The Little Things Of Christmas

Matthew 1:20-21  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

God didn’t choose an impressive professional to over see the earthly household of His Son.  He chose a humble godly construction worker named Joseph. God always uses little people.

The most profound event in recorded history  involved  little things. A little town named Bethlehem----a humble Jewish Girl---some poor shepherds in a field----a manger (feeding trough) in a stable were used  to bring God’s Son into the world.

God can use you. Do you have a little talent? Let God have it. Give the Lord your little things. Let Him have all of you. Are you serving in a little place? Believe that God can use you where you are planted.  Little is much when God is in it.

What's In A Name?

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

What’s in a name? The name of Jesus is the source of our salvation, the hope of our hearts. His name can break sin’s bondage and cool the fevered brow.  His name can lift the greatest burdens and comfort the broken heart.

What’s In A Name? John Carter penned it to a beautiful song.

When My Plans Have Fallen Through

And When My Strength Is Nearly Gone

When Theres Nothing Left To Do But Just Depend On You

And The Power Of Your Name

There Is Strength In The Name Of The Lord

There Is Power In The Name Of The Lord

There Is Hope In The Name Of The Lord

Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord

Walk In The Light

Luke 1:78-79 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

God didn’t send His Son into the midst of a great spiritual revival. He sent Him to those who were floundering around in darkness. Many saw the light of Jesus and were led out of darkness in that day.

Things haven't changed. In fact, the world may be in a darker spiritual condition today. We have more light from more Bibles and more churches, but men love darkness rather than light (John 3:19).

The good news is that Jesus came to bring light into our lives. Can you remember when Jesus brought light into your life? If not, you don’t have to stumble around in the darkness of sin. You can walk in the light of life, and Jesus will guide you into the way of peace.

The Shack Of Surrender

Matthew 2:9,10. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

The Wise Men must’ve expected a royal palace as they followed the star. The long awaited Messiah deserved as much, but the star stopped over a shack. If they were disappointed, it didn’t last. They came to worship and that’s what they did. They saw God in that shack and they rejoiced.

Life doesn’t always dance as we plan. Sometimes our dreams are shattered and we find ourselves at the shack. Distress often meets Jesus there, and when we surrender the broken pieces of our lives, Jesus puts them back together. We worship and rejoice. We must surrender.

Love Came Calling

John 1:1,3,14  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made . . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Christmas is filled with many distractions. In the  hustle, few take notice of the reason we celebrate. Few consider that the Word, the  Jewel of Heaven, the Creator of all things became flesh in  a Bethlehem barn some 2,000 years ago. Many don’t believe that  Jesus’ Mama was  a virgin and His Daddy God the Father.

From the manger to the cross, Jesus  fulfilled His eternal purpose to be a sacrifice for sinners---- the Redeemer of mankind.  He brought light and grace and truth  to a dark world, saving all who believe on Him. Love came calling that Bethlehem night and changed the world forever.

Fear Not

Luke 1:29-30 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

“Fear not”, the angel told Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds as He announced the birth of Jesus. Then the message was seen for what it was---a  promise of grace.

Are things around you causing fear? Mary, Joseph and the shepherds learned to trust the Lord whatever the cost.

An old man was asked what had robbed him of joy the most in his lifetime. He replied, "Things that never happened."

• Fret Not - He loves you - (John 13:1).
• Faint Not - He holds you - (Psalm 139:10)
• Fear Not - He keeps you - (Psalm 121:5).