North Georgia Emmaus & Chrysalis Community

The North Georgia Chrysalis community needs your help!

We need sponsors for youth. Youth must be 15 (by September 2011) to 24 years old and have finished their freshman year in high school.

We also need servants to serve on the boy’s flight. If you have been on Chrysalis or Emmaus, you are eligible to serve. Please email the lay directors (see below) or team selection: Kelly Meador (keketwin (a)yahoo.com) or Rob Simon (robsimon111(a)gmail.com).

June 02-05, 2011

Thursday-Sunday
Chrysalis #69/YAC #46 (all female)
Lay Director: Denise Hotze
watapaching(a) gmail.com

June 09-12, 2011
Thursday-Sunday
Chrysalis #70/YAC #47 (all male)
Lay Director: Michael Creighton
mzrtsinbad (a)gmail.com

Blessings ,
Board Rep for North Georgia Chrysalis

Christmas is ...

Christmas is like God, timeless and eternal.
Christmas is not just a season of a day in the year, but a condition of the heart.
Christmas is the message that there is hope for all humanity.

Christmas is love in action ~ giving, sharing, opening ourselves to others ~ loving ourselves and loving others.

Christmas is the celebration of a baby, born in a manger. A baby who lived and grew and loved and taught and gave of himself unselfishly for others and died and lives again. A baby who changed the world that was and changed the world that is and changed the world that will be.

Christmas is so much more than a moment or an hour or a day. It is life and living and death and dying and the event that brought heaven and earth into harmony in a manner that will not be seen again until God only knows. So, let’s celebrate, rejoice, praise God and share the message of a baby born in Bethlehem so many years ago!

Something to Think About - 7

"Veiled in Flesh" - Devotionals from the Peachtree Road Staff; Advent 2010

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory." ~ Ephesians 1:3-14

As fall unfolds, it’s not hard to look around and find the presence of God in many places. To see the vibrant colors emerging on trees and the coolness in the air offers credence that there is a larger presence in our world.

While there are visible signs everywhere, there are also every day blessings we receive from others – you just have to realize them. My family went through some health challenges and continues to, yet I constantly see God in my home. My husband has chronic hip and leg pain and it is difficult for him to walk, sit or stand. He can no longer enjoy the activities he use to such as playing tennis or golf, exercising or doing outdoor activities with our daughter. While this might be discouraging for some, he continues to amaze me with his effervescent attitude. Despite his constant severe discomfort, he wakes up happy, smiling and has an incredible outlook
every day – a true blessing by the grace of God.

As a result of witnessing her father’s pain, my daughter has become more sympathetic, empathetic, caring and thoughtful which will hopefully be a part of her soul for the rest of her life. I truly believe that out of an any adverse situation comes many blessings. Through God’s presence, I am lucky enough to be the recipient of many of these and live my life with two of them.

Robin King

Something to Think About - 4

Number 4 in the series entitled "Something to Think About". Hope you are inspired to pause, think, and then take action!

Heart, Soul, and Mind

Love is a simple concept, yet changing it from a noun to a verb has its challenges. Jesus calls us to love the Lord...not just with our hearts, but with our minds and our souls—with everything we have. When we are able to love God like that, we better understand how to love others. God’s love flows freely to us, we reflect it back to God and let it flow through us to others. We can pick through our life’s baggage and come up with many excuses not to love. But of all the laws and instruction God has given us in the Bible, loving God and neighbor is at the top of the list. What can you do today to show love to God…and to someone you talk with today?

Praying the Scriptures: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39, CEB)

Something to Think About - 3

Number 3 in the series entitled "Something to Think About". Hope you are inspired to pause, think, and then take action!

God's Children

The Bible is filled with the phrase "God's children." This is fitting in at least two ways. We need God’s guidance on our life journey, as we try not to get hung up on the things of the world. Instead, we seek to reflect the heart of God in all we do and, as a child to a parent, we seek God’s favor and blessing. Children take joy in things we have long taken for granted—a cool glass of lemonade, running through the sprinkler, a beautiful sunset. As we pass through these summer days, take notice of the children. Will you decide to drink in life a little more deeply like them? What joy can you celebrate today as God’s child?

