Last day of 2022.

One year ago, we were heading to Weyburn, SK, our vehicle loaded with smoked pork ribs and our fancy clothes.  Our son, Daniel was to be married on January 1 to Michaela Klassen!  What a beautiful way to begin the new year, welcoming a new daughter-in-law, celebrating the holy institution of marriage with family and friends.  It was a cold day but our vehicles started!  

We all were still under restrictions regarding COVID-19 at this time last year.  In our province, restrictions for unvaccinated folks to go to restaurants, movie theatres and many other places of business were open on February 14.  Gradually, different regulations were lifted and travel became possible again for Walter and I in our ministry.

In April we traveled to the west coast of Vancouver Island - Esperanza - as we have NCEM missionary staff there and other locations on the island.  In July, we ventured into the U.S. to connect with our new office volunteers and board members.  We attended an "Indigenous Faith" seminar, as well and had great fellowship with many fellow workers among Native American ministries. At the end of August, we drove to Prince Edward Island for a staff conference. So we literally traveled coast to coast across our amazing country of Canada!

Following the whirlwind of three staff conferences for our organization all within a month, we were freed up to take a three-month break from our responsibilities with NCEM.  People were asking, "Are you taking a trip somewhere?"  To be honest, I just wanted to stay home!  So the past three months have been mostly sleeping in our own bed, cooking our own meals and slowing the pace to really rest.

As I have mentioned  before, this break was for us to intentionally take time to process our recent transition away from Healing Hearts Ministry.  The leaving was hard; the letting go of what once was has been difficult, emotional and sad for us.  But along the way, we found God's provision of a retreat for a week, some resources for us to read/listen to and friends to pray for and stand behind us through the grieving.

Highlights have been the retreat at Kerith Pines in MB.  The Grey Cup game in Regina in November.  And wrapping up our break with a trip to hot springs in BC and visits with the Selke family in AB...and here we are, concluding the time off with Christmas festivities and all our kids came home!  That fulfills a mother's heart more than any sabbatical or retreat or spa day!

Expressing what I have learned or experienced in the past year, or even during our break, is a real challenge.  How does one summarize the lessons, the moments, the truths and the tears in a few short paragraphs?  Two main points rise above the many:

God is faithful.  Lamentations 3:22-23 is a classic scripture proclaiming the mercies and compassion of the Lord.  "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."  As Walter and I have spent significant time talking, praying, crying and seeking the Lord, He has reminded us over and over of His wonderful deeds through the years.  We reminisced, we rehashed and we remembered the many miracles God did as we began our journey into ministry.  The many people we met, the many lives changed by Jesus, the ways God met our needs and the needs of the ministry all pointed to God's faithfulness and goodness and generosity to us.  We had to process the losses, but also give thanks in all things.  God never abandoned us but showed faithfulness to us all the way through.

God never changes.  How easy it would be to let negative events and circumstances reflect on my understanding of God.  When things go well, God is good.  But when things go poorly, is God not good?  In Malachi 3:6a, the Word says, "For I the LORD do not change..."  There is no getting around the pointedness of this verse: God declares about Himself that He does not change!  And to reinforce in the New Testament, Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Nothing and no one can make God, nor His Son, change their minds, their ways, their character.  They are unchanging, immutable.  

My journey of processing and healing has brought me to these very basic truths that God is faithful and unchanging, no matter what I feel or have experienced.  Stripping away the expectations, the familiar and the comfortable, I am left with my faith in the Lord, who has been with me the whole time!  He has already shown that when certain ministries, relationships or even possessions are taken away, He is still good.  He is still the Lord!  And as Job declared through his experience of utter devastation, "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21b

As we say good-bye to the old year and welcome in a brand new one, I have chosen to bless the name of the Lord!  Wishing each and every one of you a Christ-filled new year!  Happy 2023!!!

 Nostalgia.

Over the holidays, we sat together as a family, snuggled in our warm home under fleecy blankets to watch an old movie.  It was a black and white film; Jimmy Stewart was the main character.  The fashion of the day spoke 1940's and the lines sounded cheesy to our 21st century tastes.  But there was something delicious, heart-warming as we experienced something pleasant from the past.

Christmas does bring up pleasant memories for many of us as we reminisce about favourite Christmas toys, large family gatherings and even funny events that get repeated year after year!  Sometimes we focus so much on happy times in the past that we make build them up to be bigger than they were.

Once the big event and all the excitement is over, then we have that short lull before the New Year's celebrations.  For many years, our inner city church ministry included a New Year's Eve Pastor's Open House, where the four pastor couples hosted a night of games, snack foods and then a time of worship and prayer to bring in the New Year!  It was noisy, crazy and busy for us as leaders but so fun for our families and especially those who really  needed some clean, sober and wholesome entertainment and fellowship.  Many recovering addicts, new church-goers and freshly reunited foster kids with their parents would pile into the hall or church and enjoy a new way to celebrate.  

I find myself today - in between Christmas festivities and the planning of our New Year - wondering what's next?  After our 3-month sabbatical, Walter and I are not just picking up where we left off but transitioning into a new season.  What will our travel schedule be?  What tasks will we resume and what tasks will be permanently delegated?  Post-pandemic, what will our new normal be like?

A scripture I had focused on last fall has caught my attention this morning as I write this blog.  Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  Pastor Bill who was sharing thoughts on the book of Hebrews, brought out one word that I think addresses my tendencies.  Rather than focusing nostalgically on the past, or rushing to plan and move into the future, would it be better to focus on the now?  

"Now faith" is what Pastor Bill emphasized a few times as he expounded on Hebrews chapter 11.  All the Old Testament examples of faith, the acts of obedience and trust in God when they couldn't see the actual object of their faith, pointed to the fact that faith is for today, not just for yesterday or tomorrow.  "Now faith" is what we exercise today, expecting God to meet us where we are at right now!  We can access the strength and blessings of the Lord as we walk with Him.  We can enjoy the present as we truly engage in what is going on around us, the stages of our kids or the current jobs God has provided for us.  If we are always looking back to what used to be or looking ahead to what might be, we will not truly appreciate the now.  We will be absent from our kids and distracted from full engagement with others.

There is an element of "now faith" that gives us hope for the future.  We can get through difficult trials today knowing God has a wonderful eternal plan for us, a home prepared for us.  "For he [Abraham] was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."  Hebrews 11:10  We may not see or receive all that God has promised for us on this earth; we also look forward to the fulfillment of our salvation in the heavenly city.  

I am choosing to enjoy the now - the quiet lull before we plunge in to the full time ministry schedule once again.  May the Lord bless you, too, with quiet contentment as you experience "now faith" in your journey.

 The Ultimate Treasure

The deep sea divers ride out to a designated spot in the wavy waters.  Sunlight sparkles like diamonds on the ocean.  Clad in wetsuits, the divers drop down into the water, still attached to the boat with umbilical cords of hose.  Their only equipment is an oxygen tank and small tools for recovering treasure.

Treasure.

Wild-eyed men headed west, and north, to pursue the dream of a lifetime.  Selling everything, they paid passage on trains, ships and wagons to seek for the promise of gold.  Enduring weather, hardship, isolation and competition of other miners, their only goal was to find the motherlode.

The kings traveled with their entourage from a distant land, going on the word of ancient writings.  Resources weren't a problem; finding the exact location was.  Arriving at the logical place, the capital city of the region, the men inquired of the local government as to the whereabouts of the new king.  A new king?  With a little research and detective work, the wise men from the east continued a few miles more to the town, a very little and insignificant town, of Bethlehem.

What did they find?  A young mother, a small child and the greatest treasure ever!

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up.  Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."  (Matthew 13:44)

Tonight as you attend a candlelight service, or spend a quiet evening with family, consider the treasure you seek.  Is it the riches of money and possessions?  Is it glory, popularity or fame? Is it comfort and health and a life of ease?

Anything worth pursuing must involve effort, cost and sacrifice.  But when you find the treasure you have been seeking, the joy is more than a fleeting pleasure.  Finding Jesus Christ, the King of kings, is the ultimate joy and results in everlasting satisfaction.  He forgives our sins, heals our diseases and promises a home in heaven for eternity!

Christmas Eve.  Finding the ultimate Treasure.

Imagine.  Close your eyes and picture what you think the Lord Jesus Christ would look like.  He is usually portrayed by artists as beautiful, handsome, shining, gentle or strong, depending on the biblical story being depicted.  In the nativity scenes, Jesus is sweet, fair-skinned and peaceful.  Our human interpretation of the Saviour is idyllic, but not necessarily accurate.

The Son of God came to the earth through the means of a human mother.  He was born in a stable.  He was given to a poor carpenter and teenaged mother to be raised.  Certainly less than ideal circumstances.

According to the prophet Isaiah, the physical description of Jesus the Messiah, was not beautiful or handsome.  In chapter 53, we read that "...He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, no beauty that we should desire Him."  (verse 2)  In fact, Jesus laid aside His glory and majesty to take on human form.  Philippians 2:6-7 addresses this physical aspect that "though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."  Jesus literally chose to surrender His glory, power and divine attributes to submit to taking on the form of a man.  Being vulnerable to hunger, thirst, helplessness, illness and injury, Jesus could relate to us in our weakness.  Going through the indignities of conception and birth, infancy, toddlerhood and all the experiences of development into manhood made Jesus truly our brother.  

The all-knowing God humbled Himself to become obedient, to learn the disciplines of the human educational process.  As Son, He had to trust the Father explicitly, just as we all must on this earth.  Jesus did not have the privilege of a short-cut because He was the Son of God!    In fact, Jesus' process to becoming a man and fulfilling God's purpose for Him involved the ultimate humbling, the ultimate sacrifice:  "And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."  (Philippians 2:8)  He came from glorious perfection and highest authority to the mess of human birth and painful life lessons as a human child growing into adulthood.  Then His experience as an adult involved ridicule, criticism, rejection, mental and physical abuse and ultimately the ugliest, most cruel death of a wrongfully accused criminal - the cross!

Isaiah, looking forward, gave a most unpleasant account of the Messiah's experiences to come.  From verses 3-12, the Saviour would endure being "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief...stricken, smitten by God and afflicted...wounded...crushed...chastisement...stripes... He was oppressed, and He was afflicted...He poured out His soul to death...He bore the sin of many..."  (Isaiah 53)  

We don't like to think of our Saviour as physically ugly, scarred and bloody.  But that is reality.

I take great comfort in the fact that Jesus' suffering and death is over now!  He died once for all.  The greatest hope and joy is that "God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name..."  Jesus Christ is now resurrected with the restored glory He had before.  His power and authority, beauty and majesty have been bestowed on Him once again.  As Jesus Christ revealed Himself to John the Apostle in Revelation chapter 1, "one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around His chest.  The hairs of  His head were white...His eyes were like a flame of fire...and His voice was like the roar of many waters.  In His right hand He held seven stars, from His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full strength." (Revelation 1:13-16)  Now that is the description of a mighty King, a brilliant and regal figure of supreme and fearsome authority!  This is our resurrected and reigning Lord!

Imagine.  Imagine a tiny, red-faced baby with dark hair, dark eyes and wrapped in whatever cloths were available in a manure-scented animal shelter.  Picture the Christ-child as needy and dependent on earthly parents to feed, clothe and train Him.  See the God-man living without a home or luxuries of the Divine status that was truly His.  And then remember that He was wrongly accused and executed.  

For you and me.

 Sitting around tables in the sanctuary of our church, the congregation expectantly watched the annual Christmas pageant put on by the Sunday School children.  Adorable fancy dresses and dapper dress shirts and bow ties adorned the cute little cherubs.  They gathered on the stage, some in costumes and others dressed as modern-day children.  A "Grandpa" (aged 12) sat in a rocking chair with his "grandchildren" at his feet, listening to a story.  As Grandpa read the Christmas story, the various actors came on stage to portray shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary and Joseph.  Most everyone memorized their lines; some needed prompting from the sidelines.

Even the mistakes were cute!  The angel Gabriel, played by another 12-year-old boy, had rehearsed going up on stage behind some room dividers.  Between practice on Saturday and the actual play on Sunday, someone had blocked his path to the stage.  So after two or three attempts, Gabriel just went up in from of everyone and hid behind the decorations and the cross!  When he jumped out and made his pronouncement that a child was born in Bethlehem, everyone was surprised - except me!  I had seen him the whole time enjoyed his confident flexibility and adaptation!

Another little gal, maybe 5 years old, had no trouble with stage fright.  She felt at home in front of everyone, standing as close to the microphone as possible, rearranging some of the Christmas decorations and not wanting to exit the stage when her song was over.  Parents and grandparents beamed with pride or shook their heads and smiled at the little miscues.  It was the perfect narrative of the nativity!

I remember the programs our kids were part of, the Christmas eve candlelight services we participated in when we pastored the inner city church.  Our aim was to create a family atmosphere for those who had no families or were trying to escape their broken pasts and rebuild their lives in Christ.  Candy bags, twinkling lights and a manger built by the ex-gang members in our woodworking program made for  unique memories.

What does Jesus think of all our festivities surrounding His birth?

Zephaniah 3:17 shows us the way a father feels towards his children.  "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will exult over you with loud singing."  How proud and pleased is our Father when He sees us with heartfelt praise and activities of honour to His Name.  We are no more able to put on a perfect "pageant" of life for the Father than our kids can perform flawlessly in a Christmas play!  

So, my friends, rest in the love of God and receive His quiet and joyful celebration of Christ in you!

 Have you ever been reading along in your devotional, or through a book of the Bible and that very portion is just what you needed to hear?  You may have skipped a day, or somehow broken the rhythm of your reading plan and yet somehow that Scripture or thought comes at just the right time.  How does the Holy Spirit do that?

I have been following a Facebook Live morning devotional from a First Nations ministry in eastern Saskatchewan.  The pastor has been reading through Hebrews for several months now and I haven't always been able to keep up.  But yesterday and today I tuned in and was so blessed!

Here is what God spoke to me:

Hebrews 12 is the practical teaching in response to the foundation established in the first eleven chapters.  The chapter starts with the word, "Therefore"... so you know it is important to note what was said before and apply it now.  In light of all the author laid out about the Old Testament sacrificial system and the fulfillment of Jesus' death on the cross as the Lamb, now what?

Verses14 and 15 were what struck me for where I am at in my journey.  I mentioned a week or so ago that Walter and I have been on a mini-sabbatical from ministry, taking a break.  We have intentionally been resting, but also examining our hearts to deal with the past and be fresh for the next season.  It has been a time of introspection.  It has been a time of grieving some losses and letting go of how things were.  It has been three months of reading, praying, seeking counsel as well as interspersing fun, travel and pursing hobbies!  (Walter has worked on his VW Beetle rebuild; I put my name on the sub list for curling and got called every week if I was able!)  So here is what Hebrews 12:14 & 15 said to me.

"Strive for peace with everyone and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.  See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled..."

This spoke to me at a time when I have been examining my own issues and attitudes.  These verses are a small checklist of things to look at.  How are my relationships?  Am I striving for peace or picking fights?  Am I seeking to be on good terms with everyone, not just a select few or my favourites, but everyone.  That includes my family, my husband and children, and also my relatives whether through marriage or natural connection.  We have had opportunity to see all of our children and our extended family and take stock for ourselves how we are doing - I have felt good, at peace about where we are at and I trust no walls exist that we ignored or failed to address.  

We even had opportunity to meet for supper with someone who initiated getting together.  They wanted to make sure our relationship with them was okay and we were able to clear up some things.  We all agreed it is not worth holding grudges or allowing bitterness to take hold.  How great it feels to be honest and exchange hugs in the name of the Lord!

Am I striving for holiness?  Have I dealt with my sins honestly?  Is there anything I need to repent of, own up to, apologize for?  I spent some time memorizing the first ten verses of Psalm 51, where David confesses his sin and seeks God's forgiveness and cleansing.  I have journaled and talked with my husband over these months, sincerely trying to uncover any and every hidden thing to bring it to the light.  It has been a difficult but freeing journey.

"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God..."  I am included in that verse; I must be responsible to obtain the grace of God and not harden my heart to Him or others.  To be forgiven and to extend forgiveness is the foundation for grace, the very act of not holding faults and offenses against others or against ourselves.  Grace is the unmerited favour God gives and all we can do is humble ourselves and admit our sins and then let that grace flow!

"...'no root of bitterness' springs up..." I have done enough gardening to know that roots can go deep and grow underneath the surface.  A weed may be plucked up, but like thistles, the root can break off and up springs another one!  If I have done a thorough job of forgiving, then the offense will not spring up again.  Even if that person does sin against me, or if I repeat a bad behaviour, Jesus encourages us to forgive 70 times 7!  In other words, continue to forgive and let go.  

(A word of caution: if someone continues to sin against us, even to the point of abuse, we must forgive but that doesn't mean we trust them or continue in close relationship with them.  We forgive, make peace in as much as we can, and have healthy boundaries for our safety and theirs.)

The thing about bitterness is that is spreads.  The rest of verse 15 says "springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled..."  Our bitterness affects us, those closest to us and eventually can spread to defile or spoil many relationships as it ripples through.  Soon no one wants to visit us or work with us; and if we have spread a bitter spirit, others will develop patterns of unhealthy relationships.  We can break that cycle of bitterness by forgiving, by owning our offenses against others and apologizing.  We can pray against roots of unforgiveness and bitterness that were modeled before us and break the chains from ourselves and our children.  

"...as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."  Colossians 3:13b

As Christmas approaches and the promise of a New Year, what a perfect time to examine our hearts and make sure we are striving for peace and rooting out bitterness.  

LOVE.  This past Sunday's Advent theme was love.  

That's a no-brainer.  If the Christmas story is not a love story, then we have totally missed the point!

The Bible says, "God is love."  (1 John 4;16b)  If that is His identity and character, then everything He does is with the pure motive of love.  And who is the object of His love?  Some people believe God only loves those who are good, who do good things.  Or that God chooses to love some and not others, that He plays favourites.  The Jewish people were God's special and chosen nation, but never did Yahweh ever say He only loved them and not any other nations.  He loves sinners.  He loves outcasts.  He loves rebels and failures.  He loves us all.

In fact, John 3:16 declares "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."  That word world is translated from the Greek as cosmos or cosmon, which means people, generally the human race.  When the angel appeared to announce the birth of God's Son, the wording is "...I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."  The commentators say that the translation was specifically news for the people of Israel, the Jewish nation.  Later in Luke 2:14 and 32, the promises of peace on earth and light for revelation to the Gentiles does extend the coming of the Saviour to include the non-Jews, all nations.  You and me.

This is the Gospel, the Good News that us Christians are always talking about!  God loves us all and includes us all in sending His Son to be our Saviour.  We are welcomed in to this wonderful, freeing relationship with God by believing in His Son.  "...because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved....For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:9 & 13)

Receiving the love of God through Jesus Christ seems easy.  We all want to be loved.  Mostly we find it a very good thing to be on the receiving end of a gift, especially a free gift!  But in relationships, the love is to be mutual, going back and forth.  Our response is to love in return.

1 John 4:19 clarifies the direction that love is to take.  "We love because He first loved us."  Love originates in God, who is love, and is to flow out.  In both the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus explains even further to whom that divine love is to flow out to from our re-born hearts.  First to God Himself  "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)  He deserves our first priority of love, with all that we are.

Next, we are to love our neighbour.  Again, 1 John 4 describes the love to our neighbours as the very proof of our genuine faith in Jesus, evidence that we are not like everyone else who loves those who love them.  Christian love is shown to our neighbours and - gasp! - even our enemies!  (Luke 6:27-36) "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you..." This is where even the Jews who were trained in the Law of God were astonished at the lengths to which Jesus took His preaching and His new commandments.  Love our enemies?

