Christmas

Earth and Sky Are Bigger

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments 
I've heard our earth is just a speck
In this universe so grand
And we are just a candle's flame
On this tiny grain of sand

But then I hear a chorus
Ringing deep down in my heart
Saying earth and sky are bigger
Than what folks think they are

And my hope rests on God's promise
That He who shepherds lambs 
And formed mighty the Milky Way
Holds us safely in His hands

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.
John 10:14

Earth and Sky Are Bigger by
Peter Caligiuri
Copyright 2022 all rights reserved

Photo by Marco Milanesi on Pexels.com

God in Gift Wrapping

/ pastorpete51 / 5 Comments

This morning we are heading out the door for a long overdue family visit and my posts will be few and far between till New Year. Today I am posting a classic from a few years ago that is also contained in this year’s book, The Christmas Star. Thank you to all who have followed, encouraged, commented on and even corrected me along the way! Since I like to add another favorite carol I hope you enjoy this rendition of O Holy Night from The Annie Moses Band. Blessings all!

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:7-8 KJV

Did you ever stop to wonder who came up with the idea of gift wrapping? Why do we bother with ribbons and bows? Isn’t it the gift itself that people want? Maybe it comes down to wanting our gift to be a surprise. So why would it be a strange thing that God came to us in gift wrapping? No one could see who Jesus was while wrapped in swaddling cloths. So, God sent angels to wake up shepherds to tell everyone about what was wrapped in that first Christmas gift!

And just as we wrap every gift, differently, because they are for different people, so Jesus came, for every one of us individually. Some of us receive your presents on Christmas Eve and others on Christmas morning. But no matter the day, it is that gift wrapping which makes us wait for the right time to open them. And so, on one incredibly special night in Bethlehem; at exactly the right moment, Jesus came as God in gift-wrapping, and we have been opening God’s gift of love in Christ ever since!

Jesus – The Name of Christmas

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And she will have a son and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins Matthew 1:32 

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her,” for you have found favor with God.”  You will conceive and give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31  

When God gave the name Jesus it is interesting to see that he spoke both to Joseph and to Mary. To Mary Gabriel explained all that Jesus would do as the Messiah, but to Joseph God defined the name. The name Jesus was given because God had given His Son, not only to teach us the ways of Heaven, heal our sickness, or give us a comfortable life; Jesus came to save His people from their sins. 

One of the most beautiful sounds in the entire world to each of us is the sound of our own name. We love to hear our name mentioned especially if it is linked with assurance, love or praise. The sound I want most to hear as I cross into eternity is my own name being called by God himself with the phrase “Well done good and faithful servant” Our name is what calls our attention at any moment. 
Imagine Jesus entering the world cradled in Mary’s arms in that stable in Bethlehem. One of the first words Mary and Joseph would say was, “Jesus!”  God had kept His promise to them just as He said. From that day forward every time Jesus heard His own name it would be a reminder of why He had come. When He was growing up in the home with His brothers and Mary called out, “Jesus” he would remember that he was different. God had sent Him not just to be born in the humble stable, but also one day to give His life as a sacrifice for us.