Praying the scriptures: "Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. "Allow the children to come to me," Jesus said. "Don't forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children." Then he blessed the children. (Matthew 19:14-15, CEB)

Something to Think About - 2

Number 2 in the series entitled "Something to Think About". Hope you are inspired to pause, think, and then take action!

What is faith?

What is faith? How would you explain it to someone? For such a central and essential part of the Christian life, faith is remarkably difficult to define. Hebrews 11:1-2 says, “Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. The elders in the past were approved because they showed faith.” That’s the definition, right? Sort of. The real definition of faith in Hebrews continues in 11:3-39, the acts of faith by God’s people. And that in turn is a summary of the Bible. A better question then might be “where do you see and show faith?”

Praying the Scriptures: By faith we understand that the universe has been created by a word from God so that the visible came into existence from the invisible.... By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going. By faith he lived in the land he had been promised as a stranger. He lived in tents along with Isaac and Jacob, who were coheirs of the same promise. He was looking forward to a city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah received the ability to have a child, though she herself was barren and past the age for having children, because she believed that the one who promised was faithful. So descendants were born from one man (and he was as good as dead). They were as many as the number of the stars in the sky and as countless as the grains of sand on the seashore. All of these people died in faith without receiving the promises, but they saw the promises from a distance and welcomed them. They confessed that they were strangers and immigrants on earth. People who say this kind of thing make it clear that they are looking for a homeland. If they had been thinking about the country that they had left, they would have had the opportunity to return to it. But at this point in time, they are longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God isn’t ashamed to be called their God—he has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:3, 8-16, CEB)

Something to Think About - 1

I found several meditations that have made me pause and think. I want to share these with you. The series is entitled "Something to Think About". Hope you are inspired to pause, think, and then take action!

With a Grateful Heart

Read: Deuteronomy 26:1–11

Have you already made your Black Friday shopping list and checked it twice? Besides taking advantage of great deals, the hustle and bustle of getting up before dawn to pursue the best price on the latest gadget just appeals to the competitive spirit in each of us.

There is certainly nothing wrong with a good deal or giving gifts. But nestled on the eve of the most popular shopping event of the year—seemingly forgotten—is the American Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanksgiving. It’s a day set aside to reflect, rejoice, and celebrate the gifts we have already been given. Gifts like family or friends; gifts that are both material and immaterial; gifts that no matter their actual cost are valued deeply by you.

Last year—in a down economy—Americans spent over $41 billion the weekend following Thanksgiving according to the National Retail Federation. For a little perspective, some advocacy groups estimate the worldwide clean water crisis could be eliminated for $10 billion.

This year, perhaps we should all make another list—a Thanksgiving list—and check it as many times as necessary, share it with family, e-mail it to friends, post it on-line, and truly celebrate the many reasons we have to give thanks.

Praying the Scriptures:
Know that the LORD is God—
he made us; we belong to him.
we are his people,
the sheep of his own pasture.
Enter his gates with thanks;
enter his courtyards with praise!
Thank him! Bless his name!
Because the LORD is good,
his loyal love lasts forever;
his faithfulness lasts
generation after generation.
(Psalm 100:3–5 CEB)

2009 spending: http://www.nrf.com/modules.php?name=news&op=viewlive&sp_id=841
Solving water crisis: http://www.adventconspiracy.org/water/

A Friendly Conversation

Common English Bible Meditations

Praying the scriptures:
“Dear friends, let us love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God. The person who doesn’t love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8, CEB)

Taking Time
When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with a friend? This person is someone you trust, someone you confide in, and vice versa. Often these types of conversations wait until some crisis in life hits or, on the flipside, when great news just has to be shared. Consider contacting a friend you haven't seen in awhile and schedule lunch or some fun outing together. This gift of loving each other helps us better understand the gift of God's love for us.

