No Christmas?

 

And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. John 10:22,23

This year, the Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah begins on December 25. What does the Feast of Dedication have to do with Christmas? Could it be that we wouldn't have Christmas if there had not been a Hanukkah? 

I'm certainly not an authority on Hanukkah, but I think I have a grasp on the gist of the story. Really everything in Jewish history has an effect on Christmas. If Adam and Eve had not sinned in the garden there would have been no need for Christmas or Calvary. It all started in the Beginning. God told Eve that it would be her seed that would bruise Satan's head and that Satan would bruise His heel.

All through history, Satan has tried to destroy God's people so Christmas would never come. Think about Abraham and Isaac. Imagine an old man over 100 years old, tying up a teenager to offer the teen as a burnt sacrifice. Isaac could have easily broken away and run like crazy. But no, Isaac was obedient to his father, even as Jesus was obedient to His Father, even unto death. God spared Isaac's life because he couldn't die for our sins. But the Father did not spare His only Son. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Without God's love, there would be no Christmas. 

Think about Esther. God put her through tragic events to make her the queen who would save her people. If Haman had won, the Jews would have been destroyed. There would have been no special people to receive God's Son. There would be no Christmas.

Think about Hanukkah. The Greeks had come in to change the culture of the Hebrews to the Greek culture, language, and religion. A pig was sacrificed on the temple altar. The brave family of the Maccabees fought for Israel and the temple. They cleansed the temple but there was only enough oil to light the lamp for one night. It would take a week to make more oil. They demonstrated their faith and love by reclaiming the temple and lighting the lamp. God demonstrated His love and power by keeping the lamp burning for eight days while the oil was being made.
What would have happened if the Maccabees had not reclaimed the temple? The religion of the true God would have been destroyed. There would have been no Christmas.

Think about King Herod's attempt to kill the baby Jesus by killing all the children under two years old. If Joseph had not listened to God and taken Jesus to Egypt, there would have been no Calvary, no sacrifice for our sins. There would be no salvation. 

Even to this day, Satan attempts to end Christianity. Satan knows his time is short. No matter what we see on the news, be reassured, God is not dead nor doth He sleep. He is in control. God wins. There is forgiveness and salvation because there is Christmas. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for overthrowing every plan of Satan from the beginning. Thank you for placing each person, Abraham, Isaac, Esther, the Maccabees, and Joseph, and others in the right place at the right time. Father, we know you have placed each of us here for such a time as this. May we be like those who were obedient to you even in the face of death. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

Christmas brings out the carols, some old favorites, some new but all to remind us of the birth of our Savior. We often sing without thinking too deeply about the words. If we read and listen more closely we may be surprised at the meaning and prophesy found in our songs. 

From now until Christmas read the carols.

Examine them as devotions

Search for the meaning the author was trying to convey. 

Here's a few to get you started. 

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

Silent Night

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Taste and See

 

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. John 3:16

I'll tell this the way it was told to me, though I am sure others would disagree with the story, surely no one will disagree with the message. So grab a candy cane and enjoy this sweet tale of Christmas with the whole family.

In the seventh century, when kings and queens declared and enforced the laws with the sword, a law was made that Christmas would no longer be celebrated. It broke the heart of an old candy maker who loved to see the smiles of children as they enjoyed his sweet Christmas treats. He also loved the telling of the Christmas story in churches and homes.  No one was allowed to own or read a Bible except the priests and now that was questionable under the rule of this queen. He wondered how this generation would grow up without the knowledge of Jesus if the laws forbade the telling of the story.

As the old candy maker locked his doors for the evening and knelt by his counter for prayer, the Lord gave him an idea. It was not illegal to make new kinds of candy and he knew just what kind of new candy he would make.

All night the candy maker tweaked his candy recipes to fit the story of Jesus. As the new day dawned he set out for his shop anxious to get a start on his new candy. He would start with pure white candy and spice it with peppermint. Then he would layer it with red candy, making a pattern of a wide red stripe and three thin red stripes. As he rolled and twisted the hardening candy, he sliced off lengths of candy and bent them into a crook at the top. The next day would be Christmas and he would be ready to share his Christmas story. 

