Dying Well

One Pastor that I have read and listened to said one of his main task is to prepare his flock to face death and die well. This song reflects that as well.
 
Death is a reality for all , no one is exempt. The rich , the poor are on equal footing here.For as the word teaches , we come into this world with nothing and we take nothing  with us . But in Christ we have a treasure secure . No more amazing words can be spoken to anyone than to have Jesus say ,"Today you will be with me in Paradise".

What blessed assurance to know that if we cry out to Jesus , acknowledge our sin , repent and trust in His life,death on the cross and resurrection we can look past the grave , past hell and gaze on the beauty of God and His glory in heaven .

"Grave Robber" Kickin it Old School

Ever since I was a kid ,death has always been a fear of mine . For whatever reason it haunted me and I recall thinking about what happens after death. Even after I became a Christian , I still have days that it drives fear into me .

When that happens this song by Petra really speaks to me . Reflecting the promise of what Paul says in Corinthians .


1 Corinthians 15 :[52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. [53] For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. [54] When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:      

“Death is swallowed up in victory." [55] “O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

  [56] The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the passage that we need to hold on to when doubt or fear begins to grip ones heart .

How Could One Stand

How many really are honest enough to truly look in the mirror if you ask them by what right do you feel you should have entrance into heaven? How could one stand before a holy all perfect God and  have the arrogance to say that I deserve to be in based on my works. On my merits .

Each day , each hour ,each minute I'm never righteous enough , holy enough to even for a mill-a second come under the gaze of almighty God.  But the beauty of the gospel , we are the recipient of another's perfect life, His righteousness which is given to us .

[21] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

(2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)

In Jesus Christ we have our substitute who fulfilled all that we cannot . He was obedient even unto the cross.  Its been described as the great exchange . It is humbling and awe inspiring to grasp this truth. Jesus is the only reason I will be able to stand . It will be nothing of me but all of Jesus. 

So how will you stand ? Trusting in your own righteousness , a fools folly for sure or will you trust in one who  can give you a robe of righteousness and truly make you holy before His Father. 

Once Again

As the new year approaches many are preparing for parties and they will ring in the new year with resolutions that most will break within a day .Many will look back on the year and reflect on what has been , what has happened and where they are going.

My question to myself and to others , what are your goals for 2011? What are the things you want to see change , the areas you want to grow in and things do you want to do. These are not resolutions but area in ones life you want to see change .

No matter what one plans , ultimately God is sovereign over all plans . But in terms of personal holiness and growth in Christ, it is God's plan for ones life .Its not an option. That is one hunger for my life , to grow in Christ and grasp fully what it is to be hungry for righteousness.

As one gets older you realize that time is not your friend. So one verse of scripture that I want to take to heart is this one  (Ephesians 5:15-16) Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

May our 2011 be spent with this in mind .

Hope Has Come

Well Christmas 2010 has officially ended . Its hard to fathom once again another year comes to a close. The presents have been opened , the food eaten and still being eaten ( expanding belt loops or what) and family visited.

For many this has been a trying Christmas . A Christmas without a loved one. A Christmas without knowing where they will be in the coming year . So many other trials could be mentioned . But in the midst of that darkness there is hope . Not based on this world , not based on this life . Money is fleeting, life can be full of hardships and people will let you down .You will let others down . The world is broken and full of sin , because we live in it.

But hope has come in God , in Jesus 2000 years ago. He doesn't guarantee a life without pain or hardship but He does save you from the wrath to come , from sin,from hell . He will be our never failing Lord . We must keep our eyes on Christ ,  we take them off Him , we will fall into despair for let be honest , this life is hard.

So Christmas has gone for another year yes , but don't forget the hope that came and is coming again in the person of Jesus Christ.

Come Lord Jesus

As we rush into Christmas day , have we spent anytime just meditating on what it means to celebrate the day at all. Many will have a totally secular day , with lots of food,drink,presents and gaudy decorations.Others will be thanking "god" its over .Some will be worn out from working too much over the  rush. For  many it will be a time of tears for broken relationships or lost loved ones.

