I'll Carry You

God promised to carry Israel through difficult times of captivity and ultimately restore her land to her. Many in the 21st Century witnessed the survival of the Jewish people, the return to their homeland, and them becoming a nation in 1948.

Isaiah 46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

What a powerful and encouraging message. God will carry us too, through old age and "hoar hairs" (graying years).

Jesus said, "Ye must be born again." From the moment you trust in Him, you are God's child, and He is committed to load you on His back and carry you forever. He will carry your burdens and heartaches and cares. Trust Him.

A Challenge For Next Year

The day after Christmas finds many playing with new toys, wearing new garments, and smiling at new pictures destined for memory books. Now is a good time to reflect on the past year and our relationship with God. Are we where The Lord wants us to be?

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

God's  people are called upon to become heavenly minded. Challenge yourself to think about Heavenly things next year. Focus on making future activities and plans in light of eternity. Lay out decisions before The Lord.

From His place at the Father's right hand, Jesus makes intercession for us. He gives us all we need to live for Him.

Romans 8:31  . . . .  If God be for us, who can be against us?

The Real Christmas Story

 A little boy came home from Sunday School, excited to tell his mom what he learned.  "I learned all about the first Christmas. There wasn't a Santa Claus way back then, so these three fellows on camels had to deliver all the toys. And Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer with his nose so bright wasn't there so they had to have this big spotlight in the sky to find their way around."

Thank God for the Bible! In His holy, inspired, infallible Word, God sets the record straight where Christmas is concerned! Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the main reason, but He isn't the only one! 

Christmas is A time for giving, for good tidings, for amazing grace, and for glorifying God.

Born in Bethlehem

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was prophesied by Micah 700 years earlier. Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth. It probably never entered their mind to go to Bethlehem. An eighty mile trip would've been hard on an expectant mother.

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Ceasar Agustus, that all the world should be taxed.

God used a pagan emperor to ensure that His Son would be born in the right place at the right time.

Jesus was born to die. Every lamb, ram, goat, bird, etc., that had been sacrificed through the ages pointed to the Special Birth.

Jesus is why Noah built an Ark, Abraham built an altar, Moses built a Tabernacle, Solomon built a Temple, God built a hill called Calvary. Jesus came to earth to be our savior. Why? Because He loves you and me.

The Nativity Scene

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Nativity scene, as simple as it is, reminds us of a profound truth: The moment God became flesh.

In our Christmas programs at church we celebrate the love and grace of The Lord Jesus, Who willingly laid aside His heavenly glory to be born in the humblest of circumstances.

We may find humor in the costumes and antics of the children as they dramatize the Nativity scene, but I hope it touches something deeper within our hearts. I hope it stands as a constant reminder that God loves us; that He came to this world to die for us; that He paid an unthinkable price to provide a glorious salvation for all who receive Him.

It Was A Holy Night

Since God created the world, some nights witnessed profound changes in history.

The world drifted off to sleep the night Christ was born, not knowing that God was transacting eternal business in their midst. They didn't know that a Savior was being born in Bethlehem.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ The Lord.

It was a holy night. I love to playing Oh, Holy Night for offertory at church each year.

Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the deer Savior's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining tell He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices; for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices. 

Oh, night divine, oh, night when Christ was born;

Oh night Divine, Oh night, Oh night Divine.

Adolphe Adam 1847

The Greatest Gift

The first expensive Christmas present I received was a wrist watch from my husband, Gale. I was twenty-two. We were engaged. He was in North Dakota and I was in Kansas. I was somewhat taken back fifty years ago.

I received the priceless gift of salvation when I was nine, purchased by the blood of Jesus on the old rugged cross and wrapped in grace.

Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The miraculous virgin birth of The Lord Jesus is the greatest gift of all time, given by God the Father to a world of sin. You must believe in Him to accept the gift.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.