Santa in the manger

We got a card the other day

A Christmas one, in fact,

But it really was the strangest thing

And showed such little tact.

For laying in the manger

Was Santa, big as life,

Surrounded by some little elves

And Rudolph and his wife.

There was so much excitement

That the shepherd’s saw the glow

Of Rudolph’s bright and shining nose

Reflected on the snow.

So in they rushed to see him

Followed by the wise men three,

Who came not bearing any gifts—

Just some stockings and a tree.

They gathered round about him

To sing praises to his name;

A song about Saint Nicholas

And how he came to fame.

Then they handed him the lists they’d made

Of, oh, so many toys

That they were sure they would receive

For being such good boys.

And sure enough he chuckled,

While reaching in his bag,

And placed in all their outstretched hands

A gift that bore a tag.

And on that tag was printed

A simple verse that read,

“Even though it’s Jesus’ birthday,

Please take this gift instead.”

Then I realized they really did

Know Who this day was for

Though by every indication

They had just chosen to ignore.

And Jesus looked upon this scene,

His eyes so filled with pain—

They said this year’d be different

But they’d forgotten Him again.

Hope is on the way 23: The little kid with a big mission

Tia picked up Rebekah as normal. They then picked up Emily then went to pick up Lawrence. Lydia and Elizabeth was already at the chapel. Oh and do not forget Louise nor Pete.

Pete was the one who is the leader today. Oh dear, here comes the evil words coming.

Pete started today by saying, “Jesus came as a little child, but he grew up to save the world.”

Pete then started the book session with, “How do you view Jesus?

Your view of Jesus will shape your response to Jesus. Jesus isn’t just a baby (as some people tend to think at Christmas). Jesus is Saviour. That’s what the name Jesus means,“God saves”. In Matthew’s biography of Jesus it says:

“Mary will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21).

As Christmas approaches this year, we need to remember that Jesus wasn't a baby forever. He came to us for a reason.”

Tia said, “Why did Jesus come to us?”

Pete said, “Jesus came because people needed to be saved from their sins.

The Bible and human experience make it clear that all people have sinned. Sin is when we disobey God - in effect, we live as if there is no God. The presence of sin means that our greatest need is to be saved from sin and the penalty for sin.

The extraordinary thing about Jesus is that he is the one person in history to not sin, he always lived in obedience to his Father. And so he didn’t just come to be cute and cuddly Christmas Jesus, but he came on a unique rescue mission to save people from their sin.

Yes it's true that Jesus came as a baby, but his saving act came by dying on the cross 33 years later. When Jesus died, he took upon himself the penalty that people deserve for their sin. It’s only by trusting in Jesus as your Saviour that you can be forgiven of your sin.”

Lydia said, “How should I respond?”

Pete randomly said, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23).

This sentence reveals even more to us about the identity of Jesus. He is God with us. When you meet Jesus you are actually meeting God, the creator of the universe!!

This is good news. Incredible news. God has come near. God knows our need. God has done something about it. God has become one of us, so that he can save people from their sins. When you view Jesus like this, you can’t keep treating him as a cute and cuddly Christmas Jesus.

Jesus is the SAVIOUR of the World; he came to save people like you. When you understand that Jesus is Saviour, the best way to respond to him is recognising that you need to be saved.
Jesus is GOD WITH US; our need for a Saviour was so great that only God could come and be that Saviour.

Pete ended the book club with, “Stop thinking of Jesus as a baby! My hope for you this Christmas is that you’d see the real Jesus. A good place to start would be to read one of Jesus’ biographies. Why not start now!.”

What was that about evil words, well you must misheard me. I never said that. Did I?

Hope is on the way 22: My Grown-up Christmas

Since Elizabeth and Rebekah were off ill for a bit of time. Elizabeth decided to a few more session today on Sunday 20th. Elizabeth got bored when she was off from college and decided to a few planned session. And here is one of them.

Amy Grant recorded "My Grown-up Christmas List" for her "Home For Christmas" album. The lyrics imagine an adult going back to Santa with a different perspective on what matters most in life. Instead of material things the writer now asks for good things for others. I love the sentiment of the song.

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start

And time would heal all hearts

Everyone would have a friend

And right would always win

And love would never end

This is my grown-up Christmas list

I thought about my "grown-up" Christmas list this week.

My Christmas Wish List, old style

I would love for all of the things in the lyric above to come true. But I have lived enough to know they will not. Everyday lives are torn apart. Wars start too frequently. Time does not heal every heart. Some who are reading this are lonely. Right seems to lose way too often and love ends for many.
So what could I wish for that would be available for all? My grown-up Christmas list would have one simple wish. That every person would truly understand the outrageous grace gift that God offers to each one of us. All we have to do is open that gift in faith. Christmas is when the gift came to earth wrapped in swaddling clothes.

