Quick Note .....

Well once again Christmas has come and passed by. It was a great one , filled with food,family and fun.

I will elaborate more tomorrow night . Hope all was good with everyone as well.

Let it Snow , Let it Snow

In general , I prefer a white Christmas . The sight of beautiful white snow covering the ground, and making all things look so clean , is just pretty . That being said ,driving in it is another matter .

Yes I realize , that regardless snow or not , Christmas is about Christ , the incarnation of the Son of God . So If I had been raised in Arizona , I would not know any better .

So as we gather tomorrow night in churches to sing His praise , and hear the good news proclaimed to a sinful world ,that the Messiah has come to seek and save , let us rejoice , snow or not .

Christmas Scripture of the Day :
Luke 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called s Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Twas the Stress Before Christmas

So here we are just a few days before Christmas and the malls, stores and everything is at a pace that is insane. I worked in retail for almost 5 years . It is something I don't think I would ever want to go back to. I met many a great customer but you remember the bad ones very distinctly.

The stress you can see on people s faces are evident . Not all , there are many who just go with the flow but the over all view is one of , when will this be over.

But if we step back and re-focus , we will realize the wonder and gritty reality of that first Christmas. Joseph finding a stable or barn for his wife in labor . Mary in the pain of child birth. No fan fair , no lights or carols , only the anxiousness of Joesph , helping his wife give birth to God in the flesh . Jesus came into a world that is broken and sinful, to bring reconciliation and begin the final plan of making all things new. The story of Christmas is one of God's love , in Christ bringing wretched , greedy,selfish sinners , like me , back to himself. Pondering that truth , will help bring perspective .

Christmas Scripture of the Day :

The Birth of Jesus Christ

Matthew Chapter 1:18-
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ [5] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed [6] to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us).

Once a Year .......

For me the one TV Christmas special that stands heads above the rest is A Charlie Brown Christmas.

It is such a low key and gentle special that isn't noisy. The music is considered a classic today , done by the late Vince Guaraldi .The jazzy , fluid styling fit the feel of the special perfectly.

But what I love the best about this special, it deals with real themes and a rather heavy handed message. Everyone I'm sure knows the story . I will not repeat it but I'm so thankful that once a year , children who have had no contact with God , hear His word clearly read by Linus.

When Linus takes the stage in dead silence , after Charlie Brown laments,"Isn't there anybody who knows what Christmas is all about?" , we hear God's wonderful word . Luke 2:8-14 is recited. Linus then walks back and simply states ,"Thats what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."

So for many children who have never dawned the door post of a church , they hear the glorious message of a Savior , Jesus Christ was born . God's word can do amazing things to the heart, for looking back I know this unique special ,moved me in ways I later realized that God was at work on me.

Plus what a wonderful ending carol ,Hark the Herald Angels Sing. With that wonderful line , God and sinners reconciled. It is so simple but profound. So God bless this Christmas tradition because of all of them , at the core is Jesus Christ.

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"


Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Charles Wesley

Love This Song and Vid

Everyone knows I love Steven Curtis Chapman's music. I respect him and just think he is an amazingly gifted songwriter and musician. So here is a link to one of my fav original Christmas tunes . One I listen to all year.Enjoy.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1137883230?bctid=3736623001

The Hope is in Him , Not This World

Recently a Pastor I had begun to listen to suffered a seizure .His name is Matt Chandler. After testing and then surgery on a brain tumor , it has been revealed its is a malignancy.He is only 35 and is married with 3 young children.

When stuff likes this happens , especially when life seems to be going so well , it can leave you totally perplexed. But listening to his pre-operation message posted on his church page , he is hurting but hopefully trusting in God who is in control.

In this life we are never guaranteed a life of ease . But what we are promised as believers , regardless of what may come be it life or death nothing can separate us from the love of God found in our Lord and Savior ,Jesus Christ. Our hope is in Him , not the events of this world or our lives.

As we soon celebrate the incarnation and the hope that dawned day , may we rejoice even if broken that God is making all things new in Christ. So pray for Matt and his family. I know he is surrounded by faithful and godly people who will tarry with him.

Christmas Scripture Verse of The Day :

John Chapter 1:14 And the Word a became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.


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The Cross Still Offends

This story was a very interesting . A young boy was suspended for drawing a cross with a stick figure on the cross. Apparently he placed himself in the role of Jesus on the cross. His teacher red flagged the picture and it was suggested he get counseling and was suspended. The boy , only 8 , is a special needs child and his father shared he had been to a Church service just a few days before the drawing. The drawing was suppose to center around Christmas. But what this boy drew really is the heart of Christmas.

