Monthly Archives: December 2016
God is continually working in our lives whether we realize it or not. God has a plan and will orchestrate our lives to fulfill that plan. When Jesus was born and the Three Wise Men went to Herod asking where they could find the King of the Jews, Herod became enraged. We know the tragic story that he had all the boys under the age of two killed so that this “King” could not overtake him. Matthew 2:13 tells us: …..
I pray you had a wonderful Christmas filled with joy and peace. I pray you were surrounded with family and friends and, of course, lots of good food. I also bet that even though it was all great, you are happy that it is over! Now we can just get back to our normal lives and before we know it, it will be Christmas again. Did you know that the story of the Wise Men appears only in the book…..
“Adeste Fideles” (CC BY 2.0) by Trish Hamme I have a friend who loves me dearly. In fact, he is my best friend and my husband, Dennis. I am so blessed. We have been through a lot together over the past 47 years. Some of it has been exceedingly joyful and other times have been very sad and sometimes very scary. But he has been right there by my side and I am so grateful. I know you have heard this many times:…..
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (CC BY 2.0) by Phil Roeder I heard someone say that everything happens for a reason and sometimes that reason is because you made a stupid decision. I laughed out loud but the more I thought about it, that is really a profound statement. We all have things in our life that we regret. We think, “if only I had done this or not done that.” Some of the regrets we have are very serious and the repercussions…..
I realize this is supposed to be the most joyous time of the year. I have been doing an Advent study to prepare my heart for the coming of Christ with us, Emmanuel. I’ve gotten everything done ahead of time and I’ve just been enjoying the season – until yesterday that is. So many things hit me at once. One of our friend’s 30 year old son drowned while fishing. We have friends with cancer and other illnesses. There is…..
Most of the time when we think of darkness it is an ominous thought. Bad things can happen in the dark. You never know what is lurking around the corner. Jesus’ birth brought light to the world starting with the star that guided The Three Kings to Jerusalem. Jesus is the light of the world. Genesis 1 tells us that there was darkness until God said, “Let there be light.” Can you imagine living in constant darkness? I don’t know…..
I hope you have heard Lauren Daigle, who has the most beautiful, almost haunting voice sing her new song for Christmas, Noel. It has a line that I love. She sings, “Noel, Noel. Come and see what God had done.” You can listen to it on YouTube here if you haven’t heard it. It is just the most wonderful, Spirit-filled Christmas song I’ve ever heard. When I first heard it, I realized I didn’t know what Noel means. Maybe you…..
CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS I love this time of year. I love all the baking, planning, decorating and getting together with friends and loved ones. It is a magical time of year. It is filled with joy and peace. It makes me want to sing Christmas Carols, even though I can’t sing at all, but that doesn’t stop me. It is just a special time. Jesus, God’s Ultimate Gift It also makes me so thankful for all our blessings. We are so…..
Well, we have made it through Thanksgiving. You know what that means, Christmas is around the corner. Christmas, as the song says, is the most wonderful time of the year. I totally agree. Christmas is about the birth of our Savior and children and family. Let’s pray that there be Peace on Earth. What is more joyous than that? I have made a vow this year to enjoy every minute of the Christmas Season. We don’t have to let the commercialism…..