When my children were little I was always trying new ways to teach them the true meaning of Christmas. One year I read about preparing the crib for Jesus. The idea was that you took an empty crib (or basket) and made it nice and soft for Baby Jesus.
Starting the first of December everyone's name was put into a container and a name was drawn out every Sunday. For that week you were to do extra thoughtful things for that person in secret. Anytime you did something you could take a piece of straw and put it into Jesus' bed.
It was fun watching the kids sneak around doing good things and by Christmas Eve we had a nice, soft bed for Baby Jesus.
I wish I could say that this had such an impact on my children that they never fought again and continued to do nice things for each other but of course it didn't------or did it?
Today I saw my adult daughter taking care of her sister's two kids and fixing her brother lunch. I saw my son loaning his combine to my son-in-law. I also saw my other son hauling grain for his brother and helping with his chores. I realized that this is the adult version of putting straw in a bed for Baby Jesus and I am very proud of them.
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not run from it.
Monday, December 29, 2008
An Advent Life by Tana Lemay
“The best way to prepare for the coming of Christ is to never forget the presence of Christ.”
-William Barclay
Have you ever noticed how Mark’s sermons coincide, or bump up against something that is going on your life? Sometimes it’s a pleasant surprise affirming that I’m on the right track. Other times it is a very uncomfortable poke in the arm; a reminder of areas in my life needing attention.
When the Write Sisters decided to dedicate this newsletter’s writings to Christmas, I started looking for quotes related to Christmas and stumbled upon this one under the heading “Advent”. Dictionary.com defines advent as an arrival or coming; momentous, of importance; the second coming of Christ.
In most Christian homes, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth. Some families follow the tradition of an advent calendar, opening a window on the calendar each day revealing a picture or item related to the Christmas season, leading up to the baby Jesus on Christmas day.
This is where Mark’s recent sermons come in to play. Recently he has challenged us to live each day as if it’s the day Jesus will return. Live our lives as an advent calendar. Presented each day is a window of opportunity to live for Christ, in His image. Easy to do? Absolutely not. At least not on our own. But with Jesus, the possibilities are endless.
-William Barclay
Have you ever noticed how Mark’s sermons coincide, or bump up against something that is going on your life? Sometimes it’s a pleasant surprise affirming that I’m on the right track. Other times it is a very uncomfortable poke in the arm; a reminder of areas in my life needing attention.
When the Write Sisters decided to dedicate this newsletter’s writings to Christmas, I started looking for quotes related to Christmas and stumbled upon this one under the heading “Advent”. Dictionary.com defines advent as an arrival or coming; momentous, of importance; the second coming of Christ.
In most Christian homes, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth. Some families follow the tradition of an advent calendar, opening a window on the calendar each day revealing a picture or item related to the Christmas season, leading up to the baby Jesus on Christmas day.
This is where Mark’s recent sermons come in to play. Recently he has challenged us to live each day as if it’s the day Jesus will return. Live our lives as an advent calendar. Presented each day is a window of opportunity to live for Christ, in His image. Easy to do? Absolutely not. At least not on our own. But with Jesus, the possibilities are endless.
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Christmas Tree by Donna (Ensign) Woods
The scent of pine fills the air...
Ornaments hung with loving care.
Delicate hues of hand-blown glass
...Keepsakes from the past.
A display of dazzling lights,
To warm the heart on wintery nights.
Decorations crafted by tiny hands,
Glitter and glue and rubber bands.
Shimmering tinsel of silver and gold
Cascading from boughs that gently hold....
The sweet jingle of a Christmas bell,
And a priceless story to tell...
...For deep within this festive display,
Is a reminder, of another day.
A splintered cross...no boughs of green,
No twinkling lights to be seen.
Twisted thorns, in place of tinsel bright
...The Earth trembling on a starless night.
Imagine Christ...hanging on that Christmas tree
His out-stretched arms, for the branches we see.
A satin tree skirt, carefully spread.
For drops of blood from hands and head....
Packages wrapped with holiday flair
A symbol of love He came to share.
From the cradle...to the cross...
