When Jesus Christ was born, a group of Wise Men undertook a long, arduous journey to reach the house where He was living as a young child. They did not travel such a distance simply to see a little boy. The Magi asked, “‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him’” (Matt. 2:2). These individuals had one purpose for their expedition, and that purpose was to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords. They faithfully followed the star, which led them to their destination. Along the way, they did not become discouraged. They did not lose hope that they would actually be able to find Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Nor did they fail to remember their reason for traveling so far.
God’s Word says, “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him” (Matt. 2:11). When they arrived, the first thing they did was to bow down and worship Jesus. After their tiresome trek, they did not complain about sore feet or aching muscles. Their minds were not on acquiring a hot meal, finding a place to bathe, or locating a bed on which to lie down. No one proceeded to present the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh the moment they set foot inside the house. They stayed focused on their primary goal, to worship the newborn King.
In the twenty-first century, we could take a lesson from the Magi. They trekked many miles in order to reach the place where Jesus was living. On the contrary, some people nowadays find it a struggle to get in their air-conditioned automobile and drive to church every Sunday morning. They complain about the service being too early or running too late. When they arrive, they get upset if someone is “sitting in their pew.” How would church sanctuaries look different if believers joyfully walked through the doors, headed straight to the altar, and wholeheartedly worshiped our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? What sort of impact would it have on our workplaces, schools, and other locations we visit throughout the week if we worshiped the Lord during our commute as well? Surely, making worship a priority would be a step toward pleasing the Lord in all we do (Col. 3:23). I am certain we would see a significant change in the way people interact with one another. Certainly, our testimony for Christ would have a greater impact on those around us.
Furthermore, giving praise to the Lord would ultimately make a difference in our own lives. Look at the shepherds who came to see Jesus when He was born. In God’s Word, we read about how they told others what they had witnessed. Luke 2:18 says, “All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.” They could not keep this Good News of great joy to themselves. Having knelt in the presence of the Almighty God was the most marvelous experience of their entire lives. When they shared their testimony of seeing Christ with their own eyes, other people were amazed at what they heard.
Like the shepherds, we should have the same reaction when we stand in the presence of the Lord. When we worship our Heavenly Father, we need to open our hearts, allowing God to change us from the inside out. This heartfelt worship will lead us to follow the will of God in our lives, to love the Lord with all of our heart, our soul, and our mind (Matt. 22:37). By giving ourselves to Him, He can use us for His divine glory. Just as the shepherds were able to give testimonies of their encounter with Christ, we should share what God has done in our own lives. It should not be a burden, or an embarrassment, to tell what the Lord has done for us; instead, it should be a desire we cannot suppress. It should be a joy.
A.W. Tozer once said, “No one can long worship God in spirit and in truth before the obligation to holy service becomes too strong to resist.” Our utmost desire should be worshiping our Heavenly Father and sharing His amazing love with everyone around us. Like an avid angler who restlessly looks forward to the next time they can cast their bait into the water, we should have an even greater longing to fish for souls (Luke 5:10). There should never be a time when we are not fully devoted to the Lord’s service. When we put our trust in the one true living God, we should yearn to serve the Lord in all we do. No matter where God places us, we should take every opportunity to be witnesses for Christ. As Christians, we are commissioned to share the Good News to the entire world (Mark 16:15). We should be eager to share encouraging testimonies of what God has done in our lives. We should be unable to refrain from telling everyone about the marvelous love of Jesus Christ, whether we are speaking to the cashier at the local supermarket, the server at the café downtown, or our neighbor right next-door to us.
Personally, I cannot refrain from sharing the love of Jesus Christ, even with complete strangers. On one of our trips to New York, God gave my dad and me a divine appointment to speak to a Muslim family in Brooklyn. As we were taking a walk one evening, one of my earrings fell off, slipping through a metal grate in the sidewalk. Although the earring was very inexpensive, its retrieval posed an interesting challenge. The next day, my dad fashioned a catch hook out of a couple of paperclips and attached it to a long thin audio cable, which we had with us. After several successful practice runs in our hotel room with the matching earring, he was able to retrieve my earring from a ledge on which it had fallen. As my dad was sitting on the grate, pulling out the earring from below, a woman approached us to see if we needed assistance. She said her family had experienced a flat tire. Almost immediately, I also learned their child had been born prematurely, just like me. This common ground opened the door for a conversation that would soon become a thorough religious dialogue. Our conversations with this family lasted for nearly two hours, with me witnessing to my newfound acquaintance and my dad sharing the Good News with her husband.