Ask, Seek, Knock

Common English Bible Meditations
Ask, Seek, Knock

When Jesus gave his "Sermon on the Mount," huge crowds came to listen. They stayed for hours and hours, taking in this once-in-a-lifetime moment. The parables of Jesus are simply profound. Whether a child or a scholar, every person who heard Jesus that day understood what he was saying. There was something for everyone. Amazing truths came from Jesus as effortlessly as a normal conversation. His words remain today. They still hold true. If you ask, search, and knock, what will God reveal to you today?

Praying the scriptures:
Ask, and you’ll receive. Search, and you’ll find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. And everyone who searches finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door is opened. —Matthew 6:7-8 (CEB)

... we all fall down!

As I have been preparing for tonight’s Ash Wednesday service at the church I recalled this treasured nursery rhyme: Ring around the roses, pockets full of posies, ashes to ashes we all fall down! I remember my children holding hands and reaching out to anyone close enough to catch within their circle as they skipped and sang this song before tumbling to the ground into a laughing, giggling pile of joy. It did not matter what age you were, it seemed you were qualified to play this game. Next to “Hide and go seek” this was my children’s favorite game to play with every member of the family. Through the years I have always been surprised by how much I have learned from my children and this simple little game is another example.
There have been several lessons I learned from playing this game with my children and their friends. I learned that we have a lot more fun when we all play together. I learned that laughing at myself was more enjoyable than laughing at others. I also learned that the ground was just a little further to fall to for some of us and it hurt when I landed!

Isn’t that just like life? It seems the higher, the bigger, and the more important or more favored we think we are, life has a way of bringing us back to the basics. And sometimes it hurts when we land. Sometimes it’s our ego, sometimes it’s our pride, sometimes it’s our dignity, but it all hurts. I also learned that it was harder to get up after falling down for some of us and we need a helping hand or an encouraging word from our friends to help us get back into the game.

Today is Ash Wednesday in the Christian church. It is a time for each of us to participate in the call to repentance and reconciliation with God and with our neighbors. We use ashes as a physical sign of our own mortality and remorse for the things we’ve done that have hurt the people around us. Participation in a service of the Imposition of Ashes can be a powerful experience that allows us to reach for the hand of a friend whether it is for help in picking ourselves up or lifting someone else.

I recently read a comment that said “It's not how we fall but how we get up that matters most. I'm still working on the getting up part.” Can I give you a hand?

A Baby’s Lullaby

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:6-7

“Hush little baby don't you cry
Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everything's gonna be all right
The Lord's gonna answer your prayer tonight”

Words that sound so familiar yet are slightly different. Words that bring blessed memories and thoughts of dreams that didn’t come true. Words that have the power to soothe the most broken-hearted and terrify within the same breath.

These lyrics are a new version of a classic children’s lullaby that has been sung to children across the world. I sang the lullaby to my children as I rocked them and comforted them in the middle of the night. I’m sure many of you have also, and many of you will also sing them to your grandchildren. But I find today that they have a new meaning for me.

Can you imagine this lullaby from the perspective of Joseph as he looked in wonder at his newborn son? The questions that must have raced through his mind! What about all of the fears, the doubts, the uncertainties of being privileged to be the daddy to the Son of God? And then the realization that God was being held in his arms. Talk about being awestruck with the miracle of birth, can you imagine?

And what about the young mother, Mary? After having been forced to ride a donkey for what probably felt like years in the condition of pregnancy she was in, now she would give birth in what amounted to a cave surrounded not by doctors, nurses or mid-wives, but by oxen and sheep. Then as her child, her son, was lifted up and wrapped in cloths and placed in her arms, she was able to look in to the eyes of God. What did he see, did he see the unconditional love that a mother feels for her child? Did she see His unconditional love?

As the human infant Jesus took his first breath, did he let out a cry? Did he feel the pain of separation from God the Father that we do? And I can’t help but wonder, if Mary sang him a lullaby to comfort him and reassure him -

“Hush little baby don't you cry
Mommy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everything's gonna be all right
The Lord's gonna answer your prayer tonight”

During this time, I pray that you feel the love of your heavenly Father and that you are able to experience the awestruck wonder of a baby born in a manger in far-off Bethlehem more than two centuries ago. And maybe you can hear in the quiet stillness of the night the sound of a lullaby being sung to each of us with the voice of Our Heavenly Father.

