The Last Day Of The Year

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.—Psalm 90:1-2

I do not advise that we end 2012 on a negative note. The walk forward, not the distractions, has ever been the hope of Christianity. If we are good students in the school of life, there is much that the 2012 can teach us. But the Christian is more than a student and more than a philosopher. He is a believer, and the object of his faith makes the difference, no matter what a year may bring.

Of all persons the Christian should be best prepared for whatever the New Year brings. He has dealt with life at its source. In Christ he has defeated a thousand enemies that other men must face alone and unprepared. He can face his tomorrow cheerful and unafraid because yesterday he walked into the ways of peace and today he lives in God. The man who has made God his dwelling place will always have a safe habitation.

Thanks, Lord, for all You've taught me this past year. Thank You even for the difficult experiences. Thank You for Your wise counsel. Thank You for the privilege of serving You. Thank You for Your love and grace. May this coming year be a landmark year for my ministry, my church, my faith, my finances, my family, and my friends. May 2013 be the year of great harvest for the body of Christ.

Tell The Truth

Want to live a longer healthier life? Chill out, and stop lying. For the same reason. Stress is really REALLY bad for your health.

Chronic stress is bad for your health in a lot of ways. (“Chronic” means the kind you don’t get used to – like the hassles of daily commuting – and the kind that bothers you for longer than a couple weeks.) Biochemically, stress means you are in a mini-Fight or Flight mode, and the bodily systems you need to protect yourself are turned up while the systems you don’t need are turned down. That’s fine in the short term, but those systems aren’t designed to STAY turned up or turned down, and if they do, things get out of whack in harmful ways. Elevated blood pressure contributes to cardiovascular damage. Depressed immune function makes you more vulnerable to infectious disease. Higher than normal levels of stress impair long-term memory, fertility, bone formation, the health of your digestive system, and dramatically increase the likelihood of adult onset (Type 2) diabetes and clinical depression.

But stress eats away at us in an even more insidious way, a frighteningly literal way. The ends of our chromosomes (coiled sections of DNA that contain several genes, each cell has 23 pairs) are made of sections called telomeres. These telomere ‘caps’ keep the chromosomes from unraveling at their ends and separate one chromosome from another. (A common analogy for telomeres is the plastic caps on the ends of shoelaces.) As cells divide, those pairs of chromosomes split up. One strand of each chromosome goes off to the new daughter cell, while another stays home in the parent cell. Each cell then makes a new copy of each single chromosome strand it has, which pairs back up with the strand from the original set. Telomeres form to cap the ends of these new pairs. But each time this happens the telomeres get shorter, and when the telomeres are gone, the cell dies. This is aging down at the cellular level, and quite natural. But unless you want to live a shorter life, it’s not a process you want to speed up. Stress does.

A 2004 study of 20 – 50 year-old mothers, half with healthy kids and half with chronically ill children, found that the moms of the sick kids had significantly shorter telomeres than the moms of healthy kids. The subjects also filled out a questionnaire about how stressed they felt, and the moms who perceived more stress – whether they had healthy kids or chronically sick ones – had shorter telomeres than the moms who did not feel as stressed. The most stressed moms’ telomeres were so much shorter that, in effect, their cells were 10 years older than moms of similar age who didn’t feel stressed!

The damage is believed to be cause by higher levels of stress hormones, glucocorticoids, in the moms who perceived their lives as more stressful. But what’s important here is that it was how stressed the moms felt that mattered, not the reality of having to take care of chronically ill kids. Moms with sick kids who didn’t feel stressed, no matter how stressful their lives might seem, did not suffer as much of this damage.

So, in the name of your own health and longevity, chill! And one way to do that is to stop lying. When you lie, and you are subconscious or consciously afraid you'll get caught, it creates stress. Lie detectors depend on this. They work by sensing the changes in skin electricity and pulse and breathing rate, even the pitch of your voice from slightly tightened vocal cords, produced by the chemical reactions you’re undergoing when you’re stressed. (Glucocorticoids are the triggering hormones behind these reactions.)