Even Christians are not immune .We can be so busy ,so frazzled that we rush through it. We can also suffer as well from loss or economic troubles ,putting pressure to meet the worlds standards.All these things destroy the real joy and gift that was given to us when God became  flesh.

May we remove the glitter , the trappings of the season and just relax. There is nothing wrong with enjoying family , exchanging gifts , watching the excitement of little ones opening presents , holding your wife or spouse and enjoying a kiss under the mistletoe. God is no killjoy , just look around at the beauty of His creation . Nor does He frown on loving each other .It only becomes a problem when these things replace Him as the central core of this day . As much as non believers wish to keep Jesus out side , He will not be silent . To might Church bells around the world are ringing heralding His coming .

So as you rise Christmas morning , take a moment and reflect on the gift given in Christ. Spend some time with the Lord and let His glory penetrate the day . But may each day begin that way and may His light , the light that is shining still some 2000 years later , penetrate that darkness around us .

So come thou long expected Jesus and set your people free.

God Made Flesh

Although the movie The Nativity Story crammed a lot in the last few minutes with some historical inaccuracies like the Wisemen showing up at the birth . The one thing I truly liked was the birth was a real birth . Granted a bit kid friendly but it was a real young woman , screaming with labor pains to bring the maker of all things into this sin filled world.


[15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. [16] For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. [17] And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. [19] For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
(Colossians 1:15-20 ESV)

Read through the passage above slow and with intent .Let it overwhelm you with the majesty and wonder of who Joesph and Mary cradled that faithful night 2000 years ago. Cut through all the clutter and come and worship , our Lord and Saviour . That is the majesty of Christmas , that is the wonder .

Scrooge - The Morning After ...

This final scene in the great Alistair Sim version of A Christmas Carol shows the stellar performance of Sim in all its nuances.The joy he exudes and happiness is contagious. I love the look on Bob Crachits face when he fully expects to be fired by this hateful and stingy man,not realizing what he is encountering is a transformed man .

Regardless where one is this year , if we have encountered the living Christ ,we should have a joy and peace that transcends life circumstances .Just as Scrooge is overwhelmed by this new person he is , may we realize that in Christ we are a new creation . Rise up this day and renew the hope and joy we have in Christ . It is eternal and everlasting . Christmas need not ever end .

A Peter Day

Ever have a day ,you rise with zeal ,think you are ready and eager to follow God . Your heart feels right , your step has purpose and you think bring on those lions . But it all comes down within a heart beat it all comes crumbling down. You sin and that leaves you deflated ,broken and leaves you powerless.

These days I call my "Peter" days. The one thing I love about the word of God it doesn't cover up the failures or blemishes of the saints . Peter , there he was ready to rush head long into death ,pulling his sword to protect Jesus in the garden . He was ready ,was he not . But within a minute he was fleeing for his life . Then mustering up some courage to follow close enough to  the capture and trial to of Jesus be recognized. Then he makes his bold stand  , I'm a follower of Jesus . Oh no,what does he do deny him not once but three times, even swearing to God he knew no Jesus.

Then in Acts we read Peter preach an amazing sermon and thousands are added to the church . So that seals it , Peter having been restored and forgiven is on to victory . Nope . Read a little later and Peter falls back to start to appease the Jews. Then he has the new upstart , Paul rebuke him publicly .

But then when we read Peters epistles  , we read about a man who has grown ,who has repented of his sins and has persevered . Tradition tells us he chose to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die like his Lord and Saviour.

So when I fail and struggle , I take strength in knowing that the same Holy Spirit that lived inside of Peter and convicted him of sin ,leading him in a life of repentance ,turning to Christ and trusting Him ,lives inside of me.

We will all have Peter days ,the question is , may we not fall into despair but live in repentance .Getting up from our failure ,dusting ourselves off and  fix our eyes on Christ , the author and perfecter of our faith.

The Christmas Messenger One of My Christmas Memories

This wonderful Christmas special was released in 1975 but if my memory serves me I first saw it in 76 , so would  have been 13. I have always had a fondness it . Even though the special was pure fiction ,the strong Christian message resonated with me . It made me pause to to think about deeper things.