I wish that everyone who hears the Gospel message would comprehend the one way love that God demonstrated. Instead of turning His back on sinners who deserved just that God chose to reach out to His creation with a radical plan for forgiveness. A plan that is unlike any other religion in history. Man made religion always demands something to earn salvation. God's plan for redemption requires the lost to bring nothing to the table other than their sin and the need for salvation. Nothing.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT)

Not a single requirement other than believing. A gift of grace. Grace that is so vast and inexhaustible that no sin or sinner can exceed the scope of this amazing grace to cover their sin and redeem them. I coined an acronym for grace that only partially captures the enormity of God's love.

God's Radical And Complete Embrace.

God initiates salvation. The plan is so radical that it feels otherworldly. Salvation is complete and God's embrace shows His desire to know us as His beloved children.

I wish that everyone who believes the Gospel would truly believe that they are a brand new creation. Recreated as a saint with complete freedom in Christ. Adopted as a child of God. Forgiven forever. And that all of those things are completely true because of Jesus.

I wish I could give those things to everyone on my list. Life will give us sadness, loss and loneliness but trust in Jesus gives us hope in the darkest storm. It started with the baby we celebrate today.

Merry Christmas.

Hope is on the way 21: 3 reasons Jesus is better than Father Christmas

Since Elizabeth and Rebekah were off ill for a bit of time. Elizabeth decided to a few more session today on Sunday 20th. Elizabeth got bored when she was off from college and decided to a few planned session. And here is one of them.

Santa is a pretty cool guy! We’ve got nothing against the guy in the red suit, but we do want to list a few reasons why Jesus is way better than Santa.

1. Jesus doesn’t give out coal. The great thing about Jesus is that He doesn’t give bad gifts, like coal. He only gives the best gifts, you know the ones the non-coal type. Jesus has your best interests at heart and is all about giving you awesome gifts. So no matter what you are in need of this Christmas season, Jesus has your answer!

Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. – James 1:17 (Message)

2. Santa gifts last a year or two but Jesus’ gifts last forever. There’s lots of awesome gifts that you can get from Santa. Many times, those toys might be really great when you first get them, but after a while, you usually outgrow them or they go out of style. Jesus, on the other hand gives gifts that never wear out or get outdated. The gifts Jesus gives are ones that you can enjoy for the rest of your life!

Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. – James 1:17 (Message)

3. Talking to Santa lasts a few months, talking to Jesus lasts a lifetime.
The great thing about Jesus is that you are able to talk to Him at any time. He’s there and ready to listen. You don’t have to wait until the Christmas season and find him at a department store to talk to Him. You can talk to Jesus at anytime and in any place, and He’s ready to listen.

Jesus has got Santa beat when it comes to Christmas awesomeness. Where Santa is lacking, Jesus has got him covered. Jesus desires nothing more than getting to know you better this Christmas season. So in the middle of your time off from school and eating your weight in candy canes, take some time to think about all the good things that Jesus has done for you, and be sure to thank Him for being way better than Santa!

Hope is on the way 20: Your Rockin' Christmas Checklist

Since Elizabeth and Rebekah were off ill for a bit of time. Elizabeth decided to a few more session today on Sunday 20th. Elizabeth got bored when she was off from college and decided to a few planned session. And here is one of them.

Christmas season is in full swing! Stores are crammed full of people doing their last minute shopping and you’re probably gearing up for all the good food that you’re going to eat in the next few days. Because Christmas is such a busy time, its easy to forget some stuff, so we’ve got a checklist guaranteed to help you get rocking around that Christmas tree!

• Decide to be happy – Its easy to fall into the habit of unhappiness at Christmas time, and its usually the small things that steal the fun right out of Christmas. It usually starts with simple things, like being jealous about the presents a friend got, or feeling upset because you were forced to go to Aunt Lucy’s house instead of hanging out with your friends. Choose to not let the simple things make you unhappy this Christmas. Decide no matter what to be happy and you’ll be rocking around the Christmas tree in no time!

• Be thankful – No matter how stinky your Christmas seems, you can always find things to be thankful for. One thing to be thankful for at Christmas is the fact that Jesus came into the world to pay the price for your sins. You’re not getting what you deserve, which was hell. Instead Jesus paid the price for your sins so you can party it up this Christmas season!

• Remember what Christmas is Really About – There’s usually so much going on at Christmas that sometimes its easy to forget what Christmas is really about…JESUS! Spend some time thinking about what Jesus means to you, and be sure to thank Him for what He’s done in your life.

