IT'S A BOY! Luke 2:9-14

9. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11. for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"

IT'S A BOY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

While I am still plagued with pain and am struggling with the carpel tunnel, I have been so very blessed. My daughter, my sweet, good and lovely daughter baked and planned and wrapped until she nearly cried -- because I couldn't and she knows how much Christmas means to me.

My husband and son have "picked up the slack" for me in so many ways. And more than once I have heard conversations about how it looks so easy when Mom does it.

So God uses even our pain to bless us and provide evidence of his unspeakable love for us.

And I am learning lessons I have been refusing to learn. Sometimes a still small voice and gentle nudge become a "good swift kick!" I'm glad God loves me enough to keep at it!

I'm glad he sent His son to save me and all of you.

Merry Christmas

Mary  ¶ 1:24 AM

  Gospel of Boldness .
Acts 9:27, 29

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists; but they were seeking to kill him.

Romans 10:17

So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.

There were many more verses I read about being bold and wanted to share them with you! I am in the midst, though, of severe carpel tunnel. My hands are almost worthless to me, so I will keep this short today, as my hope is that I will feel better if I use my hands as little as possible over the next few days.

The book of Acts is full of instances where the apostles spoke boldly of their faith. They endured imprisonment and beatings for their “blasphemy.” They were shunned by the religious leaders because they preached about a God who had come to earth to save them. And that contention defied everything the religious leaders taught--they were no longer needed as intercessors or mediators of salvation! Each person now had direct access of his own accord--simply by believing in The Christ.

Our responsibility as Christians is to boldly preach the Good News -- not only to those is our own church -- they’re already seeking! We are to go out into the world and boldly preach with our words, with our actions and by how we live our lives. We are defy the nay-sayers and the detractors. We are to be Christ for our world. And we are to do so boldly-without apology!

I must end my mini-sermon. My fingers are failing me. My message is not a new one -- but one that is over 2000 years old and has been preached my many who are far more articulate than am I. Jesus is the one and only way to heaven. He bore our sins; became our sins; and won us eternal life. No other gospel. No other truth. Only Jesus. Jesus.

My prayer today is that you preach the gospel of Jesus Christ with boldness. And if you are asked about the source of your boldness, you respond, “Jesus.”

Mary  ¶ 7:41 AM

  Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual .
Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Luke 2:25-32

25. Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28. he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29. "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; 30. for mine eyes have seen thy salvation 31. which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32. a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel."

I can remember when I was expecting each of my children how excited I was! I also recall worrying about whether or not I would be a good mother. I am, admittedly, very hard on myself--some would call it perfectionism--and I occasionally found myself fretting over my certain inability to properly parent my children! After all, they don’t come with instructions or with manufacturers guidelines for optimum performance, do they?! Reading these two passages cause me to reflect upon the tremendous responsibility and sense of importance Mary must have placed upon rearing Jesus properly. After all, he was to be the future king, somehow! In some cosmic plan God had laid in place, he was to be the one who would fulfill the prophecies! He was the Promise Kept. He was the Future Glory. And Simeon confirmed it!

Parallel thoughts running through my mind on these passages. First, as a parent, I wonder what we would do differently if we perceived each of our own children as Mary viewed Jesus. What if we instilled in them their own sense of future greatness? What if we taught them that everything they are learning and experiencing is in preparation for a future life, in fulfillment of God’s perfect plan for them? As my children are preparing to graduate from high school, and beginning a senior year in college respectively, I try to help them imagine the next stage of their journeys. One “problem” they are both facing is that there are so very many choices for their futures! I marvel at the fact that they have both grown to be responsible, spiritually-grounded, serious and humble young adults; idealistic and with a keen sense of social justice. And that was all without the expectation that the future of humanity was on their shoulders!