As families entered his shop the next day with faces long and sad because of the canceled holiday, he offered them a new candy and an old story. "See this crook?" he said. "On a night long ago, shepherds stood on a hillside watching their flock by night. Angels announced the birth of a baby born to a virgin. The baby was pure and sinless like the white of this candy cane. His father is God the Father. The baby is the Son of God and He would give us the Holy Spirit." The old candy maker pointed to the three thin stripes going around the candy cane. "The baby was to be called Jesus." The candy maker turned the cane upside down, making the J. "The big red stripe," he said. "stands for the blood Jesus shed on Calvary for our sins. Taste the candy now children. The peppermint reminds us of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus and the spices used to prepare His body for burial when He died upon the cross." The candy maker followed the large red stripe around the cane as he continued his story.  "His blood covers our sins and offers forgiveness. This, children, is the real story of Christmas, not the toys and candy, but the coming of the Savior of the world as a baby in a manger. Not just visited by shepherds and wise men but to be our Shepherd, who gives us eternal life in Christ."

The parents were grateful their children were able to hear the Christmas story that morning and take home a reminder of the true meaning of the season. 

Now, as you receive a candy cane, examine it for the three thin stripes, the large stripe, the taste of peppermint, and the pure white candy that makes the body of the cane. Turn it to make the J and the shepherd's crook. Now it's your turn to share the gift of Christmas with others. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son to die for our sins so that we may have eternal life through Jesus Christ. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Picture credit to Pixabay.com

Legend of The Candy Cane - Sacred Literature Ministries, Taylors, SC

Hey Kids:

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.  

Psalms 34:8

Have you ever made peppermint bark?

It's a layer of chocolate from melted chocolate morsels with a layer of white chocolate morsels layered on top. Then a heavy sprinkling of crushed peppermint. 

There are lots of recipes on the internet. Try helping mom find a quick and easy one. Then follow the directions. Maybe she'll let you crush the peppermint with a meat mallet. 

Sharing these amazing little candies with friends and sharing the candy cane story could make great conversations with Christmas kin and kith. 

A Children's Advent

  

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. Luke 2:7

So many things compete for our children's attention. We need to be purposeful even in the things we intend for enjoyment. There is certainly nothing wrong with enjoying time spent teaching our children. I recently ordered M is for Manger by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley. My grandchildren came to help decorate the tree and set up the nativity scene on the coffee table. Our youngest loves to pretend with figurines so she moved the people and animals around several times until she was satisfied she had them placed just right. Then the girls settled down to read. They chose M is for Manger. The oldest is nine. She read it alone. The little one "read" the pictures. Then I sat down to read the book to her. She made it all the way to V is for Village until she got sleepy. Then she jumped up and ran over to the tree to check on the decorations so she could stay awake! Even children are purposeful in their actions. 

My grandchildren and I found the pictures to be inviting. The words are easy for young readers and listeners and carry the message in rhyme. There is also a scripture on each page to connect the story. As I read the book I tried to think how I could use it to make a lasting memory of scripture since so much of Christmas now revolves around the secular.

One of the ways I thought to use the book is to make it an advent story, reading one page of the story each day and then creating something from the page to hang on the tree.  Pinterest is full of Advent crafts for those of us who need a little help. The first page is A is for Angel. A child with the help of an adult could easily make an angel. B is for Believe. It may be a little harder to capture in an advent picture but maybe something like praying hands or something meaningful for your family could be a symbol for believe.

Each day the child(ren) could review the story using the ornaments before reading and adding to the story. After Christmas, box up the ornaments for next year. It's likely the children will enjoy pulling them out and remembering their Christmas advent crafts, adding new ones, and recounting the story for others. 

Another idea is to use the book with a child-friendly nativity set like my granddaughter rearranged for half an hour. Rehearsing stories in a hands-on way is always a great way to imprint a learning experience. 

In whatever way you choose to teach your children about Christmas, I highly recommend M is for Manger as part of your Christmas experiences. 

Heavenly Father, help us teach our children about Your Son who came as a babe in a manger to give His life for our sins. Show us how to keep them focused on Jesus above the secular draw of the season. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done with peace on earth good will to men. In Jesus's name. Amen.

A Children's Advent

 

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. Luke 2:7

So many things compete for our children's attention. We need to be purposeful even in the things we intend for enjoyment. There is certainly nothing wrong with enjoying time spent teaching our children. I recently ordered M is for Manger by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley. My grandchildren came to help decorate the tree and set up the nativity scene on the coffee table. Our youngest loves to pretend with figurines so she moved the people and animals around several times until she was satisfied she had them placed just right. Then the girls settled down to read. They chose M is for Manger. The oldest is nine. She read it alone. The little one "read" the pictures. Then I sat down to read the book to her. She made it all the way to V is for Village until she got sleepy. Then she jumped up and ran over to the tree to check on the decorations so she could stay awake! Even children are purposeful in their actions. 

