What do you want for Christmas this year? The answer to that question has changed (or at least should have changed) from year to year as we grow older. Our ideas of toys change as we mature. Instead of little girls asking for the latest dolls, they likely ask for jewelry, make-up, or clothes. The little boys who were thrilled with cars, footballs, or moto-cross bikes, now look forward to tools, recliners, or electronic gadgets.
I remember when I was nine years old, I got that electric Monday Night Football game. The one with plastic men on a plastic football field with a battery operated vibrator that caused the men to move all over the field. Last week, I asked for a weed-eater. Of course, I mentioned a few other things, too, but you get the idea.
Shifting gears to a more serious note though, what do you really want for Christmas this year? The complete flipside might cause us to beg for peace on earth and goodwill toward men. I overheard the complaints of a lady in a crowded line at McDonald's recently. I so much wanted to approach her, smile and say, "Merry Christmas!"
Realistically, in thinking about giving this year, could we seek to give more grace? What about kindness and gentleness? Could we spread the joy that comes from a relationship with Christ to those with whom we come in contact? Paul wrote to the Galatians that we should exemplify love, joy, peace, gentleness, etc. (see 5:22-23)
God's gift to mankind came in the form of a Baby. As a young man, Jesus willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sin. He has set the example of giving. As we willingly give our lives to serve God, let's do it by giving the fruit of the Spirit to our fellow-man.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
What's In A Story?
Everyone has a story to tell. For some, it may be a story of fame and fortune. For others, one of hardship and difficulty. Still others may have a story of adventure while some may seem, well, less than adventuresome.
I took my high school history class while attending a Christian school. The teacher reminded us that history was simply HIS story; referring to God's story. So, that ancient history class began at Creation.
Fanny J. Crosby, the writer of thousands of hymns, wrote, "This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior, all the day long!" Her story was one of praising her Savior. She found a way, although blinded from childhood, to praise God. Her life, her story, was marked by praising the One she loved most.
What's your story? This Christmas season, be encouraged to allow your story to impact those around you with the ultimate story of the Savior. He came to give us a reason to sing. He came to give us life, full and abundant!
I took my high school history class while attending a Christian school. The teacher reminded us that history was simply HIS story; referring to God's story. So, that ancient history class began at Creation.
Fanny J. Crosby, the writer of thousands of hymns, wrote, "This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior, all the day long!" Her story was one of praising her Savior. She found a way, although blinded from childhood, to praise God. Her life, her story, was marked by praising the One she loved most.
What's your story? This Christmas season, be encouraged to allow your story to impact those around you with the ultimate story of the Savior. He came to give us a reason to sing. He came to give us life, full and abundant!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
He Keeps Me Singing!
One of my favorite hymns begins by saying, "There's within my heart a melody!" One of my favorite Psalms says, "He has put a new song in my mouth..." (40:3). I love to sing! Among my life-long passions has been to sing about the Good News of Jesus.
Several years ago, I had the privilege of singing with a group of friends for a video / audio recording. It was done "Gaither-style", a choir made up of various soloists and groups who would also perform individually. The title of the project was He Keeps Me Singing! What a hymn!
Recently, I began singing with a quartet. One of the songs we have used early in our services has been, "He Keeps Me Singing!" The faces in the congregations where we have sung that song are filled with joyous expressions. Many find themselves singing along and / or clapping to the beat.
Is there a song in your heart? Is there a melody ringing within your soul that needs to be shared with someone? Perhaps you'd like to share your favorite hymn or gospel song with a friend. Allow the melody in your heart to be as a cup overflowing with joy. Let that joy spill over on someone today who may need some encouragement.
Several years ago, I had the privilege of singing with a group of friends for a video / audio recording. It was done "Gaither-style", a choir made up of various soloists and groups who would also perform individually. The title of the project was He Keeps Me Singing! What a hymn!
Recently, I began singing with a quartet. One of the songs we have used early in our services has been, "He Keeps Me Singing!" The faces in the congregations where we have sung that song are filled with joyous expressions. Many find themselves singing along and / or clapping to the beat.
Is there a song in your heart? Is there a melody ringing within your soul that needs to be shared with someone? Perhaps you'd like to share your favorite hymn or gospel song with a friend. Allow the melody in your heart to be as a cup overflowing with joy. Let that joy spill over on someone today who may need some encouragement.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Christmas Traditions
As a young boy growing up, our family always lived a bit of a distance away from our extended family. And, because my grandparents lived in different states, it meant we had to choose which family to visit for the Christmas holiday. Very rare was the year when we would be able to visit both.
Each set of extended family had their own "traditions." For example, I remember on Christmas Day gathering in the living room at my grandmother's home in Alabama to open gifts. One of the grandchildren would be the appointed Santa Claus for that year and hand out the gifts. We could always tell when a 'gag gift' was going to be given. The guilty wrapper had a camera pointed at the wrappee when it was about to be opened. Many laughs were shared around the fireplace and the Christmas tree.