Jesus was born into a world where tradition and custom told him he had one choice: to become a carpenter. Joseph was a carpenter and Joseph’s father was a carpenter. Jesus would become a carpenter. How did Jesus deal with the dichotomy of divinity and humanity as a child? I read that he was obedient and kind to his earthly parents. The only times he gave them a bit of concern was when he was pursuing God’s plan for him, which was certainly counter to what was expected of a young Jewish child in that day and time. Talk about pressure! Peer pressure. Societal pressure. The pressure of hundreds of years of tradition. Jesus really had it rough, didn’t he? Maybe we should explain Jesus’ life from that perspective the next time our children complain about their lot in life!

What about Simeon? It would appear that his entire life’s purpose was to declare for all to hear, “mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.” The world would be so different if we could be different parents; different seekers of God’s will for our lives; different students and teachers of how to live.

My prayer today is that you offer up your children and your life to God. And that you rejoice in knowing there is a “manufacturer’s instruction guide” on how to live.

Mary  ¶ 7:23 AM

  The Best Party Ever Revelation 7:15-17 RSV

"Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night within his temple; and he who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence.

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

1 John 5:11-13 NASB

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

I can’t think of a better gift to give someone than to tell them the Good News of Jesus Christ! And what a gift! What better encouragement to offer our brothers and sisters than to remind them of the promise of life in heaven with our precious, merciful, beautiful God?

Any superlative you can call to mind; any description of perfection you can speak; anything you can imagine of beauty, love, peace, comfort and joy -- that’s what heaven will be like -- only a million times better! Believing that, knowing it is so, how can we help but tell those we love the truth?! Whether all the revelations, descriptions, foretellings, predictions are literal or figurative . . . it doesn’t matter--the point is it will be better than you can imagine!

How can we help but strive to be the best people we are able to be? How can we help but live a life that reflects our efforts at worshipping the one who won this gift for us? There is one way to this perfection. That way is the way of the cross. We rejoice in that, because what follows is the resurrection -- and we will be a part of the “next” resurrection one day.

So when we wish others a Merry Christmas, we really mean we are inviting them to the birthday party of the ages! We really mean, because of Christ we will all have peace one day. And God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

My prayer today is that you will remember what Merry Christmas is really about! And that you’ll others to the party!

Mary  ¶ 7:23 AM

  The Angels Waited .
Psalm 31:24 KJV

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV

He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 27:13,14 KJV

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 116:7-9 NASB

Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. For You have rescued my soul from death, My eyes from tears, My feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the LORD In the land of the living.

One would expect that Christians would be especially joyful and excited at this time of year! After all a child is soon to be born! He shall be called Emmanuel -- God With Us! He will grow to be a king and savior of the world. Halleluiah! How exciting! After all the waiting and hoping and yearning, the time is finally here!

I have shared before that I love Christmas! I so enjoy seeing all the decorations and lights strung on houses and trees! Our church is preparing for our annual “Living Christmas Story” this weekend with over 60 cast members participating. We’ve had cookie decorating parties and there will be a birthday party for Jesus, and numerous mission opportunities this Christmas season. Christmas is, after all, about the giving.

This morning after I poured my second cup of coffee and stirred the meatballs I’m taking to work for our Christmas luncheon, I admired the gold streaked sunrise from the kitchen window. And when I had finished stirring and taste-testing I came back to the computer to see from another window the now-pink sky. I thought about walking before the Lord and renewing my strength in Him. After all, the “extra” activities are wonderful and fun and even important! But even better is resting in my Savior. Believing in the promise of a birthing cry by a tiny baby. Of a woman who obeyed and a man who honored her.

I dream of a day when the whole of creation dwells with the Lord. Notice the all-caps LORD in these passages. They’re talking about THE LORD here. The Real God, the True Deity. The most holy of holy. He’s strong enough to allow us to rest in him and on him. He blessed us with redemption and keeps us for his own until the second coming. That tiny baby will be a mighty warrior then--waging war against the powers that vie for our hearts and our souls.

I pray that in the meantime, we don’t wear ourselves with the things of this world. I hope we can pick and choose one or two important ways to celebrate and honor the God who came to earth. The God who lived among us and died for us and waits for us in heaven. Well, I have an assortment of baked goods to assemble before I leave for work this morning! So I had better end my devotion!

