Category: Blog

Where’s your focus?

February 8, 2022

Luke 10:41

Several years ago, I was working in the yard. I had cut the lawn and decided I wanted to trim some tree branches in the backyard. I have two chain saws. One is a conventional handheld 16″ chain saw. The other is a pole chain saw with an extension that allows you to cut branches up to 8 feet above your reach. I’m 6’4″ and have pretty long arms, so with the pole saw, I would guess I can reach about 15-16 feet above the ground with the saw.

A branch in our “Rain Tree” was dead, and I thought I could cut it down with little effort. So I started up the pole saw and reached above my head, determined to cut down the branch. As a matter of fact, my entire focus was cutting down the limb.

The branch was probably about six feet long and twelve inches around. It was harder than I thought it would be. But I was determined, even though the pole was unsteady. So, I cut, and I cut ….

Let me pause here because there were two things about my surroundings that I hadn’t thought about because I was so focused on cutting down the branch. First, the limb was long and thick. Was I going to be able to get out of the way when it came down after the saw cut through it? Second, there were several little stumps near me from some bamboo trees I had cut down at another time.

Yes, I was so focused on the branch I was oblivious to anything around me, including my safety. So, I cut, and I cut ….

“Crack!” The branch gave way. And, it was faster than me. As I tried to step out of the way with a chain saw pole in my hand, the branch hit me on the left forearm. As I moved and was struck by the branch, I tripped over one of the aforementioned stumps and landed flat on my back ….

This incident very much reminds me of the Mary and Martha story in the Gospel of Luke. You probably know the story, but let’s read it here once again.

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.10:42 Some manuscripts, but only one thing is needed Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus and His disciples had come to Mary and Martha’s home (oh yeah, Lazarus was their brother, yet another story to discuss at a later date.)

Martha got very focused and put all of her time, thoughts, focus, and energy into food preparations for her guests. Nothing really wrong with preparing dinner for your guests. But when you have a distinguished guest like Jesus and His followers in your home, perhaps all you focus shouldn’t be on food. Mary chose not to help with the food preparation and instead sat at Jesus’ feet as He conversed with His friends and taught.

This really upset Martha. So, she approached Jesus and said, “I’m working in the kitchen preparing your meal, and my sister is just sitting here doing nothing. Can you please tell her to get with the program and help me?

But Jesus surprised her with his answer, “Martha. Martha, you are troubled about many things, but Mary has chosen the “good portion,” which will not be taken from her.”

In other words, Mary was focused on the right thing, Jesus, who was right in front of her. So her focus was on Him.

It’s so easy to get focused on the wrong thing, me on my tree trimming, and Martha on the cooking.

(By the way, I ended up at a medical clinic. My arm and shoulder had gone numb when the branch hit me, and I had a very bloody gash on my arm. I have the scar to prove it😊)

It’s easy to be distracted by the world and life and forget the one who is always with us. Jesus.

Take a breath, relax and refocus when you get caught up in the world. Don’t be distracted or so focused on things that you lose your perspective. Instead, make Jesus the main focus of your life. Read His Words, follow His examples, show His love, and serve others as He did.

Dear Jesus. Like Martha, we sometimes focus on the wrong things in our lives. Help us to make you our primary focus at all times and not the distractions the world has to offer. Amen.

Why are we so angry?

Proverbs 15:1

February 7, 2022

Yesterday, I read in the newspaper that a verbal altercation happened in the check-out lane at a Publix supermarket in Coral Gables, Florida. Unfortunately, the result of the verbal argument ended with one of the men pulling out a gun and killing the other man. I mentioned the story to my adult daughter several hours later, and she replied, “How stupid people are, now they’re both dead.”

She meant by that remark that one of the men was physically dead, and the man who shot the gun, who was arrested, might as well be dead. He’s going to spend the rest of his natural-born life in prison.

At Disney World several days ago, a fight broke out at one of the rides because someone cut the line. At least six people got involved, throwing punches and hurling abusive words at each other. End result? Usually, you’re escorted to the gate by security and, in some cases, banned for life from returning. All that violent behavior because someone cut in front of someone else in a line.