Although they were practicing Muslims, the mother seemed open to hearing the Gospel. She said one of her coworkers attended The Brooklyn Tabernacle. I gave her a copy of my book, When You’re in the Sunset, There’s Sunshine Awaiting You. She told me she would read it. I pray she has since read my testimony, so she can learn more about the truth of the Gospel, for it is my hope that I will see this family in Heaven one glorious day. If it had not been for my losing an earring and the family having car trouble, our paths would likely not have crossed. God is the One who orchestrated the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with them. I pray God has sent others to water the seeds He chose us to plant, so this family will discover the truth of the only living God.
Although I often feel inadequate in confrontational situations like this one, where our conversations resembled an Islam versus Christianity debate, I know God is more than enough. No matter the circumstances, God will give us the confidence we need to deliver the message, and He will even give us the words to speak. We only have to be willing to answer His still, small voice, by saying, “Yes, Lord, I will follow wherever you lead.” Reflect back on the Wise Men and the shepherds. They did not know exactly what they would find when they followed the star. Nevertheless, they were compelled to follow the star and see what God had in store. They had a desire within their hearts to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to have that kind of devotion and that level of trust. We need to step out on faith, knowing God will guide us. While we may not be renowned theologians, the promise of Acts 1:8 says the Holy Spirit will empower us to be witnesses of the love of Jesus Christ.
In case you wonder if your life will change when you share your testimony, I can tell you that your life will never be the same again. For when “the shepherds went back to their flocks,” they were “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). Yes, they still had the same profession, but a change had taken place within their hearts. They were now fully in tune with the One who had created them. They were worshiping the Lord, even in the midst of the field among their sheep. Instead of bitterly enduring long hours tending sheep, they realized their purpose in life beyond the grassy fields. They knew God was the One who had miraculously sent His Son to earth, and they knew their calling was to tell others about the moment they saw our Lord and Savior face-to-face. The joy from their encounter with Jesus was too wondrous to contain. Much like the shepherds, may we all find ourselves in the position where we cannot resist sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others, for there is no greater message we could ever convey.
Unfortunately, many people do not want to share the Good News or even worship God. It is saddening to see the number of people who are adamantly against worshiping a higher authority. Instead, they want to worship entities created by man. Whether it is an electronic gadget, a celebrity figure, or an athletic team, people find an infinite number of idols in which to put their hope. Yet nothing made by any human being on earth can ever provide eternal hope. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who gave His life for us, is the only source of everlasting hope. Why should we desire to worship anyone or anything else? Our complete adoration should go to the only One who can truly help us in our time of need. He is the only One who can save our souls.
We must surrender our all to Him. He is the only One we are to worship and adore. This is the heart of worship: surrendering ourselves to the only living God, trusting Him as a child would trust their loving father. We cannot worship the Lord sincerely until we take ourselves out of the picture. According to Tozer, “The essence of surrender is getting out of the way so that God can do what He wants to do.” Worship should never be about us, but it should always be about Him. Jesus Christ should always be the center of our worship. Let us worship Him for all eternity!
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Two weeks ago, millions of people around the world
celebrated Christmas. People adorned Christmas trees with family heirlooms, prepared
lavish meals to be savored by family and friends, and shared personally
selected gifts with loved ones. For some people, Christmas preparations began
months in advance, ensuring that every single ornament was hanging on the
precise branch, while simultaneously making sure the cookies would have the
perfect ratio of sprinkles to frosting. Yet for many of those who once looked
forward to this splendid holiday, they were disappointed on December 26th. Why?
