John 13:34

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

       What a beautiful time of the year. Many gather with family and friends; others gather with memories of Christmases past. Once past all the glitz and glitter, candles and lights, wrapping paper and tinsel, we see the true meaning of Christmas; God came in our image, in the form of a baby in a manger named Jesus. Through Jesus, God’s love for the world shines brighter than the lights anyone could decorate their house. On this day, let us see this gift of love as an example for us. John records Jesus’ words as a commandment to us to love one another. That’s one gift that doesn’t need ribbon and bows. So may your Christmas Day be filled with God’s love for you.

Let us pray…Gracious God, You came in our image to show your great love for the world. On this glorious day and the days ahead, let your gift of love shine through me to those I encounter on my path in this world – without exception.

Peace,
Pastor Tim

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Anticipation and Hope

       When we read this verse of Isaiah, it is hard not to immediately think of the telling of the birth of Christ and the angels coming to the shepherds that faithful night: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)

       It had been nearly 700 years since the prophet Isaiah had foretold the coming of the Messiah. 700 years! No one knew when, just that He would come. We know that God’s timing is perfect, but how difficult must it have been for the generations that followed Isaiah to wait, to wonder, to anticipate, and hope for the coming of the Lord. Finally, on a starry night, it happened.

       Many of us start the countdown until next Christmas on December 26. We wait all year for the celebration of the birth of Christ. We know it is coming, we know the day, we can anticipate and prepare and be excited knowing that at long last – Christmas Eve is here. Jesus came as the good news and to proclaim peace and declare victory over sin and death.

As we celebrate once again, let us remember those (like the shepherds) who waited for centuries in great anticipation for the promise to be fulfilled. We can learn from their demonstration of faith to have hope that Christ will come again. As John has foretold in Revelations: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him” (Revelations 1:7). That is our hope, our anticipation. Let us joyfully wait with faithfulness. COME LORD JESUS, COME!

Andy Gordon

Ephesians 2:8-9

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

       It’s almost time. When I was younger, I could hardly wait for Christmas Day and the presents under the tree for me. How exciting it was. As I grew older, the number of gifts grew smaller and no longer came from “Santa.” I still have great anticipation for Christmas and the presents that my family thinks to get me, and of course, one or two from “Santa” yet. However, as years go by, I can’t remember who got me what and when. Today’s verse reminds me that the greatest gift of all is God’s gift of salvation – life in community with God. There is nothing I can do to earn it: no naughty or nice list. God’s love for us is through the gift that was wrapped in swaddling cloth and boxed in a manager. Thank you God for your love for all through Jesus.

A Friend of Messiah

Galatians 4:4-5

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to son-ship.

       During my schooling, I had the great joy of working with foster and adoptive families. As a mother, I’ve also known the joy of bringing my own child into the world. In my experience, the joy a mother feels welcoming her child into the world is nothing compared to the joy a child feels being adopted into the right family; being told after years of waiting and in many unfortunate cases, suffering, that they are wanted, they are loved, and they are worthy.

       This is exactly the reminder Paul gives us in this passage. At a time when Gentiles were being given a list of all the acts they must complete to become children of God, Paul instead points only to Christ. It is God’s actions through Christ, not our own, which extend us the invitation to the family of God. The only thing we need to do to obtain that love and belonging is to accept it. And when we do, we receive it fully, receiving God’s love on the same level of his love for Christ.

Jessica Francovitch

Matthew 2:10-11 NLT

“When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.“

Star…Joy…Worship…Gifts. Wise Men from the East were guided by a very special star to Jesus. Can I be a star to guide someone to Jesus during this Advent Season? This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

The joy that filled the Magi after their long journey must have been amazing! Can my actions encourage someone to start a journey with The Messiah that will bring them great joy? Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!

When the Wise Men arrived at the house Jesus was a baby, yet these learned travelers bowed down and worshipped Him. They believed He was the King for whom Israel had been waiting. Here I am to bow down, here I am to worship, here I am to say that you’re my God!

What is my gift to Jesus? What can be as precious as the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that He received two thousand years ago? This week’s theme is LOVE. I will love Jesus by acts of love toward God’s creation. And they’ll know we are Christians by our love!

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I pray that all may know the joy that filled the Wise Men.

Mary Lee Colley