Anita Kelly and LiJuan Wang of Notre Dame recruited a group of 110 people from 18 to 71 years old, and told them that once a week for ten weeks they’d have to come in and, in a lie detector machine, report how many times in the previous week they had lied. But the group was divided in half. 55 of them got explicit instructions in how to avoid lying. (They could avoid telling the truth, or not answer, just not out and out confabulate.) The other group got no instructions, just the request to come in once a week and tell the truth about how many times they had lied last week.

Everybody lied less. But the group that had gotten advice on how to avoid lying reduced their fabrications far more. And in questionnaires, those who had lied less reported better mental and physical health. They reported improvements in their relationships, less trouble sleeping, less tension, fewer headaches, and fewer sore throats. (The results haven’t been published yet. They were reported at a professional meeting.)

The authors and their psychologist colleagues explain this behaviorally. They say this proves what happens when you are honest. Life gets better because you feel good about yourself. But...fewer sore throats and headaches? The improved physical health of the subjects certainly adds to the evidence that persistent stress does real biochemical things to us, and harms our physical as well as our mental health.

Because of the subjective way we assess and respond to risk, we worry too much about some lesser risks and not enough about some bigger ones. Getting risk wrong in either direction can lead to dangerous behaviors. But the worrying-too-much part of The Perception Gap can also trigger all sorts of health damage from stress.

So tell the truth, and try to find ways to reduce how stressed you feel. Neither will be easy. But more and more evidence suggests that both will protect you from the insidious damage of chronic stress, and help you live healthier and even longer lives.

Turning The Page In 2013

Do you mourn over the pages of the past? Do you get caught up in the what has been? Do you remain stuck on a page you desperately want to turn? If so, I certainly know how you feel.

Being stuck sucks. I get it. But sometimes we are required to turn the page. That’s life. Instead of resisting change we must learn to embrace it. I say learn because pages don’t turn themselves, you can and must teach yourself to read on. The problem with living from your history book is that it’s just that: history. And we all know how easy it is to change the past.

You can’t rewrite what has already happened, but tomorrow is always a blank slate. I’m sure you’ve heard that before, but how many of you really accept that responsibility? Do you realize the power you posses? Do you use the God-given talents you have to create the life you want?

When you stay stuck on the pages of the past you lose your ability to create an even richer story than before. So stop blocking it’s as simple as that. The truth is, we all know that our relationships and desires change, yet we so often cling to them as if they are permanent. Change is difficult to accept because we resist rather than choose to flow. Yet living in a world of denial only prolongs the misery you so badly want to rid.

To be clear, I’ve lived on these pages quite a few times in my life. But when you remind yourself that you control the pace of your story, only then can you take the actions needed to progress.
It’s easy to reread a page that we’ve already lived. It’s easy to get upset about what could have been. It’s easy to cling to the memories of the past. Yet in the long run doing so is unintelligent. The longer you mourn over the past, the longer you block abundance from manifesting in your life.

Reading on begins with a choice. A choice to want more. A choice to make the most of today. No matter what you’re current situation is, making one choice is well within your reach. As soon as you decide to move on with the story that is you, the legacy shall continue. You know when it’s time to turn the page. You know when it’s finally time to move on. Question is will you?

Take a breath, turn the page, your story awaits.

When I'm Sincere

When I am sincere, there's nothing to hide. I am just me. It's something I can't fake. And if I'm the best me that I can be, then what can I be that is any better?

The Wall Street Journal once printed a little piece titled "Sincerity." It is one of my favorites.

"I wish I were big enough honestly to admit all my shortcomings; brilliant enough to accept praise without it making me arrogant; tall enough to tower above deceit; strong enough to welcome criticism; compassionate enough to understand human frailties; wise enough to recognize my mistakes; humble enough to appreciate greatness; staunch enough to stand by my friends; human enough to be thoughtful of my neighbor; and righteous enough to be devoted to the love of God."

I am really not all that strong. I don't always act with courage. I am certainly not as brilliant as others, as charming or as wise. But today I can be me. And when I lie down tonight, I'll sleep easy knowing it will have been enough.