An enemy is anyone who hurts you, offends you, who persecutes and wishes evil on you.  Romans 12:9-21 is Paul's very practical application of Jesus' teachings on love.  Love is to be genuine, hospitable, not vengeful or divisive. "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them." (verse 14)  Did Jesus know my enemies?  Did Paul see how awful my persecutors have been?  Both Jesus and Paul had enemies and experienced extreme abuse and suffering for their preaching, for what they represented.  I think they understood what they wrote to us who live two thousand years later.  We are to love.  Period.

This Christmas, may the love of Christ be all you need.  And all you give away to those around you.

 Walter's phone buzzed.  He received a picture and a brief explanation.  Within seconds, he handed me the phone to share the news.  The baby had arrived!

Our niece and her husband had been a family without a homeland until this past fall.  They served in missions overseas and now that they were expecting their first child, they wanted to settle in Canada.  After much prayer and patience and finally communication with government representatives, this young couple were received back to her native land and his newly adopted one!  No sooner had they arrived, but the prenatal checkups showed baby wasn't growing at the normal rate.  With daily appointments and monitoring, our niece made it to 34 weeks before their little one made his appearance.

With excitement we rejoice that little Lorenzo has arrived, but at only 3.97 pounds.  He will need special care for the next while.  The new parents will also need special prayer support as they face more than the usual stress and adjustments that come with a newborn.  In the meantime, they will also be moving into a new place (planned when they thought the due date would be in January!).  I can't imagine all they are going through - joy, worry, fear, relief.  

Every new parent experiences a myriad of emotions leading up to and after their child arrives.  Mary and Joseph would have been no different.  Except that the baby born to them had a very specific and divine calling that no other child carried.  Isaiah says it best:

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

We all have hopes and dreams for our children.  We desire them to grow up healthy, active, productive, finding their place in the world and especially as Christian parents, we long for them to serve Jesus and do His will for their lives.  Mary and Joseph had an extra burden to carry in training and raising this Son for His future.  To have the government upon His shoulder, to be a counselor, God Himself, the Father and the Prince of Peace!  He would fulfill God's promise that another would reign on the throne of David forever.  Jesus would be that King of all kings.

As we pray for our new little great-nephew and his young parents, we think of the vulnerability of our Saviour when He arrived as a helpless, dependent baby.  What a miracle!  What a risky, beautiful and loving gift from our Father!

 Recently I had a conversation with a self-proclaimed "worrier."  Her list of items to fret about was long, extensive and thorough.  She admitted that worrying caused her to lose sleep, lose weight and lose joy.  Worrying did not change the circumstances; there was no gain in being anxious, just loss.

The holiday season can be a time of anxiousness.  Not only the preparations for Christmas, but often the losses in the past year can be emphasized.  Broken relationships, loss through death, even changes in life circumstances such as job, moving, health challenges and much  more can seem more overwhelming as the holidays approach.

Financial pressures can be increased as travel, gifts, more food and fund-raising campaigns compete for our dollars.  Is Christmas really worth it?

So after my conversation with my fellow-worrier, I went home and opened my Bible.  I found an amazing antidote for worry in Psalm 37 and I want to share it with you!

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act...Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!  ...Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil."  (verses 4,5,7 & 8b)

When I think about the various characters in the Christmas narrative, they each had valid reasons to be anxious.  Mary, of course, had her life turned upside down, and she only a teenaged girl.  Joseph had his reputation and his responsibilites to consider.  Elizabeth had a pregnancy in her old age and Zechariah had never been a dad before.  The shepherds were blown away by the heavenly angelic visit and they had to leave their precious sheep to pursue the Lamb.  The three Wisemen left home and risked health, safety and robbery to find the King of kings.  And Jesus Himself, left heaven, laying aside His glory and entrusting Himself to the mercy of the Father on His mission to earth to save sinners!  The burden Jesus carried would explode our finite beings and yet He did not fret to the point of displeasing the Father, not once.

If you are a worrier, you are in good company!  But to stay in that space is so unhealthy in every way.  To combat that tendency, follow the words of David in Psalm 37. 

*Delight in the Lord

*Commit your life to Him

*Trust in His ability to take care of you

*Be still and wait for Him

*Fret not (2 X)

And as the Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian believers, "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  (Philippians 4:6)

These scriptures are not suggestions but are given in the command form of the verbs used.  You can choose with your will - and the help of the Holy Spirit - to "fret not" and to focus with your mind on that which is good, wholesome and filled with trust and faith in God.

Let's lay aside worry and embrace the security and peace in our relationship to the Lord.  

"Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace."  (Silent Night)

 The tree is decorated, the gifts carefully wrapped and labeled, the tablecloth and centrepiece laid just so. Christmas cards have been written, sealed and sent. The sweet treats are baked and the turkey is frozen but waiting to be roasted to perfection.  Beds are made and ready for family who will spend the holidays at home with us...

Does this sound like the ideal plan for a perfect Christmas?

When I read in Matthew and Luke the accounts of that first Christmas, it was anything but ideal!  Mary's upcoming marriage was threatened by an unexpected pregnancy.  Joseph nearly divorced his betrothed but in a dream God intervened.  A census was decreed by the Roman Emperor, so Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to register.  And then there was no room at the inn!

So many obstacles and unpleasantly unplanned events lead up to Jesus' birth.  But it didn't stop there.  Once Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary stayed in Bethlehem for possibly a couple of years.  Then after the visit from the wisemen, Herod, king of Judea plotted to find and kill this child, who might threaten his throne.  In yet another dream, Joseph is directed to take Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt until Herod's rampage was over. They were able to return to Nazareth once Herod died.

Real life has difficulties.  There is no perfect Christmas, no hassle-free holiday.  Our Saviour was born into poverty and persecution.  But God knew.  And by His sovereign will Jesus came and nothing could stop His arrival!

"And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth."  Luke 2:6

The "time came" in God's perfect timing and that's all that matters.

Gentle snowflakes are falling, swirling, settling as a Colorado weather system blows in from the south.  Hoarfrost is still thick on the trees and power poles from yesterday's fog.  The sky is white, the snowbanks white, the rooftops white.  It looks like it will be a white Christmas for sure!

As we near the shortest day of the year, it seems that our part of the country is dull, dim, and dark.  Evidence of life is covered by this heavy blanket of snow.  The only green that shows is the Christmas trees in many front room windows!  Winter is a season where nature sleeps.

Walter and I have taken a mini-sabbatical these past three months and it feels as though we have taken a season of sleep or rest from our busy schedule.  We have intentionally stepped back from our routines, handed our responsibilities over to capable folks and chosen to NOT read our emails!  It took a few weeks to slow down, to disengage from the fast pace of travel and conferences and to give ourselves opportunity for rest.  Like a blanket settling over us, we have allowed ourselves to be quiet, pursuing hobbies and fun activities.  If I slow down anymore, I may slip into a coma!

