Experiencing Christmas

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“{Paul} In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

The commercials have been building up to this time of year.  Watching carefully, you can see the shift that is taking place over the last 3 or 4 weeks.  From advertising for food and diets and cars and makeup and personal care products, the advertising is now for electronics, jewelry, toys, clothing and cars.  I sat with my kids the other morning watching cartoons on the Disney channel.  Every single commercial that came on drew an excited, “Oooohh, I want that for Christmas.” statement.  Don’t get me wrong, these kids know the true meaning of Christmas, but get caught up in the hype and fascination portrayed by the merchandisers and manufacturers.  I finally followed my wife’s lead and assigned chores during the commercials, which drew the kids away from the TV, and significantly reduced the impact that advertising had for that one day. 

In general we are led, as a society, into this “must have the latest and greatest” mentality from the marketing prowess of these companies.  Take for consideration that in 2004, Motorola introduced the RazR phone, which had sold 50 million by 2006 and started the craze towards smartphones.  Apple introduced the first iPhone in 2007, and we just witnessed the iPhone 5 introduced in September 2012; 6 versions in 5 years.  People line up for hours to get the newest gadget and we never seem to stop and ask why?  The marketing and advertising campaigns work.  It creates a dependence and desire to have the latest and greatest, whether we need it or not. 

The essence brought forth from the scriptures is that we should be serving others, helping and loving others and giving to others; time, treasure and love.  I believe in the foundation of our human spirit we are driven by the joy, happiness and experience of bringing love to others.  Face it, when you give to another, there is a sense of joy in realizing that you are making a difference in their life.  A fullness of life is experienced in being able to serve and share with another.  When the inherent compassion for others comes forth, it serves not only to help another, but to enrich your own life as well.  For it takes humility, a servants heart and love to give as God gave to us.

We are called to share His love with the world, and to draw others to Him through serving them as He served.  Jesus said in Matthew 19:16-23, to the rich, young ruler, “..Go and sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow Me.”  We do not give as an attempt to gain the attention of others around us, we give to express the love and grace of our Father in heaven.  Expect nothing in return for giving unto others, but treasure the joy and love that they have experienced because the Lord enabled you to give.  To he who is given much, much will be expected. (Luke 12:48)  Jesus has prepared us to serve and help others and we know this.  If we are not giving of ourselves as required, are we truly walking in His light or simply fooling ourselves.  Put aside the Christmas list this year and focus your heart on what you can do for others, for in doing this, you will truly experience Christmas as it was intended to be experienced.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For an archive of Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com

The Gift for All

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“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”” – Luke 2:10-12

I was 5 years old, maybe 6 when I first learned this scripture verse.  It was a cold winter night in Tecumseh, Michigan.  My parents, brother, sister and I had all gathered in the living room, curled up under blankets to settle in for the wonderful movie called, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.  I’ll never forget Linus, carrying his blanket (as always), stepping to the center of the stage and stating, “I can tell you what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” and then proceeds to quote from Luke 2:8-14, “and that’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”

I find it very interesting that God chose the shepherds as the first group of people on the earth to reveal the birth of His Son.  Sure, the wise men followed a star, but God sent the angels to announce the birth of the King to the shepherds in the fields that glorious night.  He did not send a host of angels to the royalty, living in palaces or to the Pharisees or Jewish leaders in Jerusalem.  No, He chose a group of shepherds living nearby to Bethlehem. 

In that day, shepherds were often times uneducated, illiterate and ruddy men living in the fields at night. They weren’t likely steep in the knowledge of the scriptures or prophecies, but they were trusting, compassionate and found to be loyal to their flocks safety and security.  They were employed by the owners of the flocks to defend their sheep from predators, bandits and other dangers lurking in the deserts of Israel at night.  Typically, there might have been 3 or 4 shepherds per flock rotating shifts throughout the nighttime hours, varying in age from young teenage boys to old, experienced men.

You recall God had once before chosen a simple shepherd boy as the anointed King of Israel.  His choice of an insignificant, humble boy with a heart of love and a fear of the Lord, to lead His people set a precedent that His love was for all mankind, not just the elite.  David, a man after God’s own heart, was chosen instead of any of his 7 older, stronger brothers.  As the King of Israel, he lead God’s people through trials, wars, abandonment and rejoicing.  David was from the city of Bethlehem, and the ancestry line of Jesus Christ that brought Mary and Joseph to be in Bethlehem that very first Noel.

Noel has French roots and comes from the word natalis in Latin, which means “birth”.  The celebrated birth of God’s own Son has been debated for years.  Was it in April, September or December has been questioned by skeptics and pundits in attempts to disprove the event from happening at all.  Here again is an example of the human knowledge and logic getting in the way of the omnipotence and sovereignty of the Almighty God.  Don’t get caught up in the arguments of what day Jesus was born on, but focus your attention on the fact that He was born.  He was born to take away the sins of mankind and provide a path of salvation to the one true God.  This salvation is available to all of us, from the lowliest to the elite; from the illiterate to the educated.  The only individuals left out of this celebration, and destined for eternal Hell are those that refuse to acknowledge the divinity and grace of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For an archive of Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com

It Takes Obedience

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“. . .an angel of the Lord appeared to him {Joseph} in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ” –Matthew 1:20b

The fire burns in the hearth, the temperature outside is dropping as are the leaves.  There is music on the airwaves as Christmas carols fill the minds of children and adults everywhere.  Walking along streets, enjoying the homes and trees covered with lights, twinkling and sparkling against the dark sky.  For some of you, snow is falling gently upon the cool winds, and creating a blanket of white; for others snow will once again be absent and observable through dreams, video and pictures only.  Nativity scenes adorn the front lawns of churches, some city establishments (where Christian values are still observed) and homes throughout our cities.  The centerpiece is the manger, straw and Christ child, with Mary kneeling by his side.  Then there is the image of Joseph, standing behind them; almost in the shadows, watching over his wife and the Son of God.