Employer's Words of Wisdom for the New year

-"We are going to continue to have meetings, everyday, until I find out why no work is getting done."

-"I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was going to blame it on you."

-"The beatings will continue until morale improves."

-"We passed over a lot of good people to get the ones we hired."

-"What you see as a glass ceiling, I see as a protective barrier."

-"When I started working for myself, I found my new boss was an idiot, also ... but at least I respect him."

-"Some people climb the ladder of success. My boss walked under it."

-"I'm sorry if I ever gave you the impression your input would have any effect on my decision for the outcome of this project!"

-"I see you've had no computer training. Although that qualifies you for upper management, it means you're under-qualified for our entry level positions."

-"We're only hiring one summer intern this year and we won't start interviewing candidates for that position until the boss' daughter finishes her summer classes."

A little day after Christmas laugh

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk more a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The coconut nut balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt--
I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So -- away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie -- not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore--
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all, and to all a good diet!

Nativity Scene With A Bear

Along with the sheep, cow and donkey, our nativity scene now has a new animal. A plump little teddy bear sits in the hay paying tribute to Baby Jesus.

Our children will tell you this addition is quite scriptural. As a beginning reader, Billy was thrilled to be able to read the Christmas story from the Bible for our family advent devotions.

Although the verses did not flow smoothly from one line to another, we enjoyed listening to him read. One night Billy read:

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child and bear..."

"A bear?" my 3-year-old Nancy interrupted.

"We don't have a bear in our manger," 5-year-old Timmy said.

"Here, use mine," offered Nancy, and she plopped her soft stuffed bear in the middle of the scene.

Then Billy continued to read: "... a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel."

Gift Wrapping Tips For Men

This is the time of year when we think back to the very first Christmas, when the Three Wise Men; Gaspar, Balthazar and Herb, went to see the baby Jesus and, according to the Book of Matthew, "presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh." These are simple words, but if we analyze them carefully, we discover an important, yet often overlooked, theological fact: There is no mention of wrapping paper.

The words "wrapping paper" do not appear in the Bible, which means that the very first Christmas gifts were NOT wrapped. This is because the people giving those gifts had two important characteristics:
They were wise.
They were men.
Men are not big gift wrappers. Men do not understand the point of putting paper on a gift just so somebody else can tear it off. This is not just my opinion: This is a scientific fact based on a statistical survey of two guys I know.

One is Rob, who said the only time he ever wraps a gift is "if it's such a poor gift that I don't want to be there when the person opens it." The other is Gene, who told me he does wrap gifts, but as a matter of principle never takes more than 15 seconds per gift. "No one ever had to wonder which presents daddy wrapped at Christmas," Gene said. "They were the ones that looked like enormous spitballs."

I also wrap gifts, but because of some defect in my motor skills, I can never completely wrap them. I can take a gift the size of a deck of cards and put it the exact center of a piece of wrapping paper the size of a regulation volleyball court, but when I am done folding and taping, you can still see a sector of the gift peeking out. (Sometimes I camouflage this sector with a marking pen.) If I had been an ancient Egyptian in the field of mummies, the lower half of the Pharaoh's body would be covered only by Scotch tape.

On the other hand, if you give my wife a 12-inch square of wrapping paper, she can wrap a C-130 cargo plane. My wife, like many women, actually likes wrapping things. If she gives you a gift that requires batteries, she wraps the batteries separately, which to me is very close to being a symptom of mental illness. If it were possible, my wife would wrap each individual volt. My point is that gift-wrapping is one of those skills like having babies that come more naturally to women than to men. That is why today I am presenting:

GIFT-WRAPPING TIPS FOR MEN:

Whenever possible, buy gifts that are already wrapped. If, when the recipient opens the gift, neither one of you recognizes it, you can claim that it's myrrh.

The editors of Woman's Day magazine recently ran an item on how to make your own wrapping paper by printing a design on it with an apple sliced in half horizontally and dipped in a mixture of food coloring and liquid starch. They must be smoking crack.