But I recall from my high school biology studies that although it appears nature is sleeping - maybe even dead! - beneath the surface the plants and animals are still alive.  Bears hibernate, birds migrate south, insects go dormant.  Flora also goes into states of dormancy.  But although all appears quiet, heart rates slow down and sap becomes still, life is very much present.

Today I read Psalm 52.  David once again is being pursued by enemies and betrayed by those close to him.  He calls out liars and deceivers!  He is upset by the unrighteousness of evildoers!  And then in verse 8, David slows his rant, almost like his eyes were roving over the landscape, and his attention is drawn to an olive tree.  He says, "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.  I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever."

It is like God blankets the turmoil around David and covers the raging inside David's mind and heart.  The only thing David can see is the picture of an olive tree, green and alive.  He imagines its green leaves, solid trunk, and maybe even the fruit forming on the branches.  Strong and healthy roots give this tree its grounding.  

I think Walter and I have felt somewhat like David, pulled in many directions and aware of the many issues and responsibilities of our leadership roles.  As God has slowed us down, we have been in a season of hibernation and wonder if we are going to see life and activity again!  But David's words resound in our hearts as we have been strengthened in our roots, being reminded that our trust is in the steadfast love of God.  The ceasing from regular work has given us time to renew.  We trust that the necessity for rest will result in a more fruitful season when we resume our ministry in the new year.

John 15:2b "...and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."  

How wonderful that we will wind up our break with Christmas celebrations and begin the New Year with God's presence going before us!

The Trinity.  God in Three Persons, as the hymn states this mystery.  How is the Trinity involved in the story of Christmas?

In the past, God revealed Himself as the Creator, a mighty King and Judge.  He made everything, designed the rules to govern everything and either blessed or punished the people He had created.  At least, that is how many of us think of God and His ways in the Old Testament times.

There is mention of the Holy Spirit on rare occasions:  Genesis 1:2b introduces the Spirit in the beginning "And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."  Also, the Holy Spirit "came upon" certain chosen ones as God used them in leadership roles (Joshua in Numbers 27:18, King Saul in 1 Samuel 10:10 and King David in 1 Samuel 16:12-13).  Even Samson in the book of Judges experienced the Spirit of God giving him special strength to bring judgment on the Philistines!

God's amazing plan to bring hope to the earth did involve all three of the Trinity.  The Father spoke through the angel Gabriel to announce to Mary her part in the plan.  "...you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High...."  (Luke 1:31-32a)  God is not directly named as Father, but by declaring He has a Son, we see this as clearly the Father/Son Persons revealed.  So where does the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, come in?

Through Mary's question to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (verse 34), the answer is given by the angel's explanation.  "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God."  (verse 35)

If you think this is incomprehensible, imagine how overwhelmed Mary must have been!  The Trinity would be taking over her body, her life, her future as the Son of God would be knit together in her womb.  The Almighty God sent His only Son through the fragile and risky process of conception and birth as a human being.  

What makes this special coming together of the Trinity in Mary is replayed in Luke chapter 3.  Thirty years after the pronouncement of the angel to Mary, this Son was now about to enter His official earthly ministry.  In my last blog, I talked about John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for the Messiah.  As John was going about his preaching and baptizing, we see him at the Jordan River.  :...the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.  And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."  (Luke 3:2-3)  The people began to follow him, wondering if he was the Messiah!  But he assured them that he is only a forerunner, and "He who is mightier than I is coming...He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Luke 3:16)  

All four of the Gospel accounts records that Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized by him.  In Matthew 3:13-17, we read that when Jesus approached John, John did not want to baptize Him, knowing Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, and was greater than he.  But Jesus insisted, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." (verse 15)  

And then this incredible revelation of the Trinity came together in the Jordan River, as the Son submitted to baptism - even though He had no sins to repent of - and the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove (verse 16).  And finally, the voice from the Father speaks from heaven:  "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."  

A third coming together of the Trinity occurred when Jesus was on top of a mountain with Peter, James and John, three of His disciples.  They were there to pray.  God met them through revealing Moses and Elijah, and the three disciples witnessed Jesus talking with these tremendous men of faith!  Then again a voice from heaven proclaimed:  "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him!"  (Luke 9:35)  No specific mention of the Holy Spirit is given, but throughout the Gospels, it is clear Jesus was empowered for His preaching and miracles by the Spirit of God.

May the presence of the Triune God be with you this Advent Season!

 Have you ever wondered if you make a difference?

We may not necessarily all want to be celebrities or superheroes.  We just want to know if our lives impact anyone else, if we will be remembered for having done something significant while we existed on the earth.  Has it mattered that I was born?

In the Christmas story, a priest in Israel named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, had been faithful servants in God's work.  Year by year, Zechariah took his turn at the temple in Jerusalem.  This particular year that Luke records was Zechariah's opportunity to burn the incense.  That in itself was a special honour and I'm sure he felt very blessed to serve the Lord in this way.  

People were gathering outside the temple at the hour of incense (Luke 1:10) as Zechariah fulfilled his duty. This ritual was significant in that it represented the prayers of the people being lifted up to the throne of the Lord Most High.  The priest's role was to offer the incense, and to pray on behalf of the people of Israel.  And then something way out of the ordinary happened:  an angel appeared to Zechariah!  

The angel gives some amazing news.  "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John." (verse 13)  The backstory is that they had been barren and unable to have children.  And as Luke describes in verse 7, they "both were advanced in years."  Was Zechariah still praying about this desire in their lives, to bear a child, even in their old age?  Was this a prayer from years ago and God was just answering now?

Serving in the temple must have been very special and fulfilling.  But in the Israelite culture, having children, having someone to bear your name and continue your family line was the ultimate blessing.  So Zechariah and Elizabeth must have felt somewhat disappointed and disillusioned in reaching advanced years and having no heir.  How could they leave a legacy?

Now they were able to have a child, John, and he grew up to be quite the unique individual!  A Nazirite prophet!  (He was not to consume fermented drink, nor cut his hair, and be a special servant of God, just like Samson in the Old Testament.)  God's purpose for this miracle child was to be a forerunner for the Messiah.  That's a huge calling and special honour!

To jump ahead in time, beyond the nativity scene, John the Baptist grew to be the prophet and predecessor of Jesus Christ.  He preached the coming of the Messiah, preparing the way as foretold in Isaiah 40:3-5.  He baptized people as they responded to his message, a baptism of repentance.  People were often being baptized before John's ministry, as a way of showing they wanted to follow the Hebrew God.  But John's baptism was a step further in repentance and preparing for the Messiah.  

