The Gift of Emmanuel

The Jews looked for a Savior, a Messiah, someone to free them from their bondage.


O come, o come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lowly exile here
Until the Son of God appears
Are we that different? Often I feel trapped here on earth, exiled from Paradise until the Son of God appears. I mourn for something better. Yet the old song reminds me I have nothing to fear, nothing to grieve.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Jesus came. And with Him brought new life for all who believe.

Oh come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Thy people with Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight
Even death cannot separate me from the love of God.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
For those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

O Come Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Because He came, I have hope. I know this is not all there is. I know my future is secure. I may be banished for a time on earth, but one day I'll live with Him in Paradise.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

For more Thankful Thursday posts or to link up your own, visit Iris at Grace Alone.

A Mother's Special Grace

I worry about my kids.

I want the best for them and this world can be a tough place to live. These years of transitioning kids to adulthood have proven to be the most difficult for me yet. I stew and I think too far ahead and I pray like crazy.

Lately I think of Mary, then feel guilty for my minor anxieties. Oh, how that woman must have suffered. When she was pondering in the stable, was Mary thinking about the future for her child? Did she have any clue what was ahead? Did she know she'd watch her Son, God's Son, be brutally beaten? Did she know people would say awful things and accuse Him unjustly? Did she know she'd watch him die?


I think of my kids and my petty concerns compared to hers. How did she survive those three days after His death? I would have been done in. I would have crawled in a ball and died myself. How did she do it? Did God give Mary special grace? What did He tell her those three days her heart broke? Did she remember what He said about rebuilding the temple? Did she understand? Or did she just endure?

I wish I knew, but I still take hope from her. If God gave Mary special grace to raise His child, won't He do the same for me? Aren't my children really His? Won't He provide what I need to be the mother my children need? Won't He help me trust Him and relieve my worries? He'll be there every step of the way, just as He was with Mary. His Word promises it.

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Isaiah 40:11

Like Mary, I'll believe His Word. When I feel afraid, I'll cry out to Him. I'll do my best to be still and to listen and to ponder.

How will you be like Mary?



Photo Credit: :nick

Can We Reclaim Christmas?

The child sat on Santa's lap, unsure if the jolly old man would grant her wish.

"You see, I'm Jewish," she said.

"Oh, that's all right," Santa said, "Santa doesn't care if you're Jewish or Buddhist or Muslim. He doesn't care if you're black or white or red or green or blue. Santa loves all children the same."

It was supposed to be a sweet moment, but it turned my stomach the way Santa (a fictional character we elevate to superstar status) took credit for the kind of love only Jesus can give. And it irked me that people who don't give any homage to Jesus still want to claim His holiday.

Yet I know I am just as guilty. Satan has done a masterful job of distracting us from the real meaning of Christmas, infusing it with all sorts of rituals and traditions that have nothing to do with the Christ child. I've got a Christmas tree in my living room, presents resting underneath. I've fallen victim to the pressure of creating the perfect holiday for my kids, spending more than I probably should. Twinkling lights hang throughout my house. We'll bake and decorate cookies, eat far too much. Stockings line the banister. We'll drink our traditional egg nog and 7 Up and eat soup at Christmas Eve. And none of it, NONE of it has anything to do with Jesus' birth.

My spirit feels the dichotomy. Tension mounts in my frenzy to get all the Christmas preparations done while something within longs only for stillness, quiet. I sense it isn't right, this strange way of celebrating the birth of Jesus. It feels pagan, too much about us and those we love, without enough solitude to hear Him beckon. And yet I don't know how to reclaim it, to satisfy this yearning in me to make it more, to make it special beyond the thoughtfulness of gifts and good will.

“Christmas belongs to us, the believers of Christ, it doesn’t belong to the world. Christ needs to be elevated in our hearts year around. He didn’t come to be marketed as a seasonal gift on sale for half price. We were the ones that were bought at price.”

David Jeremiah

Shouldn't I try to reclaim it for Him? But how? I like to sit in my living room lit only by Christmas lights, all by myself, and quietly reflect on Jesus, what He's done in my life, who I am because of Him. I like to sit there and ponder, trying in some small way to remember the night my Lord was born. I admit it doesn't happen every year, but when it does, my soul rests and knows gratitude and wonders at the Blessed Baby.