Christmas did not live up to their high expectations. For others, the idea that
the holidays were over was a letdown of monumental proportions. But as someone
once said, all good things must come to an end. But does Christmas truly have
to end? Is there a reason we cannot keep Christmas in our hearts all year long?
Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. My Dad and I
leave our Christmas decorations up until after February 7th, my Mom’s birthday.
She always loved Christmas and wanted to enjoy the decorations a little bit
longer. Although she passed away nine years ago, we continue this tradition in
her honor. As much as I love the warm, inviting glow of the Christmas lights in
our living room, keeping our Christmas tree around a little longer is certainly
a welcome sight.
Over the holidays, I love the fact you can go into almost
any store or restaurant and hear the classic carols of Christmas sounding forth
on the loudspeakers. Christmas garland adorns most every window frame and beautifully
decorated trees seem to sprout from nearly every corner. It seems like nothing
can dampen the Christmas spirit, as individuals smile a little wider, give more
generously, and love even deeper. Even so, there is one aspect of Christmas
that makes everything else seem insignificant. The most important part of
Christmas is the birthday of the King.
Through the years, Christmas has taken on a myriad of
definitions. There are nearly as many Christmas traditions and ideals as there
are stars in the sky. There’s the Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines,
the Yule Lads of Iceland, the Christmas Markets in Europe, and so many other holiday
celebrations around the world. From Frosty the Snowman to Santa’s reindeer,
people have been creating Christmas characters for many a decade. Not to
mention the traditional sugary treats, such as gingerbread houses, Yule logs,
and candy canes. Although these things are all very festive, the real meaning
of Christmas often becomes lost in the holiday shuffle.
Instead of keeping Christ at the center of Christmas, the
baby Jesus figurine in the manger repeatedly gets placed on the proverbial
shelf, if you will, with everyone and everything else. But if we focus on the
true reason for Christmas, it will become clear that baby Jesus does not belong
next to the Elf on the Shelf. Once we begin to grasp the magnitude of the birth
of Jesus Christ, we will realize the First Christmas is not just another story.
The birth of Jesus changed the world forever.
A little over two thousand years ago, an angel appeared to
shepherds in a field and said, “‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a
Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This
will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in
a manger’” (Luke 2:10-12). This great joy for all people extends to you and me.
Without the birth of Jesus, we would never be able to realize true joy. This kind
of joy is not to be compared with the happiness of purchasing a new car or
sitting down to a delightful meal. The joy the angels spoke of is unspeakable
joy, a kind of joy that will last eternally. The birth of Jesus brings
everlasting joy, unending peace, and eternal hope.
Jesus did not come to earth, so we could wish him happy
birthday once a year and pack Him away with the glass ornaments and table
linens. He came to earth, so we could have a road to redemption. We have all
sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). God knew it would take a
perfect sacrifice to wash away our sins. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, grew
up to be crucified for our sins (see John 3:16). Because of the sacrifice He
made on Calvary, we can receive the gift of eternal life. Jesus came to give us
abundant life, so shouldn’t we worship and adore Him 365 days a year?
Granted, many people have already taken down their Christmas
decorations. Their fragile ornaments have been carefully wrapped and the lights
have been painstakingly and strategically placed in a box, with the hopes that
they will not come out in one tangled bundle this coming holiday season. Most
of the Christmas goodies have been eaten, save a few stray cookies, boxes of
candy, and leftovers in the freezer. Christmas apparel is stowed away until it
is deemed “close enough to Christmas” to wear them once again. While someone
may call the fashion police if we wear our fancy Christmas sweater during the
spring or summer months, there is no reason we cannot wear Christmas in our
hearts all year through.
Will you join me in keeping Christmas all year long in 2018?
Let us thank God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). He sent His
only Son to be born in humble beginnings, so He could reign as the King of
Kings and Lord of Lords. As the new Christmas song my Dad wrote says, “If it wasn’t for that
baby, forever we’d be lost.” Jesus Christ brought salvation to the world.
Christmas is not just another date on the calendar, but the birthday of the
King. Let us spend every single day of the year, glorifying the name above all
names, Jesus Christ!
