Keeping Christmas in 2018

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!

Click here for a free mp3 download of my Dad's new Christmas song, "From the Manger to the Cross."

A New Season

Today is the first day of spring. Soon the flowers will bloom all around us as we enjoy the warmth of the sunshine upon our faces.  We have officially entered a new season. A new season brings new victories and new defeats. New doors will open and some doors will close. For with every new season, change is inevitable. Just as new buds are beginning to appear on trees, shrubbery, and flowering plants, our lives will continue to change every day.

New seasons can bring many changes. From new careers to new residences, each season brings about a myriad of possibilities. A new season could even bring a joyous new addition to the family. Even the temporary change of scenery one experiences on vacation can be an exciting adventure.

While these changes are most welcome, there are uninvited changes in life as well. The loss of a job, a burned out home, or the bereavement after losing a child can all be devastating. But even in these moments of despair, we have hope for the future. Jesus knew we would encounter trials in life. He said, “‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! But I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33 NIV). Even in the moments when you feel all hope is gone, there is eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.

No matter what season you find yourself in today, God has not forgotten you. He “will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5 NIV). If you find yourself in one of the most difficult seasons of your life, call on Him for help. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” God wants to hear from His children. He wants us to come to Him for help, just as a child goes to their parents for comfort when they fall and scrape their knee. You are never beyond the reach of Jesus Christ (see Romans 8:35-39 NIV).

New seasons also remind us that we can start anew. Think of your New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you endeavored to lose weight, make amends with a long-lost family member, or read the Bible in a year. It’s never too late to start something new. Jesus said, “‘What is impossible with man is possible with God’” (Luke 18:27 NIV). As someone once said, you can only fall so many times before you get back up again. God will help you if you look to Him for wisdom and guidance.

This spring, thank God for the blessings He sends your way. Trust Him in the moments when fear or disappointment threatens to overwhelm you. While life may change at a rapid pace, remember that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). He loves you more than you could imagine and His love for you will never change. Through every season of life, He will always prove faithful. Put your trust in Jesus Christ today.

In Christ's Service,
Jennifer

Grace Friday

Today is a day that I hold very dear to my heart. Today is Good Friday. But sometimes I wonder why it is called “Good” Friday. Just think about it. We often say, “That was a good dinner.” We say, “Good morning,” even to passersby on the street. Let’s face it, the word “good” is used so frequently that it has nearly lost its credibility as an adjective. So maybe we should rename today and call it Great Friday. That would give it more significance, right? In reality, it matters not what we call this particular day. What matters is whether or not we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ gave his life for you and me. It wasn’t about fame or fortune. He wasn’t trying to do a good deed or striving to be great. He died on the cross to cleanse our sins, to grant us eternal life, and to shower us with love and mercy we don’t even deserve. When you really stop to think about it, the name most befitting of this important day on the calendar would be Grace Friday.

Perhaps you look at the calendar and wonder what Easter is really all about. Deep within your heart, do you feel as if there must be something more, beyond the chocolate bunnies and plastic eggs? If you are searching for answers, look no further. Jesus Christ is the answer you seek. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The King of Kings and Lord of Lords gave his life as a ransom for every man, woman, boy, and girl on this planet. That includes you.  Why? Because of the unconditional love he has for us.

Jesus could have called ten thousand angels to save him from the cross. He didn’t have to endure the pain and agony. He could have simply told his Father, “I can’t do it. I’ve had enough. I’m going home.” But he stayed there, because he knew that you and I needed a Savior. He knew that we would have no lasting hope on our own. Jesus wanted to give us the most heartfelt and important gift given in the history of mankind: eternal love and everlasting life. It is the gift that truly keeps on giving, through all eternity.

You may be sitting there, thinking, why would a King do this for me? I’ve failed, I’ve sinned, and I’ve done so many wrongs. The Bible says we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Not one of us is without blemish. We have all made mistakes. Still, his love for us is never-ending. Jesus shed his blood to forgive our sins. He bore all of the earth’s diseases to heal our sicknesses. On top of all of that, He granted us eternal life in Heaven with him, for everyone who has a personal relationship with him.

This weekend, cherish the time you have with family and friends. Enjoy the delicious dinners and sweet bunny-shaped treats. Above all, remember the reason for the Easter season. Jesus Christ gave his life for love (I John 3:16). On Good Friday, Jesus died. On the third day, he rose again. He is sitting at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf. He bestows upon us unconditional love, even though we are undeserving. God’s Word says, “All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). No matter where you have been, what you have done, or who you are, his redeeming love is free to all. That is true, divine mercy. So whether you call today good or great, remember that Easter is really all about grace.

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer

After-Christmas Sales

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

CHRISTmas is Coming!

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

Changing Leaves

On this first day of October, I woke up to find a crisp, cool breeze outside, something quite uncommon in this part of the world. Living in Florida, we do not generally have a significant change of seasons, yet I have grown to notice the subtle changes that occur at this time of the year. For instance, the warming nature of a friends’ status update on Facebook concerning a pot of chili she has simmering on the stove in celebration of the fall weather coming on. Or the beauty of the increasing number of pumpkins, scarecrows, and mums displayed on every corner. Everywhere I look, I see the transition from summer colors to fall ones. And you know what? The leaves aren’t the only things that are changing.

Just like the changing leaves, our lives change each season, each month, each week, and each day of our lives. Some of these changes are welcome, much like the refreshing nature of the cooler weather in the fall or the birth of a new infant. But other changes are undesired, such as the failing health of a friend or loved one or added stress from a new job. Even so, we do not have control over these situations. We cannot change the future no more than we can change the past. But we can pray for God’s strength and peace to help us get through every difficulty we encounter.

