The New Year is Knocking on the Door and so is the Spirit of Christ

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. My family attended a great Candlelight service as you can see in the photo. We then went over to my sister-in-laws house to enjoy a meal on Christmas day. Later that afternoon, we traveled to my hometown about sixty miles away to enjoy an evening with my brother, two sisters, and their families.

The person whose birthday we just celebrated is God in the flesh. The Spirit of Christ knocks on the door of our heart. But we are not always ready. Here’s a poem I wrote intended to get us ready: Ready for Each Day.

Friendship is a crucial part of a permanent love commitment. We should lift up those we are committed to; pray for them, listen and care. We are to love what they love and try to do what they ask.

The love of Christ gives us peace and freedom to take risk for He lives in us. Always believe He will help you come through and overcome any situation you face. Accept God’s Wonderful Counselor for life. Here’s another poem inspired by my recent study in Song of Songs: Love Lifts Higher.

As we head into the New Year, I will continue with my postings of the study in Song of Songs; a book that many read as a parable to demonstrate affections between Christ and the church. I should be able to finish this study in a few more days. Then the plan is to post for a while about a study of 2 Peter.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Worship Service Update

Many think so much about the presents during Christmas when more need to be thinking about God’s presence during this time. The same can be said about other concerns in life. There is much worry about paying bills, washing the car, mowing the lawn, or passing a test when there needs to be more thinking about God and His presence during these times.

Last Sunday at the church I attend, the message was titled “Simple Light”.  Christmas can be very complex; lots of planning, lots of choices, lots of family gatherings to attend. All these things are important but Pastor Steve brought the message to us with some great points about what really matters in bold print below.

Christmas is about a Simple Prediction
A prediction was made in Isaiah 7:14 that a son would be born to a virgin and she will name Him Immanuel.

Christmas is about a Simple Promise
In Luke 1:35-37, an angle told Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High will cover her. Many things are hard to understand but when we live in God’s light, things that seem impossible become possible.

Christmas is about a Simple Trust
In Luke 1:38, Mary trusted God and responded that she is the Lord’s servant and accepted whatever He wanted. There are many things in our world today we can’t trust but God has never broken a promise and we can trust that what He tells us in His Word will come about.

Christmas is about a Simple Response
In Luke 1:46-47, Mary responds with praise and joy. We should do the same with Christmas time. Don’t worry – just live life, sing the songs and worship. By keeping worship central in our life, worry will be wiped away.

Christmas is about a Simple Beginning
We think a lot of times that greatness comes from complex ideas but in reality, the most meaningful plans and ideas can come from very simple beginnings.  As recorded in Luke 2:6-7, the birth of Jesus had a simple beginning. There was no room for them in the village inn so Jesus was born and laid in a manger.

Christmas is about a Simple Story
A simple story turns into an amazing one. In Luke 2:17-19, the shepherds told everyone about the birth of Jesus they were astonished.

This weekend, we will continue the sermon series as we lead up to Christmas. If you are not able to attend your local church service (traveling, health condition, weather, etc), I invite you to this link of the podcast where you can listen/watch each sermon message.

As we head towards Christmas day, try to answer this question: What does Christmas mean to me? Then share your thoughts with at least 20 people. Have a great weekend!

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Photo Credit – Google Images