He came...even knowing the cost.
As you gather 'round the Christ Child's tree
Look beyond, lighted boughs you see.
Unwrap His gifts of eternal love,
As angels fill the skies above.
Accept His gifts on Christmas morn
...Remembering the reason Christ was born...
Ornaments hung with loving care.
Delicate hues of hand-blown glass
...Keepsakes from the past.
A display of dazzling lights,
To warm the heart on wintery nights.
Decorations crafted by tiny hands,
Glitter and glue and rubber bands.
Shimmering tinsel of silver and gold
Cascading from boughs that gently hold....
The sweet jingle of a Christmas bell,
And a priceless story to tell...
...For deep within this festive display,
Is a reminder, of another day.
A splintered cross...no boughs of green,
No twinkling lights to be seen.
Twisted thorns, in place of tinsel bright
...The Earth trembling on a starless night.
Imagine Christ...hanging on that Christmas tree
His out-stretched arms, for the branches we see.
A satin tree skirt, carefully spread.
For drops of blood from hands and head....
Packages wrapped with holiday flair
A symbol of love He came to share.
From the cradle...to the cross...
He came...even knowing the cost.
As you gather 'round the Christ Child's tree
Look beyond, lighted boughs you see.
Unwrap His gifts of eternal love,
As angels fill the skies above.
Accept His gifts on Christmas morn
...Remembering the reason Christ was born...
THE REAL GIFT by Donna (Ensign) Woods
I want to tell you a story that is priceless and old,
A story prophets of old, wondrously foretold.
Gabriel, an angel of God, brought Mary the news,
She was the one our Father was so careful to choose.
Her questions were many, but she didn't inquire,
Wishing only to do what the Lord would desire.
To Joseph...how could she possibly explain ?
Her family and friends...what about gossip and shame ?
Faithfully, she trusted and was wonderfully blessed.
Always knowing in her heart......His will is best !
As Mary and Joseph returned to the place of their birth
A multitude of angels stood watchful guard on Earth
A humble servant of God to behold,
As the magnitude of His love was about to unfold.
Walking all day, over a rough and dangerous road
Or on the back of a donkey, she was a treasured load.
Weary from traveling all day long...
...Birth pains were coming fast and strong.
I'm sure she was a radiant, beautiful sight,
As she prepared for that very first Christmas night.
The Inn was full, there was simply no room...
But the Baby would be coming very soon !!
Imagine Joseph's panic, as he pleaded for his wife,
And the approaching birth of this precious little life.
Jesus was born in a small, dimly lit stable.
The birth of our Savior...it's not a holiday fable !!!!
There were no jewels or fine cloth for Him to wear,
But blanketed with love, and hope to share.
Hovering all around, were the angels of the Lord
Rejoicing the birth of One so adored.
Iluminating the sky, with each shimmering wing,
Now, our voices should echo the praises they sing.
Even the animals had watched and anxiously waited
And joined with the angels as they celebrated.
Ponder the true meaning of this season
...The birth of Christ is the only reason.
Take a moment to bow and pray....
Praise God for the real gift of Christmas day.
A story prophets of old, wondrously foretold.
Gabriel, an angel of God, brought Mary the news,
She was the one our Father was so careful to choose.
Her questions were many, but she didn't inquire,
Wishing only to do what the Lord would desire.
To Joseph...how could she possibly explain ?
Her family and friends...what about gossip and shame ?
Faithfully, she trusted and was wonderfully blessed.
Always knowing in her heart......His will is best !
As Mary and Joseph returned to the place of their birth
A multitude of angels stood watchful guard on Earth
A humble servant of God to behold,
As the magnitude of His love was about to unfold.
Walking all day, over a rough and dangerous road
Or on the back of a donkey, she was a treasured load.
Weary from traveling all day long...
...Birth pains were coming fast and strong.
I'm sure she was a radiant, beautiful sight,
As she prepared for that very first Christmas night.
The Inn was full, there was simply no room...
But the Baby would be coming very soon !!
Imagine Joseph's panic, as he pleaded for his wife,
And the approaching birth of this precious little life.
