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Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2

The wise men from my nativity have been on a journey this Christmas Season. They have made it as far as the cabinet in our dining room – not quite to the stable yet – Jerusalem perhaps? And of course, they are coming from the east. I have four wise men because scripture never tells us how many were in that caravan. There could have been two, or ten, or twenty. We simply don’t know. We do know that they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gifts for a king.

God has given us a gift in the Book of Proverbs. Wise words to teach us.

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

Yea, if  thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

If thou sleekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.    

Proverbs 2:1-6

Will you join me on a journey this year. A journey to deepen our relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Let us seek His wisdom. Ask God to lead you on your journey. Make it a priority to study His Word that you will know His voice when he speaks to you. I have gotten away from the habit of reading through the Bible each year and I  find that I miss it. But we must read with the right motive. Don’t simply read to check off the required number of verses for the day. Instead read prayerfully, asking God what lessons He has for you in the reading. Chew on the words. Digest the words. Then will you be fed.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth forever.  Psalm 111:10

Let me end today’s blog with the words from a hymn I discovered in an old hymnal.

 

As with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold;

As with joy they hailed its light,

Leading onward, beaming bright;

So, most gracious Lord, may we

Evermore be led to Thee.

 

As with joyous steps they sped

To that lowly manger bed,

There to bend the knee before

Him whom heaven and earth adore;

Wo may we with willing feet

Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

 

As they offered gifts most rare

At that manger rude and bare,

So may we with holy joy,

Pure and free from sin’s alloy,

All our costliest treasures bring,

Christ, to Thee, our heavenly king.

 

Holy Jesus, every day

Keep us in the narrow way;

And, when earthly things are past,

Bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide,

Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

William C. Dix, 1837-1898

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:               Ecc. 3:1

We awoke this morning to a cold gray dawn and the weather man announcing a winter weather advisory. Snow! I pray for those who have to travel or work outside in those conditions but I have to say that I love to see the ground all covered in white. There is a certain stillness in a snowstorm that invites you to slow down and consider the world around you. Make a pot of soup. Bake a loaf of bread. Curl up with a good book. And even as we are in the midst of winter, the violets in my window are blooming profusely, the hint of the spring to come.

Before you take another step there’s something you should know
About the years ahead and how they’ll be
You’ll be living in a world where roses hardly ever grow
Cause all I have to offer you is me
There’ll be no mansion waiting on the hill with crystal chandeliers
Then there’ll be no fancy clothes for you to wear
Everything I have is standing here in front of you to see
All I have to offer you is me

Sweetheart I’ll give you all my love in every way I can
But make sure that’s what you want while you’re still free
The only gold I have for you is in this wedding band
Cause all I have to offer you is me
There’ll be no mansion waiting on the hill with crystal chandeliers
Then there’ll be no fancy clothes for you to wear
Everything I have is standing here in front of you to see
All I have to offer you is me

Written by Dallas Frazier, Arthur Owens Sr. • Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc

All I have to offer You is me . . . .

Those words have been running through my mind for several weeks. At the oddest moments they will appear out of nowhere, seemingly unrelated to what is going on at that moment. But there they are – All I have to offer You is me.

I capitalize the Y in you because while the words are the title of a popular country song that is not what brings them to mind. I’m not thinking of a romance but of a commitment. A commitment to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. During Advent and Christmas these words come reminding me – nothing in my hand I bring – simply to the cross I cling.

Lord, all that I have is me – my self – and nothing else.

But that is what I give to You.

All of me.

Use me as You choose, whenever You choose, however You choose.

I am Yours.

O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my tongue shall shew forth Thy praise. For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:15-17

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:2-3

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:12-13

   And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well Master, thou has said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. Mark 12:29-33

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven. A land which the Lord thy God careth  for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. Deuteronomy 11:11-12

We don’t know what the new year will hold but God does and even more important we can trust that whatever comes God is with us. We should greet each day with anticipation, eager to see what God will do.

He leads us on by paths we did not know;

Upward He leads us, though our steps be slow,

Though oft we faint and falter on the way,

Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day;

Yet when the clouds are gone,

We know He leads us on.

 

He leads us on through all the unquiet years;

Past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts and fears,

He guides our steps, through all the tangled maze

Of losses, sorrows, and o’erclouded days;

We know His will is done;

And still He leads us on.

-N. L. Zinzendorf   Streams In The Desert

We do not know what lies around the bend but even in the tough times we are assured of His presence, providing strength to overcome the difficulties we face. Trust in God to lead you throughout 2017.

 

On this New Year’s Day I am focused on the idea of new beginnings. There is something about a blank calendar that speaks to me of possibilities. What will the new year bring?

As I think of new beginnings I remember the first time I held our firstborn son in my arms. Of course I was very excited. After nine months I was finally holding him in my arms, counting his fingers and toes, those tiny ears, and that little rosebud mouth, and marveling at God’s miracle of life. And then it hit me – I was responsible for this new life – I and my husband. Please God help us to do this right.

Knowing how I felt at that moment I cannot help but think of Mary, finding herself the mother of the Lord. What thoughts must have gone through her mind when the angel gave her the news. Yet she was willing to be God’s vessel. Then she finds herself giving birth in a stable. Did she wonder why? After eight days Joseph and Mary travel to Jerusalem to dedicate the child at the temple. There they meet Simeon who speaks those words not just about Jesus but words for Mary – A Sword Will Pierce Your Soul – what thoughts Mary must have had.

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother,

Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel;

and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,

that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.         Luke 2:34-35

Even with the stable and Simeon’s words Mary does what she needs to do. She raises the Son of God with God’s help and she is there at the cross when He dies for our sin. We don’t hear any more after that terrible Friday but I believe she must have seen the risen Lord. We do know that Jesus put her in John’s care and we are told that from that day on John cared for Mary in his own home.