I’ll be praying for you today as you prepare and wait for THE BIG DAY that is just a few days away. I hope today you take some time to breathe in, and then out, and imagine a young girl awaiting a birth, the man who hovered over her and the angels who waited to announce the joyous news. And that you remember the real reason for this season.

Mary  ¶ 7:28 AM

  The Lord in our Righteousness .
Isaiah 54:9-10

9. "For this is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you and will not rebuke you. 10. For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Jeremiah 23:5-6

Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and
righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."

A couple of different thoughts this morning. First, God keeps his promises. In Isaiah, he draws the listeners back to the days of Noah, a long, long time ago, so they have assurance that he “means it” this time too. Second, God uses progressively more illustrative and definitive assurances as the time of Christ approaches in history.

These passages tell us not to worry, God is with us and will save us. There is a “but” in there though! The trainer I had for a seminar on communicating with “tact and finesse” would shudder at that thought! She said that word should be eliminated from our language because of the negative connotation! But it applies here! God will certainly keep up his end of the covenant! But in order to take advantage of it, to be recipients of his great love and mercy, we must make the next move!

We must decide to believe. We must turn away from our former ways and strive after the kind of life that is worthy of the promise. We must seek God in every decision and imitate Christ in every action and word. Those are some big “buts!” But: God has given us a way to achieve the perfection for which we strive. The Cross. That’s the greatest promise of all! Jehovah-Tsidkenu. The Lord is our Righteousness.

Only because of and through His righteousness are we found righteous and so acceptable to God. I can’t think of a more wonderful Christmas gift than to be made perfect through the one who was perfection. We are sons of God because of his sacrifice.

I hope today you repent of all those “buts” in your life. And that you lift a prayer of gratitude that Christ became your sin in order to make you righteous.

Mary  ¶ 7:26 AM

  Don’t Forget the Manna .
Deuteronomy 8:11-18

11. "Take heed lest you forget the Lord your God, by not keeping his commandments and his ordinances and his statutes, which I command you this day: 12. lest, when you have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses and live in them, 13. and when your herds and flocks multiply, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, 14. then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, 15. who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, 16. who fed you in the wilderness with manna which your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. 17. Beware lest you say in your heart, `My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' 18. You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth; that he may confirm his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as at this day.

I read an article recently that discussed how we could not go to the store to buy manna. Nor were there any “Manna stores.” That article has stuck with me and really caused me to think about manna -- God’s provision for His people. In earlier verses God reminds the people that not only did they have manna each morning, but they survived on it for forty years! And more than that! Their clothes didn’t wear out in that time either! (After all, there were no Wal-marts or Old Navy stores in the desert!) The reward for “enduring” only manna? A land rich and bountiful full of all the foods the people loved! Fertile fields and orchards and bountiful vineyards. Great wealth and prosperity.

There are just two caveats: don’t forget the manna; and don’t think you did this all yourself. Who provided the manna, anyway? God gave the Israelites exactly what they needed. If they had supplies of food, they would have been burdened with transporting it, and preserving it -- all of which would have been extra work and an extra load to carry with them in their travels. They didn’t even need to stop to make new clothes! God thought of everything! Even water from a rock! One would think that after an entire generation of living in God’s care and provision that the people would have been ever humbled and grateful. Not quite!

They were just as we are today. We forget the source of every good thing in our lives. We begin to believe our own press, don’t we? "I got a promotion at work -- and more money. That’s because I’m such a good employee and so gifted and valuable to the company." Or, "I have this beautiful house and expensive car, and I belong to all the “right” organizations. I’m wealthy and influential -- that means I’m somebody!" Not quite! Do we really think we “arrived” of our own volition? Do we truly believe we are capable enough, strong enough, wise enough to live our lives without God? Do we forget so easily that He is the source of the intellect, wisdom, ability? Do we forget about the manna?

