Christmas

The Return of Jesus

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.           2 Peter 2:12 ESV

Last year the nativity scene at the entrance to our community was hit by raiders who must have decided that it would be a great joke to make off with the baby Jesus, leaving an empty manger. The rest of the Christmas season Mary, and Joseph remained along with a few sheep and camels but the child did not return even for Christmas Eve.

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When December of this year rolled around I looked forward hopefully to a reunited Holy Family. But my hopes were dashed when I saw the same lonely group appear forlornly kneeling around an empty place on the hay. And then this morning Jesus made His appearance. No doubt this Baby in the Manger is firmly anchored and watched over by security cameras.

Just like last year’s manger robbers, some of our lives have been robbed of a Christmas joy and are facing the holiday alone, tired and maybe even bored with the entire ritual. But we have a hope and a far better one than the replica of baby Jesus in a manger scene.  We have God’s promise that just as wise men traveled thousands of miles with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, Jesus has promised to return with His gifts of forgiveness, peace and eternal life. So whether we live alone in an apartment, lie in a hospital bed or are blessed with a loving family: we have hope. Our King will certainly return and when He does He has promised to fill forever that empty place that waits for Him in our hearts.  Nativity

Thanksgiving- A Doorway to Christmas

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And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 KJV

“What’s the magic word?” My Mom asked as I reached for the brownie in her hand. My six year old brain whirled for a moment then a little light went on in my brain. “Thank you Mom” As young children most of our parents make an attempt to teach us please and thank you. But why does it really matter? Jesus thinks it does and on the day he healed ten lepers He showed us why.  P1030323

That morning Jesus met ten men afflicted with the terrible disease of leprosy. They all kept their distance and shouted, “Jesus! Master! Have mercy on us!”  Jesus agreed to heal them, but first He sent them to the priest for inspection as the law required. On their way towards the village the men saw that their leprous spots had disappeared. Nine rushed forward towards the priest but one man did what always put a smile on my mother’s face; He went back to say thank you – without being asked!

He decided that he could wait to see everyone else; but he couldn’t wait to see Jesus. Then for the first time that he was allowed to come close to anyone, He fell at Jesus’ feet to worship and give thanks. As you read this maybe you’re still up to your elbows in leftover turkey. But what better way is there to open the door to Christmas than a special day to say thank you?

Visiting Jesus This Christmas

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And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40 ESV

“Kin you afford to lose this?” Alice said as she fingered the blue sweater that I had thrown over her shoulders as she sat shivering in her wheel chair. I smiled and nodded in assurance and then she began to tell her story. “I dun know how I ga heer! Awl I know is I wuz waitin’ fer the bus an’ I fell an now am heer.”

Alice’s story is so like that of a thousand others. She could remember clearly growing up in Ireland and often reminded me, “New one az soffered like the Irish people.” But Alice did not know that she was in a nursing home understand why she was there, or what had become of her family. This year as Christmas is approaching remember Alice’s story. It may take only a sweater, a plate of cookies of a few heart-felt Christmas carols to unlock the secrets of those who are especially precious to Jesus. Maybe He calls them brothers and sisters because like Him there has no room been found for them at the inn.

Why not ask God to help you share the love and message of Jesus Christ with them this year? It doesn’t matter whether we come with costly gifts like the wise men or with only praise like the shepherds. Jesus sits by their sides and He will counts it all as done for Him if we will simply choose to come! If you have been praying about it and just are not sure how to get started, I have included a short video that may help you put feet to your prayers.