Merry Christmas …..

~ Rev. Pat

What is Love?

The Bible Dictionary describes “Love” as “the very nature of God”. Love is oftentimes identified as the greatest of the Christian virtues. However, when googled on the internet, many different descriptions for “love” pops up, everything from a love calculator to love songs. But, what does it really mean?

When I think of Love, lots of things come to my mind, my husband, my son, and my close friends. Christmas usually conjures thoughts of Love as we buy special gifts for those we love. There are also many Bible verses concerning Love. One that particularly stands out is John 3:16. The New International Version 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”.

Just think… “God gave His One and Only Son.” There truly is no greater love. I guess that I did not really comprehend this until I became a mother of a one and only son. My husband and I prayed for 8 years for a baby. God answered our prayers with the adoption of a precious 6 week old baby boy. I was completely overwhelmed with love for this baby the minute I laid eyes on him and my love for him has grown as each day passes. Prior to motherhood, I thought that I knew about “love”, but there is a much greater expansion to this single simple word when it refers to loving one’s own child. Sacrificing Jesus for Us is evidence of God’s amazingly incredible love for us. God knew when Jesus was born what was planned for Him and, yet God still gave us His Son. The nature of our God is truly a Love that we can just barely comprehend.

Praise be to God.

~ Samantha

Waiting................

He is a young college student, driving home for a weekend of home cooking. His parents pray for traveling mercies. And wait. Another is deployed so very far from his new beautiful bride. She prays for his safety and a phone call from him. She counts the days, the hours. And she waits. They have watched their first born leave the nest to build her own. They pray for her happiness and a visit. And they wait. She was a young, unmarried virgin, expecting a child. And engaged. Visited by the angel Gabriel, assured, she said, "I am the Lord's servant." And she waits.

At Advent, we prepare and we wait. We celebrate and remember the birth of our King, humbly in a stable. We sing, rejoice and give gifts. We praise our Father in heaven for the indescribable gift. And now, we wait for His return. For our eternity in heaven with Him. For glory forever. We wait.

Serving Him with our gifts given by Him, we too must say, "I am the Lord's servant." Love Him, Serve Him, Praise Him. Wait for Him. He is coming. Alleluia He is Coming ! We wait with joy at His return.

~ Rebecca

1 Corinthians 13, Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry CHRISTmas!
~ Author Unknown

God so loved the world

John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave... Love is an action word. Love gives without expectation of return. Love gives because love wants the best for the one that is loved. God's love is unconditional. We cannot make God love us more by doing more. We cannot make God love us less by our failures.

The Bible is one love story broken into sixty-six books. The Bible shows us that God is a God of love from Genesis through Revelation. Romans 5:8 tells us that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Unconditional love does not wait for us to be perfect. Love loves regardless. He paid that price because He loves us not because we are worthy. He makes us worthy by His sacrifice.

1 Corinthians 13 tells us of God's agape love. We can rest secure in God's love. We know that God does not keep records of our wrongs. We are thankful that God's love is patient and kind and forgiving.

During this Advent season, we would do well to remember that we are loved. We should remember that God so loved us that He was willing to send Christ to pay our sin debt and if we accept that sacrifice, we no longer owe anything for our sins. Chris paid it all.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we can rejoice in the fact that our heavenly Father thinks we are fantastic. We can rejoice in the fact that we bring a warm smile to His face when He thinks of us. We can rejoice in the fact that we are the beloved of the Creator. We can rejoice in the fact that we have eternal life with our Father who will never condemn us. That is something to celebrate!

~ Ronnie

JOY!

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means ‘God is with us.’” - Matthew 1:23

 Daniel in the lion’s den
 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace

What’s the common denominator? In the midst of difficulty, God was with them. Being God, He could have easily saved them, transported them from their difficulties. Instead He chose to reveal His power through the trials, rather than remove them.

The Bible promises good things to those who seek the Lord, but there’s no guarantee this life will be easy. Trials and difficulties are a part of life.

