It may be Happy New Year to you, but to me it is Happy Birthday Cheryl. Today is my precious wife Cheryl’s ____th birthday.
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Some people speak a language they share with the group of people who have a similar lifestyle, occupation or interest. We tend to indoctrinate ourselves with the language and culture of the people we hang around, work with, and from whom we learn.
What is your definition of a team player? Over the years, I have discovered that not everyone defines “team player” the same. There appears to be two almost bipolar understandings of the term. This difference existed when I was in the business world and it continues now that I am in professional ministry work.
It shouldn’t surprise us that animals may have witnessed the birth of the Christ child. Jesus was the Creator. He was with God from the very beginning, planning each intricate part of Creation. All creation, with the exception of man, naturally glorifies the Creator by unconditional obedience.
Stop for just a moment and think about God. God is so big that He spoke a universe into existence. That same God sacrificed His only Son so that you and I could find our way back to Him. Can you love a God like that? Can you serve a God like that? Does your life and celebration this year reflect the depth of your love?
But then there is Christmas, Praise God! Jesus did come on that dark night some 2000 years ago! He came so that through Him we can be saved, completely forgiven of our sins, and enter the presence of a Holy God!
I love to study the images of Christmas. This year a new image came to me; one I had not considered before, which really is the combination of two images I have studied many times.
You will no doubt see a nativity scene this Christmas. Go over to it, paying careful attention to the Christ child. Try to picture that baby some 2000 years ago lying in that cold, dark manger, realizing what Heaven had lost for Bethlehem to gain a Savior.
I have read these two poems numerous times in devotionals and online. I have never seen a copyright on them, but they are attributed to Ann Weems. The story I have heard is that she is a minister’s wife who lost her son to murder though I could not confirm that online. Here poems speak, however, to the heart many feel this time of year as they attempt to celebrate Christmas with a heavy heart. Perhaps she expresses your heart too.