What if everything you own is gone tomorrow? Stock market nosedives, car is repossessed, house burns down. Who are you then? You are God’s beloved. He provided for the Israelites and he will provide for you. Even when you don’t think there is anything left--God will be there. So let’s remember the manna and the water, and the promised reward. Not on earth, but in heaven. Where the weather is perfect and the food is delicious and our clothes never wear out and we spend eternity in God’s presence in heaven.

I hope today you will remember that God provides for his children exactly what they need. And that you remember the source of every good thing in your life.

Mary  ¶ 7:21 AM

  He Will Hear From Heaven .
2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Philippians 4:6,7 RSV

Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As I lay in bed this morning, I spent a few extra minutes thinking about the day, I resolved to “pump up” my prayer life. I don’t mean just for today. I thought about several future events and the potential impact on those involved. I found myself shaking my head and clucking my tongue, certain it would be devastating for those involved. Wow! That’s not sounding very humble, is it? Nor is it evidence of keeping my mind in Christ Jesus, my savior and intercessor.

I also listened to the news reports about a fatal plane crash, followed by updates on the death toll in Iraq - on US military, missionaries, hostages, and the Iraqi people. (This is why I don’t usually listen to the news in the morning!) And I think of the survivors of all the “big” disasters in the past year and focus in on my own little world: the red-haired homeless man I’ve talked about - where does he go when the weather is so bad in Richmond? And the road crews and utility workers and the people living in the mid-west where the weather is so much worse. I fret over how the weather will impact my co-workers and . . . well, the list goes on and on. I think you get the idea!

Should I mention Christmas shopping, cookie baking, house decorating and cleaning, wrapping gifts? OK, let’s not even go there. When I opened one of my regular morning subscription e-mails, these two scripture were presented. I opened a couple more, and the topic of those: prayer. Imagine that! I was just thinking about prayer . . . That’s what some of us call a God-incidence. And I don’t think I need to tell you I “get it.” I sat in silent prayer this morning before I began my writing. And I will get back to my daily prayer time. Because after all, no matter how much I fret and worry and get that nervous knot in the pit of my stomach--I’m not in charge! God is. And He wants me to give it all to Him, in recognition of His power to control the course of history, to protect the homeless and the helpless, to intercede in my life, so I will be reminded to intercede for the world.

Oh! It’s not all about me! Thank goodness!

I pray today you will have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Mary  ¶ 7:23 AM

  The Blood of Jesus .
Hebrews 7:23-28

23. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; 24. but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues for ever. 25. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 26. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever.

This Sunday our pastor told us part of the following story. We also heard the voice of the homeless man from a CD that has recently been released. It was both haunting and humbling. I have heard it echoing in my head all week. As I could not arrive at a scripture this morning, I realized this is probably what I am to share with you.

I have quoted parts a sermon given by another pastor that has been posted on-line. “This is the story of the impact of the faith of one nameless, homeless street person over 25 years after his death. Tapes of this homeless man have been played in homeless shelters all across America. Most of us wouldn't know that because we aren't in shelters very often, are we?

Back in 1971, Gavin Bryars, one of England's leading musicians and composers, agreed to help his friend Alan Powers with the sound on a film that Powers was making about street people. Alan Powers was filming in an area around London's Waterloo Station. He filmed various people living on the streets. He caught their daily rituals, trials and joys on film. Some of the homeless people were obviously drunk, some were mentally disturbed, some were very articulate, and some were incomprehensible.

Back in the studio, Gavin Bryars went through editing the audio and video footage. That's when he became aware of a constant undercurrent, a repeating sound that was always there on the audio tape whenever one older man appeared on camera. But he couldn't tell what the sound was. At first it sounded like muttered gibberish. So Bryars removed the background street noise and cleaned up the audio tape. Then he discovered that the old homeless man was singing.

What distinguished this old man from other street people was his song. The song he sang under his breath was a simple, repetitive Sunday-school tune. He would sit and quietly sing it, hour after hour after hour. He would sing:

Jesus' blood never failed me yet, Never failed me yet
Jesus' blood never failed me yet,
There's one thing I know, For he loves me so...