Lately, we seem to live in a world of sharp tongues. Accusations and threats hurled at others seem to elicit fiery responses. Perhaps it’s the ever-changing pandemic news or the unending political fighting that is going on in our country. But, neither of these “reasons” are an excuse to be verbally abusive or violent.

When I see and hear these exchanges, they always remind me of little children who feel they always have to be correct. They say things back and forth like, “Yes I did,” “No, you didn’t,” with voices elevating with each exchange. Then, continuing the argument until an adult has to step in and separate them.

Perhaps that is what we need?

Of course, God can step in and stop any argument or disagreement in His own way at any time. He is the ultimate adult in the room.

Unfortunately, our sinful nature likes to return anger for anger. So, when someone hurts or insults us, our initial inclination is to get back at that person. But unfortunately, like the case in the Publix supermarket line, getting back at someone just escalates the situation and sometimes becomes deadly.

It’s not always easy to turn the other cheek or just walk away from a confrontational situation.

Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Imagine what the results would have been if gentle words and not harsh words had been used during my two earlier illustrations.

My heart tells me that God wants the Christian Adults in the room to step up and defuse these situations with kindness and love.

If we love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and mind and are instructed by God to love our neighbors as ourselves, isn’t it our duty to help cooler heads prevail?

When you see situations around you deteriorating, be the adult in the room and help calm them. This is how we show love for our neighbors.

Dear Lord. Help us not to reply with anger for anger. Let us be an example of your Son’s love for others. Help us keep a cool head and be the adult in the room by calming anger and hurtful words. Thank you for Your Word and the training it gives us as we continue to walk the path you have prescribed for us. Amen

Coming March 2, Daily Lenten Devotions.

“The Parables of Jesus”

(Joegministries.com)

Are you making good use of the time you have?

Luke 12:40

February 5, 2022

I recently saw a commercial playing on television that fits well with this devotion. A young girl is lying on the sofa, wearing a robe, wearing poufy slippers, and her hair is a mess. She’s watching a rom-com, romantic comedy. The commercial is an ad for a doorbell company that allows you to see who’s at your door on your television screen. The doorbell rings, and there on the TV screen is a live feed of the young man the girl on the sofa has a date with that night. She panics and gets on her hands and knees, crawling to her room to get ready as she yells to her parents to answer the door and stall.  She’s been lying around all day, wasting time.

I see people spending a lot of time on Tic Toc and other social media sights. Searching for Poke man all over town. And others spending hour upon hour playing video games (I got bored with video games shortly after I mastered Pacman. 😊

Is it okay to lay around and watch rom-coms? Of course, it is. How about Tic Toc, video games? There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, as long it doesn’t become an obsession.

(As a lover of Hallmark movies, I’m the King of Rom-com’s)

The passage above from Luke 12:40 is prefaced with several parables by Jesus. Basically, He’s saying we must be ready for His return.

Even in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, the apostle Paul says:

“For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

So, when Jesus comes, it will be like a thief in the night; what does that mean?

And Jesus said, “The Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect Him.”

How can we be ready for Christ’s coming when we don’t know when He’s coming?

If we have a dinner party and ask people to arrive at 4 p.m., we know they will come somewhere around that time. Likewise, suppose your child’s school tells you to be in the auditorium for graduation exercises no later than 1 p.m. In that case, the school is reasonably confident that you’ll be there at the prescribed time.

So, how do we prepare for someone who’s coming when they give us no time frame to follow?

The simple answer is, always be about the Father’s business.

The Lord has blessed each of us with a Spiritual Gift. For some, it is teaching; for others, preaching; for others, it’s showing compassion towards others; and for others, it is serving in various ways. And,  for some, like me, it’s writing.

Sometimes I feel like I’m wasting time and not getting others ready for Christ’s second coming. God has given me a gift, or at least I’ve been told He has 😊. That is the gift of communicating His word through writing for others to read, feel, and prayerfully getting closer to Jesus through my telling of the Gospel story.

But there are times I don’t. I don’t use the time I have been given to utilize my gift and write. I don’t know why. Perhaps I get lazy, Or I’m just tired and overwhelmed by my circumstances. And then suddenly, I hear an inner voice say, “Get back to it, break times over.” And, here I am writing this devotion after not writing anything for about 45 days when I finished the daily advent devotions I published on my website.

Here’s the point!

