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 .