In Luke 7, John the Baptist, as he became known, sent two of his disciples or followers to find out if Jesus was the "one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" (verse 19)  John had met Jesus, baptized Him in the Jordan River and witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus at that time.  If anyone could be sure of Jesus' identity, it would be John.

But he, like any human, doubted his own significance.  He probably wondered if he had made any difference, if his ministry and life impacted those around him.  Had he been proclaiming this coming Messiah and somehow had the wrong person?  

Jesus answered the two messengers from John, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them." (verse 22).  And then Jesus affirmed John the Baptist's ministry by quoting scriptures about John and how he fulfilled the calling also predicted in Malachi 3:1.  "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you."

Maybe our significance isn't quite like Zechariah, John or Jesus.  But God has chosen each one of us to be influencing others for His Name.  We have been created for a purpose, called to have impact and to be light, salt, witnesses, servants for the Kingdom of Heaven!  

In Ephesians 2:10, our calling is clear.  "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  Every one of us, as followers of Jesus Christ, have specific works prepared for us, that we should discover them and walk in them.  In other words, we have unique opportunities and the giftedness to serve and make a difference.  Our testimony of God's saving grace in our being born again, and our faithfulness in everyday living impacts everyone who knows us and sees us in action!  Don't underestimate your life being observed and copied by those of your family and your circle of influence.  

God sees you, and He is answering your prayers.  

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

The third Sunday of Advent is upon us - and Walter & I will be celebrating it at home today.

As the glow of the lights of Regina grew brighter in the late night sky, my joy also grew!  Our two week winter vacation has come to an end.  Filled with beautiful scenery, relaxing soaks in the hot springs and delicious food prepared by others, we felt very blessed.  We enjoyed some visits along the way with friends and family, receiving their gifts of hospitality and love.  

The anticipation of home is something sweet, as well.  As fun and exciting as vacations are, real life is lived in our everyday routines.  Soon, we will be resuming our "normal" ministry rhythms and yes, that includes travel!  And so we will relax at home for a few more weeks before our itinerary for the New Year begins...

JOY!  We experience joy as an exhilarating emotion of happiness and excitement!  It is our response to opening gifts, seeing a loved one or accomplishing a hard task.  Real life is not lived in a constant state of ecstasy and thrill, but it is part of the rhythms of our journey.  The boredom of routine and the lows of sadness contrast to the highs of joy!  

So many of us mistake happiness for joy.  Happiness is the emotional response to happenings, circumstances.  No one can be happy all the time!  The reality of our human experiences is that events occur that cause disappointment, sorrow and deep grief.  And so if we rely on our circumstances to make us happy, we will be sorely confused and depressed.

But joy is the choice to be positive and celebrate in spite of circumstances.  Paul wrote in the letter to the Philippian church to "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice."  (Philippians 4:4)  If God expects us to rejoice, it must be possible to choose to do so.  God never sets us up for failure, but gives us the ability to succeed with His help.  Joy, then, is the decision of our will to be thankful, be content, to worship and spread cheer to others even when we don't feel like it!

Psalm 47:1 also gives the verb tense of a command to God's people:  "Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with louds songs of joy!"  The rest of that psalm explains the reasons why we should be joyful and express joy through physical and vocal means.  Because the Lord is to be feared, He is a great king, He reigns over the whole earth!  

As we approached the city limits, the lights of home drew us.  How much  more the anticipation of Jesus' birth and our celebration of the wonders of Christmas!  

May each of you, my family and friends, allow the JOY of Jesus Christ and His promises of heaven, warm your hearts and comfort you when happiness isn't enough.

 In my regular devotional readings, the verse of the day this morning is from Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." The two characters that come to mind from the Christmas narrative are Simeon and Anna.  Let me tell you their experiences.

Simeon was a dear old saint living in Jerusalem.  Luke describes him as "righteous and devout" as he was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." (Luke 2:25)  He was very much in tune with God as he sought Him regularly.  When Jesus was born, his parents brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem for the Jewish practice of making a special offering for the firstborn.  So as Simeon, being led by the Holy Spirit, and Mary and Joseph, also being led by the Spirit, met up in the temple at the same time, they were able to experience a very holy encounter!

Anna, similarly, was a widow woman in her 80's.  Rather than remarry and try again to have a family, she spent her days in the temple, "worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day."  (Luke 2:37)  Her life had been dedicated to seeking God and waiting upon Him.  In Anna's earnest pursuit of the Lord, she also had a chance meeting with the baby Jesus and His parents.

Chance?  Luck?  Coincidence?  My firm belief is that if we ask, seek and knock in pursuit of the Lord, He will open up to us divine and holy encounters.  As we have our daily devotions, as we participate in Sunday worship and Bible study regularly, we will meet the Lord Himself!  Not every event will be earth-shattering and mind-blowing.  But we will become more and more in tune with the Holy Spirit and get to know our amazing God as we continually and consistently seek Him through His Word and in fellowship with other Christ-followers.

Meditate on Simeon and Anna's stories in Luke chapter 2.

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:13

 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God."  John 1:1

Although there are many names for Jesus, one of my favourites is the Word. I like words.  I enjoy writing and creating with words.  Pictures in the mind's eye, emotions of the heart can be evoked just by the use of words. So what do these few words in the first verse of John's Gospel say to us?

First, Jesus is called the Word, the very expression of God.  This may seem a stretch as it is not spelled out in just that way.  But in Hebrews 1:1 & 2a, we see this confirmed by another New Testament author.  "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son..."  God has chosen to use various messengers in order to communicate with humanity.  Angels and prophets are clearly God's mouthpieces throughout history as recorded in the Bible.  But it is declared that in these last days, which includes our time right now, that God has spoken to us by His Son.  The Son = Jesus Christ.  

The Word was in the beginning.  That means Jesus Christ existed in the beginning.  He was not created as other humans were.  He existed before creation and was present and involved in creation.  Colossians 1:15 & 16 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him."  

The confusion comes in when we try with our limited understanding to understand Jesus as God.  He is one of the Trinity, Father, SON and Holy Spirit.  He existed with the Father before time.  And yet Christmas is the celebration of His birth through a human mother.  How do we make sense of the divine and the human in one Person?

We don't.

By faith, we believe God could do what He said to Mary:  "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of  God."  Luke 1:35  

What an amazing plan, that God would speak to us through His Son! The Word He chose was Himself in human form, someone who could speak on God's behalf but be able to relate to us because He became one of us!  

The question is:  are we listening to the Word?

 I am fascinated with names.  The meaning, the origins, the reasons why last names evolved and how people choose the first names for their children.