As I sit
here pondering my Christmas to-do list, I find myself wondering where all of
this began. From Christmas cards to
cookies and decorations to parties, all of the activity throughout the holiday
season leaves little time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. While I enjoy every aspect of Christmas,
including all of these fun aspects of the holiday season, it is my hope and
prayer that we can all slow down a bit, amid the busyness of Christmas, and
remember that special night so long ago.
On the first
Christmas night, there were no last-minute holiday sales or revolving Christmas
trees adorned with twinkling lights. No
one wrote Christmas cards to a hundred of their closest relatives or friends and
no one wrapped gag gifts for the annual office Christmas party. On that glorious night, a bright star lit up
the heavens, announcing the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The first Christmas night, while quite humble
compared to the fanfare we have today, was the moment that changed the world forever. Although Jesus Christ was born in a hay-filled
manger, he grew up to save the world.
This
Christmas, I am striving to keep my eyes on Jesus Christ. Even as I select special items to give to my
family and friends, I want these items to remind them of my love for them and
in turn, the love that Jesus has for all of us.
To me, the greatest joy in giving a gift is sharing my love with someone
else. I truly believe that it is more
blessed to give than receive. So did
God. But he didn’t give us another pair
of socks, a gift card to our favorite restaurant, or a new smartphone. He gave us his only Son, Jesus Christ, as the
greatest gift ever given in the history of mankind.
Following in
his Father’s footsteps, Jesus gave of himself by healing the sick, raising the
dead, and performing many miracles.
Jesus helped others more than we will ever know. God’s Word says, “Jesus also did many other
things. If they were all written down, I
suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written”
(John 21:25 NLT). Then when Jesus was 33
years old, he made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life, so that we could
have eternal life (see I John 3:16).
Jesus’ level
of giving sort of makes that beautiful scarf you bought for your grandmother or
the train set you picked out for your children pale in comparison doesn’t
it? That’s the beauty of gift giving
though. Jesus gave of himself, expecting
nothing in return. Even now, he doesn’t expect
any form of repayment. We have the
freedom to either accept this priceless gift of grace or reject this precious
gift that has been freely extended to every man, woman, boy, and girl.
This Christmas
season, my prayer is that you will embrace the love of Jesus Christ. As you write your Christmas cards to family
and friends, decorate sugar cookies with your sons and daughters, and enjoy
shopping for all of the special gift recipients on your list, remember why we
celebrate this holiday in the first place.
Even amid the holiday hustle, Jesus Christ is the reason for it all. Without the birth of Christ, Christmas would
not be CHRISTmas. Without Christ, the
world would not be the same. The birth
of Jesus brought love, peace, and joy to the world. On that first Christmas night so long ago,
Hope was born. Eternal hope found only
through Jesus Christ. That is how Christmas changed the world.
In Christ’s
Love,
Jennifer
During the 13th century, one individual wrote
down the words to what would soon become a beloved
Christmas carol, “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
While it is believed that John Francis Wade is the one responsible for bringing
these lyrics to the Christian church, uncertainty remains as to who is
primarily responsible for the accompanying tune. Still, one thing will always remain crystal
clear: this song is a call for all Christians to adore the King of Kings and
Lord of Lords. Every time I hear this
song, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with a renewed joy due to the
gratefulness in my heart for the love that He has shown to me every day of my
life. That is why I do not see this song
as a Christmas carol, but instead, as an anthem for all Christians
everywhere. We should give praise and
adoration to Jesus Christ 365 days a year.
He is so worthy of our praise. So
I invite you to join me. Come, let us
adore Him!
The year was 1745.
John Francis Wade found himself in the midst of a battle between the
Church of England and the Church of Rome.
During this time, many Catholics were forced to hide their faith from
those around them. Others fled the
country, seeking religious freedom. John
Francis Wade was one of these individuals who chose to leave everything behind
on a desperate quest for freedom to worship the one true and living God. Having found refuge in France, he worked
diligently to preserve documents of the church and to transcribe sacred music
that otherwise may have been lost forever.