This man, rich in faith and integrity, received instructions directly from God’s angel.  Demonstrating extreme humility and love for Mary and took on the full responsibility of raising the Christ child.  We don’t read much of Joseph throughout the scriptures, but we know he was there with Jesus through the first 12 years.  The formative years, the teaching and inspirational years.  I look at my own son who is 7 and realize just how much he watches my actions, is influenced by my words, and longs for attention from his Daddy. 

Did Jesus climb up on Joseph’s lap for hugs?
Did Joseph teach Jesus to work as a carpenter?
Did Jesus stand with Joseph during the reading and memorizing the scriptures?
Did Joseph teach this boy Jesus to fish, to hunt, to build a fire or to fix a broken wagon wheel?
Did Jesus learn to love and respect his mother by watching Joseph?

This man, Joseph, must have been in awe of his position in the history of the world.  He must have questioned why he was chosen for this purpose to raise the King of Kings?  What could he possibly teach the Son of God?  He must have held that baby in his hands, knowing that one day this child would redeem the children of Israel.  Could he have imagined that 2000 years later we would still be seeking the peace, forgiveness and redemption that he and his family pursued?  Would he have known that God’s plan for salvation would take millennia to complete?  The boy Joseph taught and nurtured and helped develop into the man, Jesus Christ, would be crucified for our sins.  I can’t imagine that Joseph would have been aware of these details.  He held that babe in his hands and loved that child, as any father would, with tears in his eyes, in awe of the enormous responsibility that lay upon such a beautiful child.  He followed the words of the angel and stepped into the light and glory of the Father by doing so, by simply being obedient.    
             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For an archive of Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com

A Man and a Prophet

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“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” – Luke 2:30-32

Each morning he would wake up and prepare his heart for the day that lie ahead.  Slowly his legs would come to life as he dressed for the weather of the day.  Some days were better than others, some were not, but he never lost interest in his purpose.  Walking through the village, some of the children would laugh and make fun, others would feel sorry for him and try to dissuade him from continuing on his journey.  His sandaled feet were not as swift as they once were, and his breathing was more labored than it had been in his younger days. 

She awoke that day feeling age upon her bones as well.  For years she had been walking the halls and chambers with the promise that it would change soon.  Her words had echoed against these walls and fallen on many a deaf ear, but with conviction she continued to bring a word to those who came across her path.  As her 84 year old body rose on this morning there seemed to be more life in her spirit than in the past few weeks and months.  As she wrapped her palla around her, and covered her head in a veil, she stepped out into the courtyard amidst the bustling people going to and fro.

The young couple walked forth carrying their child with them.  Eyes searching and seeking throughout the courtyard.  The man stepped forward with tears of joy and wonder in his aged eyes.  With humility and compassion he looked into the eyes of the young woman.  His hands trembling he reached for the babe in her arms and taking the child, the emotions nearly overwhelming.  I imagine the man drawing the child close to his heart, feeling the slight movements and the kicking of the babe against his body.  Then looking into the eyes of his Savior, he offered a blessing over the King of the Jews, the Messiah, the Son of God.  Simeon, through tear stained cheeks and overwhelming joy, first claimed Jesus to be the Christ child, the deliverer.  His life was now complete, and the Lord had fulfilled His promise to Simeon, by revealing the Savior to him. 

She lifted her eyes amidst all of the people and saw the babe being lifted by Simeon.  She approached them, and with reverence gave praise to the Lord on high.  When Simeon had finished Anna, the Prophet, spoke of the glory this child would bring and of the great things that would happen through him.  Her words fell upon the ears of those in the courtyard that day and spoke the truth for all who would hear.  Many did not understand and others would scoff at it as nonsense.  But, I imagine this aged woman wept over this babe, as Simeon handed him back to his mother.

For years the man, Simeon; and the Prophet, Anna; had awaited the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to be revealed.  On that day, their lives were made complete and their purpose was fulfilled through Christ Jesus.  On that day, they watched with troubled compassion as the young man and woman left the courtyard with the babe, knowing that one day He would give everything, even His life to save the world.  Were they there 12 years later to see Him preaching in the temple?  Did they follow His childhood in Nazareth, or attend His bar mitzvah celebration?  Or did they simply resign to their quarters having fulfilled their purpose and finally rest in the peace of the Lord’s grace?

As you await His return, do not become disheartened by the timing.  For the Lord has promised He will return to bring us to heaven with Him.  Trust and have faith, just as the man and the Prophet did throughout their lives.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For an archive of Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com