Tag: Christmas

  • The best Christmas present

     

    Outside in the cold, damp Michigan weather…my husband and I hang our foot long candy wrapped, silver, gold, red and green ornaments. We are blessed with a 25-foot evergreen tree that stands sentry over our outdoor nativity scene. I remember last Christmas when our grandchildren, Liberty and Elijah, presented us with the large candy wrapped ornaments. The four of us hung them from the tree with glee and delight!

    This time of year always makes me think of presents. What shall I buy for this person or that? I try and think of the individual person and their unique personality. What are his interests? What would she not buy for herself? What would make his eyes light up and think “she really does know me and cares!” That’s what I want to give this Christmas. Maybe it’s not something that warrants a red bow…maybe it’s an intentional act of kindness. Something that takes my time and energy.

    Then there’s the perfect and best Christmas present of all. The one that required the sacrificial blood of God’s Son. The perfect gift. The one gift free for the asking.

    Prayer: Thank you, God, for my gift of salvation. I’m so glad I accepted that free gift long ago. I know You desire more of me…my entire heart, soul, and strength. You are a jealous God not wanting anything or anyone else to take first place in my life. Thank you for accepting me right where I am today. I rely on You to create in me a clean heart to do Your bidding.

    Ask: What gift would God have you and me give back to Him this Christmas? Is there someone who desperately needs a shoulder to cry on, or a listening ear? Will you take the time to be a friend in need?

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  • Rejoice…Heaven made a way!

    How true those words are…Heaven made a way for me…I take comfort in knowing that God prepares a place for me in heaven. God sent His son to die on the cross for me and for you, Jesus rose again the third day, and is now seated at the right hand of his Father. Because of this knowledge, I can live today feeling loved by the God who created me.

    Ask:  Do I take this free gift of eternal life for granted? Or, do I rejoice in the fact that the King’s birthday is celebrated this month? What can I do to spread the good news to my friends, co-workers, and neighbors?

    Prayer: I want to enjoy life fully today, not to be worried about tomorrow. It’s so hard not to dwell on and scurry around for just the right gifts and labor in the kitchen too long. I know that people matter to you…not presents or festive foods. Grant me narrow focus today on the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you, God, for the free gift of eternal life I accepted when I was only 13. You’ve proven your love over and over again.

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  • Away in a manger

    “Away in a manger, no crib for His bed. the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. the stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay. the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

    I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky. and stay by my side, ’till morning is nigh.  Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care and take us to heaven to live with Thee there.” (Author unknown – Music, William J. Kirkpatrick, 1895)

         Away in a manager is oftentimes the first carol children are taught. Away in a Manger was originally published in 1885 in a Lutheran Sunday school book. We sing this familiar Christmas carol year after year barely listening to the words. The tune is heard over the radio and sung by choirs of all ages and denominations. But do we really hear, pay attention to its poignant message?

    *  No crib for His head (no reservations at Holiday Inn or a local hospital for Him or his pregnant mother)

    *  Lord Jesus (God’s only Son)

    *  Stay by my side (Protector, Comforter)

    *  Take us to heaven (Savior of my soul)

    *  To live with Thee there (eternal home in heaven)

         Humble beginnings…His birth–talk of the town, I’m sure. Doesn’t seem like a royal beginning for the King of all Kings. But then, He is God, and I am not. All this for me…for you.

    Thank you, God, for providing life today and for preparing for tomorrow. All to Thee I owe.

    Ask: What can I do today to show my appreciation and love to God?

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  • Thanksgiving musing

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    “Tremble before him, all the earth!

    The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved!

    Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

    Let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

    Let the sea resound, and all that is in it,

    Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!

    Then the trees of the forest will sing,

    They will sing for joy before the Lord,

    For he comes to judge the earth.

    Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

    His love endures forever!”  (1 Chronicles 16:30-34)

                Just two more days until Thanksgiving Day. As I think of this Thanksgiving and then on to Christmas, my prayer is that we (myself included) don’t get crazy-busy (like I usually do) during the days leading up to Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. It’s so easy to plow through each day without a thought as to why we do what we do. Food and gifts shouldn’t be the primary focus of the season. Remember the saying from long ago, “Jesus is the reason for the season” —this is the thought I desire my heart to ponder upon.

                The season isn’t about me, my family and friends, but about what I can give back to the God who chose me personally, who willingly sent His only Son to die on a rugged cross for my past, present and future sins. What an awesome and loving God He is! Doesn’t He deserve my honor and praise?

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  • Little eyes are watching…

     

     

    Bible Story time by Liberty

    “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”  1 Timothy 4:12

    “Me and my mommy’s going to church now,” declared Liberty. Off she marched, Bible under her left arm, and baby doll (named ‘Mumma’) in her left hand. It wasn’t long before I heard constant chattering in another part of our house. Upon further investigation, I found my 3 ½ year old granddaughter settled in the sofa on our 3-season porch telling a Bible story to her dolly and singing Christmas carols to the top of her lungs.

    Then it struck me of the importance of modeling good behavior: studying God’s word, citing Bible stories, and church attendance. In the past, she’d attended church with Dad, Mom, Grandpa and Nana. She sat near me another morning while I read my morning devotions.

    All the more reason for me to keep my scheduled quiet time with my heavenly Father. Little eyes were watching and mimicking my every move.

    A good example has more value than good advice.

    Lord, help me live a godly life of faith and love and purity so those who follow what I do will grow in their maturity. – Sper

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  • Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

     

     

    ornament

     

    The Lasher household is bustling with fervent activity these days. Grandpa and Nana (that’s me) are busy trying to keep up with a 3 ½ year old and her 1 ½ year old brother plus mom and dad. They all attended second service church with us yesterday. Elijah started out with the “Ducks” which is the under 24 months of age children, but Nana and Liberty ended up in the “Ducks” due to a need for more workers.