 

 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.     Romans 15:13

^{On this New Year’s Eve we look back at the past year, the things that were accomplished and the things left undone. As 2016 comes to an end there are many in our nation who seem to be in a state of shock. They cannot believe that their candidate lost the presidential election. I listen to interviews with young people on college campuses and they are depressed. Men and women who should know better are casting aspersions on those with political opinions different from their own. Were they never told, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, say nothing at all.”? You can disagree with a person’s political views without being mean about it.What has happened to our society?}

 ^{I can remember New Year’s Eve 1999 when everyone thought we were facing a catastrophe with Y2K. People were in a panic. Doomsday predictions abounded. People were stockpiling food and ammunition. There was a flurry of planning for the expected chaos. And yet here we are – the world did not end – there was no meltdown. Life goes on.}

^{Our first lady, Mrs. Obama, stated in a recent interview that we are a people without hope. Is that how she really feels? Why? Who or what does she place her hope in?  I for one, do not place my hope in a political party or a particular candidate. My hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ and He is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow! The only ones without hope are those that are without Christ. As it is written in Ephesians 2:8-13}

 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

As it is written on I John3:1-3 as children of God we have hope.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 

So, do not despair. Look back at the year past and learn from it. Go forward into the new year with joyful expectation, being filled with His peace, trusting in God to lead you all the way.

 

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

 

 

Only 41 hours remaining in the year 2016!

This time of year brings reflection  – thinking back – not only on this past year but on the years preceding. Maybe it is because I’m getting older. I have adult grandchildren! I find myself looking back through the journals that I have kept through the years. the following are my thoughts after Christmas 2003.

The miracles of Christmas

Someone gives out of their need

A few Christmas balls

Someone yearns for a tree

Just a small tree

But they are thankful for their blessings

A warm place to live

Food for the table

The tree is given

And the Christmas balls to decorate it

They in turn give two Beanie Babies

Gifts given to their mother

Never touched

But now for a child whose home has burned

The miracle of Christmas

One gift inspires another

A need is met

And love is shared

The miracle of Christmas

A simple service

Scripture Readings

To tell the story

With Scripture in song

Words put to music

They also tell the story

And a gift

From God

For His people

A flute

Air breathed into a tube

And out comes the notes

Music

The sounds of Christmas

Unknown to us before this night – and now – a friend

A brother in Christ

The miracle of Christmas

Love shared

God gave to us

Himself

Wrapped in the for of a child

Ten tiny fingers

Ten tiny toes

Dependent upon Joseph and Mary

For food

For clothes

Our Creator

Became one of us

To show us

His Love

When we share that love with each other

It becomes

The Miracle of Christmas!

On this Fifth Day of Christmas I want to share a poem I found in my files. I’m not sure where I first found it but I like the message that this writer shares.

 

Not Only Christmas Day

Lord, this is my prayer
Not only on Christmas Day
But until I see You face to face
May I live my life this way:

Just like the baby Jesus
I ever hope to be,
Resting in Your loving arms
Trusting in Your sovereignty.

And like the growing Christ child
In wisdom daily learning,
May I ever seek to know You
With my mind and spirit yearning.

Like the Son so faithful
Let me follow in Your light,
Meek and bold, humble and strong
Not afraid to face the night.

Nor cowardly to suffer
And stand for truth alone,
Knowing that Your kingdom
Awaits my going home.

Not afraid to sacrifice
Though great may be the cost,
Mindful how You rescued me
From broken-hearted loss.

Like my risen Savior
The babe, the child, the Son,
May my life forever speak
Of who You are and all You’ve done.

So while this world rejoices
And celebrates Your birth,
I treasure You, the greatest gift
Unequaled in Your worth.

I long to hear the same words
That welcomed home Your Son,
“Come, good and faithful servant,”
Your Master says, “Well done.”

And may heaven welcome others
Who will join with me in praise
Because I lived for Jesus Christ
Not only Christmas Day

— Mary Fairchild

 

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God,

For unto Thee will I pray.

My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning,

O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.     Psalm 5:1-3

 

I watch as the sky lightens – the darkness flees – another day is dawning.

Thank You, Lord, for this new day!

 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.                                                                                 Philippians 2:5-8

 

Jesus came for one purpose.

Jesus came to die.

Oswald Chambers writes in My Utmost For His Highest:

The cross of Jesus is the revelation of God’s judgment on sin. Never tolerate the idea of martyrdom about the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross was a superb triumph in which the foundations of hell were shaken. There is nothing more certain in Time or Eternity than what Jesus Christ did on the Cross. He switched the whole of the human race back into a right relationship with God. He made Redemption the basis of human life, that is, He made a way for every son of man to get into communion with God.

The Cross did not happen to Jesus: He came on purpose for it. He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The whole meaning of the Incarnation is the Cross. Beware of separating God manifest in the flesh from the Son becoming sin. The Incarnation was for the purpose of Redemption. God became incarnate for the purpose of putting away sin; not for the purpose of Self-realization. The Cross is the center of Time and Eternity, the answer to the enigmas of both.

The Cross is not the cross of a man but the Cross of God, and the Cross of God can never be realized in human experience. The Cross is the exhibition of the nature of God, the gateway whereby any individual of the human race can enter into union with God. When we get to the Cross, we do not go through it; we abide in the life to which the Cross is the gateway.

The center of salvation is the Cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much. The Cross is the point where God and sinful man merge with a crash and the way to life is opened – but the crash is on the heart of God.

When we consider God’s plan for our salvation we can no longer consider the child born in the stable in the same way. The shadow of the Cross was on the manger that day.