What Christmas Is All About

The greatest gift I ever received was around Christmas time. It brought great news, joy, hope, and peace, all wrapped up in a story that changed my heart. Long before I understood the Christmas story, I have memories of listening to Linus from the Peanuts comic tell the Christmas story. (posted below)

It is a story that is told every year, although some have never heard it. It can be found in the books of Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2. (links direct to Bible Gateway)

Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 

19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 

21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Isaiah 7:14)

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

The Magi Visit the Messiah

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Video of Linus telling the Christmas story on the Charlie Brown cartoon:

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLzGawC_Pt4

Cornbread Dressing for Turkey

The art of a recipe is usually "about 1/4 this and about 1/2 that," so this won't be "exact," but it is how I made this year's dressing at least! For my daughter who requested I save this recipe, I hope sharing it on here helps. It is similar to how my mom and her dad made dressing, which was also something they did from memory. The key ingredients that make this special are the butter, onions, celery, and poultry seasoning. It tastes like home to me! 

Make a batch of yellow cornbread. You can use the recipe on the package, or something like this recipe (below). If you want it to be "authentic," then bake it in a black caste-iron skillet in the oven. The crust is golden-brown and the bread is savory, not sweet. Some recipes call for sugar, but the more sugar you use, the more it will taste like cake. 😉 If you don't have buttermilk, then find a recipe that uses milk.

Cornbread Ingredients:

4 tablespoons bacon drippings or vegetable oil 2 cups of cornmeal (yellow)
½ cup all-purpose flour 
1 tablespoon baking powder 
1 teaspoon salt 
1 egg 
2 cups buttermilk 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Put the drippings or oil in a large (10-inch) cast-iron skillet and place in the oven as it preheats.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together the egg and buttermilk then stir into the dry ingredients. 
3. Take the skillet out of oven, and pour the hot oil into the batter and stir until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the skillet and bake for 20 minutes. Cornbread should be brown on top and pulling away from the sides of the skillet. 

Dressing:

1. Lightly toast about 8-10 slices of white bread. Cut these into small pieces, or tear apart. In a large mixing bowl, crumble up the cornbread in small pieces and mix in the toast. Set this aside.
2. Prepare 2 large onions, diced very fine, and about 6 stalks celery, diced very fine.
3. Melt about 1/2 stick of butter in a large skillet, saute the onions and celery about 5 minutes until softened. Lightly salt this a little while it is cooking. Pour the vegetables, including any remaining butter within the skillet into the bread mixture. 
4. Add 1 tsp. poultry seasoning, 1 tsp. salt. Stir well to combine. Add about 4 cups of chicken stock (make with bouillon or use a pre-packaged box of good-quality stock).
5. Mix this very well and pour it into a buttered or lightly greased casserole dish (about 9 x 13). The dressing should be wet and well covered in chicken stock so it is not dry, but not standing in liquid.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour until it is golden brown on the top and the edges lightly browned. Serve with cranberry salad or canned cranberry.

Another recipe here from the New York Times to compare

New Every Morning

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
(Lam. 3:22-23)

Relying on God

In Exodus 15, Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise to the Lord for helping them escape Pharaoh. As Moses lifted his staff, the waters of the Red Sea parted, and the Israelites were able to cross on dry ground. All night, the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided with a wall of water on their right and their left. All of the Egyptian horses, chariots and horsemen pursued the Israelites into the sea; as soon as the Israelites were safely crossed, the Lord instructed Moses to stretch his hand back over the sea so that the waters would flow back into place at daybreak. The Israelites saw the great power of God against the Egyptians, feared the Lord, and put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant.

Shortly after this miracle, Moses led them into the Desert of Shur. For three days, they traveled without food or water. When they finally came to a place with water, they couldn't drink it because it was bitter (Marah). They began to grumble and complain. Moses cried to the Lord for help. The Lord showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the bitter water, and it turned sweet, so they could drink it.

Being Tested--What Is It?

The Israelites were beginning a time of testing by God in the wilderness for 40 years until they would reach the border of Canaan, the promised land. They were told to pay attention to the commands of the Lord and keep his decrees, and He would protect them from disease.

In the Desert of Sin, the Israelites were hungry and complained that if only they could still be slaves in Egypt, they would have food to eat! They had already forgotten how far they had come by escaping the Egyptians.

The Lord heard their complaining, and promised to provide them with food. That night, quail appeared for them to eat meat. Then the next morning, a layer of dew covered the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes of bread remained. They said, "What is it?" because they had never seen this strange type of food. Moses told them it was their daily bread the Lord would be providing for them.

