She Said, "Yes!"

Yesterday Frank did a sermon called “A Lesson in Carols.”  It was beautiful, although the songs chosen were unfamiliar to most of the congregation.  I did not know but a few myself…yet found the new ones oddly interesting.  You see….Christmas for me is influenced strongly by the music.  I began our Advent time by singing the song, “Mary, Did You Know?”  Every year when I sing this song it made me think about her….Mary. She was just a very young girl – when the angel Gabriel came to her. No one would have paid any attention to her because she wasn’t wealthy or important. She was a simple peasant girl living in a small insignificant village. Had she died, probably few would have noticed – except for one thing. God chose her to be the mother of the Savior of the world. She was chosen.  Can you imagine how she must have felt through this whole event?  Can you imagine what her thoughts were as her time grew closer?  I know how overwhelmed I was. I love the story of Mary. the second Sunday of Advent I went to the Arbor service at First Church in Alex City and sang, "Breath of Heaven" with Rhonda.  It is also a Mary song....she is anticipating the birth of her son....and the tech crew had a video that was of Mary riding a donkey on such a hard journey.  The Mary stories always touch my heart.   So let me ask you….have you noticed what has happened in worship services over the past few weeks? Have you seen a change in the music? Around this time of the year we change the music and start singing songs like: O Little town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, Joy to the World. In fact we know that Christmas is getting closer when we hear the songs being played. As Jesus gets closer and closer we can have a song in our hearts. I look forward to the time of year when we get to sing these songs.  I often wonder why we can’t sing them all year long.  You all know I am a favorite song nut….and have hundreds.  I would be hard pressed to chose just one favorite Christmas song…..but did you know that Mary had a song? It is found in Luke 1:46-55.   “46 And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever." Luke 1:46-55 (NKJV)”  Mary had a song of praise.  Her focus for her praise is God.  Let me tell you something about praise. When you are praising God – there is no time for a pity party. Praise always moves you out of negativity, and into positivity.  Let me tell you – if anyone had a right to have a pity party it was Mary. Young, pregnant, single. Can you hear the gossip? Can you image the stories?  Mary also had a song of purpose.  God does not do anything without a purpose….and He definitely had one in this story.  God was smack dab in the middle of the situation. God was/and is in control. God had/has a purpose for what was/is happening.   The song is about God.  His purpose will be fulfilled. His plan will come to pass. Whatever is going on in your life – guess what – it’s not about you. It’s about God wanting to break into your life. Into you home. Into your holiday. Into you heart. God has a purpose for you. God has a purpose for what you are going through – He wants to be in the middle of you life. He doesn’t want your problems to be the center of your life. He doesn’t want your circumstances to be the center of your life. He doesn’t want your situation to be the center of your life. God - Himself - wants to be the center of your life.  I have to ask you all right now….are you letting Him? Mary was a just very young girl….barely a teenager…. when the angel Gabriel came to her. No one would have paid any attention to her because she wasn’t wealthy or important. She was a simple peasant girl living in a small insignificant village. Had she died, probably few would have noticed – except for one thing. God chose her to be the mother of the savior of the world. Mary had a song of promise.  God told her, “I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 12:2-3  God does not lie…..so what He said to her….would come to pass.  Please understand, have I already tell you that she was a very young girl – when the angel Gabriel came to her? No one would have paid any attention to her because she wasn’t wealthy or important. She was a simple peasant girl living in a small insignificant village. Had she died, probably few would have noticed – except for one thing. God chose her to be the mother of the savior of the world. Let me encourage you this season put a song in your heart. A song of praise, a song of purpose, and a song of promise. You too can have a song in your heart if you will ask Jesus.  Remember Mary?  She was a very young girl – when the angle Gabriel came to her. No one would have paid any attention to her because she wasn’t wealthy or important. She was a simple peasant girl living in a small insignificant village. Had she died, probably few would have noticed – except for one thing. God chose her to be the mother of the savior of the world and she said, "Yes!"