My grandchildren and I found the pictures to be inviting. The words are easy for young readers and listeners and carry the message in rhyme. There is also a scripture on each page to connect the story. As I read the book I tried to think how I could use it to make a lasting memory of scripture since so much of Christmas now revolves around the secular.

One of the ways I thought to use the book is to make it an advent story, reading one page of the story each day and then creating something from the page to hang on the tree.  Pinterest is full of Advent crafts for those of us who need a little help. The first page is A is for Angel. A child with the help of an adult could easily make an angel. B is for Believe. It may be a little harder to capture in an advent picture but maybe something like praying hands or something meaningful for your family could be a symbol for believe.

Each day the child(ren) could review the story using the ornaments before reading and adding to the story. After Christmas, box up the ornaments for next year. It's likely the children will enjoy pulling them out and remembering their Christmas advent crafts, adding new ones, and recounting the story for others. 

Another idea is to use the book with a child-friendly nativity set like my granddaughter rearranged for half an hour. Rehearsing stories in a hands-on way is always a great way to imprint a learning experience. 

In whatever way you choose to teach your children about Christmas, I highly recommend M is for Manger as part of your Christmas experiences. 

Heavenly Father, help us teach our children about Your Son who came as a babe in a manger to give His life for our sins. Show us how to keep them focused on Jesus above the secular draw of the season. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done with peace on earth good will to men. In Jesus's name. Amen.

We Gather Together

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. 

~Psalms 69:30

As a child, one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving was the song we sang at school; We Gather Together.  We weren't told very much of it's background just that it points us to God and his provision for us. That's a big deal, but as an adult, I wanted to know more. Was this a song sung by the Pilgrims? When was it written and by whom? What was its purpose? 

Here's the song we sang at school. We must have sung it repeatedly because I still remember most of the words 60-plus years later. 

Theodore Baker, 1894

Verse 1:
We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Verse: 2
Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

Verse 3:
We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

The verses seem to fit perfectly with all the Pilgrims faced - persecution in England, flight to Holland, and then feeling the necessity of going to America because their children were becoming too Dutch. So what is the background of this beautiful Thanksgiving hymn? 

The Dutch were at war with the Spanish in 1597 when an unknown author penned the words, which are not exactly the same as the English. Be that as it may, Adrianus Valerius collected Dutch folk songs and put them to music. His son published the collection in 1626, the year after Valerius's death. Though the Pilgrims may have known the song, they would have associated it with the war with Spain. It was in Dutch, not English. They were separatists seeking freedom of worship, not war. 

That leads us to the next question: How did the song get here, and in English? More research led me to the New Amsterdam colony in New York. These Dutch colonists brought the song early in the 17th Century. It wasn't until 1894 that Theodore Baker translated it into English and Latin. It then began to be published in American hymnals in the early 20th Century. 

Regardless of the song's origins, I still think it's an appropriate song with which to praise the name of God and magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Heavenly Father, thank you for creating songs. They are so easy to remember. Thank you, that you have allowed men to write songs that praise you and magnify your name because there is no other name above You. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Research often seems so boring but when we are researching things we really want to know the task is not so tedious.

Do you have a favorite song? 

Maybe you're already singing Christmas songs.

Why did someone write your favorite song? 

When did they write it?

Is it still serving the same purpose or like We Gather Together, has it taken on a new meaning?

 

If My People

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land. ~II Chronicles 7:14 KJV

Many people have prayed, I among them, and agonized over the condition of our country, especially over the last few months. Many breathed a sigh of relief and felt the answer to those prayers, but friends prayer warriors should not let down their guard and say,"Oh, the battle is over. We can relax now." On the contrary, there is yet much work to do and prayers to be prayed. 

One of the things the Lord has laid on my heart is a return to reading God's word—not just reading but studying it so that we know how to humble ourselves and pray for God's forgiveness and direction for our nation.

This week I offer a short reading on which you can easily expand, a thought and a prayer for each day. This, the week before our Thanksgiving, is a great time to start reading and studying our Bibles in preparation of humbling ourselves to give true Thanksgiving for all God's blessings on our families and our nation. 

Monday Reading:
      Exodus 36:5,6 The people were so excited about the work of the Tabernacle that they brought more than was needed. Moses had to give a command to stop bringing things for the Tabernacle.

What a wonderful situation to find ourselves in. When has the offering ever been too much? When has a congregation been so excited about God's work that they had to be told their gifts were enough?

Heavenly Father, at this season of Thanksgiving, may our thankfulness for all you have done be demonstrated in the enthusiasm we show in working for Your kingdom. May Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Tuesday Reading
       Exodus 37:1, 10, 25, 29 These verses demonstrate the responsibilities of Bezaleel. God chose him to do a mighty work but he is actually an unknown figure. His faithfulness to his calling has affected the understanding and worship of God for millions of people for thousands of years.

