The battle between legalism and grace is always difficult. Are we to live holy and righteous lives? Absolutely. Are we to be in the world and friends of sinners? If we want to be like Jesus we should. Does God forgive us when we sin? Thankfully. Finding the delicate balance between those two extremes is difficult.
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.
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.
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.
One would think I would become callous to disappointing news after hearing so much of it each week, but some things will always leave me speechless.
Tweet Sometimes sharing your faith with them is a matter of helping them understand their circumstances in light of God’s plans and desires for their life. If you can connect…
Tweet I want to encourage you to release your children to explore their own faith. Okay, that sounds very liberal. I apologize, but let me explain. I hope your children…
