A Week of Terror 2015 as the Christmas Season approaches

 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,^* the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’

 

As the Christmas season approaches (as seen in all the stores) I am drawn to this passage in Luke 2. On Christmas Eve sitting at the table full of wonderful food Dad would open the Bible and read from Luke 2. His soft voice would bring a sense of awe and wonder about this incredible story. When he would read the angel message it was then Christmas had come to our table and our home. Such good memories of Christmas were made in those moments.

As I recall these Christmas memories the TV news shows are full of reports of men and women striking terror in France. Their goal is to carry a message of bad news. It is a message of fear and terror in dark hours of a French evening.

The angels out side of Bethlehem struck terror too in hearts of the shepherds. The angel’s message was one of good news of great joy for all people. A Savior has come to wage the final battle for all people against the forces of evil. Jesus would wage a heavenly battle that would result in victory over sin, death and the power of the devil. 

Ironically it seems as this Christmas season approaches evil has become the focus of many people and nations. But was that not God’s intention when the Babe was born? The Babe would be the Savior. He would save all humanity from the hands of the evil one. The cost would be great. Suffering and death would be the price tag place on Jesus for us. This is good news when all I deserve is to be crushed by my sin sick life.   

God in His infinite mercy has sent Good News not bad. Great Joy and Peace will be our Christmas gift. Fear not. Joy and Peace in the world we live in today will be ours even if our world goes amuck. Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the Living God reigns now and forever! Trusting the Message of the Angels will be our peace and joy of 2015.

Veteran's Day 2015

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."  John 15:12-13 NRSV

To all those vets who served over the many years we say thank you. Whether on the front line or supporting those who are/were there we owe a great debt of gratitude. Our faith journeys and lives are secure to be lived out due to the efforts of the many.

A commercial on TV asks us to put on a "green light" out side our homes to honor and remember all who served. We have a green light out front and every night it reminds me to pray for all who serve. Giving thanks for the gift they are giving us each hour of the day. Some may not see tomorrow. Sacrifice is a reality of daily life in the field.

Jesus was willing to lay His life down for all people. We are recipients of that gift of grace each day as we lay our lives at His feet. Being willing to lay our lives down for others in Jesus' name is our call from Jesus in John 15 each day. The Cross is His "green light reminder" for all who love and serve Him is His Name.

Do we have a Cross in our homes, offices or lives as a reminder of His sacrifice for us?