God rewarded his persistence by giving him the ability to write many
songs, including the beloved Christmas carol, “Adeste Fideles,” also known as
“O Come All Ye Faithful.”
Just imagine. John
Francis Wade was surrounded by trouble on every side, being persecuted for his faith and eventually having to flee his home country. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, He kept
the faith and stood firm in his walk with God.
He knew that giving God praise and adoration was the key to having a
meaningful and happy life, in spite of what was going on around him. In the third verse of this cherished hymn,
the lyrics state, “O Jesus! Forevermore
be Thy name adored.” He did not write,
at Christmastime be Thy name adored.
Instead, he wrote “Forevermore.” Most
assuredly, John Francis Wade knew that we should adore the name of Jesus
continually, every moment of the day, every day of the year. Despite the many trials and tribulations in
his own life, he remained faithful.
Is there something in your life that is preventing you
from praising the name of Jesus Christ continually?
Are you discouraged, due to a failed marriage, difficult financial circumstances,
or wayward children? Is there something
at work that just doesn’t feel right and causes you to be stressed or even
depressed? Or is there a dark secret deep inside your heart that no one knows about but God? No matter what you are going
through, Jesus Christ cares about you. He loves
you more than you could ever imagine. Don’t let the trials of this life weigh you down. Talk to Jesus and tell Him all of your
worries, cares, and fears. He wants to
help you. He will bear your burdens. You don't have to do it alone. Wherever you are, just lift
your hands and praise Him for the blessings He has given you. Ask Him to give you wisdom to handle all of life's twists and turns. Stand amazed at how God works in your
life when you are in tune with His still, small voice. Listen to Him. Trust Him. Worship Him. Give praise and adoration to the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised! Don’t wait until Christmas or even until Easter. Let us adore Him today! O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer
If you’re like me, your e-mail inbox is likely inundated with After-Christmas sales. Take 50% off of this pair of shoes or save $20 on that new smartphone. Just three days ago, millions of people celebrated Christmas and many of them opened gifts on Christmas morning. Yet, the moment after we receive these gifts especially chosen for us by our loved ones, we often rush out to get the latest and greatest items we can afford. While I certainly enjoy shopping, I do find it disappointing that Christmas has become so commercialized. Since when has a holiday meant to celebrate the birthday of a King turned into a holiday filled with questions of “what did you get?” Why should we focus on what we received instead of realizing the overwhelming need to give to others? Giving goes beyond a present tied with a fancy little bow, tucked beneath the tree. We can give love, joy, happiness, and so much more. The very heart of Christmas has nothing to do with something purchased at a store. The very heart of Christmas centers on the One I’m living for, Jesus Christ.
Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. I love every part of this glorious holiday, from the cookies that tame my sweet tooth to the trees that are so beautifully adorned. I also like the fact that I can walk into a store, greeted with Christmas music and a friendly, “Merry Christmas!” from the store clerk. But the greatest part of Christmas is not the twinkling lights or the neatly wrapped gifts under the tree. Why, it’s not even the time I was able to spend in New York City with my dad. Without question, the most impressive aspect of this holiday season is the fact that God sent His Son to be born in a manger. This gift didn’t need to be wrapped or sent via UPS. It was a gift filled with love. It was the gift of eternal life.
When God thought about what to give us for Christmas, He did not send us the latest technological gadget or fashion forward outfit for Christmas. Instead, He sent us a gift that had eternal value. God gave us the best Christmas gift ever: Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. He knew that we didn’t need another pair of socks in our drawer or another dust catcher on our shelf. And while this gift had the greatest price tag of all, His Son’s life, this gift was freely given to the world. God has granted eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ, to all who confess their sins and believe. This gift is offered not just on Christmas, but 365 days a year. A relationship with Jesus Christ will change your life. I encourage you to put your trust in Jesus Christ today. For tomorrow may be too late.
