As I read the various parts of the Christmas Story a number of questions come to mind. The answers to some are found elsewhere in Scripture and some of the answers don’t seem to be found in God’s Word. We know what Joseph did with regards to not severing the relationship with Mary but what thoughts and questions were going through his mind during that time when Mary was expecting her first child. After all, it wasn’t his child.  There are just some things that God has chosen not to reveal to us at this time. There will come a day when all of God’s children will take up their eternal residence with Him in heaven and He will have all of eternity to teach us all that we don’t currently know. Thank you Lord for revealing your Son to this heart. Have a blessed day.

Christ was born in a stable in Bethlehem. While the world slept, angels rejoiced that God’s promised Savior had arrived and the journey from the manger to the cross had begun. The angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and gave her the news that she would be the mother of the Savior. Mary was probably between 13-16 years old when God chose her. The life expectancy of people was only about 40-45 years of age. One can only wonder all of the things that went through her mind during the pregnancy. Even after the birth of Christ one can only ponder all that Mary knew about her son. Did she really understand what God had done through her? Mary, did you know? Have a blessed day.

I post this image nearly every year. It is a ceramic ornament that my wife made years ago…many years ago. He is one of my favorite ornaments, not because he is Santa Claus, but because of who made him and the work required to make this special decoration. There are those who believe that St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, is the spirit of Christmas because he represents the spirit of giving that surrounds the season. It truth Christ is the spirit of Christmas because God is love and God gave us His Son so that we might possess the greatest gift of all, eternal life through Jesus Christ. Have a blessed day.

Considering all of the things that surround our Christmas celebrations today, it is impossible to imagine all that happened on the night that Christ was born. What was celebrated by the heavenly hosts on that night can be celebrated in our hearts and the gift that was given of all of mankind can still be shared with those who don’t know Him. Let the celebration begin in your heart. Have a blessed week

The grand kids have always been a source of joy to my wife and me. Each birth brought a new addition to the family and the promise of wonderful adventures ahead. Those promises have been fulfilled a multitude of times. On a night, in a stable in Bethlehem a new addition to the family was born and the promise of salvation for all was fulfilled. Christ was born and the angels rejoiced. Not all of the world was aware of the significance of his birth. Some probably just thought…there’s a new kid in town. Little did they know that He would be the sweetest gift ever given to mankind. Have a blessed day.

 

“…and you shall know that I, the Lord am your Savior and your Redeemer…” (Isaiah 60:16) To those who sincerely look for the answers, God makes it very clear that He is the Creator of all creation and that there is no salvation of the soul beyond the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ. At Christmas we celebrate and honor the birth of Christ. On Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. These two events are inseparable in the life of the believer. John 3:16 tells us why God sent Christ to this world. God was motivated by love. He loved us so much that He would not allow sin to keep us from having a personal relationship and daily fellowship with Him. Christ tells us, in John 3:17 that His purpose in coming was not to condemn this world, but to save it. He is that hope that lives in us. The birth of Christ may seem to some like a strange way to to save the world, but it was a labor of love. Have a blessed day.

Last week the family celebrated my wife’s birthday with dinner and then a visit to the local town square, that has been lit up for Christmas. The square is a very popular place during the holiday season for friends and families to gather and take photos. I am sure that some people will turn their photo into Christmas cards for the season.

It’s not all that often that I can get these two together for a photo. Even when they are together there seems to be an activity or event that is keeping them busy and away from the camera.

Nana and two of the grand kids. Yes, my wife has officially become the shortest member of the family and the grandson has surpassed me as the second tallest member of the group. He is pushing six feet. The two older grandchildren will be home for Christmas and I hope to get everyone back on the square for another photo shoot.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Baking cookies and making treats has long been a tradition in this family. This image is from 2012. The young lady on the far left is now married while the young lady on the far right is now a freshman in college. While photos bring back fond memories, they are also a vivid reminder of just how quickly time flies.

On the evening of Christ’s birth, angels appeared to shepherds and declared the event. Among their first words were “Glory to God in the hightest…” because Glory had descended from heaven and was sleeping in a stable in Bethlehem. Glory indeed.

Christmas is all about life. The birth of Christ gave the hope of eternal life to this world. While his arrival in Bethlehem did not cause a great stir here on earth, the heavens rejoice and called the earth to join in the worship of an eternal king.