It was like an endless loop. The song's final line fed into its first line, starting the tune over and over again without ceasing. The man's weak, old, untrained voice never wavered from pitch, never went flat, never changed key. The simple intervals of the tune were perfectly maintained for however long he sang.”

My prayer today is that you go out into the world walking in this old man’s simple faith. And that power of the blood of Jesus sustains you in your walk.

Mary  ¶ 7:33 AM

  No Need For A Temple .
Revelation 21:22-23; 22:1-7

22. And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 22:1. Then he showed me the river of the water of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2. through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3. There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him; 4. they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. 5. And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6. And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. 7. And behold, I am coming soon." Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.

For some reason, whenever I’ve had a rough couple of days, I find myself drawn to Revelation. Perhaps I am presumptuous in my belief that I will enjoy the wonder, beauty and presence of God on the throne at the end of time! I am tremendously comforted as I read about the perfection that will be ours as believers when this present age passes away.

We will have no need for churches - God will be our church. Just think about it - we’ll be living in the continual and all-encompassing presence of God - like man was in Eden. We will no longer need to call out to God - he will be next to us and within us and all around us--everywhere we go. He will be in every breath we breathe and will be ever in our minds and our hearts. His name will be on our foreheads--we will have his divine protection forever--for all time. We will finally see the face of God! Even Moses was not allowed to see his face -- only his back!

Somehow the cares of this world just pale in comparison to the wonder and joy and beauty in which we will dwell in the new heaven and new earth. And in an odd way, I find a deeper meaning of this season. The birth of a baby--such an ordinary event. And yet, that birth marked the beginning of the end. Or the beginning of the “new beginning!” A baby. A wooden cross. A vision given a prisoner. A tree with twinkling lights, brightly colored packages. A candle burning at midnight in a church to announce the birth that changed everything!

“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let everyone who hears say, “Come.” And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.” (Rev. 2:17) Come.

I hope today you will give over the cares and concerns of your life to the God who freely gives the water of life as a gift. And that you will find the wonder in the ordinary things of this life.

Mary  ¶ 7:10 AM

  The Surprise Is Ours! .
Romans 5:1-5 (MSG), 4-5 RSV

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us--set us right with him, make us fit for him--we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he had already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand--out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary--we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Wow! I haven’t ever read this version of Romans! Romans can be bit convoluted -- Paul thinks, and writes(!) like I often do, a kind of free flowing, wordy discourse. This paraphrase made it a bit easier to understand, I think. What Paul is saying is that we may think we’re acting alone in accepting Christ as our Savior. The truth is: God’s already taken the first step--He’s all ready for us! We thought we were planning a surprise party, but guess what? The surprise is ours!

I think of the story of the Prodigal Son--we are so much like that younger son, aren’t we? We go plodding down the road that leads us to the father‘s house, head hung down, beaten down physically, emotionally, spiritually, and determine we’ll finally admit we are unable to live without our Father--and we are willing to live on his property as a servant, rather than be without him. Rather than assigning the wayward child to the servant’s quarters, the Father runs, jubilantly to his child. He is so excited he can’t wait for the child to come the entire way home. He leaps and runs and calls out in joy, welcome home! That’s how God is too! We think it’s all our idea to turn our lives over to Christ. But guess what? Christ already cleared the way for us!

And there’s more! We continue to rejoice because once we accept Christ as our savior -- life only gets better! Oh, we will certainly have problems, struggles, probably even some heavy burdens to bear. But we know we are no longer alone. We know we have our Savior to bear our burdens with us. He is our constant companion, laboring with us that last mile to the Father. He holds us up, lest we stumble and fall before we reach our destination. He is there for us through it all and will never, ever leave us alone. Reason indeed to continue rejoicing!

Passionate patience. I like that term. When I’m in that state, my husband calls it restlessness. And that’s what it is. Not only is God excited about what He’s doing in me, I’m anxious for Him to reveal it, so I can get to it! I am, admittedly, more passionate than I am patient, but God works with me anyway! I long to run out in the “wide open spaces of God’s grace and love.” Jesus leads us there. And there’s more! “we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” It almost sounds like those “infomercials” that air late at night: But wait! There’s even more! For a limited time only, you get twice the bargain. The difference is, we’ve already got it!

