All in White

As a Texas girl, I had never seen a white Christmas…until two years ago.  As we headed to the church on Christmas Eve to unload trailers and set up our portable church at the time, the snow had already begun to fall, and the roads were turning to ice.  By the time we got out of church, the storm had worsened so much that my husband had to pour hot coffee on the trailer locks just to get them open.  We slid all the way home, and it became very apparent we weren’t going to go out of town as planned that night. 

The next morning, Christmas Day, we awoke to a winter wonderland.  The snow had continued through the night, and the white blanket of snow covered everything we could see.  I slipped on the ice outside in my non-weather appropriate shoes as I captured as much of it as I could on camera.  I wanted to remember that moment forever.  (I figured it took 28 years to see the first one, it might take me another 28 to see the next!) 

As we awake today to the joy of Christmas and the gift of God’s Son, imagine how much greater the second coming of Christ will be.  In the last verse of the hymn Once in Royal David’s City, we sing “Then like stars His children, crowned, all in white, His praise will sound!”  

Celebrate the beautiful sight this morning, whatever the weather may be, as we prepare for the most beautiful sight of all – our Savior and Lord.

“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life.  I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”  Revelation 3:5

Lights

When my husband and I spend Christmas in Waco with his parents, we have a tradition.  We pile everyone into the car (dogs included!), pick up hot chocolate or coffee, and look at Christmas lights.  Some are stunning – the lights are carefully strung, and decorations are carefully placed to give off a beautiful serene vision of Christmas.  Others…not so much.  Our favorite home was one we so lovingly dubbed “Christmas Vomitus,” because it truly looked like Christmas had thrown up all over the yard. Every cartoon character imaginable was dressed in holiday garb, Santa made an appearance, as well as Jesus, and a Star of David.  While it didn’t provide the awe that the beautiful homes did, we still laughed until we cried, and we talk about it on the years we don’t get to see it. 

For some, Christmas is the only time of year when all parts of the family come together.  Some shine bright – they have their lives mostly settled, and you can expect little drama.  Others are a wild card – you never know what to expect and something might get set on fire at dinner.  While it can be draining at times, each one of those family members is a gift from the Lord.  Intentionally love on each of them this year, the crazy and the normal, and thank God for the wonderful gift of family. 

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”  Proverbs 10:12

Hope

As we near closer and closer to Christmas, the birth of Jesus becomes more and more imminent.  Our focus turns toward the manger, and for a brief few days, we remember the hope that is held in that tiny baby:  the baby that comes to deliver us from this life, and prepares for us an eternity in Heaven. 

What does hope do?  It reminds us that the day’s struggles are not forever.  Our perceived “bad days,” really aren’t that bad at all.  Most of all, it tells us that this life is not forever.  This baby will grow into a man, teach our ancestors, and then die for all our sins.  It is God’s grace alone that gives us hope in this world that we don’t understand.  As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, thank Him for the hope that we have, and the life eternal we are promised. 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10

Sound His Praises

Our Pastor is not the best singer.  When training new audio volunteers, Rule Number 1 is mute Pastor as soon as the song begins!  However, he doesn’t hesitate to make a joyful noise!  In college, being surrounded by wonderful musicians, we didn’t make a peep unless we were sure it was going to be a beautiful noise.  While I’m sure God appreciates our striving for excellence, especially when serving Him, I know that He loves our joyful noises just as much when directed His way. 

We are called as children of God to sing His praises, and what better time than at Christmas?  The music is extremely beautiful, and most of it is songs we’ve sung since we were children.  Don’t stop on Christmas day, though!  Continue singing!  Lift up your praises every day to the One who sends His son to die for our sins.

“Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works!” 

I Chronicles 16:9

Heaven Bound

Every year we take time in December to remember the birth of Jesus, but that’s not where the story ends.  Jesus’ time on earth is limited; He’s headed towards heaven the moment He arrives in the manger.  The thing is, we all are.  None of us knows the number of days we will be blessed with on this earth; when we will be heaven bound. 

When a musician gets ready for a major performance, they do something every day to better themselves and their craft.  They always have the final goal in mind.  When the performance arrives, they know what they’ve worked for, and walk on the stage with confidence. 

How will we walk to the gates of Heaven?  Of course we won’t be worthy to be in front of our Heavenly Father, but will we feel like we have done all we could on the days on earth that we have?  Use the Christmas season as a time to reevaluate your priorities, and make sure you are preparing for the “big event.” 

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” 

Matthew 24:36

Jesus' Gift

Although Jesus couldn’t physically stay here with us on earth, He left us with a little present – the Holy Spirit!  He couldn’t stay in the tiny manger, and He couldn’t stay a tiny baby.  Eventually He had to go back and be with His Father.  God made sure that we would always feel His love and presence by sending us the Holy Spirit.  It’s what guides our conscience, gives us wisdom on everyday issues, and provides us comfort with the presence of God. 

God couldn’t take sin out of the world, even though He died to save us from our sin, but He could give us the wisdom to discern right from wrong, and give us the compassion we need for others when they fail in these areas. 

During the holidays, tempers are often short and we fail to treat others how we should.  While the Bible gives us the “law,” the Holy Spirit often provides the “gospel.”  Forgive those around you when they fail you, be able to forgive yourself, and thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.  You are never alone.

“And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy – the son of God.’ ” Luke 1:35