For instance, my name was chosen after a friends' daughter, Cindy, who would have been 5 or 6 years old when I was born.  And my second name, Marie, was in honour of my maternal Grandmother, Cecile Marie.  

When choosing the names for our children, Walter and I discussed many names.  Of course in the early 1990's, we didn't know whether we were having a boy or girl until D-Day (delivery day!). So I had written different names and combinations of first and middle names on paper.  With our first child, we had no decisions made for either gender when we went to the hospital.  Within a few hours, our son needed emergency surgery and so while the procedure was taking place, we wanted to have his name secured.  Walter had seen my doodlings on paper at home and he remembered the name Mark.  I agreed that would be a good first name.  Then for a middle name?  We liked Christopher but also, since my Dad hadn't any sons of his own as namesakes, we thought Ronald might be a good second name.  So we wrote the two names on paper, folded them and used a plastic dish in the hospital room to draw from.  Christopher was the name chosen.  So Mark Christopher.  And as the Lord set him apart after this surgery, we thought "the mark of Christ" seemed a suitable name.

Basically right after we had Mark, I thought of another boy's name that I liked:  Daniel James.  It was a strong Bible name - both for characters in the Bible who were godly and wise.  Wouldn't you know within 20 months, we had another son!  Without any hesitation, Walter and I decided on that name (it became D.J. for a few years until Daniel started school).  There were two boys in our youth group at that time, one Danny and the other Jimmy.  They thought we had named D.J. after them and we didn't confirm or deny that!

Our third baby was due when the boys were 3 years old and 17 months.  I was almost certain I would have another son, but somehow this pregnancy was different.  I carried this baby in a different position (higher or lower, I don't remember now!) and I felt sure I would be early to deliver.  Sure enough, our daughter was born two weeks early, small but healthy!  I wanted to name her with the same initials as myself (my mom is Charlotte, Grandma Cecile and myself Cindy).  Walter thought Cayley after a town in Alberta was a nice girls' name.  I changed the spelling to Caylea and added Marie for the middle name.  Caylea's name in the Gaelic language is spelled "Ceilidh" and means a party - no doubt!  Wherever Caylea goes, she loves to celebrate!  

How is this relevant to Advent?

When our Saviour was born, the tradition would be to name the firstborn son after the father, or another male relative. In a dream, an angel told Joseph to name the child "Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."  (Matthew 1:21)  Jesus, or Joshua, or Yeshua are all variations of the same name, which does mean "God saves" or "the Lord is salvation."  

The baby born to Mary was special, unique and one of a kind!  Whenever the child was addressed, they were reinforcing His name and His calling: to bring salvation.  And Jesus grew up to be the Saviour of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ!

How wonderful and holy is the Name of our Saviour and Lord!  

"Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven."  Psalm 148:13"

 Just outside the huge city of Jerusalem, near the little town of Bethlehem, were pastures.  In particular, there was this special pasture, where the sheep being fed and cared for had a very specific purpose.  The shepherds were carefully guarding, protecting and providing the best grazing for these sheep.  Why?  They were being prepared for sacrifice.

Once a year, there was a special offering made for the sins of Israel.  The lamb offered must be perfect, without blemish, healthy and whole in every way.  The shepherds' responsibility must have weighed heavy upon them.  When the high priest and his assistants were presented with the flock, great discernment and spiritual insight would be required to  make the selection.

"And in the same region there were shepherd out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."  Luke 2:8  To our North American minds, we would not catch the significance of this statement in the Christmas story.  When my husband did some preparation for a sermon, he came across this information giving cultural context to this verse.  (I am stealing from his research!)  The field was the special pasture reserved for the sheep that had been chosen from the larger flocks of Israel.  And it would be reasonable that this location would be near Jerusalem, the Temple and religious centre of Israel.  

So when the angel of the Lord does appear to the shepherds, this is more than a heavenly choir performance!  This is God pointing out to these sheep-herders that He is making the selection for the Passover Lamb, the perfect sacrifice for sin.  

"Fear not..." the angel begins the message from God.  Those poor shepherds must have been shaking and falling down in absolute shock and awe!  The glory of heaven opening, the shining brilliance of heavenly beings must have jolted the resting shepherds in the middle of the night.

And then these same shepherds leave their special assignment to go "over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened..." Luke 2:15b  Why keep watch over the sheep that can only at best cover the sins of the people for one year?  The Christ is born!

Scripture repeatedly admonishes us to "Fear not" because we tend to get freaked out!  In Deuteronomy, just as Joshua is to take over from Moses' leadership into the Promised Land, God gave a powerful command for Joshua's benefit.  "Be strong and courageous.  do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake."  Deuteronomy 31:6  

In history, as in our current situations, any new or frightening event can cause us to be fearful and in dread.  The Israelites were heading into the new land.  The Shepherds were about to meet the Saviour of the world!  The unknown, the unseen can cause us to be so filled with fear and trepidation.  But thanks be to God that He promises to never leave us or forsake us.  God goes with us into every new thing!

Be blessed today as you consider God's presence in the Christmas story and beyond...

 Psalm 95:6 "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!"

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Advent.  If we were at home this morning, we would be heading to church, Balgonie Baptist, to worship with our church family.  Our normal routine is now delightfully interrupted by our winter vacation adventures!  So how will we spend this Sunday away from home?

This reminds me of the journey of the three kings or wisemen from the east who were far from home.  Unlike our travels, they were not seeking rest and recreation, a break from their regular life.  These rich and influential men left their home in search of something very meaningful.  They used their resources to follow a star to find a king of an insignificant middle eastern country.  That seems crazier than our journey into the mountains of western Canada in December!

So they traveled to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, where it would seem logical to find the king of the Jews.  Except when they arrived, the current reigning king, Herod - in place by order of the Roman government who occupied Israel - was troubled by their search.  A baby born King of the Jews?  Herod did some research and learned that this "Christ" or king or Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (as predicted in Micah 5:2).  So off these wisemen trooped to Bethlehem, about five miles away from Jerusalem.  King Herod asked them to return and tell him where this newborn baby could be found "that I too may come and worship and him."  (Matthew 1:8b)

You see, this was the purpose the wisemen had for traveling so far - to worship!  And as recorded in Matthew's Gospel, "When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him..." (Matthew 1:10-11)

For these dignified and wealthy men to fall down, to kneel, to worship a baby would have been a radical and undignified act.  True worship doesn't mind the humbling and potentially shaming act of kneeling, of bowing.  Their act of worship was the greatest offering, more valuable than the gifts of gold, frankincense and myhrr!

Advent is about that search for the King. We will pause today and join our church family's worship on Zoom.  Our hearts long to worship our Saviour.

Will you come and bow down and worship Him today?