I hope in light of the amazing grace of God, you will remain alert for whatever God wants of you next. And that you will rejoice with me because, we know that “suffering produces endurance, . and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, . and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.”

Mary  ¶ 7:14 AM

  Magnify the Lord With Me .
Psalm 34:1-8

1. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and be glad. 3. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. 6. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8. O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!

I have learned there is only one way to get through life: trust in God. Having said that I don’t always demonstrate this profound truth. I’m not always radiant with the glow of God’s love, nor do I always offer to Him all my fears and concerns and very important problems of the day. Monday mornings are the most difficult for me in terms of being centered on God. I so often have a million things running through my mind--my work to do list, the list of family doctor/dental appointments, school meetings, activities at church -- at Christmas time at our church we have enough activities to make your head spin! It’s overwhelming--in a wonderful way!

When I get all wrapped up in the activities of the day or the upcoming week, I’m not magnifying God. If I don’t turn over the tension, anxiety--and really, just the purpose of my days--to God, I’m not leaving myself open for his answer to my seeking, am I? I fully believe and recognize that by turning over my life this day to my God, nothing will overcome me or overwhelm me. I have felt his angel encamped around me at work, in the car, at home, in the oddest places. But I so often am too busy to acknowledge it. How can I expect to be saved out of all my troubles when I’m too busy reciting to God all the “very important things” I need to do today? If I don’t approach him with an attitude of trust that he’s already taken care of the truly important aspects of my life, then I miss out on his blessings.

Christmas is my favorite time of year! I love the lights, the late night service on Christmas eve to ring in the birth of Christ, the spirit of giving and generosity that is awakened in individuals and churches and companies and . . . everyone! I think Christmas brings out the best in people. Of course, the added activities and responsibilities of baking, decorating, gift buying, and all the “extra” activities can also be a time of stress. We talked in our Sunday school class yesterday about making room for Jesus in our lives. We decided that if we focused less on having the perfectly decorated house, the precisely wrapped gifts, the vast assortment of Christmas treats, and the overspending to give our children “everything their hearts desire” we would be able to actually enjoy the season!

It’s not just true at Christmas time. It applies to our lives every single day, every hour, every minute. The words to a song I listen to at work daily are, “I need thee. I need thee. I need the every hour.” One would think that listening to such a song would remind me who needs to be the center of my life! Instead it too often becomes part of the “background noise.” Today I’m going to try to listen to the words and to look people in the eye with a smile on my face, and be radiant so that I might magnify the God who saves me from all my troubles -- if I’ll just allow Him too!

My prayer today is that you breathe. Breathe in the spirit of Christmas. Breathe out the stress and anxieties of this world. And that you give it all to God that He will answer you.

Mary  ¶ 7:22 AM

  Jasper and Carnelian .
Revelation 4:1-6, 8-11

1. After this I looked, and lo, in heaven an open door! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up hither, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2. At once I was in the Spirit, and lo, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne! 3. And he who sat there appeared like jasper and carnelian, and round the throne was a rainbow that looked like an emerald. 4. Round the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clad in white garments, with golden crowns upon their heads. 5. From the throne issue flashes of lightning, and voices and peals of thunder, and before the throne burn seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God; 6. and before the throne there is as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And round the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: . . . 8. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all round and within, and day and night they never cease to sing, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" 9. And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives for ever and ever, 10. the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing, 11. "Worthy art thou, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for thou didst create all things, and by thy will they existed and were created."

“Carnelian is a reddish variety of quartz, translucent to opaque and moderately hard The wearing of carnelian is recommended to those who have a weak voice or are timid in speech, for the warm-colored stone will give them the courage they lack, so that they will speak both boldly and well," reports G. E Kunz, well known gemologist and historian.”

“Napoleon I, while on a campaign in Egypt, picked up a fabulous octagonal carnelian, upon which was engraved: "The Slave Abraham Relying Upon The Merciful God.””