Return to the Past

We are living in changing times . As Christians we have seen the rise over the last decade a new brand of aggressive atheism . One that is loud,brash and full of fight with the likes of Hitchen and Dawkins. We also have a rise in those who claim no religious affiliation .My Pastor touched on this in his Sunday sermon. The sadder stat was more children recognized Ronald McDonald then a picture of Jesus. With the rise as well of a global interest in wiccan and pagan beliefs , the landscape is shifting fairly fast. 

We have been spoiled in the west due the cultural influence of the Christian faith. In my Grandparent days ,the church still played an important part in life . Moving to my parents day , the shift began to occur. This was the 60's . This was the generation that began to not attend church . But at the same time , there was still a respect for the Church and the Christian faith . At Christmas Jesus would be mentioned and it was clear why the day was special. But now this new generation , that has grown up as descendants of the 60's ,were God is dead movement first appeared , feminism  , the sexual revolution ,rock n roll that preached rebellion and self love , well  what has happened has been a huge shift. Christians in the west have seen their comfortable position as a respected religion , to it being mocked , laughed at and seen as a archaic myth .

However in reality , we are returning to  the world in which Christ came . The Jews were a marginalized people, their land occupied by the a hostile pagan empire . The Romans looked down upon their beliefs and after Jesus was crucified , rose again, ascended and sent out followers to preach good news and Christianity took root,the attitude was the same. The world was pagan ,full of superstitions and unbelief. Christians in the west have lost sight that the early Church was persecuted. Open hostility was what the followers faced. 

So as this shift continues to happen in the west , we will realize what our early brothers and sisters in the faith faced. It will also make us closer to Christian living in non western countries who have suffered greatly for the faith. 

To believe in the truth of Christmas , that God came in the flesh , lived amongst us , was put to death for His peoples sins , rose again , ascended to heaven and is coming again , will leave one open to more tribulation and a hostile world . Jesus warned of this when He said ,"[33] I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 

(John 16:33 ESV)

But truth be told , I hold that the coming hostility will not only be a good thing (even though no one wants to face persecution) , it will force each of us to look in the mirror and say , who is my treasure, my life allegiances belong to. In the past many people called themselves "Christian" because they thought themselves good. It was acceptable  to go to Church , learn morals but that is not Christianity . We hold that we are not good , that we are vile sinners , that God is holy , that we were hell bound sinners under God's rightful wrath but in Christ , God was reconciling sinners to Himself by sending that baby Jesus , who grew to a man and went to the cross . Our substitute . That we can't earn salvation because we can't ,but God gives it by grace , He has done all the work. 

We have an answer , we have the truth , we have the promise of Jesus that the gates of hell will not prevail . Lets not be dismayed at this change but with the same boldness of those early believers , preach clearly that the light of the world has come and may we shake the foundations of the world . 

 

Born to Die

This is the song that should have been posted that goes with my previous post . Great song by Bebo Norman and great message .

Born to Die

There is a scene in the comedy Talladega Nights where Will Ferrel's character is praying and he prays to the baby Jesus . Then  a fight ensues about what Jesus is their favorite but Ferrell insist on his favorite is the baby Jesus.  Its safe to have Jesus stay in the manger.  Most of the world would love to keep Him there. For we can so skew the story that is all about love , that the baby Jesus becomes a symbol of giving and love , nothing more.

But just as this song points , the cross was ever the shadow. Jesus came to die , to give His life as a ransom for many. Why? Because the ugly truth is mankind is polluted with sin. We are alienated from a holy God because we are fallen .We are in a state of rebellion .  The father sent the Son , to pay the penalty to satisfy justice. We are therefore justified because of the offering of Jesus on the cross were He bore our sin, our shame. The wrath due us poured out and was fully satisfied because Jesus was the spotless lamb ,sinless.

The true Jesus confronts us because it forces one to realize that your are either for Him or against Him. He didn't stay a baby. He grew to a man , preached the truth to repent and believe in Him to be saved. A baby says nothing but the God man says ....