Jesus was born in a small, dimly lit stable.
The birth of our Savior...it's not a holiday fable !!!!
There were no jewels or fine cloth for Him to wear,
But blanketed with love, and hope to share.
Hovering all around, were the angels of the Lord
Rejoicing the birth of One so adored.
Iluminating the sky, with each shimmering wing,
Now, our voices should echo the praises they sing.
Even the animals had watched and anxiously waited
And joined with the angels as they celebrated.
Ponder the true meaning of this season
...The birth of Christ is the only reason.
Take a moment to bow and pray....
Praise God for the real gift of Christmas day.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Season of Peace by Tana LeMay
Do you ever feel like you get no peace? Each day is full of its own strife, trouble, and business - endless to do lists, questions to answer, people to see. And throughout it all is noise. It’s in the background, foreground and all around. If it’s not the TV or radio, it’s a door slamming, or a phone ringing, or a child yelling, “Mom!”.
“Peace is not the absence of trouble. Peace is the presence of God.” -Unknown
I am not a morning person. I love to sleep in. Even so, each work day I set my alarm to go off before everyone else’s. Why? That’s my time of peace and quiet. The only background noise is the soft ticking of a clock, or the muffled sound of the furnace or air conditioner running.
I have two favorite spots to enjoy my peace and quiet. In the winter you’ll find me in the coziness of our basement family room. My summer spot is my favorite – our front porch. Each day is greeted with the rising sun and the morning songs of the birds. Did I mention I’m not alone during these moments? Each morning, I ask Jesus to join me. I sit with Him, soaking in His word and allowing His peace to flow through me, charging my batteries for the busy day ahead.
The hectic holiday season is upon us. So much to do – shopping, holiday parties, baking, gift wrapping, decorating, etc. It’s a wonder we are even able to enjoy it. May I make a suggestion? Start each day with Jesus and allow His peace to nurture you throughout this season and into the next.
1Corinthians 1:3 (NIV) Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Peace is not the absence of trouble. Peace is the presence of God.” -Unknown
I am not a morning person. I love to sleep in. Even so, each work day I set my alarm to go off before everyone else’s. Why? That’s my time of peace and quiet. The only background noise is the soft ticking of a clock, or the muffled sound of the furnace or air conditioner running.
I have two favorite spots to enjoy my peace and quiet. In the winter you’ll find me in the coziness of our basement family room. My summer spot is my favorite – our front porch. Each day is greeted with the rising sun and the morning songs of the birds. Did I mention I’m not alone during these moments? Each morning, I ask Jesus to join me. I sit with Him, soaking in His word and allowing His peace to flow through me, charging my batteries for the busy day ahead.
The hectic holiday season is upon us. So much to do – shopping, holiday parties, baking, gift wrapping, decorating, etc. It’s a wonder we are even able to enjoy it. May I make a suggestion? Start each day with Jesus and allow His peace to nurture you throughout this season and into the next.
1Corinthians 1:3 (NIV) Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
My Spiritual Life? by Theresa Zuber
Romans 12: 1-2 (NIV) 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
I recently read that nowhere in the Bible does it mention the word “spiritual life.” How interesting. I even did a search to make sure that was true and sure enough… it’s not in there! Why? We often are concerned about our spiritual life, aren’t we? The problem is God makes no distinction between our everyday life and our spiritual life. God expects that our lives ARE spiritual. . We want to compartmentalize our relationship with God, our jobs, our hobbies, our dreams – but all of it is to be offered to God as our spiritual act of worship. He doesn’t just want part of our lives – he wants all of us, everyday in everything.
The Message says it this way: Romans 12:1-2 (The Message) 1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
God, help me to weave together the various parts of my life so that they reflect you in all aspects. Decrease my desire for those things that are apart from you and increase my desire for those things you have prepared for me to do. I trust that you have my best in mind. Guide me.
