Realities of Christmas: Part Two

I hope you took time to read the scriptures I shared last week. This week, I want to share three realities of Christmas. I will not repeat last week's scriptures; however, I will note new ones.

FAITH

Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Imagine, then, how it pleased God to find a young couple full of faith. Joseph responded obediently to heaven-sent dreams, and Mary responded to an angelic visitor. Though His message seemed impossible, she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let this happen as you have said.”

The shepherds were terrified to see angelic messengers. Yet, once the angels were gone, they encouraged one another to put forth the effort to check the message for themselves.  

By faith, the wisemen made a long journey, bringing gifts to be presented to the newborn king whose star they kept in sight. When they inquired of Herod, he knew to ask the chief priests and scribes where Christ was to be born.  The religious leaders knew the scriptural answer, but put forth no effort to have faith in it.

Simeon and Anna, both devout believers, waited by faith, even into old age, to see the promised Savior and Redeemer.

 GIVING 

True faith results in a positive response. There are many examples beyond the Christmas story. In Hebrews Chapter 11, do you see how faith was expressed as Abel offered God the right sacrifice? How about when Noah built an ark, or when Abraham offered Isaac upon the altar, or Moses refused to be called the son of a king’s daughter?

OBEDIENCE

Joseph and Mary, after eight days, took Jesus to be circumcised and named. They also took Him to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord, along with the required sacrifice. Scripture says, "When Jesus' parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Nazareth."

Do you have faith in God’s word? Do you show it by your actions? That requires a giving of self, putting forth some effort to obey. 

As James says, here’s the bottom line: I will show you my faith by my deeds (James 2:18).

Pixabay: Poinsettia, Leaves, Beautiful Flowers; Sandid.

Realities of Christmas: Part One

What do you really know about Christmas? I was recently at a Christmas celebration where they played a game of questions about Christmas. I was appalled to learn that some of my answers weren’t from the Bible at all. I had picked up many ideas from stories and movies about Christmas.

I vowed to go back to the Bible for a fresh start. I challenge you to do the same!

Ecclesiastes 3 says there's a time for everything. During the next 7 days, take time to connect with these scriptures. You don’t have to read them all at once!

Make use of your Bible, an app on your phone, or an audio version.

MATTHEW

1.       Matthew 1:18-25: God deals with Joseph, betrothed to Mary, God’s chosen Mother of His Son.  

2.       Matthew 2:1-12: The wisemen came looking for a young child, not a baby in a manger.

3.       Matthew 2:13-23: God warns Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt; after King Herod’s death, they return to Nazareth.

 LUKE

1.       Luke 1:5-25 and 1:57-80: God gives a baby (John) to a godly couple (Zechariah and Elizabeth) well beyond child-bearing years. He would be the one to announce Jesus’ ministry (Luke 3).

2.       Luke 1:26-45: Gabriel’s heavenly announcement to Mary and her visit to Elizabeth.

3.       Luke 1:46-56: Mary’s song of rejoicing in the majesty and wonder of what God is doing!

4.       Luke 2:1-20: Joseph and Mary must go to Bethlehem to register for Caesar Augustus’ census. The shepherds receive an angelic message and make an effort to check it out for themselves.

5.       Luke 2:21-24: Joseph and Mary’s care of Jesus included being faithful to their religious teachings.

6.       Luke 2:25-38: Simeon and Anna, two faithful and elderly believers, rejoiced to see this child who would bring redemption and salvation.

7.       Luke 2:39-40: Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth, having done everything required by the Law of the Lord, and as the Child grew, the grace of God was upon Him.

Movies have their place, and I wouldn’t want to be without them; however, this year, join me in taking time to review God’s own message to us!

Pixabay: Christmas Nativity Scene, Crib Image; garten-gg.   

 

Christmas Hearts and Hands

There are all sizes and shapes of clocks in the world. But they all have one thing in common. It's what's inside that makes the hands go around.

We have a large and lovely decorator clock in our living area. As much as we have enjoyed the outer beauty, its unseen inner workings are the important thing. Thanks to movements in the heart, the clock’s hands go around, treating us to a short melody every hour.

The Apostle James wrote, “I’ll show you my faith by my deeds” (James 2:18). Faith is like the inner workings of our spiritual heart that moves our hands to do things. He wanted faith to produce some good deeds, something that would meet needs and bring people joy.

He gave us some practical illustrations (James 2:14-18). It’s not enough to say, “Go in peace, keep warm and be well fed.” If you are aware of a need, activate your faith. Do something!

In December, people’s hearts seem more motivated to give. Hands generously drop dollars into red kettles, collect items for food banks and toy drives, and buy gifts to meet needs on Angel Trees.

These donations are important and bless many, but charitable institutions and ministries meet needs all year. That’s why, like the inner workings of a clock, our heartfelt giving should not simply be seasonal!

It’s not necessary to produce good deeds as regularly as the hourly tunes on our anniversary clock, but when it comes to helping others, there's no need to have only Christmas hearts and hands.

Don’t wait to make a New Year’s resolution!

Resolve now to be motivated from heart to hands . . . to meet needs and show your faith. . . all year long!

Pixabay: Hand, Time; geralt.