Now, we're older. Grandmama has gone on to be with Jesus, as has my aunt, my dad, and a cousin. My generation has families of our own, and it is difficult to all get together again. We have begun our own Christmas traditions. My daughters will only hear stories of Christmases past, and it is my priviledge to share them. Being able to share the memories of those traditions is actually one of the highlights of being a dad.
One tradition has not changed in all the years. Someone, no matter where we are, will read at least one of the Christmas accounts from Scripture. When Mary and Joseph couldn't get into the inn, but had to sleep in the barn; Jesus was born, and because there was no crib, was laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. We'll read about the angels telling the shepherds who were minding their own business in the field, but dropped everything to come running to the city. We'll read how those shepherds, the typically rejected in society, would be among the first to welcome Jesus to Earth from His splendor of Heaven. We'll read of their excitement as they are able to spread the news to anyone else who will listen.
Therein lies the point. My job as a parent is to share with my children the excitement of what Christmas is all about. Not necessarily the material gifts wrapped under the Christmas tree. As much fun as it is to have one of those white elephant gifts waiting to be unwrapped by an unsuspecting family member in good humor, the important part of this day is remembering that we are here to celebrate Jesus. As we spend time with our family traditions, make sure one of yours is to take the time to read about the real reason for Christmas. From the Bible. The New Testament books of Matthew (chapter 1) and Luke (chapter 2) give those accounts. If that isn't yet a tradition of yours, let 2010 be the most important year to date, and begin to share with your family the real Christmas story.
I'd love to hear your Christmas ideas and creative ways of sharing the all-important Christmas account with your family this year.
Blessings, my friends!
Each set of extended family had their own "traditions." For example, I remember on Christmas Day gathering in the living room at my grandmother's home in Alabama to open gifts. One of the grandchildren would be the appointed Santa Claus for that year and hand out the gifts. We could always tell when a 'gag gift' was going to be given. The guilty wrapper had a camera pointed at the wrappee when it was about to be opened. Many laughs were shared around the fireplace and the Christmas tree.
Now, we're older. Grandmama has gone on to be with Jesus, as has my aunt, my dad, and a cousin. My generation has families of our own, and it is difficult to all get together again. We have begun our own Christmas traditions. My daughters will only hear stories of Christmases past, and it is my priviledge to share them. Being able to share the memories of those traditions is actually one of the highlights of being a dad.
One tradition has not changed in all the years. Someone, no matter where we are, will read at least one of the Christmas accounts from Scripture. When Mary and Joseph couldn't get into the inn, but had to sleep in the barn; Jesus was born, and because there was no crib, was laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. We'll read about the angels telling the shepherds who were minding their own business in the field, but dropped everything to come running to the city. We'll read how those shepherds, the typically rejected in society, would be among the first to welcome Jesus to Earth from His splendor of Heaven. We'll read of their excitement as they are able to spread the news to anyone else who will listen.
Therein lies the point. My job as a parent is to share with my children the excitement of what Christmas is all about. Not necessarily the material gifts wrapped under the Christmas tree. As much fun as it is to have one of those white elephant gifts waiting to be unwrapped by an unsuspecting family member in good humor, the important part of this day is remembering that we are here to celebrate Jesus. As we spend time with our family traditions, make sure one of yours is to take the time to read about the real reason for Christmas. From the Bible. The New Testament books of Matthew (chapter 1) and Luke (chapter 2) give those accounts. If that isn't yet a tradition of yours, let 2010 be the most important year to date, and begin to share with your family the real Christmas story.
I'd love to hear your Christmas ideas and creative ways of sharing the all-important Christmas account with your family this year.
Blessings, my friends!
What's Wrong With Merry Christmas?
We live in an increasingly politically correct culture. In a society that prefers Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays, I'll confess that I'm not a very politically correct person. Especially when it pertains to Christmas!
Approaching this Christmas season, the thought occurred to me that we only hear this struggle at Christmas. The other holidays of the year are treated with greetings of their own merit. From Valentine's Day to Veteran's Day, each holiday seems to have it's own greeting.
While some may argue that we group Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's in order to refer to the season or holidays, both Thanksgiving and New Year's seems to have their own greeting ~ leaving Christmas out in the proverbial cold. (There is absolutely no seasonal pun intended there!) Incidentally, before the freedom from religion card gets played, I would suggest that even Hanukkah and Kwanzaa gets their own respect from a culture that seems to refuse Christmas the same.
Would you join me in wishing those in your sphere of influence a very Merry Christmas? A genuine smile and a Merry Christmas could go a long way in making someone's day!
Approaching this Christmas season, the thought occurred to me that we only hear this struggle at Christmas. The other holidays of the year are treated with greetings of their own merit. From Valentine's Day to Veteran's Day, each holiday seems to have it's own greeting.
While some may argue that we group Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's in order to refer to the season or holidays, both Thanksgiving and New Year's seems to have their own greeting ~ leaving Christmas out in the proverbial cold. (There is absolutely no seasonal pun intended there!) Incidentally, before the freedom from religion card gets played, I would suggest that even Hanukkah and Kwanzaa gets their own respect from a culture that seems to refuse Christmas the same.
Would you join me in wishing those in your sphere of influence a very Merry Christmas? A genuine smile and a Merry Christmas could go a long way in making someone's day!
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