Recently, I have had several close family members and friends face critical medical conditions. Just today, I found out that one dear friend may be battling cancer and another may be going into assisted living. Another has doctors trying to figure what is causing their discomfort, and still another is being asked to try a fairly new medication to see if it will help them. Several others are facing various trials in their lives as well. None of them expected to have their health change so drastically, but their physical condition changed nonetheless. Still, they must ask God for strength and healing, holding on to the joy that still exists all around them, despite the unwelcome change in their lives.

Personally, I have seen change in my own life as well, some welcome and some otherwise. Being blessed with my first trip to Europe this summer was a very welcome change from our usual summer routine. This was a change that filled my heart with joy and provided me with an epic adventure that I will always cherish in my heart. On the other side of the coin, there was one change three years ago that caused my heart to break in two. Losing my mom was a very unwanted, tragic change. There are still days when I cannot believe that she is not here with me. I cannot comprehend why this happened. I only know that it did and there is nothing I can do about it.

Both of these changes came like a gust of autumn wind, but what a difference between the two. Even so, I know that God is always with me. He was with me as I made my way to the top of the Eiffel Tower, just like He was with me when I sang at my mom’s funeral. You see, He wants to be a part of every aspect of my life, from the most amazing joys to the darkest sorrows. He walks with me in good times and bad. And He wants to do the same for you. All you have to do is ask.

Much like the brilliantly colored leaves that fall to the ground, the changes we experience in life will never be distinctly alike. Some of changes will be pleasant ones that we wish would last forever and others will bring with them an unpleasantness that seems unbearable. No matter what type of change you are going through, God will walk through the valley with you. He will hold your hand. He will carry you all the way. While this world may be racked to the core with change, there is one thing that will never, ever change. Remember that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). Put your trust in Jesus. Don’t let the unwelcome changes in life get you down. Instead, step outside in the crisp, fall air. Listen to the rustle of the wind blowing gently through the trees. Spend some time alone with God in prayer in the midst of the changing leaves.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

The "Big Break"

 Are you waiting for that “big break?”  Do you spend every waking moment dreaming about that moment when you win the lottery, land a role in the next box office hit, or finally get the job you have been waiting for all of your life?  In your zest to radically change your life, do you often overlook the daily joys because of your focus on the single moment that you hope changes everything?  While it is easy to center your life on one lofty goal, make sure you take time to enjoy the small victories in life.  As one wise person once said, “Take time to smell the roses.”  Otherwise, you may easily miss out on what is happening right now, simply because you are waiting for something to happen.

Personally, I often find myself thinking of the future, as opposed to delighting in the present.  There are times when my Dad and I will be anticipating an exotic voyage on a cruise, or other adventurous vacation, and it seems all of my thoughts revolve around that one trip.  At times, I can scarcely concentrate on my daily tasks, due to thoughts regarding our adventure…  What clothes should I pack?  How many SD cards should I format for my camera?  I need to make sure I take my curling iron.  Oh, and I certainly cannot forget to take my iPod!  And most importantly, I need to pack my Bible.  The list goes on and on.  I know there are times I spend a much greater number of minutes planning what to pack than I spend actually packing.  But, it is the anticipation of the joyful journey that lures me in, and causes me to center my thoughts on all of the tiniest details, often to the exclusion of what is going on in the immediate present.

Other times, I find myself dreaming of the moment that I am blessed to have my first book published, a dream I have had since I was a little girl.  I write and write, anticipating this very day.  The desire to write becomes so great at times that nothing but writing will provide contentment.  The words come flowing forth, and I find such relaxation when I am writing them all down, sure to not miss even one.  Does this mean I don’t like to do anything but write?  Certainly not!  But, there are times when I want to focus all of my thoughts and energy on this one passion.  At the same time, there are moments when I put all of my resources into singing or speaking to women about my journey to finding joy around the bend.  Even so, I realize that I have so many opportunities to minister to others, whether I am writing, singing, speaking, or simply performing my normal daily routine as a middle school teacher.

We may want to be the next big superstar or we may wish we were a millionaire.  Inevitably, though, the most important thing is whether or not we are in the will of God.  In His timing, He will move us to the next phase of our life.  We are called to give 100% of ourselves to the Lord’s work, knowing that everything we do as unto the Lord is valuable.  I Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) says, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  God calls us to stand firm.  In other words, we should not waver.  We should put our complete trust in the Lord that He will give us the ability to complete every task with the knowledge that we are on a journey to a destination much bigger than Hollywood or Broadway.  We are working toward a Heavenly goal.  And what is the best part?  This “big break” is given freely to all who will believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God.

So, if you’re constantly thinking of what step you should take to strike it big, remember this: the most important step you will ever take is to ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life.  Once you begin this personal relationship with Him, you will be able to immediately say that you are a servant of the Lord of Lords, a child of the King of Kings, and a friend of the Savior of the World.  Worldly successes may be enjoyable, but only for a season.  The successes you find in Jesus Christ, however, last forever.  So, the next time you think about your next “big break,” think about the ultimate “big break.”  If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will experience a life beyond any you could ever imagine on this earth below.  One day, you’ll have that mansion you’ve always dreamed of, and you’ll be walking on streets of gold surrounded by gates of pearl.  Everyone will know your name, and you’ll know their names as well.  Best of all, Jesus Christ will be walking right beside you, just as He’s done all of your life.  Why wait?  Take the first step today.  Your “big break” has arrived…

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer