Treasures

"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 and of incense and of myrrh." Matthew 2:11 (NIV)

 

What are you doing with your treasures? The Magi came from the east for to worship the Christ child. They brought gifts- gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts were precious, rare, valuable, expensive, and significant.

 

In her book, Legacy of Prayer: A Spiritual Trust Fund for the Generations, Jennifer Kennedy Dean writes, "We can leave behind for our descendants a spiritual trust that can never be stolen, squandered, or lost. The words we speak in prayer, are living and active vehicles of God's power. Our prayers are "stored up" in the spiritual realm, to be released at exactly the ripe moment."

 

In todays news, we hear unsettling phrases such as "Recession", "Economic Crisis", "Bailouts", and "Bankruptcy". Let's respond by focusing on the One to whom the whole earth belongs (Psalm 24:1), and making spiritual deposits that matter for eternity!

 

 

Father God, this Christmas season and in the New Year to come, help us to focus on our true treasure, Jesus Christ, and to diligently store up prayers in heaven on behalf of our descendants that will be answered in Your perfect timing. Amen.

 

 

Have a blessed Christmas! May the grace and peace of the LORD be with you!

 

 

Christmas Wishes



Our oldest granddaughter emailed us her "Christmas Wish List". She requested a butterfly net and book, a doll, clip-on earrings, a purse, and all things sparkly- shoes, bracelets, necklaces, rings, hair clips, lip gloss and powder. And then, there's my favorite- "a beautiful princess dress that reaches to my ankles".

 

I hope she gets it all! But I do have my own wish list for Joy:

 

My prayer is that like the shepherds, she will hurry to the Christ child, like the wise men she will seek Him, like the angels she will praise Him, and like His Father she will love Him. I pray she will believe Him and make room for Him in her life. May she live "happily-ever-after" with the Lover of her soul and Prince of Peace... Jesus the Messiah.

 

My wish for her is my wish for you as well. Christmas blessings to you and yours!

 

 

What are your Christmas wishes?

Jesus in Me

 

Humans inherit familial features, such as Grandma Joan's curly hair,  Papa Joe's brown eyes, or Uncle Henry's pointed nose. These features remind us of particular relatives. Who do you resemble? Who do people see in you?

 

Jesus Christ - Immanuel - became flesh and came to live among us (John 1:14). Sharing in our humanity, He experienced hunger, grief, pain, sorrow, loneliness, disappointment, and death. Jesus, God Incarnate, was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet lived a sinless life. Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God (1 Peter 3: 18). Buried and raised from the dead, He gives His Spirit to live in us (John 14: 16-17).

 

Apostle Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal. 2: 20). Paul exhorts believers to put to death evil practices, and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator (Col. 3: 5-10). Meditate on Colossians 3: 1-17. What do you need to put away, and what will you put on, so that others can more clearly see Jesus in you?

 

This Christmas season, may Immanuel - God with us - be seen in you and me. More than a clean and orderly house, may others see a pure heart. More than tree ornaments and lights, let them see the light and love of Jesus. More than cookies and candy, may they taste and see the Lord is good!

First Friday: Prayer for Children

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,

the fruit of the womb is a reward."

Psalm 127:3 (NAS).

 

 

Our Father God in Heaven, you are the Creator of the heavens and the earth. You have made us in your image. Thank you for the gift of children. Forgive us for the times we have neglected and mistreated this precious gift.

 

Thank you for the gifts and talents with which you have blessed the children in our world. Your plans for each of them is good. They are fearfully and wonderfully made!

 

Bless children with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Bless them, LORD, with good health and strength. Give children humble spirits and grateful hearts. May they always demonstrate a child-like faith in God. May each child honor and obey their parents.

 

Father God, you sent your Son to earth as a baby. You gave him, the name above every name...Jesus. I pray the children in our world will decide to follow Jesus. I pray each will know truth and obey God. Help them to make good choices. Protect our children from harm, injury, and disease. Protect our children from evil. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon their generation. In the holy name of Jesus the Savior...amen.