The Spirit of Christmas -- "Peace"

“The spirit of the season.” “Catch the holiday spirit.” “It’s the spirit of Christmas.” Anyone besides me caught words such as these coming across the airwaves, seen them in a holiday special, or perhaps read in some form of print? After hearing these words recently, in one way or another, a question began to form in my mind. What IS the real spirit of Christmas? I knew what I thought it was, but I began a little “research” with those around me. “What is the spirit of Christmas?” I asked my family. “It’s love,” said one. “It’s joy” said another. “It’s giving . . . it’s kindness . . .” each thought only a moment, then the definition that placed itself within their mind frame, spilled over from their lips. They were all right . . . in a way. . . and yet, deeper thought brought me to the realization that Christmas isn’t really as much of a “what” as it is a “Who.”

Within the word itself, we find just Who brings the true meaning of Christmas to our world. Christ. Jesus Christ Himself – came – wrapped in swaddling clothes, being laid in a manger. It is within Him that we find our source of joy, love, peace, giving . . . He is the Spirit of Christmas – for He is the very reason we celebrate!

Perhaps you’ve heard the story of the little boy who was to take part in a program at his church. He was supposed to say the lines, “It is I, be not afraid.” Well, on the night of the performance, he saw all those people and promptly adjusted his lines to fit his circumstance. He blurted out, “It’s me, and I’m scared to death!” Christ came to bring to us the very opposite of fear. The Spirit of Christmas is . . . Peace.

Let’s take a look at just this one for this week. Our Savior came and one of His incredible names is found in our verse from Isaiah 9:6, “The Prince of Peace.” Peace . . . when a world is at war? Peace . . . when economic time are questionable? Peace . . . when day to day activities threaten to overwhelm our tired brains? Yes, peace.

When we lived closer to our families, I remember how we would get up early on Christmas Day, in order to have Christmas with both of our parents, and his grandparents. During the drive to our different places of celebration, things would always seem so peaceful! No one was hurrying from one store to another . . . the traffic was minimal at most . . . beautiful Christmas music was playing on the stereo . . . it was just peaceful. Sometimes there was snow . . . sometimes it was just plain cold . . . sometimes the day was fairly pretty . . . but no matter what, the Christmas Day spirit of peace prevailed.

However, lasting Peace can only be found where we find the true Spirit of Christmas – in Christ alone. His Word lets us in on the secret our world is waiting for. Not only is Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace, Ephesians 2:14 tells us, “For He Himself is our peace who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” Not for a certain race or tribe. Not exclusive in His plan. Not building up walls. Not requiring more than we can give. Jesus is our Peace! How He desires that we take full knowledge of this fact.

The Spirit of Christmas is peace – and when we have Christ, we can have Peace for a life-time! This year, as our voices sing out the carol, “Peace on the earth goodwill to men . . .” may we whisper to our Savior, “Jesus I want You to live out through me the true Spirit of Christmas – I accept You as my Prince of Peace.”

By: Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“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

Greatest Reason to be Thankful

“So what are you thankful for?” The question is on our minds, and asked from our lips this week probably more than any other week of the year! We have so much to be thankful for our list can get quite long. Food, clothes, a place to sleep, family, friends, health . . . Just the basic things we have — and often take for granted give us reason to possess a grateful heart.

Blessings abundant! We have been given much. But, what if we lost one or more of these things? What if we lost them all? What then? Would we still have reason to be thankful?

The Psalmist says, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1 NKJV). Mr. Job, of Bible times had several really bad days! He lost his wealth, his children, his home, his health, his friends were anything but helpful, and his wife lost hope and told him to “curse God and die”(Job 2:9 NKJV).

Yet, Mr. Job held on to the fact that though circumstances change, God does not. He gave us powerful words that showed his absolute faith when he said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD”(Job 1:21b NJJV). He rested on the fact, “I KNOW my Redeemer lives!” (Job 19:25 NKJV)

Guess what? OUR REDEEMER LIVES! That is the GREATEST thing we have to be thankful for! While we are thankful for our homes — let’s remember, Jesus left His and came to earth for us. He gave up His very life on the Cross, so that you and I could have eternal life. He brings us forgiveness from sin, freedom from guilt, erases our past, and lives within us. He has given us the unfathomable gift of His unfailing, unconditional, everlasting love.