If you're giving a hard-to-wrap gift, skip the wrapping paper! Just put it inside a bag and stick one of those little adhesive bows on it. This creates a festive visual effect that is sure to delight the lucky recipient on Christmas morning:

YOUR WIFE: Why is there a Hefty trash bag under the tree?
YOU: It's a gift! See? It has a bow!
YOUR WIFE (peering into the trash bag): It's a leaf blower.
YOU: Gas-powered! Five horsepower!
YOUR WIFE: I want a divorce.
YOU: I also got you some myrrh.
In conclusion, remember that the important thing is not what you give, or how you wrap it. The important thing, during this very special time of year, is that you save the receipt.

I Wonder

Every year about this time I WONDER what happened to the real meaning of Christmas. Store sales, Christmas lights, etc. In many ways we have marred the true meaning of Christmas.

We all know the story of Christmas. On that night long ago, while the shepherds guarded the temple flocks at a place called Migdal-Eder, a ray of hope burst forth on a people and a world trapped in darkness. We're told an angel spoke words which have become somewhat famous the world over.

"Fear not," he said, "I bring you glad tidings of great joy!"

The shepherds turned their attention heavenward, for they understood what these tidings might be. The angel continued.

"Unto you is born this day in the City of David, a savior, who is Christ (the chosen and anointed one) the Lord." Then the angel was joined by an entire company of heavenly beings, rejoicing and singing "glory to God in the highest..."

The shepherds, far from being dumbfounded by this display as we have been led to believe, understood what all of this meant. In fact, Jewish and Rabbinical tradition named this Migdal-Eder as the place where the long awaited announcement of the coming of the savior would occur. The proclamation would go out from that point. In answer to that very tradition, the scriptures tell us that, upon hearing this from the heavens, and seeing the child laying in the manger, the shepherd "made known abroad all they had heard and seen." Some coincidence, huh?

As Christmas draws near, I wonder what the shepherds, the angels, and the baby in the manger of Bethlehem had to do with million dollar church buildings, million dollar church bank accounts, and church boards which pull the strings of puppet-like "pulpiteers."

I wonder what the Christ-child would say about all the pretty songs being sung in shopping mall atriums where no one stops to hear -- or even think about -- the message of the season.

I wonder what the shepherds would think if they knew that we, too, have heard the glad tidings of great joy, only to fail miserably at spreading it abroad.

I wonder what Mary - who knew the truth of that boy-child at her breast and pondered it in her heart - would say if she could see how we idolize that manger and that starry night while skirting the issue of the cross and almost completely ignoring the truth of the empty tomb.

I wonder what Joseph, who had taken many a risk to get to this point in his eventful life, would say if he could hear the excuses we make, or the whining we do, when things get rough.

On that night, when the shepherds approached the stable, the wise men had only begun their journey to the Holy Land. They knew that this baby they would someday find in Bethlehem was no ordinary baby. They would bring him gifts from their home countries. They would honor him as a king.

I wonder what these gift bearing gentiles would think about our glut of gift giving; about our wanting and demanding, pushing and shoving to get just the right gift at just the right price. I wonder what they would say if they could hear a child - influenced by television and by family tradition - demand that his parents (or Santa Clause) get him another "accessories sold separately, batteries not included" fad toy of the year. They would all probably feel, as a friend of ours so eloquently states, that we "just don't get it."

The truth is, the Creator of the Universe gave a gift to this world on that special night, so long ago. This gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. It was a ray of warm sunshine in a cold, dark land. It was a gift of hope in a world gone wrong. It was God putting on skin and walking among men.
This baby we celebrate was not only Jesus of Nazareth, as some would say.

A good man. A teacher.

Maybe a prophet, but at any rate, at the very least a wise and just rabbi.

No.

He was much more than that!

He was the Christ; the son of the living God. And he still is!
See Luke 2:1-20. Have a true Merry Christmas everyone.

The True Meaning Of Christmas

I was preparing to go to bed last night, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask.

The words choked up in my throat, and I saw that he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement: "TEACH THE CHILDREN!"

I was puzzled, what did he mean?