    Liberty and Elijah enjoyed bouncing in a pool of plastic balls and navigating inside a walking boat. They particularly enjoyed snack time with Cheerios. I’m not sure how many Cheerios actually ended up inside bellies because it seemed like more cereal covered the floor after snack time. The adults appreciated Pastor Jim’s sermon and also enjoyed the marshmallow video.

    After church we enjoyed KFC and naps. Nana was especially ready for a Sunday afternoon nap! Both the children (and the majority of adults) sat enamored with Polar Express in the evening. By the looks of the dirty laundry accumulation, it’s time for laundry (again)—I pity mothers pre-automatic washer and dryer age!  More later…,

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  • They are here!

    They are here! Safe and sound…a bit weary, but here, that is the important thing! The heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain held off—Praise the Lord!

    Andy, Bethany, Liberty and Elijah arrived around 2:00 a.m. – it was difficult to sleep until I heard their footsteps inside the door. Before Liberty bedded down, she ran over to me and proclaimed, “Na-Na!” and greeted Grandpa happily (even in a half-asleep state). We sat up a bit and chatted. She even recited her Christmas program lines for us.

    All’s quiet downstairs, and it’s already 7:30 am!

    “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”                (Isaiah 40:25, 26)

     

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  • It’s Almost Time

    Awaiting, anticipating the arrival of our two grandchildren, and of course, their dad and mom! After seeing their dear faces on video at their Christmas program, well…it’s hard to wait any longer when you’re a Nana and Grandpa!

    Weather and roads be good to them. I pray for a safe passage from Minnesota starting later today and on through the night.

    I pray for patient behavior on the part of the 3 ½ and 1 ½ year old, and making of good Christmas memories for all.

     

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  • Liberty & Elijah’s Christmas Debut

    Last evening our granddaughter, *Liberty, and grandson, **Elijah, participated in their church program in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Our son, Andrew, forwarded a video of their program. We weren’t able to be there in person, because we’re preparing a place for them here in Michigan to come visit for Christmas!

    Here’s the link:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULN-kSLPpAU

    **Elijah is in the red wagon – 2nd from the front of the wagon. On the bench, he’s directly to the right of the lady with the microphone. He’s wearing a dark vest, white shirt & tie, with dark slacks.

    *Liberty – standing on the platform, she’s the 4th from the end, and smiling a lot for daddy’s camera! She’s wearing white tights, sparkly circle buckle with blue skirt bottom.

    I’m sure you could spot them in the crowd, but just in case: they’re the cutest ones in the bunch (of course, I’m not biased in any way/shape/or form!)

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  • In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas

     In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas book pic 

    I’m excited about a book I’m reading, In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas, by Dan Schaeffer.

    Back cover reads: “Christmas seasons come and go, often leaving us with vague pangs of regret. Why does the Christmas spirit seem so elusive? …Even those who know the Reason for the season can find themselves wondering if they’ve missed something.”

    Yes, that was me. Shop, bake, plan, go here, go there…where is the true Christmas? I knew it wasn’t in doing all the traditional holiday things or buying the hot item for the year, but how could I find this true Christmas? After hearing the Christmas story many times, I became “immune to the story’s real power.”

    In this book, the reader sees Christ through the eyes of those whose lives were touched by Jesus—Mary and Joseph, shepherds, angels, magi, etc. Some chapters compare modern day Christmas stories and traditions with the true and accurate story of the birth of Immanuel.

    Many struggle with loneliness especially at this time of year when everyone else seems to be joyful and have it all together. Some have lost loved ones, and they will no longer be joining them at the festive table. This time of year tends to accentuate those sensitive feelings. “Celebrate Immanuel—God with you…take this special time to invite Him again into your presence. Thank Him that you are never alone, even when you feel alone.” Just the mere reading of those words brought comfort to my heart. God’s word speaks peace to the searching heart and soul.

    *“God humbled himself in a way that even a common shepherd would understand, or a child, or a tax-gatherer, or a fisherman, or a fallen woman, or a self-righteous Pharisee, or me. While lying in a manger, God was making an announcement to all who would come to Him. It was a silent message that told us what we desperately needed to know about our God….ANYONE COULD APPROACH HIM. Common folks can’t visit the palaces of newborn kings uninvited…but kings and princes can visit mangers, and so can bakers and weavers, wise men and shopkeepers, priests and children, cattle and sheep.” This God-Child was available…available and accessible to anyone willing to come. “He had come to mingle with all, to receive them with open arms and put himself at their disposal. All this He conveyed by simply being found lying in a manger!” Wow! What a concept…one I hadn’t even thought of in the past.

    The book is practical. At the end of each chapter, Dan Schaeffer includes Reflections and Celebration. This is time to ponder what could be done different to experience the real spirit of Christmas. He suggests concrete suggestions to make it so. For example, in the “No longer home alone” chapter, the author speaks of one thing that keeps us from “entering into the true spirit of the incarnation is our incredible busyness during the Christmas holidays.”

    I know I tend to spend less and less quiet time with God when I should be spending more time alone with him. “Make a special appointment to simply be alone with God. Set aside an hour; make yourself a cup of coffee or tea, and clear your mind of everything but His presence.” I need to come into His presence empty handed, not with my usual list of requests bringing only a “grateful heart and genuine thanksgiving for all He has done.”

    I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with the true meaning of Christmas, and where to find the spirit amidst the crazy, busyness of the holidays. I plan to share this book with family members and friends alike.

    *(Taken from In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas, © 2003 by Dan Schaeffer, and used by permission of Discovery House Publishers, Grand Rapids MI 4950l.  All rights reserved.)

    Leave a comment and let me know if you’d like to be entered in a drawing for your free copy!

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