Unlikely Messengers

We are quickly approaching the celebration of the birth of the Lord and Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. The days are quickly rolling by and most people are completing last minute shopping, cooking, cleaning and visiting. During this time, I encourage you to take your Bible and find a nice, quiet place. Open your Bible to Luke chapter 2 and read through the Christmas story carefully and prayerfully, asking God to reveal His truths to your heart.

In studying verses 8-18, I can picture this story unfolding. The angel appearing in the night sky, the shepherds frightened within an inch of their lives, then the awe they must have experienced as a whole host of angels sang praises to welcome and announce the birth of a long-awaited Savior. Amazing grace!

Meditating on these verses I realize the shepherds were not the most likely people for God to use-at least in the mind of many. Shepherds were lowly people, not those born of royalty or status. Just meek and humble men trying to earn a living to raise their families. Yet God chose to reveal the Messiah's birth to them first.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29, states it well, "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence." NKJV

Do you ever wonder if God can use you? Do you think you are not good enough, smart enough, thin enough, pretty enough, fill in the blank? Realize that God can use you. When He calls, He equips. No, you can not do it on your own, but with God, nothing will be impossible (Luke 1:37). There is nothing He cannot accomplish, and no one is out of His reach. I love this promise from God. Trust me. I am no one special. I praise Him and thank Him for salvation and life. He is my All Sufficient Father. Trust Him with your life and make Him yours today. Allow Him to use you as one of His "unlikely messengers".

May God richly bless you and be near you this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.
Natalie

Reflective Preparation

In this the third week of Advent, it is my prayer that Christians everywhere take the time to reflect on their purpose for celebrating Christmas. In this time of reflection - which I also am taking part in - we can ask ourselves many questions. Some of which may be:

1. Who is the person (or people) I focus on the most in this season?
2. What is the greatest gift I have ever received and why?
3. What is the greatest gift I have ever given and why?
4. Who is on my guest list this year and does it include Jesus?
5. Is the nativity scene-that is probably part of your decorations-central to your celebration or just a religious symbol?
6. Is my heart right with Jesus?
7. What gift have I chosen to give Jesus this season and all year long?

These are just a few questions we can take some time to consider. When we do, we bring the focus away from the bobbles and fancy lights, tasty food, gifts, and many things that keep us from our true focus of CHRISTmas.

I pray you take the time to read Luke chapter 2, seeking Him. Don't just read it through, but experience it. Put yourself in the Story. For those of you who know it word for word, try to read it in another translation so it might be fresh reading, a way for God to truly get your attention, rather than just skimming it over. Soak up the truths and the promise of our Savior. The love He showers us with is incredible. As undeserved as it is, He continues to seek us out, draw us to Him and forgive us that we may be near to Him.

What an incredible God we serve! May this week and the days leading up to Christmas be a time of quiet, reflective preparation in your home and in your heart. May Jesus Christ be central as you celebrate CHRISTmas.

A Gift for the World

"For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

We are now into the second week of Advent. The days continue to quickly slide by and the countdown to Christmas is on. The more I read and study my Bible this Christmas season, the more in awe I am of God's great love for us. That He would send His One and Only Son to this earth to live and then die for our sins...

I love this Scripture. The description of who this Baby would be is absolutely amazing. To think of Christ being born in a stable, not a nice barn as most of us in North America are accustomed to, but in a cave: dirty, dingy, dark, and dank.  It is very humbling. What a place for the Savior of the world to be born! Yet, Scripture reveals the truth to us (Luke 2:7).

As we stroll-or run-through the days leading up to Christmas, may we remember it's not about the gifts or the toys, the gadgets or the food; Christmas is about the gift of our One and Only Savior of the world, coming to us as a babe, growing into a man who would give His life for us. Let's make it personal. He gave His life for you. If you were the only person, He still would have given His life for you. He loves you, dear one.

He is extending His hand to you right now. Will you hold on and give Him your heart, your all? Will you allow Him to be your Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace? When you think of Jesus, don't leave Him in the manger as a helpless babe. He is alive. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for you and for me (Hebrews 1). Remember whose birthday we are celebrating. Have you figured out what gift you will give Jesus this year?