He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children. Teach them the real meaning of Christmas. The meaning of Christmas that nowadays has been forgotten."

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point Heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward Heaven.

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. Teach the children that the star was the Heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of His promise.

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light, we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love Christ showed for us. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.

He then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood that He shed for us.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy Babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring strayed sheep back to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will."

Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should bring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked around and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, TEACH THE CHILDREN the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship Him, Our Lord, Our God, and Savior.

Christmas Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas . . .
Q: If Santa doesn't have to age, then why has he become old? A: He only appears to be old. He's an undercover kid.

Q: How can a sleigh possibly fly through the air? A: If you were being pulled by eight flying reindeer, wouldn't you fly too?

Q: Why do reindeer have red noses? A: They are not equipped with ABS and thus tend to bump into things on slippery surfaces. This is why Santa is often seen with a red nose (the sleigh doesn't have an airbag, either).

Q: Why do we wish people a "Merry Christmas" instead of a "Happy Christmas"? A: The two are about the same, but with "Merry Christmas" an extra twinkle is seen in the eyes.

Q: Why is a Christmas tree that has been chopped down called a "live Christmas tree?" A: It's dead but doesn't know it, and yet it's having the time of its life.

Q: Why do we wrap our Christmas gifts with paper? A: Because we like to see surprise and joy (real or kindly faked) in the recipients.

Q: How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? A: Nowadays, only four angels can dance there. Formerly there was no limit, but OSHA passed the Angel Safety Law recently, which also requires that the pin must be inspected twice each year for structural defects.

Q: How many gifts can Santa Claus's bag hold? A: One less than infinity. Why one less? Because there's a limit to everything.

Q: How could a star that is high in the sky lead the Wise Men to a tiny manger on the ground? A: Wisely, toward the end of their journey they asked directions from someone on the road. Had they not been so wise, they might have missed the manger by several hundred miles. (That person on the road has never been identified.)

Q: Is there really a Mrs. Santa Claus? A: The best way to know for sure is to ask Santa Claus next time you see him.

Q: Why do we hear so many bells at Christmas time? A: Because so many people ring them.

Q: Why do so many people ring bells at Christmas time? A: For the poor, for the joy, and because a bell can say what words can't say.

Q: What can't words say? A: The moment you wake up on Christmas morning, listen carefully. You may hear then what words can't say.

Officer Lawrence DePrimo

There are good people in this world. Many don't have the means to give, but they do help others.

On November 14, 2012, New York Police Officer Lawrence DePrimo was on counter terrorism patrol at Times Square, in the center on Manhattan, New York. As he patrolled the square, he noticed a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk. His feet were bare - no shoes or socks. Officer DePrimo was heavily dressed but was still cold that night. He wore two pairs of socks to fend off the cold.

He walked up to the man, asked him for his shoe size, went inside a nearby shoe store and told the clerk, "There's a man outside with no shoes or socks. He needs help. I don't care about the cost, but give me a pair of boots and socks for him."

The clerk allowed Officer DePrimo to use his police discount to purchase a pair of socks and waterproof boots for the man.

DePrimo paid seventy-five dollars, walked outside, knelt beside the man and handed him the new socks and winter boots. The man's face glowed with delight as he accepted the gift.

Officer DePrimo did this with no thought of being recognized for his kindness. The daughter of a former policeman, Jennifer Foster, who was visiting Times Square from Arizona that night, witnessed the event and took a picture that tells a story that many will never forget - a kind man giving from his own savings to a man who was cold and had nothing.

Jennifer sent the photo to the New York Police department, who posted it on their Facebook page. Since then, the photo has gone viral and Officer DePrimo's kindness received the praise he deserved.

What would this world be like with more people like Secret Santa's and officer DePrimo's.

It could be a beautiful place.