If you’ve never had a chance to meet Him — He’s waiting for you. He desires this to be your best thanksgiving ever — with Him in your heart and life. Open your heart and ask!

Dear Jesus,

I am so thankful you came and gave your life for me. I repent of all my sins, and ask You to wash me clean. Please forgive me, and come into my heart and life. Thank you, Lord!

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Jesus — our greatest reason to be thankful!

Janene A. Dubbeld/ For God’s Glory

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities. Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:1-5   NKJV





Ask, Believe, Trust

What are you most in need of? Wait! In NEED of. Perhaps an immediate need comes to mind. Perhaps a want we think is a need! What do we really NEED?

Needs send us on long mental searches where we roll around every possible way to get it met, or send us on worry binges which cause us to eat, or starve ourselves, doubt, or deny-- when all the time there is a Savior who has promised to meet our needs.

Sometimes what we think we need is only the "outside" of the true need -- which lay a little deeper -- further below the surface -- beyond the mask. Sometimes what we think we need turns out to be a want, or wish, or desire. Sometimes what we think we need isn't what we need at all, and our wise Heavenly Father refrains from giving it, seeing down the road where we cannot see.

That's where the steps come in. First step -- ASK. Ask with an open heart, and open mind, an open spirit that desires our will to be one with the Father's. Come through the blood of Christ and ask boldly. Ask with the desire that His Kingdom come to earth -- again, that His will be done. Ask for your need to be met.

Second step -- BELIEVE. Believe that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. Believe in Who He is, and stand firm on that truth. Believe in His ability to meet your need wherever, whenever, however.

Thirds step -- TRUST. Trust His sovereignty. Trust His Word. Trust His love. Placing your complete trust in Him is doing more that agreeing to a "fair weather" friendship. It’s trusting in the One Who never changes -- trusting Him enough in good and bad to allow His Word to be more than a book but a cornerstone on which our life is fixed. A finality of faith that remains no matter what, knowing, He DOES work all things together for good, for those who love Him.

Take the steps for your need. He is faithful -- forever. Ask, believe, and trust.

Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

"And my God will meet all you needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

We've Been "Tagged"

   Success. There isn't any one of us who doesn't desire to acheive it -- in one form or the other. It seems success has been tagged with a word resembling someone tagging you in a photo on Facebook. The tag is "busy."  

   While it is true that successful people are certainly not known for idleness -- and the Bible in no way shape or form promotes idleness -- the Christians work is meant to be God led, not performance driven.

   It sometimes takes a "painful process" for us to learn what is really important. Life has a way of bringing us those processes, and our willinginess to learn from them will determine what kind of success we become.

   All of us will become a success at something. We will succeed at fulfilling the purpose God has for us to fulfill -- or we will succeed at falling prey to the pressures of self, others, or sin.

   Success is so much more than what our societies tend to make it. Success doesn't equal money. Success cannot be equated with fame. Success can't be found in satisfying self. Success by pleasing others is at best "short-lived." Satisfying success is only discovered, and obtained by loving God, our Father, and doing His will.

   We know it is His will that, "all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9) We know it is His will that we be, "filled with His Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) We know it is His will to give us, "hope and a future."(Jer. 29:11) We know it is His will that we love Him with obedience. (John 14:15)

   We need to slow down from the "human rat race" long enough to get alone in His Presence and worship and love Him. Then He can reveal to us through His Word what our personal purpose is in helping Him fulfill His plan -- the Gospel to all.

   Success doesn't equal "busyness." Only God knows what "success" is for us -- and we can only find worth and value in Him. Success IS loving God ultimately and passionately, and doing HIS WILL!

   Leave behind the empty trademarks of religious show. Leave behind the false gods of worldliness. Leave behind the shallow forms of success they offer and follow closely the One who knows.

Take it With You

"I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

Psalm 40:8

I Am HUNGRY!

With four boys, one girl, a husband, and me -- those words seem to show up quite consistently around our household! Sometimes they are said in a calm matter of fact tone. Other times they are spoken with great emphasis! However they are spoken, they are always followed up with some kind of response – and usually action.