The Beginning of Advent

I read a wonderful Advent devotional yesterday prepared by Rev. Dr.  Mark D. Roberts.  I thought you all might enjoy this wonderful piece.  Enjoy!  Advent is one of my most favorite parts of the Christmas season.  I love Christmas....but not because of the hype, advertisements, gifts, and all.  Nope, I love advent because it is all about the preparation of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.   "Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping.  Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us to prepare for the coming, or “advent” of the Christ child at Christmas.  (The word “advent” comes from the Latin word that means “coming.”) For hundreds of years Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming of Christ.  By lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ’s birth and become more excited about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives. There is no set meaning for the candles of the Advent wreath (except for the middle candle, which always signifies the birth of Jesus the Christ).  Some wreaths use all white candles; others use three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle in the middle.  The purple candles remind us of how serious and solemn God’s people have been in waiting for the Messiah.  The pink signifies the joy of our waiting.  The white is triumphant and celebrative because Christ is born."  Today at Church we lit the first candle.  It is the candle that signifies our waiting for the shepherd.  Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”.  In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the “advent” of Christ at Christmas. By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus.  The candles have different meanings, each based upon the Bible.  These meanings help us to understand how special the birth of Jesus is for us. Today when we lit our first candle we focused on the coming of Christ as our Shepherd.  My prayer today is, "Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas.  As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ’s coming burn in our hearts.  Amen."    I hope as we move into this Christmas season you will all be filled with the love and joy of Christ....and take it with you throughout the year.  God Bless You All!

My Most Favoritest Thing About Christmas....Ok...One of Them.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent and I have to tell you that I am psyched.  I love this part of the Christmas holiday....you know...where a family lights a different candle every week and tells what that candle represents.  I love Advent because it reminds me of what this season is all about....Christ's birth.  It saddens me to see so much hype go on about what Santa will bring you...and the rush and meaness that Black Friday brings out in folks....but then...after the Black Friday sales are over....comes that first Sunday in Advent.  This Sundays scripture is from Matthew 24:36-44 and my sweet preacher husband, Frank is preaching from this text. I knew I would want to blog before church...so I came home yesterday and looked it up after we had done the bulletins. Then I went online to see what I could find to make it clearer to me.  Bob Longman had a great devotional that I want to share with you.  To be honest....I wish I had written it....it sounds like something I would say....but I didn't.  "To set the scene in Matthew : Jesus has been talking about a time of trouble to come. He warns that many are going to die, and that there will be many false prophets and messiahs. He tells us to look for the buds that bring forth the new leaves of the new world. Now he tells us something even more ominous : noone knows when it will come, not even Jesus. Everyone will be busy living life in the same way they always have, completely careless about the things that matter most to God. (Sound familiar? Does this kind of remind you of how we are living today?) Then, "as lightning" (v.27), the Lord returns, bringing with Him the kingdom of God. That's not a problem for those who are busy doing God's work on earth; they're already living out the Kingdom. They have the hope in their hearts; they want what's coming. But what if that's not you? What if you're unprepared? What if you're caught partying when you should be serving? What if you've been foolish with the gifts God has given you, wasting it out of laziness, or worse, hoarding it because you're afraid to use it up? Don't wait for the Kingdom to come before you start living for it. Part of it is already here, wherever faith in Christ is lived out. The Kingdom life was meant to start here on earth, in this life, in this world, among these people around you. Live it because of your love of God, and you will be ready when he returns -- don't sweat the small stuff, because it's(and you are) in good hands."  Ok so with this being the first Sunday in Advent....I have a challenge to issue you....right now...where you are sitting....What if you somehow found out that Christ was returning sometime in 2011.  What would be the first thing you would do?  You know when people are diagnosed with some terrible illness and told to get their affairs in order....they take extended vacations...or they quit their jobs....they do something radical.  How radical would you willing to be if you knew.....that Christ was coming soon?  Ok...so some of you may do things a bit differently from me....I have a friend who actually asked me what an advent wreath was.  I could not believe it....I thought everyone knew....that is what I get for thinking.  Anyways, I want to share with you what I know about the Advent wreath....and it's importance.
•1st CANDLE – (purple) THE PROPHECY CANDLE or CANDLE OF HOPE – We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us. Our hope comes from God. “And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:12-13)
•2nd CANDLE – (purple) THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF PREPARATION – God kept his promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Preparation means to “get ready”. Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD! “As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.‘ (Luke 3:4-6)
•3rd CANDLE – (pink) THE SHEPHERD CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF JOY – The angels sang a message of JOY! “…and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ 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.” (Luke 2:7-15)
•4th CANDLE – (purple) THE ANGEL CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF LOVE – The angels announced the good news of a Savior. God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)
•5th CANDLE – (white) “CHRIST CANDLE” – The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth! “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!‘” (John 1:29) This one is lit on Christmas Day...or the First Sunday after Christmas Day.  I have found many interesting facts about Christmas the last few days.  I was actually looking for information on La Posada for my Spanish classes....and found a wealth of Christmas information instead.  I can't wait to share some of these facts with you.  God bless you and yours now and forever.  XOXO K

