The true meaning of Christmas

I had the opportunity to really look at the reason for the season this Christmas. I took an in depth look at the reality of what we as “Christians” would say is the truth and I asked the question – Are we really celebrating Christmas with the right intent, the right heart, and the right perspective? I would submit with the statistics showing that over 14 million American’s are still paying for their Christmas purchases in 2010, and that I am sure many of that 14 million are Christians, that the answer to the question above would be a resounding “NO”.

If you would allow me to make my point – As Christians we acknowledge December 25 as the day set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ, hence it’s His birthday. What happens on a birthday? You got it, the birthday boy or girl gets gifts. I know if I was celebrating my birthday and everyone who came had a gift for everyone but me I would be a bit put out! How many of us made purchases that would be perceived by the birthday boy as a gift to Him? What would a gift to Him look like? I have some ideas and here is your opportunity to compare the gifts you bought to the gifts I am getting ready to identify.
1.       The gift of forgiveness. Who has harmed you or hurt your feelings and you have failed to forgive that person? The reality is you are so angry with that person, whether you realize it not it, they are succeeding in continuing to rob you of your joy and worse they keep you in bondage. So not only does this gift free the person who wounded you but more importantly it frees you and allows you to move on.

2.       The gift of joy. Who is down and out? Who is feeling lonely and abandoned? Who is without hope? Maybe someone incarcerated, in a group home, in a homeless shelter, a convalescent home, or simply someone who is a stranger on the street, could use a moment from you that would bring them joy, light in a dark world. This gift exemplifies the scripture that reminds us when you’ve done for the least of these you’ve done for Christ.
3.       The gift of love – unconditional. This gift can be shown in many ways one tangible way is by providing resources that drip from a genuine heart of love and not condemnation. It might be groceries for someone you know has been laid off, helping someone to pay their rent who you know simply doesn’t have the resources right now to make those ends meet. It might be helping someone pay for their utility bills or other areas of need. This gift of love might be giving them simply a warm handshake (a hand transfer of money) because God has blessed you so that you have a harvest, an overflow to bless someone.

4.       The gift of time. Maybe there are some seniors or single individuals where your time would bless them immensely. Tending to their lawn, helping fix things around the house, taking care of minor maintenance issues with vehicles, fixing some meals, watching their children or aging parent are a few ways you could give of your time.

These are just a few ideas but I am sure you get the point. One interesting thing about these gifts is that none of them put you in debt, cause you to be grumpy, force you to deal with long lines, make you deal with rude people, there are no gifts to return because you don’t like them and in return you receive such joy and love and satisfaction that someone was blessed by you on behalf of the One who made it all possible.
Another facet about this season that we should reflect on it that Jesus is not the reason for season unless you view the season as one who say “thank you” 365 days of year. We should not be nicer, more benevolent, and happier only in December. People need to receive from us on a regular basis. The scripture reads that “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” This love is a selfless love, this love is a compassionate love, this love is humble love, and this love is meant to give hope, joy, love, and kindness all year long.

So when celebrating the birth of Christ, celebrate it with the right intent, the right heart, and the right perspective. Happy Birthday Jesus and Thank you!!

True Story of Christmas

(The Living Bible Translation Luke 1:26-50, Luke 2:1-20 , Matt 1:18-25, Matt 2:1-15 )


Each once is encouraged all during this season to purpose in their hearts to read this wonderful and exciting story about the birth of Jesus. Take the time to answer any questions your children may have so the pureness and the simplicity of the story can find a special place in your family’s heart. Read it at family gatherings in front of the fireplace, around the Christmas tree, or at the dinner table. Be a part of spreading the true meaning of Christmas with your loved ones and even those you don’t know. Take this story to the convalescent homes, the homeless shelters, orphanages and hospitals. Share this story with anyone who will give you the opportunity to warm their hearts. We promise you, your heart will be blessed.

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin, Mary, engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Congratulations, favored lady! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be frightened, Mary," the angel told her, "for God has decided to wonderfully bless you! Very soon now, you will become pregnant and have a baby boy, and you are to name him 'Jesus.' He shall be very great and shall be called the Son of God. And the Lord God shall give Him the throne of His ancestor David. And He shall reign over Israel forever; His Kingdom shall never end!" Mary asked the angel, "But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin." The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy-- the Son of God. Furthermore, six months ago your Aunt Elizabeth-- 'the barren one,' they called her-- became pregnant in her old age! For every promise from God shall surely come true."

Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to do whatever He wants. May everything you said come true." And then the angel disappeared. A few days later Mary hurried to the highlands of Judea to the town where Zacharias lived, to visit Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped within her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, "You are favored by God above all other women, and your child is destined for God's mightiest praise. What an honor this is, that the mother of my Lord should visit me! When you came in and greeted me, the instant I heard your voice, my baby moved in me for joy!

You believed that God would do what He said; that is why He has given you this wonderful blessing." Mary responded, "Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God. For He, the mighty Holy One, has done great things to me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who reverence Him.

Now Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her fiancé, being a man of stern principle, decided to break the engagement but to do it quietly, as he didn't want to publicly disgrace her.  As he lay awake considering this, he fell into a dream, and saw an angel standing beside him. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "don't hesitate to take Mary as your wife! For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a Son, and you shall name him Jesus (meaning 'Savior'), for He will save His people from their sins.  This will fulfill God's message through his prophets--'Listen! The virgin shall conceive a child! She shall give birth to a Son, and He shall be called "Emmanuel" (meaning "God is with us").'" When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel commanded and brought Mary home to be his wife, but she remained a virgin until her Son was born.

 About this time Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the nation.

Everyone was required to return to his ancestral home for this registration. And because Joseph was a member of the royal line, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, King David's ancient home-- journeying there from the Galilean village of Nazareth. He took with him Mary, his wife, who was obviously pregnant by this time. While they were there, the time came for her baby to be born and she gave birth to her first child, a Son. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.
Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. At about that time some astrologers (wise men) from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in far-off eastern lands and have come to worship Him." King Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, and all Jerusalem was filled with rumors. He called a meeting of the Jewish religious leaders. "Did the prophets tell us where the Messiah would be born?" he asked. "Yes, in Bethlehem," they said, "for this is what the prophet Micah wrote: 'O little town of Bethlehem, you are not just an unimportant Judean village, for a Governor shall rise from you to rule my people Israel.'" Then Herod sent a private message to the astrologers, asking them to come to see him; at this meeting he found out from them the exact time when they first saw the star. Then he told them, "Go to Bethlehem and search for the child. And when you find Him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship Him too!" After this interview the astrologers started out again. And look! The star appeared to them again, standing over Bethlehem. Their joy knew no bounds!
 That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior-- yes, the Messiah, the Lord-- has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize Him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!" Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-- the armies of heaven-- praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven," they sang, "and peace on earth for all those pleasing Him." When this great army of angels had returned again to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on! Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.

Entering the house where the baby and Mary, His mother, were, the wise men threw themselves down before Him, worshiping. Then they opened their presents and gave Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But when they returned to their own land, they didn't go through Jerusalem to report to Herod, for God had warned them in a dream to go home another way.

Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them.

 After they were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up and flee to Egypt with the baby and His mother," the angel said, "and stay there until I tell you to return, for King Herod is going to try to kill the child." That same night he left for Egypt with Mary and the baby, and stayed there until King Herod's death. This fulfilled the prophet's prediction, "I have called my Son from Egypt."

For God so loved us that He stepped down from His rightful place as the Sovereign One (a spirit) and donned the flesh of humanity. He did this so He could experience life as we know it and endure the very same trials and temptations we experience, and yet not sin.  He can be in tune with our issues and struggles in a more intimate way. The birth of Christ was the beginning of His outward expression of how precious we are to Him.  His Resurrection  (the day we celebrate as Easter), is the completion of His outward expression. For the bible says that there is no greater love than a man to lay down his life for a friend. Well on that great day Jesus laid down His life on the cross so we would have a chance of eternal life and a wonderful fellowship with our Father.

 This is why we celebrate the birth of Christ, intimately known to the world as Christmas.

Twelve Days to Christmas

In the days leading up to the actual day of the birth of Christ, explore these ways of sharing the love of Jesus with your children, friends, and family. 

1.       Commit a portion of your holiday dollars to buying some items for those in need and allow your children and family members to go with you to present them. I know my niece’s little heart just breaks when she has the opportunity to see the joyous expression on the face of a child to whom she gives a gift. Especially when she sees that the child has so little and she has so much. This teaches children and others the joy of giving.

2.       Give away something that means a great deal to you. This teaches sacrifice. It is easy to give away something you no longer need or use. It is another thing to give away something that you still treasure.

3.       Make up coupons to give to your children. Put them in your child’s lunch box or backpack where they are sure to find them. (Wives, this also works well with your husband. What a great way to keep the spice in your marriage.) Here are a few suggestions for your coupons:

·         You are entitled to one hug, just because.

