ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS EVE SERMONS

Christmas 1959 Alexandria, VA , Mom, Dad, Wayne, Davy, Roberta

When I was a teenager my dad began the tradition of attending a candlelight church service on Christmas Eve.  My mom would stay home with the two little boys. The older kids would attend the midnight service. After the service we would rush home and finish decorating the tree and wrapping presents.  Our family carried on the observance of Christmas Eve in the same way after Chris and I were married; but instead of staying up until midnight we find a service in the afternoon or early evening.

Here is a link to one of my favorite Christmas Eve sermons. Or click on the title below.

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Christmas Eve 2018.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEADER

Dave, Davy, Jay, Evy, Roberta, Wayne, Grace

It was in 1956, after Wayne was born, that I noticed my dad reading the Bible every night.  He was a changed man.  He had surrendered to Jesus Christ.  We had always been a church going family.  But there is a difference between attending church and actually being a part of The Church.  

Here is a sermon given by our pastor on Jesus--a different kind of leader.  Scroll down to listen to the December 16th sermon.  Those who love Jesus pattern their lives after Him.

UNCOMMON BRAIN

Even though G. K. Chesterton was Catholic many protestants read and relish his wit and wisdom. Much like Chesterton I am grieved when falsehoods are taught as truth.When a book by Holbrook Jackson was published in 1911 it rubbed Chesterton the wrong way. He proceeded to correct the fabrications. Here is a blog about how this critique has survived and been republished with the truth to which Chesterton pointed.

We know that according to Hebrews; (Hebrews 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil) digging into the meat of the Bible is the way to discern good from evil. 

PRAYER IS THE ONLY ANSWER

Groveton High School classes of '60 and '61--  50 year reunion

Yes, in the good old days we prayed in school.  Maybe some didn't agree that prayer would make a difference but they respected those of us who did. 
  

As many are condemning the U.S. many more try to leave their countries and to live in our country.  So we must have done something right to have gained this good reputation.

The United States has passed laws, thrown money at problems, and tried every other man made way to bring peace to earth.  The best thing we can do now is pray.  

During my prayer time I choose Scripture to pray.  Here are some of the verses I like:

Psalm 47:8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me.

Numbers 10: 35 And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” 36 And when it rested, he said, “Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.”

Psalm 74:20 Have regard for the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.

Psalm 119: 136 My eyes shed streams of tears because people do not keep your law.

Isaiah 45:8 “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it.

Luke 2: 30 Speaking of the baby Jesus Simeon said -- for my eyes have seen your salvation

II Peter 2:8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard);

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. 

II Corinthians 1:11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Revelation 5: 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 8:4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.

John 9:31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.

One person can change history just by seeking God.

 James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

What are some of your prayers?

HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT

Jean Pierre Gatera and his family

Some people are gifted with extreme energy.  Here is a story about a man who God has blessed with intelligence, organizational ability, and tremendous energy.  But most importantly, at a point in his life after many trials, he dedicated his life to Jesus.  Click here to read his story.

II Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Isaiah 40:31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

HAPPY THANKSLIVING

My mom's youngest sister's family in 2015.

Yes, I say that we can live thankfully every day.  That is why I say "Happy Thanksliving."  The people of the good old U.S. of A. are very blessed.  Most of us have food, clothing, and shelter.  We don't have Roman Law where we have to prove ourselves innocent.  Rather we are innocent until proven guilty.  Our first forefathers who settled in Cape Cod had a government for the people and by the people.  After the first harvest they actually thanked God who is our great provider.  

My Thanksgivings have always involved a big crowd which I love and Chris doesn't.  Go figure--he's the extrovert and I'm the introvert!  Growing up we had 5 kids so even if it was just our family we had a big crowd.  

While attending college in Eastern Washington my Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Hollis, my dad's older brother, would always invite the poor starving college students to Thanksgiving.  They would also invite any neighbors who would be alone on that day.  I so appreciated their generosity and tried to follow their example.

Jeanne and Hollis

When Chris and I lived in Spokane, after we were married, I made an effort to spend Thanksgiving with them.  I wasn't happy if there were fewer than 4 people at the table.

After moving to the Seattle area we would spend Thanksgiving with my mom's older sister and her family.  One year it snowed; as a result we were the only family who showed up at their house.  Chris had grown up in Eastern Washington and we had a truck.

When our grown children were going to be away for the holiday I would invite  another family and usually end up being invited to their house.

The year we lived on our boat in San Diego my cousin on my mom's side invited us to share their dinner.  They made creamed corn, Chris's favorite.

Dick, Nicole, Phillip, Joanne, Chris

We have enjoyed many meals in San Diego with our cousins on my dads side of the family as well.

Ron, Susan, Michael, kids, Becky, Rachel, hubby, Ryan, Aunt Emily

Now with both of our grown kids married we are usually guaranteed a big crowd for which I am truly thankful.

Heather, Jessie, Natalie, Andrew's friend, Andrew, Samantha, Jessie's grandmother

I know, this is Christmas.  I couldn't find the Thanksgiving picture.  Jennifer, Heather, Jessie, Jessica, Jes, Chris, Bobbi, Samantha, Natalie

Colossians 3:15-17 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

IN HONOR OF OUR VETERANS

Steven Spielberg's special tribute for Veteran's Day -- The Concert for Valor (2014). Another reminder of the honorable people we have in our military. They never forget!