Matthew 2:11 "And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
Gold, frankincense, myrrh!! That's valuable stuff! All I got were some socks, a bag of t-shirts and a 3-in-one ratchet wrench.
The wise men of Matthew 2:1-12 brought gifts that were truly fit for a King and their presentation was an act of worship. These gifts represented the finest their cultures had to offer. Their lengthy journey displayed great respect and admiration for this God-child.
My gifts? Oh, they came from people who love me and care about who I am. Their monetary value may not be great, but their "heart" value is priceless. Sadly, we too often judge the amount of someone's love for us by the size and value of the gifts we receive from them. Jesus became God's present to humanity only to endure the pain of death so that we may accept His crimson-wrapped package of life everlasting.
That's one gift I plan to keep...you can have the ratchet wrench!
Merry Christmas to All!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Unwrap This Present
Luke 2:8-20
Arriving in Bethlehem some time prior to the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph sought rest from the difficult 80 mile journey. Having completed their role in the census, they came to the fulfillment of another honor placed upon them - the birth of Jesus! News of this blessed event traveled on angel's wings to shepherds, who would overcome their initial fear of the majestic, heavenly beings and would hurry to Bethlehem to pay homage to the new-born baby lying in a manger. These men of the flock would leave this hallowed spot filled with excitement and eager to share the precious story with all who would listen.
To the shepherds the birth of Jesus would become personal. For many today it is just another story in an all-to-fanciful tale designed to excite the children, drain the wallet and exhaust the senses. But let me assure you of one thing...the story is true! Jesus was born; He did live in sinless perfection on this earth; He did die for our sins and will one day come again to receive all who have believed in Him. As you unwrap your presents this Christmas season, don't forget to take the blankets from this Baby, wrap Him in royalty, place a crown of victory upon His head, and proclaim Him Savior, King and Lord of your life.
Merry Christmas to All!
Arriving in Bethlehem some time prior to the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph sought rest from the difficult 80 mile journey. Having completed their role in the census, they came to the fulfillment of another honor placed upon them - the birth of Jesus! News of this blessed event traveled on angel's wings to shepherds, who would overcome their initial fear of the majestic, heavenly beings and would hurry to Bethlehem to pay homage to the new-born baby lying in a manger. These men of the flock would leave this hallowed spot filled with excitement and eager to share the precious story with all who would listen.
To the shepherds the birth of Jesus would become personal. For many today it is just another story in an all-to-fanciful tale designed to excite the children, drain the wallet and exhaust the senses. But let me assure you of one thing...the story is true! Jesus was born; He did live in sinless perfection on this earth; He did die for our sins and will one day come again to receive all who have believed in Him. As you unwrap your presents this Christmas season, don't forget to take the blankets from this Baby, wrap Him in royalty, place a crown of victory upon His head, and proclaim Him Savior, King and Lord of your life.
Merry Christmas to All!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Leap For Joy
During the early stages of her pregnancy, Mary visits with her relative, Elizabeth. Upon hearing the news concerning Mary's baby, the child in Elizabeth's womb leaps within her. Mary's discourse, found in Luke 1:39-56, flows from an overwhelming combination of joy and unworthiness. She expresses her total trust in God and the intimate desire to be his servant. Her extended stay with Elizabeth would doubtless be one of inspiration and learning, as she realized the magnitude of the gift and responsibility given to her.
As we approach the virginal pages of another year, may we all understand that each day will bring its own surprises and opportunities. Hasten to find wise counsel, kneel to secure blessed assurance, then go forth under Divine inspiration to meet those challenges as a confident servant of the living Lord. Remember Mary's words in verse 49, "For he that is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name."
Merry Christmas to all!
As we approach the virginal pages of another year, may we all understand that each day will bring its own surprises and opportunities. Hasten to find wise counsel, kneel to secure blessed assurance, then go forth under Divine inspiration to meet those challenges as a confident servant of the living Lord. Remember Mary's words in verse 49, "For he that is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name."
Merry Christmas to all!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Divine Intervention
Matthew 1:19, 20 - Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Imagine Joseph and Mary living in modern day America. Engaged but unwed, she tells him she is pregnant. Joseph, being a man of integrity, finds himself in a real dilemma. "I know our culture has come to accept this kind of situation," he says, "but this child is not mine. How could she do this to me?!"
While Joseph ponders the situation, wise counsel is given to him. His thoughts and attitude change; he comes to realize that Divinity is somehow still in control of his life. The child is born...and God smiles.
No, there are no virgin births today. The marvelous advances in science still have not figured out how to accomplish that feat. It still takes the productivity of man and woman to produce human life. But Jesus is different for a great reason. Anything made totally by man can be destroyed by man. The Holy Spirit's intervention in Mary's womb opened man's pathway to eternity by producing life that could never be destroyed...life that you and I can receive when this Jesus becomes more than just a baby; peace that will come when He is conceived in our hearts. Invite Him into your life today.
Imagine Joseph and Mary living in modern day America. Engaged but unwed, she tells him she is pregnant. Joseph, being a man of integrity, finds himself in a real dilemma. "I know our culture has come to accept this kind of situation," he says, "but this child is not mine. How could she do this to me?!"
While Joseph ponders the situation, wise counsel is given to him. His thoughts and attitude change; he comes to realize that Divinity is somehow still in control of his life. The child is born...and God smiles.
No, there are no virgin births today. The marvelous advances in science still have not figured out how to accomplish that feat. It still takes the productivity of man and woman to produce human life. But Jesus is different for a great reason. Anything made totally by man can be destroyed by man. The Holy Spirit's intervention in Mary's womb opened man's pathway to eternity by producing life that could never be destroyed...life that you and I can receive when this Jesus becomes more than just a baby; peace that will come when He is conceived in our hearts. Invite Him into your life today.
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