Monday, December 24, 2007

For unto us, a child is given


"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
(Luke 2:11-14)

"Jesus loves you" you hear it everywhere. You see it up close on the bumper sticker as a well-meaning Christian cuts you off. So, who exactly does Jesus love and who did he come to earth wrapped in our skin for? I will tell you. He came for the man who owns the adult bookstore, the women in the videos, the poor widow in India, the slobbering drunk on skid row, the starving child in Uganda, the Christian who cut you off and the "righteous" man/woman sitting in church who thinks they are too holy to give to the poor widow in India or the starving child in Uganda. Who, also, does not think to pray for them or the slobbering drunk, or their friends, family and missionaries. He was born and died and even better rose again for all of us. His love knows no bounds.

" And the first time that You opened Your eyes
Did you realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did you know that it would change this world forever"
-Relient K "I celebrate the day"


Thursday, December 13, 2007

Joy


Tis the season they say. My best friend passed away a few years ago and I have seldom felt Joy since. Sure, I have felt happy or silly and have laughed at a good joke, but that is entirely different from true Joy. When I first became a Christian and freed myself to Christ's love was the first time I experienced Joy. The second time was when I made a commitment to live a cruelty-free lifestyle. I hadn't had the pleasure in quite some time until the Lord blessed me this week. One instance was when I was telling stories about animals to my baby nephew. The second was a few nights ago when I was driving home from work. I was singing gospel/worship songs and was elated by joy and overcome with peace.
So today and all season long I wish you and your family Joy and Peace.