasn’t last simply because he was the least important…in fact he was a vital part of the plan. Joseph’s faith in the Lord would be needed to manifest his faithfulness and trustworthiness of his wife to be, Mary. He knew she loved him and here she was pregnant to surprise. He had not only an important holy duty as a husband but now as a father. A godly father to raise the earthly SON OF GOD, talk about quite a task! The boy who he carried on his shoulders and played with, would soon carry the weight of the world at the Cross. Mary, the chosen pure maidservant of the Lord…young and innocent could not raise this child on her own. That is why God chose and created them to be a family. Family is not anything to be taken lightly. Marriage and family was instituted and created by God. Joseph could not abandon and divorce her at a time like this just because what other people may have thought of their “illegitimate and out of wedlock” child. This was no mistake. This was God’s plan. After all, Joseph himself was indeed the descendant of the tribe of Judah…a descendant of King David just as the prophecy had been told. Gabriel even told Joseph just like he did Mary, what exactly to name their child…Jesus.

Read Matthew 1:18-25

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 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: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Matthew 1:18‭-‬25 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.1.18-25.ESV

Joseph took care of Mary and made sure they had everything they needed before their son’s arrival. I’m sure he dreamed about all the beautiful woodwork and even maybe a crib for their boy. But the census was taking place and they had to go to the place of his ancestors, Bethlehem the city of David to register. It would be a quick triple-a few days journey on their camel and they could come back home to Nazareth before the baby came…or so they thought. The Lord had aligned all the parts of this beautiful plan for them to be in Bethlehem that starry night…. follow along next week as we meet the first “baby shower” guests and those who welcomed the holy baby into his earthly world…

The Shepherds and Wise Men….

In the true spirit and anticipation of Christmas season, Heather H. Carnley

The Young Mother & Maidservant of the Lord: Mary – The Advent Series (Part 2)

A young woman betrothed to the love of her life, an older man who loved her and dreamed of taking care of her. The were making plans of their future together. One day unexpected visitor came and changed their lives one visit at a time. That same heavenly visitor saw her dear cousin Elizabeth months before. That visitor was an angel named Gabriel.

Read Luke 1: 26-37

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”
( Luke 1:26‭-‬37 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.1.26-37.ESV)

Mary, so young and a life full of love and marriage as a new wife ahead of her…was about to become a new mother as well. Biologically and physically speaking that was IMPOSSIBLE, she had not been with Joseph they were waiting until they were married to have relations. She had never been with anyone else, she was a virgin. What would people think of her? An unwed mother? Most importantly what would her dear Joseph think of her? Her mind raced to many things in that moment. She couldn’t fathom how she could be carrying a child. The angel Gabriel sensed the sudden distress on her face and told her to not fear. Not to fear because the Holy Spirit would plant a seed in her womb that would bring forth the Savior of the world. Not to fear because she had been chosen and favored. The angel told her specific details even what to name her son, his name would be Jesus.

Read, memorize and meditate on Luke 1:37-38 “For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:37‭-‬38 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.1.37-38.ESV

Elizabeth was sixth months pregnant with John when Gabriel visited Mary. If you look back a little further in Scripture and do a little historical and genealogical research digging, Elizabeth was much older than Mary. She was more like an aunt to her. Elizabeth and Zechariah were older in age, and she in fact was barren. Mary at the time didn’t know that her relative was pregnant, the angel told her and she went to visit her for confirmation. You see this angelic announcement was a two fold prophetic confirmation. The angel said “Your relative Elizabeth is also pregnant, she was once barren…” Mary needed to see for herself. So she went on her way to visit her, and sure enough Elizabeth was indeed six months pregnant with John. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb, baby John leaped with joy inside when he heard Mary’s voice. Mary told Elizabeth of her visit from the angel and she too knew that was that same special angel visited her.

Mary’s Song and Prayer:

“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.”
Luke 1:46‭-‬56 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.1.46-56.ESV

Memory Verse: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Luke 1:45 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.1.45.ESV

Mary’s young life was forever changed and her child changed the world…let’s keep studying and digging into Scripture as we look at Joseph’s side of the story….

