I got to thinking about some of the Christmas greetings we hear and use.
Out in the world it has become controversial to use a truly Christian Christmas greeting. We hear people exclaim “Happy Holidays!” with great exuberance, but that greeting rings artificial for the child of God.
An almost palatable taste of hope was in the air. Much had been promised and much was expected–at least by the faithful. The elements of success had been carefully brought together. People waited with bated breath. Finally, the winning shot went home and the team held on for ultimate victory. The USA hockey team had beaten the Russians and went on to capture the gold.
A nation, perhaps with many throughout the world, erupted with joy. The announcer could only gasp: “Do you believe in miracles?!”
Ice again covers the lakes, and excitement wafts through the air. Much has been promised; much is expected. It’s not Lake Placid in 1980, but it’s Christmas. And the question should again be asked with great awe and wonder, “Do you believe in miracles!?”
Dear reader, please have Luke 1:5-25 before you
“Silence is golden” is the old saying.
To a frazzled mom with noisy, active little ones, it is a golden time when the children are put to bed and the house is quiet. For a teacher after a long day, it is a golden time when the students go home and the classroom is silent.
2 Mark 1:21-34 -THL 114 Jesus worked Saturdays AND Sundays! 3 Luke 4:14-30– THL 60 Was He Joseph’s boy, or God’s Messiah? 4 Luke 5:1-11-THL 410 Miracles do not create but support faith. 5 Luke…
27 Advent: John 8:48-59 -THL 64 Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus’ day. 28 Genesis 50 -THL 615 We anticipate our reunion with all of them. 29 Exodus 1 – THL 299 It was sinful but…
14 Genesis 46 -THL 533 When God gives a clear directive, we follow it. 15 Genesis 47 – THL 540 God blessed Egypt for His people’s sake. 16 Exodus 5:1-9 -THL 580 Don’t ever underestimate…
7 Genesis 44 – THL 388 God guided the brothers back into His flock. 8 Genesis 45 -THL 434 God turned sin to serve His good purposes. 9 Psalm 57 -THL 435 Let us trust…
“But that’s not fair!!!” You can almost hear the whining voice of a four-year-old complaining about not receiving the treatment he thinks he deserves. To the child’s young mind, it doesn’t seem fair that older brothers and sisters get to stay up later than he does to watch TV because that’s unwarranted favoritism.
But how many young children voice objections about fairness when they receive something BETTER than they deserve? As a twelve-year-old, did you complain that your four-year-old sibling did not get to stay up as late as you?
Jacob had left Canaan on less than good terms. He had tricked his aged and blind father Isaac into giving him the blessing that belonged to his older twin brother, Esau—not fair!! For this, Esau hated Jacob to the point of wanting to kill him. Jacob had to flee Canaan with only the clothes on his back and a staff in his hand. He would spend the next twenty years working in a foreign country.
Our family has never been good about leaving home–not to mention starting on time!
It is certainly not for lack of practice. Living some 1,500 miles from “family” in the Midwest meant an almost-annual cross-country pilgrimage.
But practice never did make perfect. When we had high hopes of leaving by 7:00 a.m., maybe 8:00 at the latest, we usually had the last things stowed and the last child buckled in closer to 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…” 1 Peter 3:15
Logic
“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied.“What I am saying is true and reasonable.” Acts 26:25
