O Little Town of Bethlehem

I was wondering today, just how big (or small) Bethlehem was at the time of Jesus’ birth. Obviously it was small enough, that the many people returning to it, as ordered by Caesar Augustus, filled every inn and vacant spot available. I am sure the homes were bursting at the seams by the sudden influx of visitors. Historians say that the population was somewhere between 300 and 1000 inhabitants when Jesus was born...a far cry from the tens of thousands that it grew to in the twentieth century.

I love to get a glimpse of the mind of God. Isn’t it amazing that God would choose the least likeliest of places to be the setting of the most important birth of all? Think of it...the Jewish scholars of that time were trying to decipher the scriptures, while right there, in the middle of nowhere, God was unfolding it all. The intellects of that day had their minds and hearts so focused on the triumphant entry of a king...one of high loftiness, one of great power and influence, and there, in the little town of Bethlehem, God fulfilled His Word in a way that was so unpretentious, and so incredibly basic, that even the shepherds in the fields nearby knew that something supernatural had taken place. The intellects of our modern world are not much different than those of old. While the technology has changed, the mind set has not. So often we believe God only works on a large scale and, in searching for the "greatness" we trample over the very thing that God has set before us. God still chooses to use Bethlehem as the setting in which to fulfill His will. My Bethlehem has a population of four. My sphere of influence, with God’s guidance, is endless.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

It may be 70+ degrees outside, and I may even have broken a sweat sweeping leaves off the steps of our house yesterday, but hey, a girl can dream, can't she??

Away in a Manger

One of my favorite sights at Christmas is the nativity. Here in Hampton, down in the main square, they have a large, almost life-sized, nativity that is just beautiful. While Hampton has it's problems, it's nice that at least they get some things right now and again. We have a small nativity that I have set up in the living room. It's funny...amidst all the ornaments, ribbons and bows, the thing that the kids enjoy putting up the most is the manger and all the characters. It's almost as if they sense something special about it, even without really understanding the full importance of it at their early ages. I remember growing up, Mom had a manger, too. I used to love to assemble it as well. Hers had a light that was placed through a hole in the back of the "stable", and I remember how I used to sit next to the fireplace, or wherever Mom decided to place the manger that year, and rearrange the sheep, and the cow with the funny spring horns, and I would notice how Mary and Joseph's faces would glow from the light from that star-bulb. Since I have had my boys, I find myself thinking how it must have been to give birth outside, surrounded by lowing animals and a bustling city too small to hold all of the citizens returning for the census. A far cry from the beautiful birthing centers and even hospital rooms that we find ourselves in today, (which many times we complain about in the course of our stay). I also find myself wondering if I would have been as brave as Mary to say "yes" to the Lord's plan. How it must have felt to be carrying the Savior of the world for nine months, then raise Him, and ultimately watch Him hang on a cross for all humanity...even for those who would mock and reject Him. Then to raise again, in all His glory. What a time it must have been to be alive. Sadly, for some both then and now, it is a tale too far-fetched for their logical, pragmatic minds to believe. For the rest of us, it is the foundation of all of our faith, the Hope that we cling to, and the Promise that is soon to come again.

Do you hear what I hear...

I am the only one awake, and the house is quiet. This is the time of the night when I can hear sounds that usually fade into the background next to the sounds of two healthy, energetic boys. Without even trying, I can hear the quiet hum of the computer...the swishing of the dishwasher...if I focus a little more, I can tune my ear to the deep breathing of little ones fast asleep with not as much as a single care in the world. If I listen even more intently, I can hear the sound of peace...no, it's not readily audible...but rather a subtle, motionless calm. It is something I could never create, for even the attempt would be loud in comparison. It is a gift that has been extended...not one I have earned or even deserve. Sometimes I forget it's here...or even sweep it out the door inadvertently. Sometimes I overlook it, and fail to give it it's proper respect. Sometimes my words disturb it, cut through it like a knife, and I toss by the wayside the very thing that my heart needs most. But as the coldness of it's absence drifts through the rooms, and the chill of the void brushes my arm, I am reminded that all I have to do is let the peace back in...and upon the invitation, it rushes in like a flood, bringing a warmth and glow to everyone and everything it touches. The Prince of Peace came to us on Christmas. And He continues to come to whomever desires Him...bringing peace like a river...peace that passes all understanding...peace in the storm...peace. Stop. Listen. Do you hear what I hear?

Santa Claus is coming to town

This is something that was in our Women's Ministries Newsletter for this month, and I liked it...and thought you would too!

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus

Santa lives at the North Pole...JESUS is everywhere. Santa rides in a sleigh...JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. Santa comes but once a year...JESUS is an ever present help. Santa fills your stockings with goodies...JESUS supplies all your needs. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...JESUS stands at you door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited. You have to wait in line to see Santa...JESUS is as close as the mention of His name. Santa lets you sit on his lap...JESUS lets you rest in His arms. Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"...JESUS knew our name before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address, too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...JESUS has a heart full of love. All Santa can offer is HO HO HO...JESUS offers health, help, and hope. Santa says, "You better not cry"...JESUS says "Cast all you cares on me for I care for you." Santa's little helpers make toys...JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle but...JESUS gives you joy that is your strength. While Santa puts gifts under your tree...JESUS became our gift and died on a tree...the cross. Let's remember to keep Christ in Christmas...Jesus is the reason for the season.

and here's one more...(this one really hit home...especially the part about he kids and husband!)

1 Corinthians 13 applied to Christmas

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, stands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, I am just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautiful adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.