[6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
(John 14:6 ESV)

Favorite Christmas Movie or Special Scenes

Over the next week or so ,I will show some of my favorite Christmas scenes from movies or specials that I love. I'm  sure they will all be familiar but its my blog and I feel like sharing.

The first is Its a Wonderful Life .The ending of this movie gets me every time. The great Jimmy Stewart carries this scene with such force that you cannot help but feel the joy of a man who realizes that he has a wonderful life , even if it took some divine interference to grasp that truth.

May we pause this Christmas to realize what truly makes a man rich and its not a pocket book .

Mr Bean - Nativity Scene

This made me crack up . No disrespect intended at all . I can remember doing something very similar when I was a kid . Plus God has to have a sense of humor , he saved a wretch like me , enuff said. Enjoy and laugh . Mr Bean rocks .

Our God Is In Control - Steven Curtis Chapman

The one artist I have said over and over again that I longed to see beyond any other is Steven Curtis Chapman. His music and walk with Christ has been an inspiration to me. When I was drifting or at my lowest , his lyrics would minister to my soul.

So I'm truly over the moon when it was announced he will be playing in Nova Scotia , less than an hour away at the Rock Church Lower Sackville. Needless to say I'm looking forward to listening and watching this amazing Christian man in the flesh .

MercyMe - Joseph's Lullaby

To say Joesph is the forgotten person in the whole Christmas narrative is really a huge understatement. We hear of the Shepherds, the wise men and of course Mary but Joseph . He seems to be a shadow in the story. But in reality , he was amazing man and we are given a few clues into what type of man he was . The fact that he was to be Mary's husband ,just as Mary was chosen to give birth to  Jesus , Joesph was picked as the earthly father of Jesus. Nothing happens by chance , God showed grace to Joseph in giving him the task to father Jesus.

When we look to scripture we see  recorded he was a just man or righteous (Matthew 1:19) This reveals he was a true believer of God . That he was devote . It also tells that upon him finding out Mary was with child , and under the assumption from adultery , even though it was within his right to deal with her harshly , he showed mercy and compassion.He had decided  to divorce her quietly , for he did not want to shame her. In doing this one can also , I believe , points to  his genuine love towards her . Finally , he was obedient to God . Upon the Angel of the Lord telling him that the child within Mary was from the Holy Spirit and that he shall take her as his wife . He obeyed . Showing a active and living faith .

I still recall holding my sons in my arms after they were born. Thinking of the blessing and responsibility I now had as a Dad. I'm sure that on that faithful night Joesph did the same . He probably made sure that Mary was cared for , that the stable was as clean as possible and that the manger or cattle trough had clean straw .That is what a good husband would do and there can be no doubt he was. He is more than a shadow at Christmas , he was a faithful servant of God who entrusted him with protecting and loving Jesus , his Saviour and mine.

Strange Christmas Albums

If anyone other than my faithful wife reads this blog , they know I enjoy the Christmas season. From decorating to buying gifts , to Christmas carols. Yes I'm a man and love Christmas. So get over it !

But one peculiar thing I don't get is why some in the music business feel its needed or necessary to jump in the season and grace us with a Christmas CD . Having worked in a CD store I sampled them all . So here are a few that have made my head take a double shake.

1. Twisted Sister - Twisted Christmas - Aging glam rockers ,power chording to Carols . 
2. We Wish You a Hairy Christmas - Hair metal bands singing cheesy songs , dreadful .
3. Barry Manilow - Who in thier right mind would want any Manilow ?
4. Mariah Carey - Screaming out not 1 but 2 Christmas albums .Aren't we blessed!
5. Celine Dion - Over the top and annoying , what more can  I say.
6. Rap Music - There were a few and man if my ears could bleed.
7. Twangy Country - Too many to list , but the nasal sound of some of them singing Silent Night ,made wish it was.
8. N-Sync - Do I have to even comment . Boy band ,Annoying!
9. Neil Diamond - This one is hard to fathom. Its just plain . No energy or fun . Well it is Neil Diamond.
10. Sting - If there is any more pretentious artist to release a Christmas CD , I don't know . Until Bono releases one ,Sting is the king . 