I recently read that nowhere in the Bible does it mention the word “spiritual life.” How interesting. I even did a search to make sure that was true and sure enough… it’s not in there! Why? We often are concerned about our spiritual life, aren’t we? The problem is God makes no distinction between our everyday life and our spiritual life. God expects that our lives ARE spiritual. . We want to compartmentalize our relationship with God, our jobs, our hobbies, our dreams – but all of it is to be offered to God as our spiritual act of worship. He doesn’t just want part of our lives – he wants all of us, everyday in everything.
The Message says it this way: Romans 12:1-2 (The Message) 1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
God, help me to weave together the various parts of my life so that they reflect you in all aspects. Decrease my desire for those things that are apart from you and increase my desire for those things you have prepared for me to do. I trust that you have my best in mind. Guide me.
Don't be the Weakest Link by Susan Shull
Disclaimer: Please forgive me if I sound like your nagging great aunt- you know, the one you don’t like very much.
Have you ever considered your importance in God’s big picture? Paul tells us in Acts 17:24-27 that God determined exactly where and when each of us would live. In his wisdom, he knows the best circumstances that might cause people to seek him and reach out for him. He cares about each of us and has a perfect plan for us. We might think our lives aren’t really important, that the decisions we make don’t really affect anyone besides ourselves. But, thinking that way would be wrong.
Each of us is a link in a chain of faith from Adam and Eve into eternity. If the chain breaks with you, who will that impact? Generations and generations of your family members may miss out on eternal life and heaven if you don’t stay close to your heavenly Father, walking through life with Him as your comforter and guide. Kind of scary, isn’t it?
I am so thankful to have been raised in a Christian home. My church-going parents and extended family members have been a great example for me. Since I have turned several pages on life’s calendar, I can better appreciate the sacrifices made in order to be that example. I would love to be able to thank the previous generations for staying true to their commitments to the Lord, thereby making it much more likely that those who followed them would accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Now it is my turn to be the example.
Every generation, I guess, has those who are pillars of the church. You know the type-those who could be counted on to attend regularly, who were “workers” in the church. Some of those worked in a visible, in-front way and others were quiet, behind-the-scenes-prayer warriors. These people were the Sunday school teachers, youth group leaders, and casserole-toters of my youth and adulthood. They came to church and brought their families with them.
WARNING! Here comes the scolding-great-aunt-who-probably-doesn’t- know-the-whole-story-and-who-should- mind- her- own- business part. Where are these families now? It seems many of them are A.W.O.L., attending on holidays or even an occasional Sunday morning, hurrying out the door as soon as the last Amen is said, depriving their children and themselves of Sunday School, church friends, and possibly, heaven forbid, a relationship with Christ.
This just breaks my heart. God doesn’t promise us that just because our parents or grand-parents are Christians, we have a ticket to heaven. Each person must come to the saving knowledge of Christ on his own, but it will be so much easier to see the need if one is sitting in the pew every Sunday and in Sunday School right after that.
So….. when you are tempted to push the snooze button, roll over, and go back to sleep on Sunday morning, DON’T DO IT! The destination of eternity for those who will follow you may depend on your example of being a faithful servant. Please don’t break the chain.
Have you ever considered your importance in God’s big picture? Paul tells us in Acts 17:24-27 that God determined exactly where and when each of us would live. In his wisdom, he knows the best circumstances that might cause people to seek him and reach out for him. He cares about each of us and has a perfect plan for us. We might think our lives aren’t really important, that the decisions we make don’t really affect anyone besides ourselves. But, thinking that way would be wrong.
Each of us is a link in a chain of faith from Adam and Eve into eternity. If the chain breaks with you, who will that impact? Generations and generations of your family members may miss out on eternal life and heaven if you don’t stay close to your heavenly Father, walking through life with Him as your comforter and guide. Kind of scary, isn’t it?
I am so thankful to have been raised in a Christian home. My church-going parents and extended family members have been a great example for me. Since I have turned several pages on life’s calendar, I can better appreciate the sacrifices made in order to be that example. I would love to be able to thank the previous generations for staying true to their commitments to the Lord, thereby making it much more likely that those who followed them would accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Now it is my turn to be the example.