Jasper is a gem of various colors, one of the twelve inserted in the high priest's breast-plate (Ex. 28:20). It is named in the building of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:18, 19). It was "most precious," "clear as crystal" (21:11). It was emblematic of the glory of God (4:3).

There is way too much symbolism and too many references to talk about them all in one sitting! I have periodically researched the precious stones and metals mentioned in the bible and was not too surprised -- though delighted -- to find that the references here tie back to the Old Testament, and make references that the people of the time would understand as significant.

My bible notes suggest the voice referred to as inviting John in is that of Christ. When John indicates he was in the spirit, I imagine he was in some sort of altered state -- I would that to be fully conscious would have been too overwhelming for him. So much to see; so much beauty and to be in the presence of these amazing creatures and to see them, as one source suggests, “guarding the holiness of God.” How amazing! It certainly was just unspeakable! Unimaginable! The words, though beautiful and poetic could never capture the experience.

Perhaps you think these meanderings are distractions from the point of the text. Really though, what I discovered is that John references items and symbols and visions of great significance and power. The finest, most precious, most beautiful, and most worthy of admiration -- that’s what one would expect to be in heaven surrounding and dwelling with our Creator.

My prayer today is that you imagine perfection every time you call upon God. And that you call upon that image any time you need encouragement or courage.

Mary  ¶ 7:19 AM

  He Has Borne our Griefs

Isaiah 53:1-6

1. Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2. For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

These words were written 700 years before the birth of Jesus. I urge you to read the remaining 6 verses of this chapter. I get actual chills every time I read this chapter. I’m sure I’ve shared before that Isaiah is one of my favorite books of the bible, and I have read through it countless times. Parts of this chapter are quoted not only by Christ himself but my many of the New Testament writers. This is probably one of the most prophetic statements in the entire bible. It somehow seems appropriate during Advent to share the words of one who faithfully waited his entire life for the Messiah and never lost the hope that He would one day come.

I don’t think too many of the New Testament books really emphasize the lonely, sad life Jesus lived. “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” We focus, of course, upon the crucifixion, but not so much on what it must have felt like to be Jesus. Just because he obediently accepted his life, doesn’t mean it was happy. He didn’t live in fear, but surely he was sad, frustrated, disappointed, and deeply grieved at times. He was adored and sought after by throngs of people, but even his closest friends didn’t really “get him.” There was no one in his life with whom he could exchange knowing glances or share a wry smile. No one to bounce ideas off of, or to “vent” his frustration and get it out of his system.

Well, of course, he had God. But I wonder sometimes if, being human, he didn’t rail at God as we do. Surely he cried out, screamed and cried, begged and beseeched His Father, as any one of us would. That’s not to say he didn’t also lift prayers of thanks and praise and love as well. We don’t hear too much about the “human Jesus” because the intent of the bible is to convince us of his divinity! But there are glimpses here and there if we hunt for them. That’s the Jesus that I long to know. If we are to “be like Christ” we need to know who he was as a man!

I’ve often wondered how it would feel to look at someone with love and care, only to have them turn away or to cast their gaze downward. I don’t think people did that because Jesus was disfigured or unattractive, as some may contend. I think it was because they saw their own sin in his gaze. They looked at him and realized he knew the deepest, darkest, most sinful part of their being. That was too much to see reflected back. How alone he must have felt sometimes. How burdened. And yet, he knew from the moment of his birth God’s purpose for his life. Though he endured a tortuous end to his life as a man, he had the satisfaction of knowing he had accomplished that for which he had been born. Isn’t that what each of us desires? To know the mind of God and to do what He made us to accomplish? This Advent, I am spending more time “waiting” on God. I am sitting in silence, sometimes praying, sometimes, humming a hymn or calling to mind a bible verse. And if “the world” invades my thoughts I cast it out.

I hope during this Advent season, this time of waiting for Christmas, you will spend time in silence and wait on God. He longs to reveal his truths to us, if we’ll only sit still long enough to hear him!

Mary  ¶ 7:23 AM