YOU KNOW CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE WHEN:

YOU KNOW CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE WHEN:

-There are more pine needles on your carpet than on your tree.
-You credit card is smoked along with the turkey and ham.
-It’s A Wonderful Life has been shown for the 13th time.
-A trip to the mall and back is more challenging then the Indy 500.
-The Salvation Army bell ringers start accepting credit cards.
-You are pulling an all-nighter because of the words "Some Assembly Required".
-Your Christmas list is written in black while your check book balance is written in red.
-Santa’s belly is not the only thing shaking like a bowl full of jelly.
-The NFL referees are not the only ones giving away games.
-The infamous fruitcake returns from it’s 12 months of hiding.

The Missing Jesus

The Missing Jesus


About a week before Christmas the family bought a new nativity scene. When they unpacked it they found 2 figures of the Baby Jesus. "Someone must have packed this wrong," the mother said, counting out the figures. "We have one Joseph, one Mary, three wise men, three shepherds, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, an angel and two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose some set down at the store is missing a Baby Jesus because we have 2."

"You two run back down to the store and tell the manager that we have an extra Jesus. Tell him to put a sign on the remaining boxes saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 777-8152. "Put on your warm coats, it's freezing cold out there."

The manager of the store copied down mother's message and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read, "If you're missing Baby Jesus, call 777-8152."

All week long they waited for someone to call. Surely, they thought, someone was missing that important figurine. Each time the phone rang mother would say, "I'll bet that's about Jesus,"but it never was. Father tried to explain there are thousands of these scattered over the country and the figurine could be missing from a set in Florida or Texas or California. Those packing mistakes happen all the time. He suggested just put the extra Jesus back in the box and forget about it. "Put Baby Jesus back in the box! What a terrible thing to do said the children." "Surely someone will call," mother said. "We'll just keep the two of them together in the manger until someone calls."

When no call had come by 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve, mother insisted that father "just run down to the store" to see if there were any sets left. "You can see them right through the window, over on the counter," she said. "If are all gone, I'll know someone is bound to call tonight." "Run down to the store?" father thundered. "It's 15 below zero out there!"

"Oh, Daddy, we'll go with you," Tommy and Mary began to put on their coats. Father gave a long sigh and headed for the front closet. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered.

Tommy and Mary ran ahead as father reluctantly walked out in the cold. Mary got to the store first and pressed her nose up to the store window. "They're all gone, Daddy," she shouted. "Every set must be sold."

"Hooray, Tommy said "The mystery will now be solved tonight!"

Father heard the news still a half block away and immediately turned on his heel and headed back home. When they got back into the house they noticed that mother was gone and so was the extra Baby Jesus figurine. "Someone must have called and she went out to deliver the figurine," my father reasoned, pulling off his boots. "You kids get ready for bed while I wrap mother's present."

Then the phone rang. Father yelled "answer the phone and tell 'em we found a home for Jesus." But it was mother calling with instructions for us to come to 205 Chestnut Street immediately, and bring three blankets, a box of cookies and some milk.

"Now what has she gotten us into?" my father groaned as we bundled up again. "205 Chestnut. Why that's across town. Wrap that milk up good in the blankets or it will turn to ice before we get there. Why can't we all just get on with Christmas? It's probably 20 below out there now. And the wind is picking up. Of all the crazy things to do on a night like this."

When they got to the house at 205 Chestnut Street it was the darkest one on the block. Only one tiny light burned in the living room and, the moment we set foot on the porch steps, my mother opened the door and shouted, "They're here, Oh thank God you got here, Ray! You kids take those blankets into the living room and wrap up the little ones on the couch. I'll take the milk and cookies."

"Would you mind telling me what is going on, Ethel?" my father asked. "We have just walked through below zero weather with the wind in our faces all the way." "Never mind all that now," my mother interrupted. "There is no heat in this house and this young mother is so upset she doesn't know what to do. Her husband walked out on her and those poor little children will have a very bleak Christmas, so don't you complain. I told her you could fix that oil furnace in a jiffy.

My mother strode off to the kitchen to warm the milk while my brother and I wrapped up the five little children who were huddled together on the couch. The children's mother explained to my father that her husband had run off, taking bedding, clothing, and almost every piece of furniture, but she had been doing all right until the furnace broke down.