Can others look at my work and see my faithfulness to God's calling? Is my faithfulness or lack thereof affecting others? Surely everything we do affects others.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a work to do. Help me to be faithful to Your calling regardless of how much or how little credit I receive. You must increase and I must decrease. Be glorified, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday Reading:
      Exodus 38:8 The women brought their brass mirrors to make the brass laver, a place for the priests to wash their hands. Have you ever noticed women when they pass a mirror, even in a store? We have to stop and check ourselves.  Beautiful hair, clothes, and make-up can all be a mess if a woman doesn't have a mirror to check herself. The women of Israel gave their most prized possession. They humbled themselves before God, putting aside their vanity for the building of the place of worship.

Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to the things I put before worship, before praise, before witnessing. Help me to humble myself for Your work. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Thursday Reading:
       Exodus 39: 18. The names of the tribes of Israel covered the priest's heart and his shoulders bore the weight.

Are God's people on my heart? Are the lost on my heart? Do I have a burden for people or do I just complain about the situation?

Heavenly Father help me carry a burden for repentance among Your people and a burden to see the lost saved. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Friday Reading:
      Exodus 40:34. The people had followed God's directions. They had set up the tabernacle in God's order and He had descended on it. He guided their way day and night.

When our lives are clean God abides and directs our way. When we allow sin to enter in the Spirit departs until our lives are clean-forgiven. I John 1:9. We cannot do a work for God if we harbor sin .

Heavenly Father, direct my path that I might walk in Your way. May my life be pleasing unto You. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

 This week join your parents in the study of the Tabernacle.

There are online kits to build replicas that give you a better idea of how things looked and worked. 

If you aren't able to order a kit check out the pictures on line. Ask questions. Consider what you could have given in building the tabernacle. 

Consider what you can do today to help build God's kingdom. 

What's in a Name?

And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air, and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.~ Genesis 2:19

 

Walking through our wooded neighborhood, I noticed an Eastern towhee flitting through the pine brush. He was joined by others, chickadees, wrens, and a cardinal. Bluebirds lit on the fence post. I could hear crows calling in the distance and the fuss of a bluejay. Then it struck me how many birds I can name. Is that important? 

Did you name your dog or pet? Do you know the names of your neighbors' pets? Why? Is it because they have names? You are familiar with them. You care for them. They are important to you. God wanted the animals and birds to be important to Adam. He gave the responsibility to Adam to care for His creation.  Farmers often do not name the animals they plan to sell to the market. Why? They don't want to be attached. 

Do you know your neighbor's name? I can see a house through the trees whose occupants I have never met. How cold is that word, Occupant?  They live and work and probably go to school. They have days of health and sickness and accidents I never know about. Maybe one day I will see a lot of cars or a white wreath on the door. I don't know their names but God does. He sees. He cares. He knows their names. He cares if they know Him. 

How did I learn the names of the birds? I set out birdfeeders. I listened to their calls. I became familiar with them. I have seen pictures of people feeding wild birds from their hands. I have fed and tamed feral cats. Getting to know the birds and animals is such a joy but it takes time. They won't eat out of our hands at first. They need to know we care about them before they trust us. 

It's the same with people. We have to be friendly with others, get to know them, and show we care before they trust us, before they are willing to hear what we have to say. What do we have to say? It's simple. 

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.~John 3:16

Just as God knows the name and number of the stars, He knows each person by name. 

He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Psalms 137:4

He wants to help others trust Him. We are the ones he uses to help others learn of Him. We are the ones He uses to draw others to Him. 

Father God, please help me introduce myself to others. Help me show others I care about them. Help me show the simple love of Jesus to all I come in contact with. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

 

Do you have a favorite animal or pet? What are their names? 

What are the names of your friends? 

Are there others whose names you do not know?

Try introducing yourself this week. Make a new friend. 

Friendships are opportunities to help them know about the best Friend, Jesus. 

God's Patterns

 

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isaiah 11:1 KJV

 Fractals— never heard of them until this fall. Fractal is a comparatively new term coined in 1975 by Benoit Mandelbrot. It's from Latin meaning broken or fractured. We've always seen fractals, we just didn't use that term. God used fractals in Creation.