In April of this year I was diagnosed with a rare but treatable form of cancer. Following my first surgery our water heater exploded and flooded our house. Then my grandmother passed away. I’ve been a Christian for 30 years, and the Lord was with me, but I struggled and cried and sought the Lord. Was this act of seeking and not understanding non-Christian behavior? No! I trusted God and found my joy in the fact He never wastes our present pains and trials.

Life was hard, but I found joy in the day-to-day relationship I had with my God. He never left me and I found that, despite my circumstances, I had joy. James 1:2 says when troubles come our way we should consider it an opportunity for joy.

During my time of great need, I knew God was with me and His nearness gave me joy. We can also rejoice in the fact we have a God who wants to be our intimate friend. He’s not far-removed in heaven on a throne. Jesus was God come to Earth and we can rejoice in the fact there’s no emotion or trial we will ever face that Jesus didn’t experience first-hand.

Joy comes in knowing God will NEVER leave you. He will never turn a deaf ear to your heartfelt prayers. He is interested in every detail of your life. God is with you! Rejoice!

~ Amy

Joyful! Joyful!

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” – Psalm 28:7

In my closet I have an amazing number and variety of shoes that I have acquired over the years. Some of them are for use in the yard. Some are very specific for riding the motorcycle. Some are everyday work shoes. But some of them have a very special meaning and place in my heart – these are my party shoes! Whenever I put them on, whenever I look upon them, I am filled with good – even great! – memories and my spirit leaps with joy.

During this time of year, I can’t help but wonder if Mary felt that way when she found out she would be the mother of God? I don’t think so. Although we read in the first chapter of Luke, “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” I think her head recognized the difficulties that lay before her. I also believe she was able to find the strength of her faith in the faithfulness of God.

Have you ever been in that place where something seems insurmountable and yet, you are certain that God has determined your place in His greater plan? Several times in my life circumstances have threatened to overwhelm me and given me doubts that have crippled my spirit for a period of time. One of those times came when I was only twenty-two years old and just weeks away from getting married.

My husband-to-be and I had just spent a fun-filled weekend with his family at Disneyworld and were driving home when we fell asleep and crashed into a tree. I woke up with blood and glass in my eyes and my legs crushed under the collapsed dash of the car. As the paramedics worked to get us out of the car they realized that one of my legs was impaled and the ankle of my other leg was definitely broken. After x-rays and several other tests in the hospital I found out I had seven breaks in the right ankle and my left knee would need reconstructive surgery at a later date. (So much for me being able to dance at my own wedding!) The week after the cast came off I had further complications from the accident and spent another few days in the hospital. Finally, we were married and beginning our life together.

Life together for us started out full of the excitement of being newlyweds and the adventure of moving to a new home together. But we also found ourselves dealing with our share of problems, especially when my knee reconstruction surgery was completed only four months later. Plans for romantic dinners and dancing in nice clubs were put on hold as I learned how to walk again. Two years after this ordeal began, my hubby and I realized that the dreams we thought we wanted for our lives had been replaced by a sense of satisfaction in simpler things and new dreams were being born.

What in the world does all of this have to do with party shoes? Well, God shared a sign with me one afternoon shortly before my surgery and it has helped me so many times since then. While I was shopping that particular afternoon I came across a little porcelain figurine of a boy pulling a wagon with a little girl riding atop their belongings piled in the cart. She was holding a Bible and the title of that figurine was “Walking By Faith”. Wow! That piece so captured what had been happening in my life up to that point, and in the days since then.

So, now when I look on those party shoes – or any of my shoes, I can not help but be reminded of a young woman who held on to the faithfulness of her God and joyously surrendered herself to his plans for her life. And I pray that I can also walk with faith in the plans God has for my life, always being thankful for what He has given each of us. My heart can not help but dance for joy!

~ Rev. Pat

Letting Go

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” – John 14:27

Chaos would be a great way to describe my everyday living over the past few months. Chaos is definitely the “anti-peace.” It’s a little bit like fighting gravity. Have you ever felt like this? Felt like you were living just to get from moment to moment? This may be exactly where God wants us to be …this is where we find Him. Chaos is where He can do amazing things. When we have no control & the only solution comes through Him. It is where Prayer becomes “Help me survive today!” For me…. This is where God forced me to slow down and realize how much He loves me and how the Body of Christ represented that to me. This is when peace came.