In the true spirit and anticipation of Christmas season, Heather H. Carnley

The Joy of Giving (The Hope of Christmas Part 2)

December 12, 2016

The Joy of Giving
(The Hope of Christmas Part 2)

What is joy? Where does it come from, and how in the world do we get it?! We hear of Christmas joy and Christmas cheer, but it’s not really something we can buy in a store, wrap up in a box and stick under the tree. But it is something that’s on everyone’s Christmas wish list whether they realize it or not. And sorry folks, Santa can’t bring it…only Jesus.

Have you ever had one of those days (maybe even weeks, months, or maybe years) where you feel like the joy has been sucked out of you? Like every once of energy you have in you has been drained dry. Sometimes life knocks you down. Sometimes you just have a moment. We all have those days. Other days (some of us), are just so full of extraordinary joy on an ordinary day that we bubble over like a shaken can of soda! Bubble ooze and fling all over the place! We’ve all met those people who are just sometimes “too perky” or “just extra bubbly” (guilty as charged) especially if everyone else maybe just a tad bit grumpy! Don’t be a Scrooge or Grinch all year or at Christmas!

Sometimes we feel like we have so much time, effort, love, sacrifice, and joy to spread and share with others, other days we have nothing left but an empty tank. Have you ever been caught up in the business of being busy? Of course there’s all the day-to-day necessary tasks of life and then all the fun stuff that keeps us busy too. We (especially us productive multitasking women) too often spread ourselves too thin. Warning: Avoid burnout! There’s a simple saying I’ve remembered throughout all my years of ministry and now teaching, and it goes like this “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Meaning you have to be filled, poured into, and taken care of in order to pour into, take care of, and fill up others with love and joy! A car can’t run on an empty gas tank now can it?!

When we seek, pray, worship the One who fills us, it’s so much easier to fill up others because it’s a surplus, an abundance, and excess! Joy is one of those things that will always be more than enough! A song I learned as a little girl in Sunday School (and the kids still sing it at church today) is J-O-Y, Jesus first, yourself last, and others in between.

Jesus first. Jesus is the giver of joy. Nothing or no one comes to the Father but through Jesus. (John 14:6) Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above. (James 1:17). The true source of joy is Jesus, it doesn’t come from any earthly thing that we think can fill our voids, that happiness we’ve searched for. No other person, no job, car, house, money, or material thing can give that kind of joy that the heart and soul need and long for.

Others second, when we put others before ourselves we are showing the greatest example yet most simple way that Jesus taught us. Love Thy Neighbor as yourself. The world is not just about you and what you need/want in this life. There are other people who need to know the love of Jesus. To give, to be a servant-hearted follower of Christ maybe the best Christmas gift you can give this year. Too much, we get wrapped up in the giving and receiving of gifts, what to buy for so and so, and what’s on his or her list, and what’s on sale here and there. We know it is better to give than receive…but we get too worked up about trying to get everyone something that we lose the purpose of giving, “the thought that counts”. I, myself am more of a sentimental person who would rather receive a small thoughtful gift packed with meaningful memories and sentimental value than an expensive gift. We don’t always have to give a physical gift to give someone, we can offer our help, or do something nice for something, give them our time, or be a listening ear when someone needs talk, to bake cookies or offer a meal, to make memories, and the best gift is to give them our prayers.

Yourself last, such an uncommon sentiment and concept is a world that is so self-centered. In fact, there’s a new book by Karen Ehman called “Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living In a Self-Centered World” (which is in the December She Matters Box by the way!) that talks about “listening for a heartdrop” and “random acts of kindness” that brighten others days and impact lives. Jesus taught and lived this, He is and was the most selfless man to walk the earth. He taught love and peace. He suffered and was persecuted. He gave the world the most sacrificial act of love when He gave up His life on the cross. We are to follow His example in putting others before our own needs and motives. John 15:13 says “No greater has no man than he (or she) that would lay down his (or her) life for his friends.” Giving truly is an easy thing to do when done in love.