"I been doin' washin' and ironin' for people and cleanin' the five and dime," she said. "I saw your number every day there, on those boxes on the counter. When the furnace went out, that number kept going' through my mind. 777-8152, 777-8152. "Said on the box that if a person was missin' Jesus, they should call you. That's how I knew you were good Christian people, willin' to help folks. I figured that maybe you would help me, too. So stopped at the grocery store tonight and I called your missus. I'm not missin' Jesus, mister, because I sure love the Lord. But I am missin' heat. I have no money to fix that furnace.

Okay, Okay said father. You've come to the right place. Now lets see. You've got a little oil burner over there in the dining room. Shouldn't be too hard to fix. Probably just a clogged flue. I'll look it over, see what it needs."

Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As she set the cups down on the coffee table, I noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying in the center of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The children stared wide-eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies my mother set before them.

Father finally got the oil burner working but said you need more oil. I'll make a few calls tonight and get some oil. Yes, sir, you came to the right place, father grinned.

On the way home father did not complain about the cold weather and had barely set foot inside the door when he was on the phone.

Ed, hey, how are 'ya, Ed?" "Yes, Merry Christmas to you, too. Say Ed, we have kind of an unusual situation here I know you've got that pickup truck. Do you still have some oil in that barrel on your truck? You do?

By this time the rest of the family were pulling clothes out of their closets and toys off of their shelves. It was long after their bedtime when they were wrapping gifts. The pickup came. On it were chairs, three lamps, blankets and gifts. Even though it was 30 below, father let them ride along in the back of the truck.

No one ever did call about the missing figure in the nativity set, but as I grow older I realize that it wasn't a packing mistake at all. Jesus saves, that's what He does.

The Night That Changed The World

The green hills near the town of Bethlehem, five miles to the south of Jerusalem, are dotted with caves, most of them man-made. Two thousand years ago, some of the caves were carved into the soft white limestone by shepherds. Here these outcasts of society made their homes and raised their families. Other caves were hollowed out as stables. These were dark, dank, filthy holes, fit only for the animals that inhabited them. In one of these unspeakably dirty hollows -- surrounded by sheep, donkeys, and maybe a camel or two -- the Son of Man was born of a virgin. It was a night that changed the world.

The Jews had been anxiously expecting a Messiah for 500 years before He actually appeared. The prophets of old had predicted it and, since Jews were indoctrinated in the Scriptures from childhood, nearly everyone knew the prophecies by heart. Yet, with anticipation came misconception. A king, they said, should be born into a palace surrounded by magnificence, not in a lowly stable. Furthermore the first announcement of his birth should have been made to the greatest men of Israel -- the chief priests of the Temple -- not to lowly shepherds.

But Christ did not come into the world to save just the rich and the powerful. He came to offer salvation to all. Could the lowliest of people have accepted Him had He been born into splendor and hobnobbed only with the rich?

The mistake of many people today, as it was then, is to expect God to conform to their expectations. The Jews expected a king, a great sword-wielding warrior who would be their salvation from the pagans of Rome. Instead, they got a gentle man of love and peace who taught that the way to salvation was repentance of sin and trust in God. What they got was totally unexpected, and Jesus went largely unrecognized by the powerful Jewish rulers except as a clear and present danger to their authority.

It was mainly the lowly and the humble who followed Him, who listened to His words and were ultimately saved. The powerful Jews of the Temple, with few exceptions, considered Jesus a dangerous, itinerate preacher from Nazareth who uttered blasphemy and, since He had so many followers, threatened to lure Jews away from Temple worship. All they saw was that Jesus was raining on their parade. The signs that the prophet Isaiah and others had predicted were largely ignored.

The fact that Jesus was miraculously born of a virgin proves that He was truly sent from God. His humble birth illustrates that He came to save all of mankind, not just the elite. His birth on that night of nights, in a humble cave in Bethlehem, began a chain of events that changed the world forever.


"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14 NIV)

A Dieter's Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around my hips were Fanny May candies that sneaked past my lips. Fudge brownies were stored in the freezer with care in hopes that my thighs would forget they were there.