·         You are entitled to one big wet kiss, just because.

·         You are entitled to one afternoon alone with Mommy.

·         You choose one movie night.

·         I Love You.

·         You are so special to me.

·         I am glad God blessed me with you.

·         Jesus loves You.

·         The angels are watching over you when I am not around.

4.       Go to a shelter and share your love and time with the people.

5.       Go to a convalescent home and sing carols to the residents.

6.       Go out to a homeless camp and take some warm clothes and food.

7.       Stop to give food, a smile, and a warm word (tell them that Jesus loves them), to a beggar on the street.

8.       Gather the kids, friends, and family and purpose in your hearts to go Christmas caroling at the senior apartment communities.

9.       Visit the children’s ward of a hospital to sing Christmas carols.

10.    Take a bag of gifts to the county orphanage.

11.    Fix a birthday cake for Jesus and sing happy birthday to Him. Bring gifts to Him. Make this fun. Let your children be creative. Wrap them up, open them, and share with Jesus why you think this gift would be perfect for Him.

12.    Read the true Christmas story to your family, friends and your children’s friends. Make it festive. Have hot chocolate and save some of the birthday cake. Re-light the candles and let the children blow out the candles for Christ.

Make this a yearly event so you can do your part to remind your sphere of influence just what Christmas is all about.

Avoiding Holiday Loneliness

As a single woman I too know what it is like to be alone on the holidays. I can rejoice in the fact that I may be alone, in the physical sense, but I am never lonely, because of the presence of God. Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us, but He would be with us even until the end of time. As single women, we are called to be concerned about the things above, the things that concern God. There are too many hurting and needy people for us to be lost in our “being alone.”  When I say pitifully, “Well I guess I’ll go home to myself,” my wise niece always reminds me, “Auntie you’re never alone because Jesus is at home waiting for you.” While God prepares you for that husband and those children you long for enjoy your precious time with Jesus, because when marriage and children take stage, it becomes center stage and the time you had with Jesus will seem but a memory. Be encouraged and know that if you take care of things of God, He will faithfully take care of your things, the things that matter to you. Psalms 37:4 says, “If you delight in the Lord He will give you the desires of
your heart.” John 15:7 says, “If you abide in Me and My word abides in you ask what you will and it shall be given unto you.” Matthew 6:33 says, If you seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness your basic needs will be met. (Paraphrase mine). Then Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked whatsoever you sow, so shall you reap.” If you have sowed love, compassion, and the like, you will reap them in your season. Psalms 1:3 says, you will yield fruit (the harvest of your desires) in its (your) season.

If what’s been said doesn’t spark a greater understanding and provide some peace during this time of being alone here are some practical ideas that single women can do and find joy in the process during this festive time of the year.
·         Get together with other single friends and make a tradition of celebrating each other.

·         Plan a trip with two or three or more friends. Skiing is definitely a great outlet. There are so many places you can go and enjoy being with people who love you. Single people should build a bond that allows them to become families while waiting on that family – if that is your desire.

·         On the same idea as the first one with money a consideration for many during this time – have a pot luck fiesta. Find common ground with music, movies, and board games. Trust me there is fun to be had by all!!

·         Ladies of course I recommend a fabulous sleep over!! How fun!! Time to play truth or dare, tell war and victory stories, swap recipes – be young and carefree!!

·         There are many shelters, all over with families, and ladies, single women with children, whom you could adopt (This is for free: You don’t adopt just for the season but on a continual basis for the reason). What a time, if you’re Christian, to give a real gift to the birthday BOY. (When you’ve done for the least of these you’ve done for Me.)

·         Just as you single ladies are alone there are widows alone - what a time for generational fellowship!!

·         Visiting and spending time with seniors in convalescent centers are a great way to really be blessing.

·         Don’t despise your singleness. Enjoy the happiness of family and friends in your life. If you celebrate them when it comes time to celebrate you, you’ve got a fan club excited for your time - whatever that time is.
       Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There  an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event (your marriage, your children, etc.) under heaven.” So while you have this awesome time to bask in the love of the Lord and enjoy the intimacy truly only a single woman sold out for Jesus can experience, make the most of your time with God and allow Him to fill you up completely. So whether you are in jail, rehabilitation, a shelter, or an apartment, the eyes of the Lord are on you and He’s waiting for you to stretch out your arms and allow Him to love you as no one else can love you. Be blessed.