Shaking Things Up

After thinking about just shutting down this blog of mine , I decided to re-think it and do what I intended at the start. Write about things that get me going , be they either good or bad.

They will be through Christian world view but I will not pull punches . That is the way I'm . Some might not like what I'll write but so be it . It will not be nasty or rude but it might be a bit in your face. Maybe that's the reason I like Martin Luther so much . He was never known for his diplomacy .

So welcome and hopefully this will get my writing juices going .

Pensive and Melancholy but Hopeful

Well here we are finally officially over the Christmas holidays. However as of today , the tree still stands. At least for a few more days.

Ok the tree now sits outside , waiting for its final destination , the compost. Its funny how quick you can take it down as compared to putting it up.

I have always become a bit melancholy after Christmas. I really enjoy the Christmas season and having family over,listening to and singing carols . Just everything that goes with the whole season. Plus focusing on the birth of the Savior,Jesus Christ.But when its all over and things return to normal , I feel a bit pensive. Perhaps its because each Christmas , when all your family is with you ,having lost Mom going on 18 years ago and having my wife , diagnosed with cancer over 2 years ago , I realize life is short.

Plus ,as I go into this year without any job prospects , I have to admit feeling like a ship tossed about . But I will trust in the Lord for guidance and lean not on my own understanding .

So 2010 , we shall see what will come, but I hope to glorify God and serve Christ in all that transpires.

The Tired and Weary

I wanted to post something the other night but was feeling under the weather. Still not feeling quite right.

So my reflections about Christmas 09 and entering 2010 will come tomorrow . Till then , over and out.

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