Just like those limited-time, After-Christmas bargains, our lives will not last forever. James 4:14 clearly states, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14 NIV). Life is the greatest gift that we have ever been given. We need to use each and every moment to our best ability, ensuring that we do not waste even one millisecond of it. Having lost many people close to me, including my Mom, I can tell you that life truly is a vapor that only remains for a short time. We have no guarantee of tomorrow. So embrace today. Don’t worry about whether or not that new gadget needs new batteries. And that sweater that’s too big can be exchanged another day. Instead, spend time with your family and friends, not knowing how many more dinners you’ll enjoy together or how many more meaningful conversations you’ll have.
Cherish each moment you have with your loved ones, both now and in the coming New Year. Give them something more than a gift wrapped in a box or a bag. Give them more than a once-a-year present at Christmastime. Give them time with you, give them a listening ear, and give them the one thing we all need: love. Even on that first Christmas night, God himself knew that we needed love. God knew what the world needed most of all. He knew that we needed a gift that would carry us through every day of the year, not just in the month of December. And despite the commercialization of Christmas, not one single thing has changed. We still need unconditional love. We still need a Savior. We still need Jesus.
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer
The Christmas trees are being taken down, the decorations
are being carefully packed away, and the gifts are being put to good use. All of the Christmas cookies have been eaten. And many people have likely placed their
Christmas music in storage until next December.
That is, of course, unless you are like me. You may still have one of your favorite
Christmas CDs in your car, holding on to the Christmas season as long as you possibly
can. In my SUV, that CD is “A Brooklyn
Tabernacle Christmas.”
This particular CD reminds me of the wonderful memories I
have of sitting in the Brooklyn Tabernacle hearing the angelic voices join
together in song to celebrate the Savior’s birth. Then, I start to recall the overwhelming peace
and joy I felt as the congregation sang the words from the beloved carol, “O
come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ
the Lord.” It was in this moment that I
realized once and for all that Christmas is not a season or a holiday. Christmas is a time to adore Jesus
Christ. Christ is all about adoring Him.
You see, Christmas is not just a day at all. Christmas is a state of mind. It’s the way we smile a little bigger,
embrace our loved ones harder, and laugh a lot more. It’s the way we give more, complain less, and
maintain a cheerier disposition. It’s
how we sing a little louder and love our family and friends even more. Ultimately, Christmas is about the moment we
realize that Jesus Christ truly is our Lord and Savior, the King of Kings who
was born in a manger of hay in a stable.
And Christmas reminds us that He was not only born one Christmas night,
but He grew up to be a man.
For the little boy whose birth we celebrate on December 25th
each year is the same One who gave His life on a cross for the sole purpose of
washing away our sins. He suffered and
died just so that you and I could have eternal life. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.” You
may be wondering why God sent His only Son to die on a cross. The answer is simple. He wanted to give us the greatest gift that
has ever been given. That’s how much He
loves you and me, not just on Christmas, but every day of the year.
While I realize there may not be room in our homes for a
Christmas tree all year through, I pray that there is always room in our hearts
to remember the most miraculous birth ever recorded in the history of
mankind. I challenge you this year to
keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your heart every single day. Do something nice for someone when they least
expect it. Call someone to let them know
you were thinking of them. Write a note
to someone to let them know you are praying for them. Visit a nursing home, volunteer in a school,
or donate to a local charity. Hug your
family and tell them you love them even more.
Do something in the spirit of Christmas every day of the year. Why?
Just because.
Oh, and about that Christmas CD in your car…keep that there,
too. People always say they adore their
kids, their husband, or their wife. They
even adore their house, puppy, kitten, car, motorcycle, smartphone, laptop, sweater,
jeans, purse, you name it! While all of
this is well and good, I am sure with all of this adoration being spread around
that no one will look at you funny if you listen to a song adoring Him, even in the month of January. So, please join me in raising our voices in unison
as we maintain a Christmas state of mind all year through! “O, come let us adore Him!”
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer
Are you searching for the perfect Christmas? Do you worry over whether or not you will finish your shopping on time? Perhaps you want every cookie to look like they came off of the cover of a magazine. Or maybe you are concerned over how your relatives will get along at the annual Christmas gathering this year. While we would all like to piece together the perfect Christmas, we need to realize that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, the one and only perfect Christmas many years ago was still far from perfect.