How about you? What are you wasting your time on when you could be doing God’s work? Are you spreading His grace and forgiveness by sharing the Gospel of  Jesus?

How can you stop wasting time and be about God’s work? How can you better serve others? What will it take to get you on track? Take some time right now and have a conversation with God. Ask Him questions like, “Lord, how can I do a better job of accomplishing the work your Son Jesus has asked me to do”?

What did Jesus ask you to do? Okay, a quick reminder, Matthew 28:19-20.”

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

That is the work God has given us to do. If you’re not doing it, then you’re wasting time, and you’re not ready.

Tic, toc, tic toc. The clock is ticking.

Are you ready for Jesus?

Jesus. Our job is to always be ready for your arrival. When are you coming? We don’t know. Help us do a better job of being about your work by spreading the Gospel and being a servant to all. Amen.

Advent stories and messages from around the world

December 24, 2021

“It’s Christmas Eve!”

John 3:16; Matthew 28:18-20

The Christmas story (Luke 2:1-21; Matthew 2:1-12) will be read at church tonight and tomorrow on Christmas day. A child was born over 2000 years ago. He was born of a virgin. It had been prophesied for centuries that He would come to save His people.

Jesus was not a conqueror in the traditional way we think of one. Instead, He did something else, He conquered sin. Jesus lived as a man for about 33 years, and His ministry lasted only 3 of those years. He brought God’s message of love, service, and eternity to the civilized world in those three years. Finally, as predetermined, He died on a cross for our sins, and three days later, He rose again, overcoming death itself.

This is the greatest Christmas gift you and I will ever receive. God’s gift of eternal life.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

Our Advent journey is now complete. But our mission set forth by Jesus in Matthew 28: 18-20 has just begun.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:8-20

Thank you for allowing me to share my messages and some traditions from around the world with you. May your family and friends have a Blessed Christmas as you share your traditions and the Gospel message with everyone.

And now:

Amen!

Advent stories and messages from around the world

“The Poinsettia”

December 23, 2021

Matthew 2:1-12

The Poinsettia plant first arrived in the United States in the early 19^th century. The plant is named for the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett. He brought the plant back to the United States after he found them growing wild in the wilderness of Mexico.

Today poinsettias are a part of a tradition in the U.S. We even use the plants to decorate the church’s altars at Christmas. The poinsettia even has its own holiday. December 12 is National Poinsettia Day in honor of the plant and the man who brought them to America.

A Mexican legend tells of a little girl (Pepita) who only had weeds to give as a gift for Jesus on Christmas Eve. But, when she brought the weeds into the church, they blossomed into the red plants we know call poinsettias. In Mexico, they are known as Flores de Noche Buena (Spanish for “The flowers of the holy night. “

Today, poinsettias are still grown in southern Mexico and exported to the U.S. each year for Christmas. The shape of the poinsettia brings to mind the star that the Wise Men followed to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and eventually Jesus.

*************************************************

It’s amazing the things God does to make His plans come to fruition. He set a special star in the western sky for the wise men/Magi to follow. (The Bible says they came from the east).

It’s commonly believed that the wise men came from Iraq, Iran, or Saudi Arabia. For the sake of argument, let’s say they came from Iraq. The distance from Baghdad to Jerusalem is over 600 miles. That’s a two-and-a-half-hour flight in a jet plane today. The problem is the wise men probably came by camel. This wasn’t a two- or three-day journey. Their travel time would have been weeks. Likely, they didn’t start out in the direction of Jerusalem until after Jesus was born. After the wise men left Jerusalem, they had an additional six miles to of travel to Bethlehem

Wait! That would mean the wise men weren’t at the birth; they weren’t in the stable. Let’s see what the Bible says (again) 😊:

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi2:1 Traditionally wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel? Micah 5:2,4“

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me so that I too may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” Matthew 2:1-12

The Bible is very specific. The wise men/Magi didn’t arrive at a stable, barn, or cave and see Jesus immediately following His birth. Instead, they showed up weeks, if not months after Christ’s birth. By this time, Joseph had probably established himself in the community as a carpenter and purchased a home for his family.

It’s incredible, isn’t it.? The wise men/Magi travel well over 600 miles following a star that led them first to Jerusalem and finally to Jesus’ home in Bethlehem.