Keep in mind this Christmas season how awesome Jesus is. Think about all He’s done in your life, and take time to be thankful. If you do, you’ll find that you’ll be rocking around that Christmas tree in no time!

Hope is on the way 19: What lame Christmas presents can teach us about Jesus.

Since Elizabeth and Rebekah were off ill for a bit of time. Elizabeth decided to a few more session today on Sunday 20th. Elizabeth got bored when she was off from college and decided to a few planned session. And here is one of them.

I’m sure we’ve all experienced it, that moment when you’ve been given a bad Christmas gift. It could be the horrible sweater your aunt got you with the huge fuzzy cat face on it. Or perhaps it was the time your grandma gave you socks and underwear instead of the headphones you asked for.

There is always that awkward moment when you’re trying to think of something nice to say. You know you need to thank the person that gave you the gift, but how do you do it? How do you thank someone for a horrible sweater without laughing or seeming disappointed. How do you tell grandma thanks for giving you socks and underwear instead of what you really wanted?

This devo offers no good advice on how to fake excitement when you get a less than amazing gift. However, what this devo does offer you is some insight into the best gift ever given, Jesus.

This Christmas season, no matter how bad your aunt messes up your Christmas gift wish list, there are a few things you can be excited for. The main thing to be excited about is Jesus. See God wasn’t like Grandma who gave you what you didn’t want and didn’t need. He gave us the main thing we were lacking, salvation.

God sent his Son into the world. He did not send him to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.  – John 3:17 (ERV)[/quote]

God could have judged the world. He could have been a rotten gift giver. He could have told us all the things we have done wrong. He could have reminded us of all the ways we didn’t measure up. However, He didn’t do that. Instead he decided to save us from our sins.

So this Christmas, if your aunt gives you a horrible sweater, or your grandma gives you some stupid socks, remember that God gave you an awesome gift. He saved us from our sins. So, if you’ve never made the decision to accept Jesus into your heart and become a child of God you can. It's easy, just follow this prayer. If you have accepted Jesus, then remember to share Him and His love with others this Holiday season. That way, regardless of the gifts you get, you can enjoy knowing that you’ve been made right with God.

Hope is on the way 18: Manger Madness

Since Elizabeth and Rebekah were off ill for a bit of time. Elizabeth decided to a few more session today on Sunday 20th. Elizabeth got bored when she was off from college and decided to a few planned session. And here is one of them. 

 It’s the Christmas season, and everywhere you look, people are gearing up for Christmas. Yesterday, I walked into a store and saw they had a countdown of days left until Christmas. Christmas is a fun time of the year, between the gift giving, gift getting, fun lights and decorations, you’d have to be a real Scrooge to not enjoy Christmas.

You’ve probably seen all the decorations and the nativity scenes, but have you ever wondered, ‘Why Did Jesus Come?’ Why did Jesus come to earth. He had it going up in heaven, He was God’s son, and it really doesn’t get much better than that.  Did He come to earth because He wanted to practice His walking on water skills? Or was heaven getting really dull? Why was it that Jesus needed to come to earth as a baby?

Jesus had a problem to fix.

Each of us had a problem. We were stuck in our sin. We were trapped and slaves to sin. There was no amount of good works that could make us right with God. Simply put, we needed a savior.

For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that sin’s dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin – Romans 6:6 (HSCB)

Jesus did what we were unable to do by ourselves. We couldn’t make ourselves right with God. We were trapped, slaves to sin. Jesus paid the price that our sins deserved. He was a one time sacrifice, payment in full for our sins, shortcomings, mess-ups and failures.

Jesus gave us a new identity.

We used to be slaves to sin. Jesus changed that, and when He did, we were given a new identity. When we accept Jesus as our savior, we are considered right with God. We identify with Jesus now, not sin. We identify with victory, not defeat!

So now, it’s up to us to get our thinking lined up to what God’s word says about us. The Bible tells us that we’re a new creation.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! – 2 Cor 5:17 (NLT)

We’ve been identified with Christ, but it’s up to us now to change how we see ourselves. We often look at our shortcomings and failures. We focus on those things, rather than focusing on how Jesus sees us. He sees us a new people. He doesn’t see our sins and shortcomings, rather He looks at us and sees a new identity. And now it’s up to us to live out that new identity.

Don’t let this just be another Christmas.

Don’t get so used to the Christmas lights, manger scenes and Santas everywhere that you forget what it all is really about. Jesus came to earth as a baby in a manger. But He didn’t just do it for kicks or because He was bored. He had a mission. He was going to bring mankind back into relationship with His father.

That’s the good news of Christmas. That we can know God the father and we’ve been made new because of what Jesus did!