Prepared

 

 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: ~I Peter 5:8

Have you ever been to a reenactment? On the first weekend in October at Walnut Grove Plantation there is a reenactment of a revolutionary battle in which Bloody Bill Cunningham was killed. He massacred many patriots in the weeks before. No one seemed to know he was near Walnut Grove. The children were playing in the yard when the alarm sounded that the British were coming. People ran to get the children to safety. The British stormed the house where a patriot was being treated. Militia filled the yard along with British soldiers and a battle ensued.

What if no one warned the children? What would the enemy have done to them? The patriots didn’t just rush in and shoo the children to safety. They stood their ground and fought against the invaders. They didn’t just rush in untrained. There were sessions to drill the men in resisting the enemy. The children and wives were at the training drills as well. It was almost a social day. Everyone watched and prepared to meet the enemy. Even the little ones played militia games.

Have we trained ourselves in God’s Word to stand against the Devil? Are we training our little ones? Do we rush our little ones to safety and stand our ground in defense of our families and our country? As one of the men in the film “Courageous” says, “Where are we men of courage?” And might I add, “Where are we women of courage?”  The enemy walks about even now seeking whom he may devour. Our enemy is not the British. The enemy is Satan himself. He will devour our children, our homes, and our country if we are not vigilant in watching and training our children to watch as well. They innocently play while Satan uses every means available to reach into their hearts and minds to destroy.

Where does the enemy lurk? 

• Do we need to change the TV channel often? 
• Do we need to monitor the music our children hear? 
• Do we need to monitor our children's social media and web history?
• Are we having trouble finding modest clothes? 
• Are the popular clothes covered with worldly or demonic symbols? 
• Are we aware of the books our children read or have read them in school? 

Heavenly Father, help us be aware of the enemy surrounding our families. Show us how to live in the world but not be of the world. You have given us the most precious gift in our families. Help us defend it by being vigilant in training them to be aware of their surroundings and resist the devil's attempts to capture their hearts and minds. In Jesus's name. Amen 

Hey Kids:

One of the things I noticed when attending the Walnut Grove Reenactment was how the training was for the whole family and it seemed like a social event. How could you and your family participate in training to confront the enemy while still having fun as a social event?

At my church, we have a packing party for Samaritan's Purse. 

Every month we choose something for families to bring for shoeboxes. 

We store them until November.

Then we bring snack foods for a social event as we pack the boxes.

It's not just about toys and socks. We also teach others that the most important thing Samaritan's Purse will include in the boxes is a gospel booklet in the child's language. They get to bring the booklet to training sessions in their village or town. After the completion of the classes, the children receive a Bible in their language. Siblings, parents, aunts and uncles also benefit from the children's shoeboxes. The children take the gospel home to their families! 

Whole families and their communities become prepared to meet the enemy with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Is your family prepared?

Star of Wonder

photo courtesy of Allison Wofford 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. ~Psalms 19:1

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Do you remember the old Christmas carol We Three Kings of Orient Are? It tells the story of the Wisemen following a star from the East to Jerusalem and then to the place where Jesus lived. They followed the star westward. This week, just after sunset, a comet hung in our western sky, just above the horizon (Tsuchinshan-ALTA). How amazing that the week before, the Northern Lights also graced our night skies, usually only visible through a camera lens. 

Ever since that first Christmas, the Lord has continued to remind us that He sent his only Son that who ever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. As with many things the message in the skies were hidden to most of the world that first Christmas. Many were probably too busy or asleep that they never bothered to look up. 

Even today we are so busy with our own private lives and troubles we often fail to look up. We fail to reach out to the One who knows the answers to our troubles, the One who created us all in His universe for His glory. We ignore His love and the messages He sends through His amazing skies, His wonderous forest, and His dry thirsty desserts. 

Heavenly Father, give us eyes to see what great things you have done and the love you desire to communicate to us. Thank you that you continually remind us and draw us to you, seeking our salvation for you are not willing that any should perish. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

I hope you were able to see the Northern Lights and the newly named comet.

I love night hiking where the city lights don't distract from the Lord's natural night lights.

By covering your flashlights with red cellophane you can see to walk and spot nocturnal animals. You will also be able to see the Milky Way and constellations. 

This fall is also the time for shooting stars. 

I hope you take a hike among the stars this beautiful fall season. 

Seeing with Spiritual Eyes

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.~ Luke 2:9 KJV

The other night a friend alerted me that she could see the Northern Lights from her house. I missed them earlier this year so I grabbed my phone. I couldn't see anything with just my eyes but with the phone camera, OH MY! What a show! For the next hour or so I kept going back out and taking pictures as the skies filled with blue, purple, and pink. I could see the stars speckled in the rainbow of colors. And then it hit me. This is like another story I knew from long ago. 