There is a bit of irony here, though. As far as the wise men traveled, how many times are we unwilling to travel 1, 2, 5, or even 10 miles to go to church on Sunday and worship Jesus.

Make sure that you and your family take time this Christmas and every week to travel as far as you must to spend time worshipping our King, Jesus.

Dear Lord. You are amazing. You used a special star to bring the wise men hundreds of miles to see the Christ child. We can presume that when they returned to their homeland, they shared the experience with others. Help us to share your love with others and share the story of Your Son, the baby born to die for our sins. Amen.

Advent stories and messages from around the world

“Exchanging gifts at Christmas.”

December 22, 2021

John 19:39-40; Matthew 2:1-11

When I say, “Exchanging gifts on Christmas,” what comes to mind? Do you think of the tradition of giving gifts to friends, family, and co-workers at or on Christmas day? Or, do you think of December 26, when you go to your local retailer and exchange or return a gift you received that you don’t like or have no use for?

Suffice it to say, today I’m talking about the gift-giving of Christmas. Giving gifts has been around as long as people have been around. People have given gifts to dignitaries and heads of state, and other times as a thank-offering for something someone has done for them.

All over the world, friends, and family give gifts to each other for Christmas. And, most children believe in a gift-bringer, like St. Nicholas, Santa, or Father Christmas. In parts of Germany, they believe it is the Christkind that brings gifts, and in Spain, it’s the Wise men, while in parts of Italy, they believe it is an old lady called Befana. (Sometimes she is pictured as a witch)

People around the world also open their gifts at different times. In the Netherlands, some gifts are open as early as December 5, which is St. Nicholas Eve. On December 6, St. Nicholas Day, many children in Belgium, Germany, and other European countries open their gifts. While here in the United States, England, and Japan, we open our presents on December 25, Christmas day.

*******************************************

It’s the Monday before Christmas as I write this devotion. Last night at our church, we had a Christmas Nativity drive-through with 7 or 8 stations to stop at with music, readings, and Bible characters. I was one of the Wise Men (Dressed as a King). I was asked to present the reading for about 30 minutes at our station. So I read the passage below about 40 times and listened to it about 150 times last night.

I now have it memorized. 😊

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi2:1 Traditionally wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied.

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me so that I too may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”  Matthew 2:1-11

As Christians, this is why we give gifts at Christmas. We commemorate the Magi/Wisemen and their gifts to Jesus when they arrived at His home.

According to the Bible, the baby Jesus received three gifts.

• Gold – has long been associated with Kings. And we, as Christians, believe that Jesus is the King of Kings.
• Frankincense – Is sometimes still used during worship in churches. It shows that people would worship Jesus, and it too is a Kingly spice.
• Myrrh: is actually a perfume that is put on dead bodies. It is a prophecy that Jesus would suffer and die.
•  

“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds about 34 kilograms Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” John 19:38-40

This year before you share gifts with your family and friends, take time to share the story of the Wise Men and the gifts that they brought the Son of God. Then exchange your gifts, remembering once again that without Christ, there is no Christmas.

Dear Lord. There are so many working parts to the Christmas Story. Angel, Shepherds, A Virgin, Wise Men, a jealous king, and of course your Son, Jesus. Thank you for sending Him for us, and never let us never forget that without His birth, death, and resurrection, there would be nothing to celebrate. Amen

Advent stories and messages from around the world

December 21, 2021

“Those Christmas Greeting Cards”

Matthew 4:18-22

The very first Christmas card was printed and sent in 1843. Sir Henry Cole, a wealthy businessman, was on the ‘A’ list in society and had many friends. So he was looking for a way to wish his friends, family, and colleagues a Merry Christmas.

Sir Henry approached a friend of his, John Calcott Horsley, with the idea of printing a card out to send to people for Christmas. So, John designed and printed it. At the time, it cost a penny to send a letter. So, it wasn’t a problem for a rich man like Sir Henry to send the cards out to people he knew.

The picture above is a copy of that original Christmas card. Some people disliked the card because they thought that it advocated for children to drink (You can see in the picture a woman giving a child a sip of wine).

Some people copied Sir Henry’s cards and sent them to their friends.