10 is a good number to end on but honorable mention has to go to Rob Halford of the heavy metal band Judas Priest . Black leather and Christmas , I don't know what to say.

I'm sure the oddities will not stop . It seems everyone and their cat  must release a Christmas album. Why , I do not know. Some are great , and will become classics . I truly love Josh Grobans release last year but many  should just sing the Christmas tunes in the shower. Plus the bottom line is , if you  don't really believe  Jesus is the Son of God who came  to die for your sins on a cross and was raised again , don't sing about Him . A pet peeve of mine . Now for some eggnog and Bing....

Have Some Integrity

The new Chronicle of Narnia movie is set to hit screens this weekend . The last two did well , however the last one did not perform to expectations. Having seen  both , unlike the first one , the second lacked the charm and strong Christian overtones of the Lion , The Witch and the Wardrobe(which was still water downed a bit) . Well hoping to right the ship , apparently the Voyage of the Dawn Treader embraces the underlining Christian message more clearly.On that one , we shall see.

Now comes a interview with Liam Neeson , the actor who voices Aslan . Well read this for yourself and chuckle at his pathetic politically correctness and relativistic thinking.

"Aslan symbolises a Christ-like figure but he also symbolises for me Mohammed, Buddha and all the great spiritual leaders and prophets over the centuries.

That’s who Aslan stands for as well as a mentor figure for kids – that’s what he means for me." Liam Neeson

The most important words in this whole statement are for me .  In other words it doesn't mean a hill of beans what Lewis wrote , what he intended with his story that clearly , without mistake , makes Aslan a Christ figure . No I can twist and distort for my own pleasure what it means to me. Even if Neeson doesn't like the exclusive nature of Aslan being a Christ figure , at the very least have the integrity to ackowledge Aslan cannot be Buddha or Mahammed. Its insulting and yes it gets my dander up when a "actor" speaks of which he doesn't know.

Even if he didn't like the message of Narnia ,  he should just keep his mouth shut till at the very least he has something to say that makes sense. In the Chronicles it is so clear that Aslan is Christ . He dies for sins and rises from the dead  .Did Buddha or Mohammed do that . No. Did they teach that they were God in the flesh. No.

The gulf between every religious figure and Jesus Christ is a chasm that even the universe is insufficient to describe. 

Now some may say , lighten up its a talking Lion for goodness sake. But the fact is what right does Neeson have to take what Lewis clearly meant in the text and twist it for his own purposes. For that matter , even on this account the filmmakers have fudged as well in the previous film. In many ways , as its been said by other critics of the films , they domesticated Aslan.

Just as dealing with any author , we should let the text speak. Plus if we have any integrity , we will without twisting it to fit our own preferences . Many do the same with the Bible , reducing Jesus to a wise sage or  moral example . But the writers of scripture knew what they meant. One may not like it but too bad.


So I'm hoping this new Narnia will right the ship and let the truth Lewis was pointing to shine through his stories and may they be told with some integrity . Aslan after all is not a tame Lion !

Once Upon a Time ,Not!

Every year at Christmas the skeptics and haters of the gospel throw all they have at the Bible , the truth of the virgin birth etc.. whatever it is , they come out with all they have . Year after year . But the reality of the truth if the Bible and gospel will always prevail.

The arguments they used were the same ones I held.That was till I started to open the Bible and read.The one thing that really struck me when I finally decided to read some of the Bible long before I believed , was that it read differently then other "myths". It was not like the Greek "gods" or the Norse , fanciful and removed from real life . No these stories read like history. The language was plain even when it came to the miracles. There was a blood and guts feel , a authenticity .


4] that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
(Luke 1:1-4 ESV)

Luke's gospel was one of the first I read. What struck me was his introduction. How he wrote to Theophilus and assured him that what he was about to read was well investigated and  what was written is truth . The word certainty is one of the key words in the opening . That what Theophilus has been taught , he can be certain of its truthfullness . Not some fanciful tale .

