O Come O Come Emmanuel

Just a bit of quiet to share in the press of Christmas preparations. “Are you ready for Christmas?” is the question we either ask or receive daily in a light-hearted way. What they really want to know is, “Have you finished shopping?” While usually I would respond saying, “Not really!” or “I haven’t even started.” But lately I listened to my own words and decided I would change them. Jesus is not so interested if I have finished shopping for things. Jesus is interested if my heart is prepared to remember His simple birth. God knows I am no more ready than the sleeping shepherds who God sent His angels to awaken, but in a strange sort of way they were prepared. They were ready to leave their sleep. They were ready to leave their sheep. They were ready to see what they had never seem before – God With Us- who came not for people who were ready but to ready a people to become His! Are you ready for Christmas?  Christmas peace and blessings to you all!!

Dancing to Silent Night

So simple yet so beautiful! What a blessing!!

pastorpete51's avatarWalking With Lambs

What a lovely and very different idea for Christmas at this nursing home! The young children with the elderly connects the generations for Christmas. The idea of dance focuses everyone’s attention on the theme of Christ and His night. Even those who cannot hear well can enjoy the “Steps of Grace” children. Bravo!!! what a Christmas treat!!

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Drawing Close to Bethlehem

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:4-6 KJV

We cannot know from this passage if it was on the night of their arrival that Mary gave birth, but we can imagine her weariness as they plodded through the outskirts of Bethlehem. How much longer would it be till the child’s birth? Where would they stay? Who might welcome them? Who would believe the miraculous story they carried in their hearts?

Remember me with signature

This Christmas God is also bringing you and me on a journey. His goal is for us to go where He has prepared for us to be. Like Mary you might have times when you might be wondering: Where do I really belong? But God who has prepared a place for every sparrow’s nest has also planned a place for you. When we wish to be welcomed, He reminds us in those moments that we are always welcome to come to Him. Just as Joseph and Mary could only trust God’s timing on the long road to Judea so also we must be patient as the seconds tick down on the changes that lie ahead for us. You might think that no one can know the story of your heart, but God will send angels stars or shepherds to help you as you draw closer to Bethlehem.