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.