Plus it fulfills what the word of God says, that the cross is an offense and stumbling block (1 Corinthians 1:23). Pictures depicting a cute little baby,stars,wise men etc..these are all pleasant . Those images we like. But the reality depicted on the cross is one where we have to confront the reason Jesus came.The Son of God was crucified , drank the cup of wrath that should have been ours , so that we might be reconciled to a holy God. It is a call for us to repent , acknowledge our sin and trust in the work of Christ . His death and resurrection .

The true story of Christmas is that the shadow of the cross was ever over the manger.So when that boy drew a cross , it was what Christmas is all about .

Christmas Scripture Verse of The day :

Micah 5:2
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

A Parade of Color

When we decorate our tree , we typically choose colors that reflect, in our minds at least , some significance to Christ. Gold because it represents Jesus Kingship and supreme authority. Blue that represents God's glory. Red is the blood shed on the cross by Christ for the remission of believers sins.Finally silver , it symbolizes purity , that Jesus was sinless. Then we top it off with a star that shined before the magi , lighting their way to King of Kings.

I have always loved the colors of Christmas. By thinking about what they represent ,just helps our house reflect Jesus Christ, and keep Him at the center of our celebrations.


Christmas Scripture Verse of the Day :

Isaiah 9: 6" For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
a Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on 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 forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Our Big Shiny Aluminum Christmas Tree

Well here is our tree. My wife always puts on the lights and ribbon. Then I take over with help from my boys to put on the rest. The color scheme is blue,silver and red. I think its a great looking tree . But you can judge for yourself.


Christmas Scripture Verse For the Day :

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
(Immanuel means God is with us)

Sing a Song ...

I love Christmas music. I know , its warped but can't help myself. In general I prefer traditional music , but don't mind a little twist musically to make them fresh. Plus its cool when artist do original tunes as well. So here is a list of some excellent original tunes. I listed them,however they are not in any preferred order.
1.How Many Kings - Downhere
2.Born To Die - Bebo Norman
3.Christmas Like a Child - Third Day
4.The Miracle of Christmas - Steven Curtis Chapman
5.One Christmas Eve - Wayne Watson
6.Love Came Down - Jars of Clay
7.Strange Way to Save the World - Mark Harris
8.Light of the World - Matt Redman\Chris Tomlin
9.Twas The Night Before Christmas - Steven Curtis Chapman
10.Jesus Saves - Travis Cottrell

There are many more I could have included . But these are worth listening to over and over. 11 days till Christmas.

Christmas Scripture Verse for the Day:

Genesis 3:15 "I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.”

Taking The Time

In this season of "craziness" , it is good to find a place to unwind . A place to find some quiet, and a time to reflect on what is important.

With all the pressure to live up to the worlds expectations of more,more and more , as a christian , we need to step back. So here is a short list of what I try to do.

1.Make time for devotions. Read the Word of God and Pray.
2.Read a good book about Christmas. I use a couple of different ones including Luther's sermons on Christmas, John MacArthur's God in the Manger etc...
3.Use the advent to focus on Christ.
4.Make your own personal Christmas mix.
5.Plan to attend Church faithfully.
6.Give to a charity.

These are just a few things but do whatever you can to slow down.

A Cautionary Tale ......

Hebrews 10 :23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

I don't think anyone goes through life without a few regrets. Who can look back and not say , man what was I thinking. But what I want to share is one of the biggest regrets of my life.

Back about 14 years ago , I was involved in a church plant that went sour. I was deeply involved , so when it happened ,I was broken and hurt . Full of pride and unable to see my own culpability , I played the self righteous card . I held all the right doctrines, and all our local churches were a "den of vipers" . So I stayed away. Thinking I could be a "lone ranger" christian .

But that was a major mistake. My pride led me to a fall . My sin over took me and I even began to argue against what I used to hold . All my sinful habits began to swell up inside me again , I felt conflicted at times. Hating and loathing myself .I had given the enemy a foothold , and my flesh did the rest. Oh I tried to maintain some sense of religious duty . At Christmas I would tell my boys about Jesus, and at Easter would do the same.

Finally, I began to see my sins, but still would not budge to go back to church . I was still struggling with my inner demons , those sins that ate at me till it all came to a head. Absolutely failing at work , not caring , not doing what was right , and then my precious wife getting cancer . It all came to a huge collapse. It cost me dearly . My job ,and a dear friend that I hope one day I can reconcile with .

I was humbled and broken. But through it , I have been brought back to a friend, who I truly missed. A church that I love, and a love for God that is more profound and deeper.