Putting aside for now the doctrine of Scripture being God breathed , that fact they read like real life spoke volumes to me. Read through the gospel of Luke and you find a detailed account of events .He mentions areas , names. The truth of the narrative rings true.

So the next someone throws the old , well those are just fairy tales about Jesus and the virgin birth , remind them none none of the books in the Bible start with once upon a time .

A Tree ,Lights and Sanctification

Most people who really know me would all agree I hope , that I'm a fairly patient man . Having been a teenager and driving my Grandfather over to town in what should have been a  hour at the max,turn into a 3 or 4 hour journey made on either insane or God was teaching me to be patient . It was just something you got used to . You made sure you had music to play,munchies to eat and a book or two to read. Plus driving my Mom and Grandmother around , it was a chance to drive but with it came the reality , you better not be in a hurry .

But in my life there are certain things that still get under my skin. The stupid thing is its nothing of any real importance. Like I cannot stand it if a sound system is out of whack.It has to sound good or its shut off . One of the other things is Christmas lights. Now I don't put them on the tree , my wife does ( she always does a excellent job) .I just hold the string of lights while she strategically places them around the tree . But what drives me insane is when you get them almost done and they flicker ,then go out . Then you try to find that 1 bulb and its like finding a needle in a hay stack. I confess I can become quite ,grumpy! 

So what does this have to do with anything! Well it shows me that even though I may have patience for certain things , my heart still  needs to grow in righteousness. Patience is listed as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22. As a Christian it should manifest itself in a consistent fashion. Towards your kids,wife, friends,family etc... 

So my struggle with lights shows I still have to always fix my eyes on Jesus . My whole life needs be one of lived out daily repentance , and giving the flesh no quarter . So next time I will do what I should have down before anything that can get my backside up , pray through this verse and ask the Holy Spirit to help me. Relying on my own strength will only lead to anger . Remember little "sins", I think ,are a better barometer of the heart , for they show how far we still need to grow.

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 

(Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)

If You Don't Like It , Don't Do It!

Look I make no bones about it , I love Christmas. I love the carols, the lights ,putting up the Christmas tree , buying gifts for my family and friends , the old Christmas specials , the Christmas Carol , attending Church on Christmas eve , having the family over on Christmas day for a mighty feast . Do I need to go on? You get my drift.

So let me give some answers to your complaints .

1. Why all the fuss over one day ?  Well let me see, the God of the universe enters into His creation as a baby and you don't think thats a big deal ? You are either stupid as a rock or more likely , dead in sin and can't marvel  that a Savoir came to save a sinner like you .

2. All that spending is such a waste? Then its simple .Don't spend . Show yourself to be the scrooge that your complaint makes you out to be. No one forces you too. Who is holding the Christmas spend gun to your head , oh no body! I hope at the very least you give to a charity!

3.Christmas is for Kids! Nope , hate to bust that bubble but Christmas is for all . All sinners that is and guess what , your one of them (Romans 3:23). That babe in the manger was born to die and make a atonement for your sins .

4. Why celebrate the day anyway , since Jesus wasn't born on the 25th ! No He wasn't but its a celebration of His birth in a general sense. To call attention to the day that God came to earth is a good thing. The holy entered into the ordinary . The most important birth mankind has ever seen or ever will see.

5. For all you closet Puritans (who didn't celebrate Christmas) who say it is pagan and has its roots in heathen  rituals , well guess what ? When the early Church decided to make the decree that they would start to celebrate Jesus birth to compete if you will with the pagans , I say hurray! What Joe or Jill average could even tell you what false deity the pagan world worshiped! But whenever Christ brings forth His light to the darkness , the darkness always looses. That is what happened to the day.

One last thing , for those who say that the Bible never tells us to celebrate Jesus birth , well that is true .But how do you deal with all the joyful proclamations of something so amazing that was about to happen. When Christ was born the Angels of God tear back the veil of heaven and to lowly shepherds tell of Jesus birth. The shepherds after seeing the baby , are filled with joy and tell of what they saw. Wise men from the east mark His birth by seeking Him out , presenting gifts ( probably when Jesus was between 1-2 years old) . So celebrating Jesus birth is not really a foreign concept!