"And the glory of the Lord shone round about them." Wow, what a show that must have been. The sky twinkled with stars and then suddenly it filled with light. I wonder if there was a rainbow of color. Then the angels appeared with the good news of the birth of the Savior. "Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." 

It seems strange that no one else saw the light or heard the angels except those few shepherds. Why only these few? Could it be that they were looking and listening with spiritual eyes? They saw, they heard, they hurried to see the pronouncement. There they found the babe lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes, just as the angel had said. 

Only those who knew to look saw the Aurora the other night. Only a few knew to use their phone camera and look to the north. Many seemed confused as to how to see the lights. The naked eye just wouldn't work. Others were praising and glorifying God for all they had seen. Don't you just love a little Christmas all year round? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the beauty you continually show us. We were amazed to see the stars shining through the rainbow of light. It was so amazing to see the stars that you often equate to angels in your word. These stars shined through a rainbow. You say a rainbow surrounds your throne. Father, we give you praise for continually reminding us of your glory and power and truth. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

Use your spiritual eyes to notice:

• the rainbow in the autumn colors
• the colors in a sunset and a sunrise
• an evening sky full of stars
• the verses God has put in his word to call attention to all he has done.

 

Sprouting Seeds

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. ~I Corinthians 3:7

What will you do with the leaves you rake this fall? Last year our neighbors came across the street and asked to rake a pile of leaves in our lower yard so their children would have a pile to jump in. They only had a few small trees and not many leaves yet. For several hours the children enjoyed raking, running, and jumping. Then, the pile lay there partially flattened until spring. 

When spring came I carried the partially decomposed leaves to the garden for mulch. Funny thing about mulch. It's called by several names: mulch, compost, and rotten vegetation. Maybe you can name a few more. Invariably there are seeds of one type and another in any pile of compost. Even if it is completely decomposed there are likely thousands of tiny seeds that are transferred to the garden or flower beds along with the rotten vegetation you intend to keep down weeds and add to the fertility of your soil. 

In a few weeks seeds of all kinds will begin to rise up through the mulch. Why? Didn't they rot along with the vegetation? Surprisingly, NO. The only things that will decompose are dead matter: leaves, dead plants, dead animals, and yes dead people. 

Seeds will not decompose. Just think about it. Seeds contain all that is necessary to reproduce life. Inside the cover of the seed is the pollinated beginnings of life. It will lay there for a long time until it is given the water it needs. Give the seed water and it will sprout. It will then need water and soil. The seeds of the Judean date palm thought to be extinct were found in caves. Though they had lain in dry caves for about 2000 years when given water, they sprouted. With the care of gardeners who gave them soil and light we now have the ancient Judean date palm once again. 

That brings us back to the verse. As Christians, it is our job to plant the seeds of the gospel. We can't make people accept the gift of eternal life. It is simply our job to plant the seed and with kindness give it the water it needs to grow. It may lay dormant for many years. We may never see the fruits of our witness on this side of heaven. If we give the gospel to others and demonstrate a changed life then there will be a time when God will give the increase with the salvation of another soul.

Heavenly Father, thank you for using me to present the gospel to others. Thank you others come behind me adding encouraging words to those seeds already planted.Thank you we are not responsible for the increase but understand that in time you will give the increase. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to be farmers in your field. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

• Now is the time to save a few seeds for a flower bed or garden next year. 
• Collect a few seeds, allow them to fully dry, then place them in a jar or bag in the fridge until spring. 
• Allow a few others to drop to the ground. Place a marker at the spot(s) you want to watch next spring for sprouts.
• Watch how God gives the increase.

 

A Tree Planted by the Water

 

 

Psalms 1

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night

.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

We love hiking to waterfalls and walking along the tree-lined rivers. Though I didn't take this photo we saw something similar just a short distance up the trail from the nature center at Table Rock State Park in SC.  Walking along trails is a good place to contemplate the words of scripture. It's where we can better understand the word pictures the Lord is using to help us see our relationship with Him and others.

Take a look at Psalms 1. Verse 3 speaks of the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord. He is like a tree planted by the water. Now look back at the picture. What can we notice?

• There is a constant flow of water to sustain the trees
•  Some of the trees are along the edge and some are farther back.
• Those along the edge are constantly drinking from the flowing water.

Like trees, if we draw close to the Living Water, we can constantly be refreshed and grow. 

What does a growing tree do? Our verse says it bears fruit and its leaf doesn't wither. 

• Fruit from a well-watered tree is plump and juicy, delectable.
• Juicy fruit makes it desirable to be picked.
• There is no dry spell for the leaves to wither. It's always appealing.
• An appealing tree draws people to it for the shade and the fruit.