Peace is defined as a state of tranquility or quiet, but also as freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. (Webster.com) Our thoughts are where the enemy tries to get us; where some of the toughest battles are fought, but where God wants to be forefront…to give us tranquility and peace.

“I’m letting go of the life I planned for me and my dreams. I’m losing control of my destiny. It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe, so I’m letting go” ~Battistelli, et al

Lord, Please provide me with Your peace that surpasses understanding today. Guard my mind from chaos and keep me in your perfect peace.

~ Elizabeth

An Event for Everyone

“There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." - Luke 2:8-12 (MSG)

I used to love to listen to Paul Harvey, and his "Rest of the Story" radio segments. I just love to think about the story that goes before, behind and after the tales we talk about and remember. The entire Old Testament lies as the before story - several millennia since Abram's name was changed and God promised him a blessing. His descendants knew from all the scriptures that had been written since that God would send a redeemer from their current mediocrity. I like to envision those shepherds setting up their temporary camp at the end of a busy day and after their equivalent of prime-time TV, they settled in and started to rest. Someone was watching the sheep and they would likely take turns during the night.

Have you ever tried to get teenagers to get to sleep in such a situation? If they aren't exhausted there can be a lot of giggling and chattering and the adults are repeating, "go to sleep" for the umpteenth time. Finally there is peace... The gentle sounds of the sheep and maybe the crickets...

SUDDENLY! All the lights are on and trumpets are BLARING!!!

Who wouldn't be shocked and stunned? Even having seen huge blockbuster movies we would all be amazed and speechless. Add to it the pure supernaturalness of God's glory and we are all puddles of humility.

I know they were expecting something, but they had stopped expecting it NOW.

As we run headlong into the "Christmas Season" or worse the "Holiday Season" as defined by the media and marketing gurus... DON'T STOP EXPECTING JESUS TO SHOW UP! I want to go to bed expectantly and hopefully that just as I fall asleep, Christmas will come again into my life. Better yet, into each patient moment and all year long!

Merry Christmas, Christmas people!!!

~ Roger

The Approaching Season

“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” - Luke 2: 9-10 (NKJV)

While standing in line at a local super store the other day, I overheard a lady complaining about another Christmas fast approaching. She went on to lament about how glad she would be when the season was over and how she hated standing in even longer lines and driving in increased traffic. The person she was talking too said that while her children got excited about Christmas, she was not looking forward to the extra company in her home and having to spend “all that extra money.” For just about two seconds I could almost relate to their attitude. I used to think just like they did about Christmas. My family even nicknamed me “The Grinch.” I had the ability to steal just about anyone’s Christmas Joy. Christmas was not a good time for me. But then I thought about how my attitude toward Christmas had changed. When I accepted Christ, God put a love in my heart for Christmas. This is the day we celebrate God’s greatest gift to man. The gift of his only son, Jesus!

Yes, I can relate to how a secular world feels about a holiday that over the years has become commercialized, over advertised, and even political. Retail organizations have started promoting and decorating for the Christmas shopping season way before Halloween. Many local governments will not allow decorations that depict a religious theme on their property. Society has tried to take the birth of Christ out of the very holiday that exists to celebrate that birth. The focus of Christmas has shifted from celebrating Jesus’ birth to lights, trees, gifts, Santa Claus, and more gifts. We all are involved in the secular aspects of Christmas; it’s almost impossible not to be.

So here is my challenge to you (and myself). As the Advent season approaches, commit to focusing on the real reason for the season. Read the Christmas Story found in Luke chapter 2: 1-18. If you have children read it to them. Remember the joy of your salvation and apply it to this awesome time of year. Share your joy and the Christmas Story with someone who needs joy. Your attitude about Christmas is a choice. You can choose to be joyful or not. Choose joy and share it!

Oh yeah, remember the Grinch? I’m still the Grinch in my family. The Grinch finally found the joy of Christmas, and his heart grew 3 times its normal size. That’s me!

~ Rev. Tom