The modern-day Christmas card didn’t come into existence until about 1915. A new postcard company in Kansas City, Mo., started by Joyce Hall and later joined by his brothers Rollie and William, published the first-holiday greeting card. The Hall brothers’ company was renamed about ten years later. And yes, you guessed it, the name was changed to Hallmark.

Hallmark came up with a standard format for their Christmas cards. They were 4 inches wide, by 6 inches in length, and inserted in an envelope.

Today, Christmas cards are sent and received around the world. But, we’ve moved past just paper cards given or sent in the mail. Now there are e-cards available that can be sent via the internet. Many include music and personal greetings.

****************************************************

A greeting of “Have a Blessed Christmas,” sending a card with a Christian message, and having an angel atop our tree, are commonplace ways today to share that you are a Christian.

But sharing your faith was not always as easy as it is today. After Jesus died, Christians were persecuted by the government and Roman emperors who regarded themselves as God.

So followers of “The Way,” Christians had a unique way of identifying one another as a Christian. It was the use of the Ichthus or Ichthys.

The Ichthus is a Greek symbol meaning fish. Early Christians used this symbol to identify themselves as a follower of Christ. (Sometimes as simple as marking the sand or dirt they stood on with their feet or finger.)

Sometimes you may see the Ichthus like this:

The Ichthus breaks down like this:

Early Christians also used this symbol because Jesus refers to Himself as a “Fisher of Men.”

“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 4:19 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women Immediately, they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John, his brother, in the boat with Zebedee, their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” Matthew 4:18-22

This year, whether you send Christmas cards to friends and family or are greeting someone at the checkout corner by saying, “Merry Christmas.” Remember and share with your family how early persecuted Christians greeted one another with a fish symbol. And how we, as His disciples, continue to “fish” for men and women every day.

Dear Jesus. You called your first disciples to be fishers of men. Help to continue your work each and every day. We want to spread the word of how you sent your Son Jesus to save us from our sins. Amen

Advent stories and messages from around the world

“Where’s the “Plum” in the pudding”

December 20, 2021

John 3:16

Have you ever eaten Plum pudding (A.K.A. Christmas pudding; figgy pudding)? If you have, then you already know there are no plums in plum pudding. The word “plum” is just a generic name used for any kind of dried fruit (raisins, figs, etc.). But, if you haven’t, you at the very least heard “Tiny Tim in ‘A Christmas Carol'” references it, as well as two of the verses of, “We, wish you a Merry Christmas.”

The history of plum pudding goes back to the 15^th century. Although it was initially called “Plum Pottage,” it was a flavorful concoction filled with meat and root vegetables that would be eaten at the beginning of a meal.

Over the years, it morphed into what we now call Christmas or plum pudding. Christmas pudding even made its way in the church liturgy in England, with the last Sunday, before the first Sunday of Advent being, “Stir up Sunday.”

  ‘Stir-up Sunday’ is the day when traditionally families gather together to prepare the Christmas pudding. Each taking a turn stirring the mixture … The Collect of the Day for the last Sunday before Advent starts, “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people.”

(Historic-UK.com)

One more point. You may notice that the Plum pudding above is, Flambé. This is because in England when serving the dish, the lights are generally turned out in the room. Then the pudding is lit after being saturated with rum or brandy.

*****************************************************

Stir up Sunday while having religious roots; today is celebrated more as a day for the family to cook a great Christmas meal together.

Family. I get a little disappointed when I watch a Christmas movie. Quite often, one of the main characters says something like, “This is what Christmas is all about; it’s about family and sharing love for one another.”

Christmas is and isn’t about family. The Christmas story includes the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. And today, it’s traditional to get together with family and friends and share a meal, Stir-up Sunday, and exchange gifts.

A meal is always a great way to bring the family together, sharing stories, memories, and love. And the gift exchange hopefully reminds us of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus.

Yet again, let me emphasize something. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas. Don’t get so caught up in the yearly festivities that you forget that you wouldn’t be celebrating, but for one thing:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16

This year and every year, make sure you share the story of the birth of Jesus with your family as part of your Christmas celebration. Without Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, there’s no reason to celebrate, is there?