How are we as Christians providing a place of rest for the weary, sin-sick world? Are our actions showing the fruits of kindness, peace, and joy?

 

The tree by the water prospers.

• It grows, bears fruit. 
• It's noticed. 
• It's desirable.

 As the saying goes, Apples don't fall far from the tree. The fruit we bear will desire to be planted by the Water as well. Our testimony to the world can fill the whole earth with the knowledge of the Lord (Habbakuk 2:14)

Heavenly Father, Help us stay close to your word, to thrive on it, bearing spiritual fruit that makes the gospel desirable. Help us make a difference. Give us the vision of revival to fill the whole earth with the knowledge of the Lord. In Jesus's name. Amen

Hey Kids:

Have you thought about how to thrive on the Living Water of God's word?

Do you have a plan to memorize God's word?

Here's an idea to help you hide God's word in your heart.

• Ask mom or dad for post it notes or index cards
• Copy down your favorite verse or passage
• Place the note or card in a place you'll see it every day - on a mirror on the front of your notebook
• Read the verse at least 3 times each day. 

How much of the verse can you say without looking? In a few days or at the end of the week add another verse. Psalms 1 might be a good place to start. 

Experiencing Eden

 

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

... we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

II Peter 3:13

You know the feeling that you just need to get out and away, just forget about everything and have a day of refreshing? Yeah, we all know that feeling. We decided to take a day trip just to get away. My husband and I  rambled around buying fall flowers and discovering a little new territory but after lunch, we ended up heading toward Cataloochee. 

We spent about thirty minutes winding back through the mountains on a dirt road finally topping out the ridge and making that final left turn. The road led us to scenic vistas, trails, old barns, and a settlement with a church, a school, and an old house. The road to the house was washed out so it was only open to foot traffic. We walked maybe a quarter of a mile along the road passing grassy pastures and signs to old graveyards before we came to a huge barn and a footbridge on the left across the creek to an early 20th Century house. An older lady sat on the bridge picking grasses and platting a crown like we used to do as kids. Her husband was walking back from the house. We spoke as we passed and ambled on through the yard and the house, taking pictures of butterflies on wildflowers and listening to goldfinches twitter about the thistle seeds. 

Now, the gentleman sat on the bridge and pointed with a stick, talking with his wife about the birds. "I've never seen a yellow bird like that." There was also a cedar waxwing, a bird I'd rarely seen, joining the goldfinches in the flowers draping over the water. We enjoyed a neighborly talk. I just wanted to cook a pone of cornbread and get some cold buttermilk from the spring house for our supper, but that wasn't to be in this 21st century.

The walk back to the truck was hot but pleasant. As we passed a field near the creek, I saw her. "Bear!" That's not my usual reaction to a bear but the unexpected sighting had startled me and apparently, I startled her too. She raised up on her hind legs and looked in our direction while I fumbled with my camera. She must have decided she and her cub might need to head toward the creek.

Now, in the road near the creek stood a big bull elk. The trail signs say to stay fifty yards away. Well now what, with a mama bear to our left and a bull elk to our right? He noticed we needed to pass so he kindly wandered off into the woods out of our path. 

When I got back to the truck I noticed a type of euphoria. Actually, I had been experiencing it most of the afternoon. There was joy and peace there on the mountain. There was excitement in the birds and bears and elk. Maybe it was because I'm part of the older folks my thoughts drifted to the future when God places me in the new heavens and new earth, a re-creation of the Garden of Eden. I feel I got to experience just a little bit of that garden this week. The Lord surely knew I needed it on a hot summer afternoon. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for preserving just a tiny bit of your Garden of Eden for us to experience. It was an amazing walk to see the animals, respecting each other's territory, and without fear for either of us. Thank you for your promise that one day You will once again restore a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness will prevail, a place to enjoy others, the plants, and the animals. I wonder if in the cool of the day You will walk among us so we can experience that fellowship with You, our Creator as Adam and Eve once did. I'm certainly looking forward to that day but until then I am thankful for a quiet walk in the forest. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

Do you have a favorite quiet spot?

Our lives are filled with hurry and noise. It tends to busy our lives and distract our minds. 

This week take a few minutes to walk in the quiet of a park or forest. Sit beside a stream and listen. Watch the insects, birds, and animals. 

Maybe you'll want to take along a camera or a sketch pad or paper to write a short poem or story. 

Maybe you'll just want to whisper a prayer of thanks that this is not the end but a moment to take a glimpse into our future. 

Back To the Future

 

But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.

