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Monday, December 5, 2005

"Preparing For Christmas"

"Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me'" (Hebrews 10:5).

"Are you ready for Christmas?"  Isn't that the usual greeting you hear these days! If you haven't yet, you will! For most this means decorating, baking, and shopping, and more shopping. Today I will get down our Christmas decorations and Ester and Brooksyne will decorate our home this afternoon, a custom that will be different this year due to my Mom's absence.

Have you ever thought much about how God prepared for Christmas?  His preparations are quite different than ours.  The Bible speaks of the "Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).  Isaiah prophetically looked ahead and says of Christ, "He was led like a lamb to the slaughter" (Isaiah 53:7).  When John prepared the way for Christ's ministry he declared, "Behold the Lamb of God!" (John 1:36). 

The miraculous incarnation of Christ is astounding.  At Christmas we usually focus on the human dimension of "The Greatest Story Ever Told."  We read the accounts in Matthew and Luke of Mary and Joseph, the angels, shepherds and wise men.

But it seems our daily text gives a view from Christ's perspective, "a body you prepared for me."  I preached on this text yesterday.  That "body" in one sense began in the way we all begin with a normal gestation period and birth.  The marvelous distinction in the preparation of this body is the mystery of His conception, which was not natural but supernatural.  What wondrous love is this!

This Christmas season let us, with thankfulness and joy, recall the wonderful love that God demonstrated for fallen humanity as He prepared a Body and sent His only begotten Son to this earth.

Lord, I come to You, let my heart be changed, renewed;
Flowing from the grace that I've found in You;
And Lord, I've come to know, the weaknesses I see in me,
Will be stripped away by the power of Your love.

Lord, unveil my eyes, let me see You face to face,
The knowledge of Your love as You live in me.
Lord, renew my mind, as Your will unfolds in my life,
In living every day in the power of Your love.

Hold me close, let Your love surround me;
Bring me near, draw me to Your side;
And as I wait, I'll rise up like the eagle,
And I will soar with You,
Your Spirit leads me on in the power of Your love. *


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, though You would ultimately surrender Your life at Calvary, You willingly chose to take on flesh and live among us.  In great humility You stripped Yourself of the privilege, position, riches and glory You possessed in heaven. When You walked among Your people You experienced betrayal, misunderstanding, hatred and temptation, yet You were without sin.   Help us to be less self-centered and more humble.  You oppose the proud but You give grace to the humble.  Even as You made necessary preparations to come to this earth, help us to make necessary preparations to enter into eternity.



Recently Brooksyne picked up a book at the Christian bookstore titled "The Case for Christmas" by Lee Strobel. I have enjoyed his other books in "The case for" series and this is no exception. This is an excellent book for gift-giving and evangelistic outreach. I found an inexpensive online edition.

54762: The Case for Christmas
The Case for Christmas  By Lee Strobel
You never know who may start asking life-changing questions this Christmas. Here's a great way to share the gospel---and the true reason for the season! The Case for Christ author and journalist Strobel investigates the facts behind Luke 2:8--18 and asks: Was it all a hoax---or truly the pivotal event of human history? 112 pages, softcover from Zondervan.



Last week I shared a story about our mice problem.  Since that time we have caught several more. Saturday night I heard Brooksyne yell out my name in a very commanding tone when she opened our pantry closet. I went to examine, suspecting the worse. This time I did take a picture of my catch (with Brooksyne's blessing).  I found both of these mice caught in the same trap at the same time. Lots of folks are hunting and trapping right now, but I think I have the best trapping story to share.  Some readers may find the photo distasteful but if you live in the country this is something you just have to deal with it.  And a "two-fer" is not something you usually find with mice.  Brooksyne teased that maybe this is a Romeo and Juliet story.



* "Power Of Your Love" Bullock, Geoff © 1992 Word Music, Inc. (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) / Maranatha! Music (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 2005306 Today's song is available in both audio and video format.


 

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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