Advent Begins

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. I love this part of the Christmas season. I got so excited yesterday when I set the altar at the Arbor with the Advent wreath and placed all the candles around. Yeppers, Christmas is definitely off and running and once again I plan not to get caught up in the commercial side of the holiday...and I know I will...but for today....today, November 29th....I will hold Christmas in my heart...because today is the true beginning...the first Sunday of Advent. Did you know that the word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history...for me it is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ, and becoming reconciled to God. I love the scripture readings dring Advent because they all reflect the emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.
Advent symbolizes for me the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power and it is my own responsibility as a people commissioned to "love the Lord my God with all my heart" and to "love my neighbor as myself." And you know...that is the other thing I love so about this time of year....people seem to love each other a little more and be a little more tolerant and kinder. I just wish it would carry over into the other days of the year....but for one special month of the year...it is evident.

I love the lighting of the Advent wreath at church each Sunday. The special wreath is an increasingly popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year in many churches as well as homes. It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. Since the wreath is symbolic and a vehicle to tell the Christmas story, there are various ways to understand the symbolism. The exact meaning given to the various aspects of the wreath is not as important as the story to which it invites us to listen, and participate. Did you know that the circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. "Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. The colors of the candles vary with different traditions, but there are usually three purple or blue candles, corresponding to the sanctuary colors of Advent, and one pink or rose candle. One of the purple candles is lighted the first Sunday of Advent, a Scripture is read, a short devotional or reading is given, and a prayer offered. On subsequent Sundays, previous candles are relighted with an additional one lighted. The pink candle is usually lighted on the third Sunday of Advent." The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). "The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope (or in some traditions, Prophecy). This draws attention to the anticipation of the coming of a Messiah that weaves its way like a golden thread through Old Testament history. As God’s people were abused by power hungry kings, led astray by self-centered prophets, and lulled into apathy by half-hearted religious leaders, there arose a longing among some for God to raise up a new king who could show them how to be God’s people. They yearned for a return of God’s dynamic presence in their midst." "The remaining three candles of Advent may be associated with different aspects of the Advent story in different churches, or even in different years. Usually they are organized around characters or themes as a way to unfold the story and direct attention to the celebrations and worship in the season. So, the sequence for the remaining three Sundays might be Bethlehem, Shepherds, Angels. Or Love, Joy, Peace. Or John the Baptist, Mary, the Magi. Or the Annunciation, Proclamation, Fulfillment. Whatever sequence is used, the Scripture readings, prayers, lighting of the candles, the participation of worshipers in the service, all are geared to telling the story of redemption through God’s grace in the Incarnation." The third candle, usually for the Third Sunday of Advent, is traditionally Pink or Rose, and symbolizes Joy at the soon Advent of the Christ. It marks a shift from the more solemn tone of the first two Sundays of Advent that focus on Preparation and Hope, to a more joyous atmosphere of anticipation and expectancy. I hope we sing Joy to the World on that Sunday. It is one of my favorite Christmas songs. The center candle is white and is called the Christ Candle. It is traditionally lighted on Christmas Eve or Day. However, since many Protestant churches do not have services on those days, many light it on the Sunday preceding Christmas, with all five candles continuing to be lighted in services through Epiphany (Jan 6). The central location of the Christ Candle reminds us that the incarnation is the heart of the season, giving light to the world. so with that history lesson on Advent, from my house to yours and from my heart to yours I am hoping that your heart is full this time of year...and it carries on through the year. I am planning on having a Christmas heart all year. That is my Resolution for the beginning of my year. Yep...Christmas heart. I want to love like there is no tomorrow, dance in the rain, smile more...and have no regrets. Bless you all this day!