Have you ever read a story, seen a news article, or witnessed an event and wonder what  you would do in the same situation? Would you react differently that the person or people in the story? What about Christmas. If you were in the area surrounding Bethlehem on the first Christmas eve and the news that a Savior had been born, how would you react? Would you rush to the site and worship the newborn King or would you simply observe the reaction of others, or do nothing? Every day we have the opportunity to invite the King of kings into our life and give Him control of our future. He promises to give us the best future possible, victory over death and eternity spent in a place prepared just for us praising and worshiping Him.

Aww…Mondays

Home Alone

This is what happens when Lucy and I are left without adult supervision. My wife had to be gone for the day, so I broke out the camera and tripod, set everything up and took a few Christmas photos of Lucy and me. You can see that Lucy is thrilled about the whole situation.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

Angels played an important role in Scripture and they continue to be a part of the life of believers today. An angel told Zacharias and Elizabeth that they would be the parents of John the Baptist. An angel announced to Mary the coming birth of Christ and told Joseph that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Angels announced to shepherds that a Savior had been born and and offered their praise. Angels we have heard on high. May the joy of Christmas visit your home and heart this season.

Human beings find great joy in new born life. Whether it’s a puppy, a calf, or a new member of the family, there is just something special about a newborn. In order for us to spend eternity in a special place, prepared just for us, Christ said that we must be reborn. That gift of eternal life was made possible by His birth. Some days it is overwhelming to know that the Savior of this world came to this world as a newborn babe. The Creator of the universe humbled Himself and came into this world to pay the price for our sinful behavior in order that we might enjoy eternal fellowship with the God of all creation. Have a blessed Christmas season.

The second chapter of Luke tells us that Christ was born in a stable because there were no rooms available in town. The book of Revelation says that Christ stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. Salvation will come if we invite Him in. The question is, have we made room for the Savior.

 

I started doing this Christmas Marathon ten years ago because I wanted to do something to focus on the true meaning of the season. Our society has become laser focused on the season, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, college and pro football and time spent with family. Time spent with family is priceless but it is not the reason we celebrate Christmas. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the souls of mankind. Some days we find ourselves asking, “Where are you Christmas?”

For a follower of Christ, who has experienced the forgiveness of sin and salvation through faith in Christ their spiritual eyes have been opened and they have seen God’s salvation in the person of Jesus Christ. Glory to God in the Highest.

I love stained glass. Where ever we travel, if there is stained glass, I try to get access to photograph it. There is just something special about the colors when the sunlight is shining through the glass and telling the story of the birth of Christ to everyone within the  building.

“So it was, that while they were athere, the days were completed ffor her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7

Christmas 2002

Christmas has always been the favorite holiday in our home and the excitement has been passed down to the grand kids. The oldest grand daughter is now 24, married, and they have just purchased their first home. She has her tree up and it looks like her mom or her Nana could have done it. The unhappy little fellow on my lap is now over 6 feet tall. The joy these youngsters have brought into this family is immeasurable.

The greatest joy that can be brought to the human heart is the joy of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a blessing just to be able to celebrate His birth with friends and family each year. May the joy of Christmas light up you home and life this season.

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shpherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15

From the very beginning, God made it clear that salvation would be available to everyone who sought out the Savior. Shepherds were among the lowest of professions and not highly valued, yet God chose to reveal the birth of His Son and our Savior to these men first. It was their faith that moved them out of the hills and into the presence of Jesus.  In Matthew 28:19-20, again in Mark 16:15 and Luke 24:44-49 Christ reminds His followers that we are to tell the world about the sweetest gift of all. Go Tell It On The Mountain!

Monday’s Music Moves Me

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday are things of the past. While today is Cyber Monday for shoppers it is also Day 4 of my 2019 Christmas Music Marathon so if you’ve missed the first three days, just scroll back and take a listen. If this past week-end wasn’t enough of a reminder…It is Christmas Time again.

In some circles there is a bit of a debate whether Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays is the correct greeting of the season. I am not offended by either. Some would tell us that there are multiple holidays spanning a plethora of spiritual concepts, so they cover all of the bases with “Happy Holidays”. That’s okay, but I am a follower of Jesus Christ and I want to identify with the specific reason for my celebration. I am celebrating the birth of a Savior and the holiday carries His name. Therefore, you will hear me wish you a Merry Christmas. Today’s selections cover a range of Christmas thoughts and wishes. Enjoy and have a blessed week. Stop by every day for new music between now and Christmas Day!

There is no doubt that Christmas is the favorite holiday in our family. It is the most wonderful time of the year.