They had to gather the bread (manna) every morning. This would be a reminder to them that their provision comes from God. They could only gather what they needed for the day. If they tried to store up extra until morning, it would be covered with maggots and smell. On the sixth day, they were allowed to gather double so they would have plenty for the seventh day (Sabbath), a day of rest.

Application

Even today, much can be learned and applied from this Old Testament story. It is good to acknowledge God as the source of what we have. He gives us rules to humble us and keep us mindful of His power and presence. Even when we trust that our needs will be met, the Lord honors discipline and daily work (gathering food). Sometimes the Lord uses other people in the transaction of needs being met (Moses interceded for drinkable water). If we have enough for today, we should be content (not worry about tomorrow). If we work hard while we can, we can enjoy a day of rest!

ABC's of Christian Faith

As a fun Bible exercise, I tried to remember scripture verses for each letter of the alphabet. It worked for most letters, with some minor exceptions, especially depending on which Bible translation was used.

While I was searching online for images, I found a "Gospel Alphabet" already done! It was shared by a blogger at this link. All verses below were found at BibleGateway.com. Enjoy, and come up with another list!

A

"...All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 NASB)

B

"But as many as received Him, to them gave He the right
to become children of God." (John 1:12 NASB)

C

"Create in me a clean heart O God;
and renew a steadfast spirit in me." (Psalm 53:10 NIV)

D

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility
value others above yourselves." (Phillipians 2:3 NIV)

E

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive
to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against
those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:12 NIV)

F

"The fool says in his heart there is no God." (Psalm 53:1 NIV)

G

"God opposes the proud,
but gives favor to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5b NIV)

H

"... Be holy, [God says],
because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16 NIV)

I

Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 NIV)

J

"Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant." (Hebrews 7:22 NASB)

K

"Keep in mind Jesus Christ, risen from the dead." (2 Timothy 2:8)

L

"Let us love one another. Love is from God." (1 John 4:7)

M

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you." (1 Peter 1:2 ESV)

N

"Now without faith it is impossible to to please God." (Hebrews 11:6 HCSB)

O

"Obey your leaders and submit to them." (Hebrews 13:17 HCSB)

P

"Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is
to look after orphans and widows and
keep oneself unspotted by the world." (James 1:27)

Q

"...Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger." (James 1:19 ESV)

R

"...Reject foolish and ignorant disputes,
knowing that they breed quarrels." (2 Timothy 2:23 HCSB)

S

"...Submit to God, resist the Devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 HCSB)

T

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." (Hebrews 13:6)

U

"...Understand what the Lord's will is." (Ephesians 5:17)

V

"...Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord..." (Hebrews 10:30 AMP)

W

"We love because He [God] first loved us." (1 John 4:19 AMP)

X

"Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith." (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Y

"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy people." (1 Peter 2:10)

Z

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep
your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." (Romans 12:11)

Prayer, Faith, and Trusting God

The Importance of Prayer

Jesus taught us to pray in the New Testament. This was the prayer that our church congregation recited every Sunday morning by memory when I was growing up. Today, it still reminds me how I ought to pray, although I often forget.

Matthew 6:9-13, King James Version (KJV)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The Challenge to Pray

I am often too "busy" to pray at length, but I have been recently challenged to spend more time in prayer. I began a list of specific family, friends, projects, personal goals or needs, etc. to pray for during a time I set aside, either during a quiet devotional time or while I am walking. For anyone reading this, join me in this challenge, even if it is only 2-3 times a week at first.

How to Pray

Praying is simply talking to God, either verbally or in one's mind. It acknowledges a relationship with our Creator, and it exercises faith. I recited many prayers as a child during Sunday school or church, and I did believe in God, but it was not until I was 15 that I actually prayed a fervent prayer of faith.

This was a prayer that acknowledged my need for God to be with me, not just an idea but more of a daily source of trust and companionship with the Almighty God. It went something like this:

"God, if You are there, and you truly hear my prayer. I need You to be with me, to save me, and to help me."

The words of the psalm below often remind me of how I felt at one emotional low point:

Psalm 40:2, Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 

He brought me up from a desolate pit,
out of the muddy clay,
and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure.

"Thank you, Lord, for the times when you have delivered me from trials or danger, sadness, or pain. Please continue to guide my steps, and keep me safe in Your presence."

Prayer Guidebook
Our prayers are more effective when we truly believe in the power of prayer, and we pray according to God's will, or biblically (not just for things we want).

I did an online search for prayer resources, and I found this helpful list of scripture references (see the Praying In Victory and Praying Scriptures links below) to use during prayer times, as a reminder of the promises we can claim in the presence of God.