So I say one last time , don't like Christmas , then opt out . But I will tell you upfront , I will joyfully celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior and hopefully turn your Bah Humbug! to a Hallelujah ,Jesus is born .

Angels From the Realms of Glory - Steven Curtis Chapman

Angels appear only periodically in the Bible . When they do it usually was to announce or proclaim something significant from God. The story of the throng of Angels appearing in the hills of Bethlehem to lowly shepherds is one such appearance. I can only imagine both the terror and wonder when the realm of glory broke into the ordinary .

Christmas too Commercial , Humbug!

You know you heard this over and over to point of you get tired of hearing it , Christmas has become too commercial , we need to get back to the real meaning of Christmas. Now granted there is truth in this statement . If spending,parties and such is all one considers the holidays is about ,it is shallow . As a believer , Christ should take center stage . The awesome ,astounding fact that God came to earth , should stagger ones life. It should be the cornerstone of any celebration of Christmas.

So what are we to make of the commercial side of Christmas?  Is it something that ruins Christmas , and rob it of its meaning for a believer? Should we instead not buy , not spend , instead do works of charity or donate to foodbanks etc...

Here is thing , if you let gift giving some how steal Christ out of Christmas , then you have the problem. Think of the fun and joy it is watching  your child or grandchild light up with joy upon unwrapping that special toy . The fun it is to purchase something for your wife or husband , knowing full well they will truly love it . How does buying something for a good friend rob Christ of His place in your celebrations. In fact giving reflects the gift given at Christmas in Jesus (John 3:16). Therefore in my mind , why not give good gifts .

So buy well . There is nothing wrong with the buying and the giving of things. Make a choose to buy well . Purchase items that make sense to  give to the person you are giving to. If someone doesn't drink coffee , don't buy a gift card for coffee! For children buy gifts that are fun and some learning gifts as well. Also during the season give to charities and foodbanks . Use the Samaritan Purse gift box ministry ,embrace a charity that honors Jesus Christ  like Compassion. Set an example of a cheerful giver. Give out of a heart that is thankful to God for His grace that shines at Christmas and all year.

Plus just think right now if everyone embraced the notion of no more gift giving .Instead they , like Scooge , held on to in his hand like a vice on steel . Businesses would close , masses of people would be laid off and the economy, which depends on the exchange of money for products , would be greatly effected. We live in a free market , consumer based society , which I don't think the Bible condemns . In fact many have argued that capitalism has its roots anchored in the Bible.

A Christian should  give out of a heart that is overflowing with gratitude at Christmas . In fact I would argue , not just at this time of year but giving and generosity should be a mark of a true follower of Christ in everyday life , all year round. Paul records in Acts 20:35 ..... the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
(Acts 20:35 ESV)

So I say Humbug to those who say  that giving gifts robs Jesus of His proper place in Christmas for believers . For the heathen , he or she does not know Christ anyway so why should we be offended at their lack of Christ at Christmas. However in showing a different attitude , even towards giving , we can show the beauty of Christ and open doors to witness.

David Bowie and Bing Crosby - Little Drummer Boy

I grew up watching these Bing Crosby's Christmas specials. Its something you looked forward to as the season drew near. This has to be one of the strangest Christmas duets of all time but somehow it works. It is sad to say , today there seems to be very few Christmas specials that are worth watching.

Guess I will stick to the old classics .

Hard To Fathom

[8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
(Philippians 2:8 ESV)

The truth of Christmas is that God , clothed Himself in human flesh . Born of the virgin , in a lowly state . No fanfare, in terms of worldly pronouncements . When Jesus was born ,the eternal Son of God , He humbled Himself .This is hard to grasp. That the King of all the universe would come and not only leave His glorious throne , but come to die on a cross . For who? The worse of the worse , sinners like me.

When I see my sin and know that the holy , perfect Son had to come and die so that I may be forgiven , it leaves me humbled and speechless.