Sigh.

Is reclaiming Christmas a matter of focusing on Him? How can we do that better?

How do you try to reclaim Christmas?


To visit more In Other Words participants, visit Karen at In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus.



Photo Credit: ecastro

The Yearning

(Click here to listen.)

There is a yearning
in hearts weighed down by ancient grief and centuries of sorrow.
There is a yearning
in hearts that in the darkness hide
and in the shades of death abide,
a yearning for tomorrow.

There is a yearning,
a yearning for the promised One, the Firstborn of creation.
There is a yearning for
the Lord who visited His own,
and by His death for sin atoned,
to bring to us salvation.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, within our hearts, the yearning.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, within our hearts, the yearning.

There is a yearning
that fills the hearts of those who wait the day of His appearing.
There is a yearning
when all our sorrows are erased
and we shall see the One who placed
within our hearts the yearning.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, within our hearts, the yearning.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, within our hearts, the yearning.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, within our hearts, the yearning.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
within our hearts,
the yearning.

I feel it too, that yearning for something better, something purer, the desire to see the One who placed the longing in our hearts.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.



Song Credit: The Yearning, copyright 2011 Lorenz Publishing Company.
Music by Craig Courtney
Words by Susan Bentall Boersma

Photo Credit: RejiK

Like A Shepherd

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

The shepherds were minding their own business, doing their job.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

God gave them an unmistakable message.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

They believed and sought out Jesus.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

They saw him and spread the news, being part of God's amazing work.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

They praised God.

I've often envied the shepherds. A host of angels would be pretty convincing, don't you think? God doesn't spell it out so clearly for us, does He? And yet, I, like the shepherds, was minding my own business when God gave me a message about His Son. It wasn't through angels, but in confirmation class, from the lips of my pastor. His words about Jesus having a special plan for my life compelled me, causing me to hope Jesus was real, so I believed and sought the Son of God through prayer and His Word. And one day, after much searching and my own spiritual journey, I knew I needed Jesus--I "saw" Him and have spent the rest of my life trying to point Him out to others. Every day brings new opportunities to praise Him for all the wonders He's shown.

“Can we see that we are the shepherds? Can we with open eyes, see who we are and who He is and what He has done? Are we amazed?”

Rev. Mark Shaw

The shepherds were minding their own business, doing their job.
God gave them an unmistakable message.
They believed and sought out Jesus.
They saw him and spread the news, being part of God's amazing work.
They praised God.

Are you like a shepherd? Has your life changed after "seeing?" the Christ child?


Want to know what others think of this quote? Visit Loni at Writing Canvas.


Scripture passage: Luke 2:8-20

Photo Credit: Reza Vazari

Feeling Like Martha

One more batch of cookies. Another round of peppermint patties. One more gift. Another stocking stuffer. I should pick up some extra tissue paper, batteries, ice melt. I keep pushing myself to complete everything so I can relax, and while the list gets shorter, little after thoughts make it never ending. This constant going steals the season. The busyness, the stress of getting it all done takes away from what Christmas should be.

There's been no time for gazing at the lit Christmas tree in the dark, for imagining THE silent night, for pondering thoughts like Mary. A few moments in the morning do not satisfy my soul. I need to sit quietly in His presence.

I think of another Mary, resting at Jesus' feet while her sister, Martha, scurried about as I do now. I feel Martha's frustration as I look at my family stretched out across the living room while I whip up party mix. Pangs of jealousy strike as I'm wrapping gifts and my kids are watching movies. I want to sit, to soak in the environment of my home, to cherish the blessing of my family. I want to be Mary. Jesus gently whispers to my weary soul, "Mary has CHOSEN what is better. . ."

Ah. And so will I. My list will be done TODAY, this morning if I can do it. The preparations will be finished. I choose to call it good. No more Martha racing. It's time for Mary adoring.

It's time to celebrate Christmas.

O come let us adore Him.
O come let us adore Him.
O come let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

Photo Credit: Flowery *L*u*z*a*

Straight from the Horse's. . .er, Husband's Mouth

We're mixing it up this month for Marriage Monday, getting in a word from our husbands! Big thanks to Kevin for being a good sport and playing nice. I must not have picked very good questions, because his answers seemed pretty boring and he's hardly a boring guy. So for your reading pleasure (or to further beat a dead horse), I've included our bantering as I reacted to his answers.