Each page is categorized by need, and it is has been translated in a few other languages. Thank you, PrayingInVictory.com and PrayingScriptures.com for these online websites!

Psalm 145

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12)

Psalm 119 - The Power of God's Word

Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet

(Psalm 119, verses 1-8)

Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!

Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,

who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!

You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.

Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!

Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.

I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!

Psalm 119:14 New Living Translation

"You are my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me."
(Psalm 119:114
The Message Bible)

What the Lord Hates (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The book of Proverbs chapter 6 begins with "Warnings Against Folly," and verses 16-19 speak to the clamoring voices we see and hear daily on the TV or radio. This passage spoke to me this evening as I watched some of the political news coverage before having to turn it off. Heavenly Father, please heal our land.

There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him: 

haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

2 Chronicles 7:11-22 ESV

Psalm 19: The Law of the Lord is Perfect

A psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Titus 3: Learning to Do What is Good

In the first two chapters of Paul's letter to Titus, he gave instructions on how to choose godly church leaders and how members of the church should behave. The societal norms in the first century Roman church were very different than modern society today. I struggled through the second chapter's descriptions of how slaves are to obey their masters, and how women are not permitted to speak. I fully understand why these rules were written as this was the practice at the time and for a slave or woman to rebel, it would be very scandalous.

The true minister of Christ is expected to be pure and beyond reproach, not disobedient or disrespectful, practicing humility while being able to teach others. I am beginning to learn that God can use any one of us, but our roles and methods may be very different.

In Titus 3, Paul describes who we used to be versus who we are in Christ.

AT ONE TIME WE WERE…

Foolish

Disobedient

Deceived

Enslaved by passions and pleasures

Living in malice

Living in envy

Hated and hating one another

"BUT, when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy" (Titus 3:4).

NOW WE ARE TO BE…

Spiritually washed, reborn, and renewed by the Holy Spirit

Heirs (of Abraham) having the hope of eternal life based on our faith in Jesus Christ

Those who trust in God

Careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good

Pursuing things that are excellent and profitable for everyone

BUT AVOID…

Foolish controversies, genealogies & arguments

Quarrels about the law (O.T. law)

Things that are unprofitable and useless

A divisive person, warped & sinful; they are self-condemned

In the first-century church, just as now, our faith and spiritual devotion are daily choices and a spiritual discipline that makes us stronger in our faith as we live by our faith and are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12

In the New Testament, Jesus said there are two commandments that sum up the O.T. law. These can be found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark or Luke,

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

Before Paul closes his letter to Titus, he urges him to remind everyone to devote themselves to doing what is good, "in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives". This is my favorite verse of this chapter. Lord, please help us to provide for others and live productive and fulfilling lives led by our faith and good works--surely, this is true religion, to take care of others and love them.

Be Sensible: Teach Sound Doctrine and Faith

In Titus, chapter 1, Paul gave instructions to Titus on how to appoint godly leaders. In chapter 2, Paul commands Titus and the church leaders to be sound teachers. This includes older men, older women, young men, and even slaves are instructed to demonstrate utter faithfulness to their master so that they might "adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything." 

How does a slave obey and show utter faithfulness to a master? This is a concept we, Americans, have a difficult time grasping in the 21st century. However, we must go back to what the church was instructed to be. In Titus 2, older men were to be: self controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. Older women were to be: reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine, teachers of what is good, and encouraging younger women to love their husbands and children.

Young men were to be: sensible "about everything," an example of good works, having integrity and dignity in teaching, having a message that is beyond reproach so that the opponent would be ashamed and have nothing bad to say.

Since the word sensible was used throughout this chapter, I decided to look it up online. This is what I found on dictionary.com.

Synonyms

1. intelligent, sagacious, rational, reasonable. See practical. 2. conscious, understanding, observant. 4. perceptible, discernible, palpable.

At this point, I have modified my blog from my original post. How does sensibility, intelligence, consciousness, and understanding (a few of the key words above) relate back to sound teaching?

The words intelligent and sagacious remind me of the many scriptures that explain how we are to seek wisdom from God. Some examples: 1 Corinthians 1, James 1:5.

And applying this wisdom to faith, it is impossible to please God if we do not have faith, live a life worthy of Him, evidenced by good works (Colossians 1:10).

In the Bible in Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8-10, we learn that it is not good works that save us, it is our faith--the good works result from this faith and this relationship with God:

"For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift--not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation--created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them."

The last part of Titus 2 concludes with verses 11-15, and they are very important and noteworthy for all people as an eternal promise and gift from God, if we choose to accept His gift of salvation.

"For the grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a special people, eager to do good works. Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you."