Celebrating Christmas~Angels

Luke 1:28-33
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

An angel carried hope to a broken world.

Years ago, I sewed an angel costume for my daughter to wear in the church's Christmas play. She was adorable. That same simple, white dress, and angel wings have been passed down through the family. What a delight to see the little ones dressed in glittery garland halos, and singing from their little hearts.

How do you picture an angel?
In my mind's eye I see cherub cheeks, ringlets in their hair, and bright eyes. Their tiny barefoot feet poke out under crisp white gowns. Each one stands erect and they sing the most beautiful melody. But the angels in the Bible weren't cute little cherubs, they were pictured as fierce warriors, men dressed in white, some bigger than life.

God created angels to minister to his people. In the Bible, angels prepared for spiritual combat, while others delivered divine messages. Either way, they are prepared to battle for and care for Jesus' followers.

Before Jesus was born, they led the brigades to prepare the way for the King of Kings. In the Christmas story these men God sent to earth, visited Joseph, Mary, Zechariah, and the shepherds. They showed up to spread the good news of hope, joy, and love.

You see, God sent the angels with purpose. Our world is broken. God's people need heavenly beings to fight for us, assist us, and speak to us. God asked his angels to spread God's words. I've not seen an angel (that I know of) but I believe they dwell among us. They minister to God's people even as they did in biblical times.

Read the Christmas story in Matthew and Luke and focus on the angels, find the joy they shared as hope for our weary world.

 

Historical Fiction Book Review: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

Book Description:
There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

My Review:
Constable Forge has a good heart that gets him into trouble. Kit has the wiles of a fox. The pair set out to solve a crime in the City of London. Griep sets the scene in this mystery, with quirky characters, dodgy streets, and historical description. Jackson and Kit don't know who to trust, so they have to depend on instinct and faith, as they search for the brain behind the crimes. If you enjoy stories set in the Victorian era, you'll want to read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. I admire the tenacity of Kit and the dogged determination of Constable Forge. Join them as they track the missing cabbie. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rejoice! Sing Loud!

I love Christmas music. 

From Hark the Herald Angels Sing to The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting) 

the sounds of the season adds cheer to my day.

Can you imagine the song the angels sang to the shepherds, 

when Jesus was born?

What an incredible night. 

I would think the angels voices blended in perfect harmony.

But from us humans, God only asks for a joyful noise.

What's your favorite Christmas song?

 

Children's Picture Book Review: I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug by Caroline B. Cooney, Illustrated by Tim Warnes

Book Description:
Let’s get ready to snuggle! This highly engaging sequel to the bestselling and beloved I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! imagines all the cozy, warm hugs little ones love to receive on cold, blustery days.

The story encourages parents and grandparents and their children and grandchildren to giggle and play as they cozy up for their own celebration of the winter season. Imagine who might stomp, sled, and swish through the snow to give a warm hug in these whimsical rhymes and sweet, playful illustrations.

My Review:
As I read I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug, the snow was falling outside my window. Winter is a magical time for children, a let's build a snowman, make snow angels time. So why not be creative and play polar bear hug in the winter wonderland of pretend with "a shivery, quivery, forty below hug." Caroline B. Cooney, known for her young adult novels, has created a lovely, rhyming story celebrating the importance of hugs. In this fun story, the child is hugged by all kinds of animals, at the end, the little one shares a hug with someone special. Tim Warnes colorful illustrations show the story's whimsical words in bright, energetic drawings. This is a great read for 4 to 8 year olds and would make a wonderful holiday gift. Snuggle up with your little one and share a polar bear hug. This book will delight children and adults. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

Celebrating Christmas~Joseph

Matthew 1:19-21, 24-25
Because Joseph her [Mary] 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. 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. 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.”

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

Joseph trusted the Lord.

As a child, I heard the story of Jesus' birth. We learned of the trek to Bethlehem, angels singing, shepherds visiting, and of course Mary giving birth to the baby Jesus. I imagined the animals surrounding the manger, the sheep baaing and cows mooing. But I didn't give much thought to Joseph. In the story, he knocks on the inn keeper's door and he leads Mary to the stable. I knew he was present, yet he disappeared into the background.

What I've learned since:

Joseph was kind, compassionate, and faithful to God. He truly loved Mary. I'm not surprised by any of this. In God's plan to bring Jesus into the world, he chose two people who adored and trusted Him. Joseph and Mary's engagement, as binding as marriage is today, could only be broken by divorce. Rather than expose Mary as pregnant before wedlock, Joseph planned to quietly divorce her and set her free. Otherwise, she could have been stoned to death for adultery.

Thank goodness the angel gave Joseph the low down on God's plan. On hearing the angel's words, he could have run the other way. Joseph could have laughed in the angel's face. Instead, he chose to trust God's plan. His faith overcame his fear.

This year the holidays don't seem the same. Some traditions may not happen. Gatherings may look different. Illness may hamper plans. The sadness and stress of 2020 may drag us down. Yet as we celebrate Jesus' birth, let's delight in the Lord with faith like Joseph. He tossed his fears aside and trusted in God. If Joseph could do that in his circumstance, surely we can too.

I pray as we head into the Christmas season, we consider Joseph's faith and his trust in God.

Click to tweet: Faith like Joseph 

Give Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

 

Sunrise---Sunset

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Linus, of Charlie Brown fame, starts each day with a fresh blanket.

Photo by Maggie Wickline-Jowers

I don't often wake up in time to witness the sunrise. Yet, I know every day that bright star lights our world from dawn until dusk. With the morning I'm given the gift of a new day, an opportunity to start fresh on my journey with Jesus. While I attempt to follow the Holy Spirit's lead each day, some days I fumble through on my own and make a mess.

On the days I fail miserably, I bow my head as the sun sets and ask God to forgive me.

And he does.

The Lord gives second chances. His patience amazes me. I would have been done with me a long time ago. Not God. He calls me to repent when sin strangles me and drags me to the ground. He reminds me how much he loves me and wants me to understand I'm not alone. Instead I'm loved and accepted as his child.

I'm thankful for sunrise, a new beginning every morning. I'm even more thankful for sunset, a time to reflect on my day and seek God's grace.

Jesus calls everyone to repent, to throw off the burden of sin, and follow him.

If you haven't accepted Jesus love and grace, he asks us to hear his word (or read it), believe he is the son of God who died and rose to life, confess our sins, repent (turn away from a life chasing sinful things toward a life of hope and joy), be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit (our comfort and guide,) and be obedient.

 Jesus loves us and wants us to live a life of abundance.