What pops into your mind when you hear the word Christmas?

Kevin: Family, church and busy. What about you?

Me: Stress. . .which brings guilt (sigh).

What is your favorite Christmas activity or tradition?

Kevin: I like our birthday party for Jesus.

Me: We haven't done that in years.

Kevin: No, we did it last year.

Me: You mean when we open up a game with the kids?

Kevin: Yeah, but we had cake or something too, didn't we?

Me: No. There was no cake. We haven't done it lately. What else?

Kevin: Are you sure?

Me: Pick something else.

Kevin: Okay, well. . .I like Christmas morning when we open gifts with the kids and take down stockings, and the Christmas Eve church service--at that point all the stress is over and you can just enjoy it.

Me: Okay, I can take that answer.

What is your fondest Christmas memory?

Kevin: I liked our first few Christmases together when we had time to make our own ornaments. That was fun.

Me: (saying nothing, but cherishing a memory of one of those years when after completing our decorations, we shared a passionate evening in front of the lit Christmas tree and slept there all night by its glow. . .aaaah, so peaceful and soothing and perfectly wonderful)

What was your favorite gift?

Kevin: I got a cool erector set one year. What would you say?

Me: In fourth grade I got the globe I really wanted. I'm such a nerd. I also remember a Little People Play House (that was back when the little people were really little, not chunky) and a basket for my bike and a Barbie camper.

What do you enjoy about the Christmas season?

Kevin: Spending time with family and hanging out more with our kids.

Me: (No comment. Good answer. Ditto.)

How do you and I look at Christmas differently?

Kevin: (slipping into defensive-this-is-too-many-questions-at-bedtime mode) I don't know. Do we think of it differently?

Me: I'm asking you.

Kevin: I don't think it stresses me out as much as you.

Describe your ideal Christmas.

Kevin: Last Christmas was great, staying at home in our jammies all day, laying around, eating, watching movies, playing games, never leaving the house.

Me: I'd say the same thing. That was awesome, even if the kids did make fun of me playing Dance Dance Revolution.

And there you have it, everything you did and didn't care to know about the Boesigers. Thank you, honey, for patiently answering my questions when all you wanted to do was sleep. I encourage the rest of you to slightly annoy bond with your man and ask him what he thinks of Christmas.

See what other guys said or link up your own interview at Chrysalis.

The Only Way

It is the only way.

She dabs her eyes through the entire worship service, the pain too fresh. Her husband steals nervous glances at her and she does her best to avoid them. She doesn't understand why God let it happen, this tragedy, one whose healing will take much time. Though she's angry with God, she is here, trying to make some sense of the incomprehensible. There must be a reason. There has to be a bigger plan in place. This can't be all there is. Where are you, God?

He watches, His Spirit hovering close, His heart breaking alongside hers. He knows what it is to lose a son. Will she trust Him though she doesn't understand and hurts so bad? Will she hang on long enough to see the loss lead her and others to something better?

It is the only way.

He makes bad choices. Even though he knows it, he does it anyway, often feeling helpless to stop himself. He is in a rut. Life is always the same, boring, without purpose. How does one find meaning in life? His experience with church has not helped. All he sees is a bunch of people trying to make themselves feel better, a place that wants his money, but doesn't address the emptiness he feels.

A loving God sees. How can He explain the fact that all are hypocrites? How can He show him He understands the hopelessness? When will he accept His love?

It is the only way.

Hurt and heartache abound. People are shackled by forces they aren't even aware of. No matter how hard they try, they can't get it right. There is only one way to make sense of the pain, of the labor of human existence. Father, Son and Holy Spirit settle the matter. Their love for mankind necessitates action. They must know the limitations of the creation, must have a way to prove They can relate. There can be no special favors. The Son must enter as an ordinary man, facing the same struggles, feeling the same sadness and sorrow, experiencing the same temptations, walking the same path.

It is the only way.

A baby is born with no great fanfare. The Son of God comes into the world and many, even those who have been watching for Him, scoff. They, we, want more? He gives and gives, yet people criticize. They doubt and they mock, not only while He is on earth, but for all time. The Gift's power never decreases and is for all men, in any country, situation or time.