Dear Lord. This Christmas, please help us to celebrate your Son Jesus. Because of your love for us, you sent Him to sacrifice His life, so we might have eternal life. By Grace through Faith, we are saved. Amen.

Advent stories and messages from around the world

“The Angel on top of the Christmas Tree”

December 19, 2021

Matthew 1:20-24; Matthew 2:13, 19, 4:10-11

The photos above are of my family’s Christmas tree and angel topper. We’ve had the same angel topper for our tree for 25 years. We also hang about 20-25 different angel ornaments toward the top of the tree.

Some families put stars at the top of their trees. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. The star commemorates the wise men’s star that brought them to the baby Jesus.

The practice of placing toppers on the Christmas tree commemorates the angels before, at, and after Christ’s birth. Because the angels appeared high in the sky to the shepherds, today, we place the angel at the top of our trees.

After people started placing angels on the top of their trees (circa 1848), some families decorated the trees with paper streamers and later tinsel. The children would be told that it was angel hair from the angels leaning in too close to the tree when they decorated it. 😊

*****************************************

As I said earlier, angels were very much involved in and around the birth of Jesus.

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus; 1:21 Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the Lord saves. because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” 1:23 Isaiah 7:14 (which means “God with us”).

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” Matthew 1:20-24

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

So, he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.” Matthew 2:13-14

“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

So, he got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.” Matthew 2:19-21

As you can see from the three passages above, angels were quite busy directing Jesus’s earthly father. An angel also came to Mary to announce that she would be the mother of God, even though she was a virgin. Finally, thousands of angels appeared to the shepherds singing praise to God and directing them to go and see the Christ child.

There is another incident of angels involved in Jesus’ life.

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”

Matthew 4:10-11

After Jesus was baptized but before he began His formal ministry, He went into the wilderness for 40 days. While He was there, Satan tried to match wits with Jesus, but He was no match for the Son of God. The passage says that “angels came and attended him.”

Remember, Jesus was and is God, but he was also human. He got thirsty, hungry, and needed rest and sleep. It seems that the angels came and tended to His needs.

By now, many of you have decorated your tree. If you have an angel topper, share the store of the angels and how involved they were in the lives of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, as well as Christ’s.

Dear Lord. You sent your angel to announce to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. You sent angels to direct Joseph and proclaim our Savior’s birth to the shepherds. Thank you for all you do in our lives and for sending your Son Jesus as our Savior. Amen.

Advent stories and messages from around the world

“What is a Christingle?”

December 18, 2021

John 19:30-37; Luke 22:14-20

Have you ever heard of a Christingle? I’ve used one in a children’s message several times over the years.

The word Christingle comes from the German word, Christkindl, which means “Little Christ Child.” It is used to celebrate and show how Jesus is the “Light of the World.”

In 1747 German minister, John de Watteville gave children a lit candle with a red ribbon around it during the worship service. The idea was that the red ribbon, which symbolized the blood of Christ, goes around the entire world.

Today, a Christingle is made with an orange, a candle, 4 toothpicks, sweets like soft candies, and a red ribbon.

The orange represents the world, the red ribbon represents God’s love and Jesus’ blood that was sacrificed on the cross.

The sweets and the four toothpicks represent God’s creation and the four seasons.

Finally, the candle represents Jesus as the light of the world.

It’s an enjoyable way to talk about God’s love for everyone and Jesus’ sacrifice for all the world’s people. And how Jesus remains the light of the world.

******************************************************

Jesus was sacrificed on a cross for you and me. He was the perfect sacrifice, unblemished by sin.

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” 19:36 Exodus 12:46; Num. 9:12; Psalm 34:20 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.” John 19:30-37

Jesus knew the kind of death he would have to endure, but He did it anyway, out of love for mankind.

He left us with a particular way to commune with Him as well as commemorate His death at Holy Communion.

 “Where His body and blood are really present in the bread and wine.

“When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.16For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.“

Luke 22:14-20

I’d like to encourage you to share the story of the Christingle with your family, especially the children. What a wonderful gift to them as you talk about how Jesus sacrificed Himself for everyone in the world.

Dear Jesus. Your sacrifice gave us freedom from sin. You died so that we may live. Thank you for saving us and sharing Your Holy Supper with us, so we may commune with you and others. In your name, we pray. Amen.