So a word to the wise . If you confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior , then love His church. Find one you can go to . Sure it will not be perfect . You are there , and you are a sinner . But it is His church and he bled for it. It is a community of saved sinners , walking the pilgrims road . It will hold you accountable,teach you,love you and allow you to worship the God who gave Himself so that you might live.

If I had to do it over , I would have swallowed my self-righteous , hypocritical pride and acknowledged my sin, and need for the Church. You cannot be a lone ranger christian , for we are meant to be in community.Never forget that.

A Time For Good News ....In A Very Bad News World

Christmas is supposed to be all about being merry, and happy, and joyful, is it not. That's the image most people seem to have of it. But, the reality is that life is full of pain, suffering, and disappointment. Recently, as I was reading news headlines, I came across the heartbreaking story of a little autistic boy who wandered off and was lost.

As the story unfolded, it went from hope to despair. After 2 days in the woods, he was found alive, but barely. Sadly, he succumbed to severe hypothermia. So, for this family, Christmas will be filled with pain and sadness.

If Christmas is just a "day". If its about family , a time of peace , hope etc.. what can the day offer to those in pain, loss of job,broken relationships and losing a loved one.Absolutely nothing . You can say all the platitudes you want like , have hope , have faith etc.. but what is faith in faith or hope in hope. It is empty air. It can not sustain or give comfort to a hurting soul.

But the day is more than that. It celebrates a miraculous event . When God entered into the pain, the suffering and brought good news.

Chapter 2 "And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "

The world is broken and fractured.Sin has left the world scarred , as we are as well. However the message of Christmas is one of true hope. Because in Christ , God has come to give hope amid pain. To bring peace , when life is full of struggles. When we realize we are sinners , in need of forgiveness and trust in Christ , our souls become anchored into the one, who will uphold us amid the pain.

As a Christian , we need to pray for those who are weeping. Hopefully for this family , someone will come along side and listen,pray,cry .

So may the God of mercy be with this family. May the truth of Christmas , that God is with us , give peace amid their grief .

These Are A few of My Favourite Things ...

Love Christmas specials and movies . Old ones that is . In my recent memory , I do cannot think of any that have been any good. For starters they are usually totally devoid of any reference to Jesus at all and in general favor a new age , lets all hug mantra. So here goes.
1.A Charlie Brown Christmas- Classic . Hands down the best ever.
2.Little Drummer Boy - totally fictional I know but the story always brings a tear to my eye when that little lamb comes back to life. Metaphor anyone .
3.A Christmas Carol - The two I love the most are the 1951 Alistair Sims version and the 1984 version with George C Scott(great sets and wonderfully acted). The new one will be reviewed in full soon!
4.Its a Wonderful Life- moving story with a amazing cast and the great Jimmy Stewart.
5.How the Grinch tole Christmas- The TV animated version (not the movie) . Cute and touching with a wonderful vocal performance by Boris Karloff.
6.The Christmas Messenger- A forgotten jem. It stars Richard Chamberlain as an angel that returns to earth on Christmas eve to hear carols and revisit the story of Christ birth.
7.Bing Crosby Christmas Specials - I grew up with these specials so they have a unique spot in my heart. Plus no one does White Christmas like Bing.
8.Veggie Tales Christmas DVD's- Touching , Christ centered stories told by talking vegetables. Hey its a win,win.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few but these are one I will be watching numerous times over the next couple of weeks.

The Countdown ....

Only 22 days till Christmas. Usually as it draws near I try to read a couple of different books dealing with the birth of Christ.Last year I ordered what is one of my favorites.

It is called Come,Thou Long Expected Jesus. The book is complied by Nancy Guthrie . What she did was put together excerpts by many great pastors and theologians all concerning the birth of Christ. The authors range from Luther,Calvin,Edwards,Spurgeon to more recent men of God such as Piper,Beggs,Sproul.

It is very well done and each chapter is short and works as a great devotional that has some true meat . Can easily be incorporated into your advent time and family worship. Highly recommended .

Sad Reality .....but

Recently I was reading an article from Compassion about the reality of poverty around the globe and it is staggering.Children orphaned and exposed to violence,sexual exploitation , robbed of any innocence. The fact that sixteen thousand children die everyday from hunger related illnesses. Let that fact sit in your mind and then let it connect to the heart.

That is real poverty . They have no social net,no welfare . They awaken to a stark reality . In North America there are poor , I'm not saying that there is not. It is a sad reality here as well but the fact remains , even the poorest of the poor here have at least some resources to try and keep the wolf outside the door. Granted it doesn't always work here regardless of our social net .

So as Christmas draws near take a moment to look around in your community and around the world and ask God , what would you have me do. Give to a foodbank , sponsor a child, look for ways to reach out and extend the love of God.

It is a sad reality but is not hopeless.