God has given everything He has for wayward children, stubborn and ignorant. Is it worth it for the few who will see?

The Holy Trinity, in one accord, says yes.

It is the only way.

So wrap our injured flesh around you,
breathe our air and walk our sod.
Rob our sin and make us holy,
perfect Son of God,
perfect Son of God.

Thank You, Lord. Merry Christmas.

Group Writing Project Entries

Group Writing Project

Sponsored by On the Horizon and The Next Step:

Keeping Christ in Christmas



We are delighted to showcase the wonderful submissions included in our second Group Writing Project!

Please visit each participant’s site and take a moment to leave a comment letting him/her know not only how much you appreciate his/her contribution, but the way(s) in which the post touched, inspired, motivated or otherwise “spoke” to you at this most special time of the year!

Here are the submissions to “Keeping Christ in Christmas:”

Brenda at Living with RAD offers All Because of Jesus, explaining that she and her family keep the music playing in order to "keep the right song alive" in their hearts.



Sandy Carlson at Writing in Faith: Thoughts presents Keeping Christ in Christmas All the Time. Sandy is a phenomenal writer and this article does not disappoint. She says: "Bidden or unbidden, God is with us. We have only to see, to hear, to love."


Jane at Scheiss Weekly would like us all to exhibit a Christ-like spirit by living our true tolerance toward each other. She explains her philosophy in Freedom of Religion is Not Freedom From Religion Unless That is Your Religion.


Dave Earley at Faith Like a Mustard Seed submitted Christ in Christmas. He encourages readers to distinguish between gifts and the giver.




Miriam Pauline at Miriam Pauline's Monologue presents Christ in Christmas. Miriam Pauline is a thoughtful, insightful writer. She has a wonderful perspective: "I cannot comprehend Christmas without Christ at the center."



Jenn at Mixed Metaphor.net shares a fictional story about Christ-like love being shared at Christmas, His Christmas Legacy. Make sure you have a tissue handy before you begin reading.



JHS at Colloquium explains why, in her opinion, exhibiting tolerance is the best approach to Keeping Christ in Christmas. Check out the photo of Santa Claus on a cross. Do you find it offensive? How would you respond . . . or would you respond at all? It is certainly thought-provoking.


Thanks to all of you who contributed your posts! We appreciate your willingness to share your talents with us during this demanding and busy time of year! And a special thank you to Hopeful Spirit for compiling all the entries.

Have a very merry, Christ-centered Christmas!

A Confession

As a teenager I would sit in our dark living room, gazing into the lighted Christmas tree without a care in the world. I could stay there forever, dreaming and imagining, asking God all sorts of questions. It was a time of serenity and wonder, peace and hope, an excitement in knowing the same God who created all things, who walked the earth before me, was there, taking it all in with me.

Then I grew up. Now there is little time to stare at my tree and pick God’s brain, little time for the quiet to wash away my anxiety, no time for being still. As an adult, this season is filled with lists and tasks and expectations and stress.

I miss what Christmas used to be and dread what it has become--more stuff to cram into an already busy schedule. Every year I stew over how to bring back the wonder and peacefulness. Each December I think there must be a better way. I want to sit in the dark and watch it snow, drink hot apple cider and play games with my kids. I yearn for beautiful music, meaningful conversations, candles, and snuggling up under fluffy blankets watching movies. And even though all of this can be done at home, I know something is bound to interfere, so I dream of swooping my family up and going away, far away, to a place where there is nothing to do, and true rest and peace abound.

But life doesn't work like that. God doesn't give us an out every time we want to escape. And there must be a reason for that. Could it be He wants us to be able to celebrate anywhere, not only in ideal conditions? Does He expect praise at all times? Is He trying to teach us real peace has nothing to do with location, but everything to do with motivation? Am I focusing on the wrong aspects of Christmas? Am I letting Satan steal my joy?

I don’t want to go through the motions of Christmas. I want to celebrate it. How is it I haven’t understood until now I make a choice? My heart is not in it because I haven’t chosen what is best. I have been deceived. I have let my mind dwell on the busyness instead of the Child.

I need to center my mind, my heart, my soul. . .

O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

Amen.