Twinkling lights, striped candy canes and festive garlands are displayed in every town we pass through on our BC tour.  From the restaurant where we had supper last night, we could look down into the hot springs pool, which was lit by strands of red and white lights and miniature snow-covered evergreen trees complete with decorations, as well.  The Christmas tree in the corner of the warm dining room enhanced the atmosphere while soft carols played in the background.

I almost felt like I was in a Hallmark movie, sitting across from my handsome husband as we shared an intimate meal together.  In this alpine setting, it was romantic and relaxing.  Warm, fuzzy feelings wrapped up in sentimentality carried me away!

But you and I know, Christmas isn't always full of romance and perfection.  As much as the Hallmark movie plots always end happily ever after, real life can be just the opposite.

Many struggle through the holiday season.  For those who grew up with Christmas being the season of parties, it can be filled with fear and tragedies that took place.  Money gets spent extravagantly, only to cause hardship afterwards. Some find the holidays to be lonely.  It emphasizes that loved ones who have passed away are no longer there to celebrate with.  Other have become so disillusioned with the Hallmark version when reality just never measures up!

This verse from the Bible may not seem connected with Christmas at all, but I think it fits.  "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart."  Ecclesiastes 7:2

A party appears to be a fun, happy, carefree time!  Food, laughter, drinks and music...and I'm not saying not to celebrate at Christmas or any other occasion.  People were created with a natural desire to rejoice and celebrate! Even more, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to be able to celebrate the most because we are forgiven and have the hope of eternal life in heaven!  But many times, a party can be an excuse for over-indulgence in an attempt to hide the pains of real life.

If you want reality, attend a funeral.  Go to a house where mourners are sharing memories of their departed loved one.  Go to a hospital and sit with a family as their loved one slips into the next life.  We all must face the harsh reality of death.  And a house of mourning or a funeral is where people can think with clarity about the future and where they will spend eternity.  It is where they are often open to spiritual truths and conversations.

But the good news is found in the announcement the angel gave to the shepherds on that special night:

"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:10 & 11

A Saviour has been born!  We have a reason to truly celebrate - to party with real and lasting joy!  We have a comforter, a healer, a friend who will never leave us or forsake us.  Jesus Christ has come!

(If you are one who feels depression at this time of year and you want to skip over these calendar days of December 24-January1...I am praying for you.  Reach out to someone you trust and find hope and healing.  You are loved!)

 Contemplating Mary, the mother of Jesus, has spurred me to think of other aspects of her unique calling in life.  Luke recorded many details in his Gospel (chapter 1 verses 26-56) here are a few thoughts that jumped out at me this morning!

Mary and her betrothed, Joseph, were both of the lineage of David.  They were going about their lives in the usual way as most Jewish folks did.  Anticipating their marriage, Joseph was preparing a home for his future wife.  Mary would also have been preparing items for her household.  They lived in Nazareth in Galilee.

God sent an angel to visit Mary!  "Greetings, O favoured one, the Lord is with you!"  (Luke 1:28b)

How did Mary become a favoured one?  Did she do something to be noticed by the Lord?  No, she was not special by anything she had done.  Being in the line of David meant she was qualified according to the promise that a King would come through this family. Mary was chosen and that's all we know.

When she listens to the angel's pronouncement of her calling to be the mother of the Messiah, her response is expected, normal.  "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34b)  

She doesn't doubt the angel's message, nor do we see any decrease in her faith in God.  But her mind is going over the realities and practicalities of becoming pregnant.  She isn't willing to compromise her faith and sincerity in following God's laws.  

When the explanation is given and the character and abilities of God are shown through the miraculous pregnancy of Mary's relative Elizabeth, then Mary is faced with a choice.  Will she trust?  Will she believe?

Luke 1:38 speaks to me strongly as I read Mary's reply to the angel.  "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."

I have been asked to be a missionary, to serve among First Nations people.  I have been blessed to have a husband and three children, to raise our family in a cross-cultural setting.  I have been asked to travel, to go to remote places and help my husband in bringing leadership to a mission organization.  And my response has sometimes been:

*Lord, are You sure it's me You want?

*I am not gifted in this area.

*I get carsick!

*I am afraid I will fail.

*Will my kids be okay?

*Is the pressure too much for my husband?

*I don't want to!

The beautiful song Mary sang reflects her absolute trust and submission to her God. "The Magnificat" found in Luke 1:46-55 will inspire you and convict you - as it did me - and challenge you to say "YES" to God's call on your life.

"Let it be to me according to your word."

 Winding around the bends of the lakeshore highway, Walter and I are making our way to our next destination.  Tall evergreen trees are laden with heavy snow frosting.  The Kootenay Lake plays peek-a-boo as we drive along its curving edges.  

I glance at the clock display on the dash of our truck - the time shows 3:00 pm and the ferry we are hoping to ride leaves at 3:40!  Will we make it?

I keep my eyes straight ahead, keeping watch for wildlife and oncoming traffic.  Walter is gripping the steering wheel, expertly manoevering each curve.  The sign reads 14 km to the Kootenay Bay ferry crossing.  Surely we will make it on time.  But the minutes tick by and at only 40-50 km/hour, it seems to take forever.

Finally we arrive to a small line up just as the ferry is approaching the dock.  Whew!  

The ferry ride is pleasant and smooth, only 35 minutes across the lake.  When we disembark, we see the sign for the hot springs.  Not long now.

It was only 4:30 but with the cloudy sky and towering mountains, we find ourselves driving in late afternoon darkness.  More winding road, a few impatient drivers who drive way too fast and come up too close behind us.  Walter slows and drives into a pullout and lets the speedy little car pass.  We carry on to see a sign warning of a steep downhill grade.  

And there it is.  The little community of Ainsworth, BC.  We turn at the hotel/restaurant and the sign for the Hot Springs Pool/Caves!  We pull up to the lobby entrance and Walter leaves me in the truck while he checks to see if they have any rooms.

Another couple in history had a long journey to make.  There were curves in their trail, obstacles to their itinerary.  They may have had different scenery surrounding them - desert terrain - and more rustic mode of travel - donkey?  They, too, were seeking a destination.

I have often tried to put myself in Mary's shoes as I think of the biblical account of Jesus' birth.  Was she stressed?  Was she suffering and uncomfortable, being advanced in her pregnancy?  Was Joseph confident as he navigated their way to Bethlehem?  Did the days drag on?  Did darkness seem to settle in over them?

But unlike Mary's experience, I am blessed to rent a room at the inn we found.

Sometimes I need to take note of the everyday details of Jesus' unceremonious coming, the humble and inconvenient circumstances His mother endured.

Lord, thank You for helping me see the perspective of Mary's journey as we trust You on ours.