Christmas is for everyone.

            The joy is for all time because when Jesus brought the joy to a manger-bed filled with hay some two thousand years ago, it permeated all of existence—from creation to last breath. It never wears out.

 

Jesus’ disciples were anything but at peace. They had embarked over a calm sea to get to a restful place, and then a storm came up out of nowhere. Jesus was found to be sleeping in the back of the boat. Rousting Him from His sleep, the disciples begged for help from the Master. With a word (translated “Peace, be still”) Jesus brought calmness back to the lives of His followers.

That is the effect that He has on the hearts of those who believe. When the Angels visited the shepherds in the hill country outside of Bethlehem, they brought the news that the Baby born that night would bring peace on earth and good will for those who found their comfort in Him.

While there may be anything but calm going on around us in the form of a physical storm, economic decay, political unrest, or unbridled crime, Jesus can reach into the storming of our hearts and bring peace. This is the message of Christmas: Peace. The peace on Earth that is spoken of and sung about during this season is the heart work of the Christ of Christmas.

Our hope is in Christ. Our hope is Christ. This is the early message of Christmas. Hope is the first gift of faith. We live in a world that squashes hope at every turn.

In our land of liberty, we have laws that remind us of the things that we cannot do. In school we rise to the level at which we cannot succeed--then  must try again and again and again until we do succeed. But, guess what! We have to move up to the next level, which must be tried again and again and again.

On our jobs, we are rarely brought into the office for the wonderful, matchless work we have done. Instead we are "called on the carpet" for the time we didn't get it right. Even in church we seem to be facing the struggle of our sinful nature, having our shortcomings constantly brought to the surface for us to re-examine and mourn over.

That's what makes faith in Christ so important. Because of the hopefulness, the hope, that is found just there. Perhaps this is tone of the reasons that Christmas and Advent are such a highlight in my own life: the constant reminder of Hope that is in Christ Jesus.

For what are you truly thankful this year?

Thanksgiving has always been a favorite of mine. I remember the year that I noticed the retailers putting in their Christmas displays earlier and earlier (I think perhaps this year it was in late September or early October) and my only thought was, "We haven't even had Thanksgiving yet!"

So I've always had a tender spot for this particularly American celebration. (I know that Canada has a Thanksgiving Day, too; and that it's on a different day--so the third Thursday of November is American Thanksgiving.)

And so, it isn't just a coincidence that we chose to make Thanksgiving weekend the big time in our family history. And for the past 15 years I have had special reason for giving thanks. God's special gift to me came packaged in a beautiful, loving heartstring named Hannah.

Happy Fifteen my heart of hearts.

It's been two years since I posted a happy/sad announcement about the funeral services of my Aunt Laura Allen. Tomorrow, my family will celebrate the Home-Going of my Uncle John Henry Weaver. Preacher, Farmer, Friend, Family-man, and Example. Uncle John walked each day with honesty and justice. He transitioned from earth to heaven in one moment on Sunday August 23.

I am thankful for his friendship, advice, and example. He always had a smile and a good word. To my Aunt Norma, and my cousins-Jamie, Julie, Joel, Jana, and Jennifer- I give my love and prayers.

My wife returned from a few days with her parents with the news that Elisabeth Elliot died today. The inspirational life and story of this giant in Christian faith is one that challenges us all to greater commitment. Perhaps it is the tragic story about the loss of her first husband which spurred her on to greater faith and subsequently has challenged many Christians to live their lives for the purpose of God’s glory. In any case, we must be grateful for the years and inspiration that were granted to us for her life and we can rejoice that she has now joined her lost Jim in worshiping at the feet of the Savior.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

As our leadership conference was drawing to a close--on the final morning--the man leading morning devotion brought to my attention that yet another of my heroes in faith was gone (and I missed it).

It was about 20 years ago that I was able to meet T.W. Hunt in person. He made time for me--a young minister starting out. I recall that he promised to pray for me (after praying with me that day) and have no doubt that he did so as he approached the throne of God. What I recall from that encounter most of all was the tangible presence of Jesus Christ as we talked for just a few moments.

Few are the people who really bring you into the presence of God, T.W. Hunt was one of them. I am better to have simply met him for a moment.

https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/texas/17302-obituaries-t-w-hunt-robin-feistel

Today, I read that one more in a growing list of artists who pioneered what was once called Contemporary Christian Music passed away yesterday.

Andrae Crouch gave us songs like "Soon and Very Soon" and "My Tribute" and included one of my favorite faith songs - "Through It All".

His influence remains as our condolences go out to his family and friends and we say "See you on the other side" to one who loved the Savior in so many ways. Here's a nice tribute to Andrae Crouch:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/january-web-only/remembering-andrae-crouch-dead-at-72.html