Numbers 14:21

"Grandma, do you think we'll ever have time travel? I'd like to go back to the Civil War just to see what life was like." 

"Well, everything we touched would affect and change the future. I'm not sure that's a good idea but I've always wanted to be an interpreter at a national park."

This was the beginning of a conversation with my teenage grandson on the way back from the gym. Our family loves history. We've lived in Spartanburg county since before the Revolutionary War. We are surrounded by family history and when we vacation we visit historic sites. Our conversation ended by concluding that God placed us here in this time and place for a specific reason — "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). So do our lives affect the future? 

In Numbers 13 the Lord had Moses send twelve men into the land of Canaan to spy out the land. Ten of the men brought back a bad report — bad news. They wouldn't be able to take the good land because there were walled cities and giants. Only Joshua and Caleb were ready to go into the land and take it believing God's promise. The people chose to follow the ten spies who gave the bad report because those spies were the majority. Their choice affected their future. God was ready to destroy the people and start over but Moses' talk with God affected the future.

God agreed to let the people live but those over twenty years old would die without seeing the promised land. They would wander in the wilderness until the younger generation grew up and the faithless died off except Joshua and Caleb. We live in a troubling time. Our thoughts and actions affect the future. God sent revivals in the past. The Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th Centuries were victorious times for God's people. Then several things happened to affect the future of God's people. 

Do you think God could send revival again? Do you think He will? Our thoughts and attitudes toward God's purposes affect our future. God's purpose in leading the Israelites into the promised land was to bring the gospel to the whole world. They were to be the people used by God to bring the Messiah. Their fear and disobedience delayed God's plan. How is our obedience or lack thereof affecting God's plan for our future? 

Take the time to look back at the preaching of the Great Awakenings. Google search should bring up the preachers and their doctrines without too much trouble. Look back at Christmas carols like "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear". Think about how people thought about the future. What was their vision? Life wasn't easy but they had a hope. 

We can't and shouldn't go back to the past, but we do need God's vision for the future — that all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord.

Heavenly Father, Open our eyes to the things we do each day that affect our future. Help us Lord to not be afraid to move forward. Show us how to be strong and of good courage (Joshua 1:6) knowing you go before us. Help us make choices that will bring a great awakening in our time.  In Jesus's name. Amen. 

E Pluribus Unum

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness

and who seek the Lord:

Look to the rock from which you were cut

and to the quarry from which you were hewn;

look to Abraham, your father,

and to Sarah, who gave you birth.

When I called him he was only one man,

and I blessed him and made him many.

Isaiah 51:1-2 NIV

So many things are transpiring in our nation especially this week with the political season now in high gear. It got me thinking about our founding Fathers and what they put into place. Abraham was called of God to create a nation from one person, his son Isaac. God made Abraham a promise that his seed would be like the sands and the stars, too many to number. What about us, or the US?

Our money states E Pluribus Unum, "out of many, one." We are a nation created by immigrants from many nations. We are a melting pot of peoples, united by the belief and hope of freedom given to us by God.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. - Declaration of Independence

In searching documents written by our Founding Fathers, there are numerous examples of their faith in God's hand creating our nation. Even as late as 1956, the US government had the words "In God We Trust" written on our paper currency. It was first written on US coins in 1864. 

But what happens when we forget that our rights are given to us by God? What happens when we fail to honor His laws? Perhaps the same thing that happened to the nation God created through Abraham and Sarah. The nation of Israel went through numerous enslavements when they turned from the God who gave them life. God still loves and favors Israel, a nation He created from one. He still loves and favors this nation He created from many. What will we do with what God has so richly blessed us with? 

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

Heavenly Father, in the Psalms David asked You to search him and see if there be any wicked way in him. He wanted a right relationship with you and to receive your blessings. Lord, we ask that you might help us seek a right relationship with you so that you might bless us again. Give us wisdom as we face upcoming elections. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

I want to challenge you to investigate the service men and women in your family. 

What cool pictures and stories can you find?

Did anyone fight in the Revolutionary War? Sign the Declaration of Independence? 

Did anyone serve in WWII or Vietnam? 

Is someone in your family currently serving in the Armed Forces? 

Have you thought about writing a thank you note to those in your family who have/are serving?

I had a ggg grandfather who served in the Revolutionary War. Perhaps you did too.

They can't read our thank you notes, but we can publish them for others to share in our gratitude for our founding fathers and those who served to preserve for us the freedom to worship and serve the God who made us one nation out of many. 

I'm anxious to read your thank you notes! You are welcome to publish them in the comments with your parents' permission.