Category Archives: Holidays & Holy Days

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December 25, 2013

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God's Grace & Love, Holidays & Holy Days

It’s His Birthday – Look What We Got!

2013-12-25Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). [Isaiah 7:14b (NLT)]

Thank you, Lord, for the best gift ever!

 

“The Gift” [lyrics by Randy Travis]
He was born in Bethlehem they say,
there was a star to light the path to where He lay.
Rich or poor they came from far and near,
cause they’d all heard the reason He was here.
He was the Son God sent to one and all.
Put on this earth to hang there on that cross.
Born to die so we could live.
He had the birthday, we got the gift.
They wrapped him up with gentle hands.
God hoped the world would understand.
Eternal life we shall receive.
And all that He asks in return is that we just believe.
He was the Son God sent to one and all.
Put on this earth to hang there on that cross.
Born to die so we could live.
He had the birthday, we got the gift.
There’s no way in this world we could repay
the miracle He gave us on that day.
He was the Son God sent to one and all,
Put on this earth to hang there on that cross,
Born to die so we could live.
He had the birthday, we got the gift.
On our Savior’s birthday, we got the gift.

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December 11, 2013

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Holidays & Holy Days, Love & Works

Christmas Gifts

2013-12-11Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors. [Deuteronomy 15:10-11 (MSG)]

I have a friend who needed to rent a truck to bring home all of the gifts she’d purchased this last weekend. She said she still has twenty-six more gifts to purchase for Christmas. God wisely kept His hand over my mouth as I pondered her words.

The first Christmas gift wasn’t wrapped in a gaudy box and laid under an ornamented tree in a beautifully decorated home. The first Christmas gift was wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a feed trough in a stable. That first gift was a gift of sacrifice, forgiveness and love. Unlike today’s presents, that first gift will never break, go out of style, wear out, or need replacement batteries. The gift of Jesus is a present that continues to work it’s miracle of love and redemption. Lord, guide us so that the gifts we give at Christmas reflect your grace and not simply the depth of our pockets or the extent of our credit limits!

The best gift we can offer others is the gift of our time. A helping hand, a listening ear, simple words of encouragement and support: these are presents wrapped in love and caring. They may be small gifts handed out just now and then, but over the years they add up to so much. [Joel Osteen, from “The Christmas Spirit”]

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December 10, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holidays & Holy Days

‘Tis the Season to be Busy

A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”

 The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” [Luke 10: 38b-42 (MSG)]

O Lord, there is so much we need to do and so little time in which to do it. Our days seem to pass by in a whirlwind of activity. We need a few more hours in each day if we’re ever going to accomplish everything set before us. Don’t let our busyness, even when we’re occupied doing something for you, hinder us from feeling your presence in our lives. Help us pause to relish the holiness of this and every day.

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December 8, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holidays & Holy Days, Wisdom & Guidance

Presence Not Presents (2nd Sunday in Advent)

And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel” (which being interpreted is, “God with us”). [Matthew 1:21-23 (NKJV)]

In this Christmas season, O Lord, how easy it is to get caught up in the trimmings and forget the significance of this holiday. As the celebration of our Savior’s birth fast approaches, help us focus on Christ’s presence and not people’s presents. Remind us of the true meaning of “Christmas spirit” and show us how to keep Christ at the center of our hearts, not just this holiday season but every day of the year.

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December 1, 2013

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Holidays & Holy Days, Wisdom & Guidance

Prepare the Way – 1st Sunday in Advent

Thunder in the desert! “Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God. Fill in the valleys, level off the hills, Smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks. Then God’s bright glory will shine and everyone will see it. Yes. Just as God has said.” [Isaiah 40:3-5 (MSG)]

As we prepare for the Christmas holidays, Lord, guide us so that we do not forget the reason for the season. Let the desire for peace, love and joy lead us and not our concern for gifts, decorations, and food. May we truly prepare the way of the Lord, not the way of Santa Claus!

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November 28, 2013

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Holidays & Holy Days, Joy, Thanks & Praise

Let Us Give Thanks (Thanksgiving Day)

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. [Psalm 28:7 (NLT)]

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. [Psalm 23:1 (NLT)]

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for you alone can meet our every need. You comfort us during the storms of life and strengthen us when we are weak. When we tire, you refresh us. When we fall, you lift and carry us. When we cry out in need, you sustain us. When we are lost, you seek and find us. You will neither abandon nor forsake, but love and bless us. May we walk in peace with you all the days of our lives. All honor and glory be unto you. Amen.

Thanksgiving – remember to do both this holiday season. [Sign seen in front of Naples, FL, school]