A few years ago, we were privileged to be a part of mission work. Living by faith is how the Christian is always supposed to live – and believe me, we were. One afternoon I went to the store, knowing I only had so much money. I wasn’t able to get all the groceries our family needed. I drove home, and on my way in, checked the mail. There, in our mailbox, was a check from someone who had never done anything for us financially before, and never has since. God had answered prayer! We wouldn’t go hungry.

Another time I can remember looking at my husband in the morning and asking, “What are we going to do?” His calm answer has carried me through many mornings since. He said, “We are just going to trust for daily bread.”

You know what? He was right. We did trust. And . . . we are still alive and serving our faithful God.

Have you ever gone a day or two without food? How about a week? Nothing to eat – maybe even nothing to drink . . . the body will survive for awhile, but not for long.

Just as physical “daily bread” is necessary for sustenance of the body, so spiritual “daily bread” is necessary for sustenance of the soul. We need “soul food.” The Living Water Jesus spoke of being – the Bread of Life that sustains us.

One meal a week with our local body of believers is mighty good – but it doesn’t carry with it everything we need for the week. We need the daily bread.

When we take the time to seek Him – He will be found. When we ask Him to reveal Himself through His Word – He will! Every day He feeds those who hunger and thirst after Him.

I am hungry! Hungry for more of Him! Hungry for more of His Word! Hungry for more of His will! Hungry for HIM!

“Father . . . please give us today our daily bread!”

Are you hungry, too?

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“But he said to them, I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” John 4:32

Up and At 'Em

   Hmmm. Have you ever had one of those mornings? Physically you don't feel well, no sunshine shares its cheery rays to help you put your feet on the floor, and life in general would seem to be better shared with a soft pillow?

   David has some wonderful words for those days -- sounds to me like this man knows what he's talking about. In Psalm 34 he says, ". . . let all who are discouraged take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt his name together."

   Our lasting encouragement doesn't find itself in our surroundings, doesn't take its cue from a certain kind of weather, and isn't bound by the circumstances of today. Our lasting encouragement roots inself firmly in our EVERLASTING GOD!

   He IS . . . FOREVER! His Word IS . . . FOREVR! He watches over those who trust Him, reverence Him, love Him, serve Him. We are not alone -- He is with us.

   Discouraged?  Take Heart! Think about His love for you, His graciousness, His goodness. Speak out how wonderful and marvelous He is. He isn't shaken on His throne by what has happened today -- He is on the throne  -- and He cares for us!

Take it With You

"The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help."

  

The Beautiful Gate

   Living in Virginia is a continual, lovely feast to the eyes. Even a normal drive to school affords us the visual gift of trees and mountains with the splendor of rolling hills . . . never mind the curves and bends of the roads, it is a truly gorgeous piece of God's creation!

   If you take a drive off the beaten path, you often see the unique stone fences which bring to remembrance another era, remaining in their own kind of semi-stately beauty. You would be hard pressed to "climb over" some of these for sure! Not for their height necessarily, but for the jagged edge of the stones on the top. Finding the "gate" to allow entrance would certainly seem a better choice.

  In John chapter 10, Jesus clearly lays out for us the way "in" to eternal life. He mentions those who try and find another way -- perhaps vaulting over the fence row, or digging a hole and crawling under -- and He warns that these are not true sheep, but our thieves and robbers.

  The day in which we live boasts as many "religions" as there have ever been . . . and it seems to keep growing. The true path to eternal life has one way in and that is through Jesus Christ. HE is the "gate" and He is the Good Shepherd. Those who are true sheep will know His voice.

  In this day of clamoring voices, and subtle lies, let's keep our ears tuned to hear the voice of our true Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Taking time to commune with Him is the way we follow closely. Add nothing to His Word, take nothing away -- it will stand forever!

  The seemingly "beautiful gates" of other religions do not lead to eternal life. Jesus is still the ONLY way. We haven't "progressed" beyond Him, or become so smart we don't need Him. There is no path around Him, and avoidance certainly isn't the answer to the peace we seek. We cannot truly live without Him. He IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE!

   And . . . why would we want to choose another way? Why try to "sneak in" another gate? He IS everything that is good, beautiful, right, lovely . . . why trade Him for the cheap, unsatisfying journey of another path? All that we need -- He is!

  Emrace Him today -- and find -- ETERNAL LIFE!

Take it with You

"Therefore Jesus said again, I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture." (John 10:7-9 NIV)