Every generation, I guess, has those who are pillars of the church. You know the type-those who could be counted on to attend regularly, who were “workers” in the church. Some of those worked in a visible, in-front way and others were quiet, behind-the-scenes-prayer warriors. These people were the Sunday school teachers, youth group leaders, and casserole-toters of my youth and adulthood. They came to church and brought their families with them.
WARNING! Here comes the scolding-great-aunt-who-probably-doesn’t- know-the-whole-story-and-who-should- mind- her- own- business part. Where are these families now? It seems many of them are A.W.O.L., attending on holidays or even an occasional Sunday morning, hurrying out the door as soon as the last Amen is said, depriving their children and themselves of Sunday School, church friends, and possibly, heaven forbid, a relationship with Christ.
This just breaks my heart. God doesn’t promise us that just because our parents or grand-parents are Christians, we have a ticket to heaven. Each person must come to the saving knowledge of Christ on his own, but it will be so much easier to see the need if one is sitting in the pew every Sunday and in Sunday School right after that.
So….. when you are tempted to push the snooze button, roll over, and go back to sleep on Sunday morning, DON’T DO IT! The destination of eternity for those who will follow you may depend on your example of being a faithful servant. Please don’t break the chain.
CHRISTMAS EVE - Donna (Ensign) Woods
On your way to a Christmas Eve celebration,
You stop by a lonely gas station.
Twinkling lights reflect on snow covered ground,
It's the only thing open for miles around.
You hurry inside...you're running late,
Don't want to make the guests all wait!
The attendant wipes a tear from her eye,
You can only guess what makes her cry...
On the back counter is a photograph,
Of two small children with eyes that laugh.
The reason she cries is now crystal clear,
She longs to be with them...but has to be here!
A single mom works late on Christmas Eve
...The gifts a few, that Santa will leave...
A gift from you could give her hope,
As she desperately struggles to cope.
Be prepared for a time like this...
A chance to witness, you don't want to miss.
Pretend your wallet is in the car,
Let the love of Christ be a shining star.
A little cash in a Christmas card...
It's really not that hard.
Don't sign your name...
Just give the Lord all glory and fame.
Hand it to her... and walk away
Secretly bless her on this wondrous day.
As she reads the words,"I'm praying for you"
"God bless you and your children too"
Your car's long gone, as she cried...
Holding the "hope" you tucked inside.
This is just a little story...but it is also meant to be a reality check for all of us, as we enter into the holiday season. This Christmas is going to be tough for a great many people all over this country.
Children of single parents often suffer the most...as the parent has to choose between spending precious time with their children... or feeding them and keeping the heat on.....
....I remember.....
I pray we will all keep our eyes and ears open....as well as
our hearts, as the Holy Spirit places people and
situations in our paths.
You stop by a lonely gas station.
Twinkling lights reflect on snow covered ground,
It's the only thing open for miles around.
You hurry inside...you're running late,
Don't want to make the guests all wait!
The attendant wipes a tear from her eye,
You can only guess what makes her cry...
On the back counter is a photograph,
Of two small children with eyes that laugh.
The reason she cries is now crystal clear,
She longs to be with them...but has to be here!
A single mom works late on Christmas Eve
...The gifts a few, that Santa will leave...
A gift from you could give her hope,
As she desperately struggles to cope.
Be prepared for a time like this...
A chance to witness, you don't want to miss.
Pretend your wallet is in the car,
Let the love of Christ be a shining star.
A little cash in a Christmas card...
It's really not that hard.
Don't sign your name...
Just give the Lord all glory and fame.
Hand it to her... and walk away
Secretly bless her on this wondrous day.
As she reads the words,"I'm praying for you"
"God bless you and your children too"
Your car's long gone, as she cried...
Holding the "hope" you tucked inside.
This is just a little story...but it is also meant to be a reality check for all of us, as we enter into the holiday season. This Christmas is going to be tough for a great many people all over this country.
Children of single parents often suffer the most...as the parent has to choose between spending precious time with their children... or feeding them and keeping the heat on.....
....I remember.....
I pray we will all keep our eyes and ears open....as well as
our hearts, as the Holy Spirit places people and
situations in our paths.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)