On December 9, I had the privilege of attending church at the Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York. The Christmas program, “Christmas Once Again,” was the best Christmas program I have ever seen in my life. The music reached down into the depths of my soul. The lyrics spoke to the innermost part of my heart. The anointing of the Holy Spirit overwhelmed me completely, causing tears of joy to stream down my face. Every word spoken, every note sung, and every move made ministered to my heart and soul in such a special way. It was one of those days I will remember for the rest of my life.
While the vocalists, musicians, dramatic team, and others involved gave a superb performance, it wasn’t about the technical execution of the program. For me, it was about the message being conveyed through the excellent presentation. Songs such as “His Love Is All I See” and “Would It Still Be Christmas?” captured my full attention, tugging at my heartstrings, reminding me once again what the Christmas season is all about. I’ve loved Jesus Christ with all of my heart ever since I was a little girl, but after this experience, I’d have to say I left there loving Christmas more, loving life more, and loving Jesus more.
The dramatic segment began with a father who was dreaming of the perfect Christmas. He expected his family to epitomize perfection. He wanted Christmas to be a certain way and fantasized about a family straight from the television classics in which the mother wears pearls in the kitchen and the children take etiquette to the extreme. All too soon, he wakes up, realizing that his family is far from picture-perfect. His wife is frazzled over dinner preparations, his children have their own ideas of the way things should be, and their relatives are eccentric to say the least. Everything seems to go wrong and one by one, their guests leave. His children storm out of the room. His wife explains to him that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect because the first Christmas wasn’t perfect either.
You see, the very first Christmas was far from perfect. Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was born in a stable. There wasn’t even any room in the inn. Jesus wasn’t laid in a crib in a hospital. He was laid in a manger of hay. There were not thousands of people there to witness this grandiose event. No paparazzi or news reporters were there to cover this significant moment in history. Instead, a few Wise Men and some shepherds were the only ones who came to congratulate the new parents. But with all of its imperfections, this first Christmas was absolutely perfect. Why? Because this single night literally changed the world.
This Christmas, don’t dwell on trying to create the perfect Christmas. Instead, ask God to give you a blessed Christmas. It doesn’t matter if you wrap gifts the night before Christmas, or if the cookies get a little too brown on the bottom. And no one will know if you made the whole meal from scratch or took a few shortcuts here and there. What really matters is whether or not you and your family spend time together and whether or not you take time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With Jesus Christ at the center of your Christmas, your Christmas will be truly perfect.
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer
In Christ’s Love,
Christmas is such a special
time of year. I love the glow of the
Christmas lights on the tree, the way the stockings hang from the mantle that
is topped with a nativity scene and the smell of fresh baked cookies as they
are removed from the oven. And I especially
love the aroma that fills the house when I make my mom’s white meringue
chocolate chip cookies, or when my dad makes his perfectly spiced pumpkin pie
on Christmas Day. Both of these
delectable desserts melt in my mouth with a tantalizing taste that is
scrumptiously satisfying to my sweet tooth.
Of course, nothing is better than the warmth in my heart that is borne
of filling gift boxes with something special for family and friends. Every aspect of Christmas is so special, so
endearing, so treasured. But the real reason
I love Christmas is because of a precious little baby boy who was born one
night many years ago.
Jesus Christ, the King of
Kings and Lord of Lords was not born in a palace, but a stable. He was not placed in a cradle lined in
luxurious plush blankets, but a manger filled with hay. He was born to a virgin; his father was a
carpenter. He grew up to be the Savior
of the world and died for the forgiveness of our sins. He gave a gift we could never give. It wasn’t a new pair of tennis shoes, a
necktie, or a fruitcake. Jesus gave all
He could possibly give: His life. That’s
the greatest gift of all. That’s
unconditional love. That’s Christmas.