So in the spirit of giving, remember this THE GIFT & THE GIVER. God the Father, was the Giver on that first Christmas. Jesus was the gift, but Jesus also became the Giver as He grew into a man-the gift of eternal life through the cross (John 3:16). There are many stories and parables throughout the New Testament (especially the four gospels) that Jesus speaks about “taking care of the least of these”, “it is better to give than receive”, and the parable of the rich young fool. It doesn’t take much effort to brighten someone’s day, something as simple as a smile or kind gesture. There are many ways to give: donate clothes, shoes, toys, or any other items to a family homeless shelter or orphan’s home, bake cookies for the children’s hospital or nursing home, give your time or skills and talents to teach others, make a card to cheer someone up. Donate to charities here at Christmastime and throughout the year. Below are some links to some great charities to give to. Tis the season y’all!

With Christmas love and cheer,

Heather

Here’s a list of  some great charities to give to!

St. Jude Children’s Research

Samaritan’s Purse

American Red Cross

Lighthouse For Life

She Matters

A Time for Thankfulness in a Season of Hope (The Hope of Christmas Part 1)

A Time for Thankfulness in a Season of Hope
(The Hope of Christmas Part 1)

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” we hear it and see it everywhere but do you feel it? This is the time of year we all get extra sentimental and remember to be “grateful”, “thankful”, and full of “Christmas cheer” as if we should be reminded. I’m a sappy and sentimental gal on the regular anyway, so when Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year all roll around cue the Hallmark movies, old traditions and memories and here come the waterworks! I just can’t help it!

As we just passed Thanksgiving last Thursday, a time for plenty of food, family time trimmed with the fixings of the Macy’s Parade, football, and Black Friday shopping game plan. Thanksgiving is a special time we recognize as a national holiday to be extra thankful. But yet should we have to be reminded to be grateful for things we take for granted? A full feast: thankful for the food we have to put on our table and in our stomachs. A place to call home and gather with family and make memories.

Each day whether it’s November or not, THANKSGIVING should be a day-to-day celebration of gratitude. Do you have groceries in your fridge and pantry? Check. Do you have clothes and shoes to wear? Check. Do you have a roof over your head and a bed to sleep in? Check. Running water to shower, cook, clean and electricity to use? Be thankful to have bills to pay, as hard as it may be to make ends meet, you have the basics. Do you have a family to come home to, or loved ones to gather together with? Check. Do you have a job to make a living? Check. Do you have a vehicle or some sort of transportation? Check. Did you wake up this morning with breath in your lungs and a heartbeat in your chest? If you are reading this, then YES you have so much to be thankful for. Even though there are days, weeks, and months that are really difficult in your year and in your life, every given moment is actually a gift. It IS called the present.

As we go into the Christmas season, let us not get “wrapped up” in the busyness of it all that we forget why we do all these things. Yes, Christmas is fun and magical and usually brings out the kid in all of us, unless your like the Grinch or Mr. Scrooge….then we need to pray and sprinkle a little on cheer on you! Let’s be honest we know the holidays can bring out the best of the stress in all of us at times! But no matter how much house cleaning, decorating and food preparation, gift buying and wrapping, parties, plays, and gatherings there are; there is still something special about this time of year. No matter what kind of year you’ve had, hopeless suddenly becomes a little more hopeful. Lights on the trees and in people’s eyes seem to shine a little brighter. People are generally alot nicer this time of year too! There’s something about Christmas that brings out the inner child in all of us. That child-like faith Jesus spoke of.

As we go into the season, remember that HOPE does exist. The people of Israel were waiting for a Messiah, this promise they had heard of for many years. Some still believed, while others had lost hope. Hope came to a dark, captive world in the form of a tiny baby born in a stable in a small town on a quiet night. This is why we restore our joy at CHRISTmas, a renewed hope that a Savior would one day come. That love came down from heaven to earth when Jesus was born. Let Christmas remind you that hope is never far away.

With that being said, over the next 4 weeks leading up to Christmas…I’m starting a short series of Christmas blogs….we’re calling it “The Hope of Christmas”. So read, reflect, and share the hope with others! Next blog coming at ya next Friday!

 

Tis the season y’all!

your sister, Heather