So this year, I encourage you
to look past the list of 101 things to do before Christmas. Look past the cards to write, presents to
wrap, and cookies to bake. Look past the
house to clean, tree to trim, and parties to attend. Look past all of the things that may worry
you or stress you and look to the One for whom this joyous holiday is being
held. Christmas is the birthday of a
King. Jesus is the King who does not
require a fancy banquet or an elaborate celebration. All He requires is an open door inside your
heart, so He can come inside. He doesn’t
want you to become frazzled over holiday plans.
He wants you to enjoy the time with family and friends. He wants you to spend time with Him. He wants you to feel His amazing love. And He wants you to love Him in return.
As you trim the tree, wrap
the presents, and bake the cookies this Christmas, remember the reason for the
CHRISTmas season: Jesus Christ! Whether or
not Frosty and Santa come to town, you can be assured that Jesus Christ IS
coming to the celebration. The lights
glisten with a festive glow, the ornaments dangle from the boughs of the tree,
and the angel tops the tree with a divine smile on his or her face. But the most glorious part of Christmas is
all about the manger underneath the tree, on the mantle, or out on the
lawn. For the baby in the manger is the
Savior of the world. He is the reason we
live, the reason we laugh, the reason we love.
Jesus Christ is the reason for CHRISTmas.
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer
Can you
believe that it is already the month of November? Soon the holidays will be history and the New
Year will be in sight. At times, it
seems that the holidays come and go in the blink of an eye. The year goes by so fast that it becomes a
monumental task to eat up the candy corn before Christmas, the candy canes
before Valentine’s, and the chocolate hearts before Easter. Simultaneously, the stores stock the shelves
with ghosts and goblins of Halloween and the decorated trees and nativity
scenes of Christmas. Sandwiched right
between the two are a few lone scarecrows and a bounty of cornucopias. Thanksgiving is a holiday that often gets
overlooked amid the medley of holiday cheer.
Let’s face it: Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of the best holidays
on the entire calendar. So, don’t rush
through the holiday hustle; stop and savor each and every moment of holiday
hope!
In its
simplest terms, the word hope means to desire something with anticipation. In contrast, the word hustle can even mean to
manhandle something! Think about
it. Do you want to anticipate the
holidays or handle them roughly, pushing them along? It is my prayer that we can avoid the
hustle. Instead, it is my hope that we
can anticipate the holidays as a child anticipates Christmas morning when they
finally have the chance to unwrap the gifts underneath the tree. Whether you are 8 or 80, the Christmas season
still holds the same meaning as it did when you were a child. Sure, you may have finally figured out that
Santa Clause doesn’t really slide down the chimney to deliver gifts during the
night. And you may have decided that
Frosty didn’t really come to town one day.
But there is one Christmas story that never grows old. It is not based on fiction, but on
reality. And it is truly the greatest
story ever told.
Jesus Christ
came to this earth as a baby in a manger.
He was not born in a palace or a hospital, as most kings would be. Instead, the King of all Kings and Lord of
all Lords was born in a stable in Bethlehem.
Jesus was born of a virgin, visited by shepherds and wise men, adopted
by Joseph, a carpenter. God chose to
have His Son come into the world with humble beginnings. But He knew that Jesus would grow up to be
the Savior of the world by giving His life for you and me. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.”
Jesus loved you and I so much that He journeyed from a manger filled
with hay to a cross where He shed His blood to save us from our sins.
During this
holiday season, remember to thank Jesus for loving you so much that He gave all
He could give. He could have called ten
thousand angels, but He stayed on the cross so you could have a personal
relationship with Him. But He didn’t
stop there. He continues to bless you
with family, friends, food, and so much more.
This Thanksgiving, as you sit around a table piled high with a perfectly
carved turkey, succulent stuffing and fluffy mashed potatoes, topped off with a
slice of pumpkin pie garnished with a dollop of whipped cream, remember to take
time to give thanks. Give thanks for
your family. Give thanks for your
friends. Give thanks to God. Slow down and take time to anticipate each
holiday with hope. Hope for a joyous
celebration. Hope for family and friends
gathered around. Hope for the greatest
gift of all: Jesus Christ. Don’t shuffle
through the holiday hustle; fill your heart with holiday hope!
In Christ's Love,Jennifer