While Mama in her girdle and I in chin straps had just settled down to sugar-borne naps. When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter

Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash tore open the icebox then threw up the sash The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow sent thoughts of a binge to my body below.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear: a marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer! That huge chunk of candy so luscious and slick I knew in a second that I'd wind up sick.

The sweet-coated Santa, those sugared reindeer I closed my eyes tightly but still I could hear; On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS a Weight Watcher dropout form sugar detox.

>From the top of the scales to the top of the hall now dash away pounds now dash away all. Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to nightdress my clothes were all bulging from too much excess

My droll little mouth and my round little belly they shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly I spoke not a word but went straight to my work ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger beside my heartburn I gave a quick nod toward the bedroom I turned I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry if temptation's removed I'll get thin by and by.

And I mumbled again as I turned in for the night in the morning I'll starve. . . 'till I take that first bite! Try my seafood diet, I see food , I eat it.

Every Minute Is Special

I am so tired of hearing on the news about another person going berserk and killing innocent people and then killing themselves. I have a hard time reconciling this shooting yesterday and losing 20 children and possibly 8 adults because of a mental health issue. Sadly this is the result of the times we live in. Times that are hard for us Boomers to understand because it's so different from the times we remember as children

When we were kids children were allowed to be children. We were disciplined, loved, taught, and cared for. Divorce was a foreign word to most of us as was seeing a one parent household. Moms and dads stayed together and worked out their problems. Kids didn't have to be the adults like so many have to be now. Sadly, I don't believe we will ever be able to say that about this generation.

To the parents and grandparents of those children lost to the whims of a gunman go our prayers. To the families affected by these losses we extend our sympathies. And yes, even to the surviving members of the gunman's family who will live with the memory of this infamous attack we extend our sympathies. This is a time for all who believe in prayer to cry out to God for His help in their lives.

One more thing-don't take the ones you love for granted. Treat every minute with them as special cause you don't know when that will be taken away.

Christmas 1 Corinthians 13 Style

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

Dog's Rules For Christmas

Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog leans.

They may come home with large bags of things they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.

Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.

They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know: Don't wet on the tree Don't drink water in the container that holds the tree. Mind your tail when you are near the tree. If there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or that have your name on them, don't rip them open Don't chew on the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree

Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come visit during this season. These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on your part: Not all strangers appreciate kisses and leans Don't eat off the buffet table. Beg for goodies subtly Be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa. Don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach unless you can get away with it...

Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important: Observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's houses. (4a is particularly important) Respect the territory of other animals that may live in the house Tolerate children Turn on your charm big time.

A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night. DO 'NOT' BITE HIM!!!

The Christmas Alaphabet

A is for Angels, appearing so bright, Telling of Jesus that first Christmas night.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host." Luke 2:13


B is for Bethlehem, crowded and old, Birthplace of Jesus by prophet foretold.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel." Micah 5:2


C is for Cattle, their manger His bed, There in the stable where He laid His head.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger." Luke 2:7


D is for David and his ancient throne Promised forever to Jesus alone.

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David." Luke 1:32


E is for East, where shone the bright star Which Magi on camels followed afar.

"Behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" Matthew 2:1 & 2


F is for Frankincense, with myrrh and gold, Brought by the Wise Men as Matthew has told.

"And when they had opened their treasurers, they presented unto him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Matthew 2:11


G is for God, who from heaven above Sent down to mankind the Son of His love.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16


H is for Herod, whose murderous scheme Was told to Joseph in a nocturnal dream.

"The angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt... for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him." Matthew 2:13


I is for Immanuel, "God with us," For Christ brought man back to the Father's house.

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14


J is for Joseph so noble and just, Obeying God's word with absolute trust.

"Then Joseph being raised form sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife." Matthew 1:24


K is for King. A true king He would be, Coming in power and authority.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, they King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation." Zechariah 9:9


L is for Love that He brought down to earth That night in the stable in lowly birth.

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." 1 John 4:9


M is for Mary, His mother so brave, Counting God faithful and mighty to save.

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Luke 1:38


N is for Night, when the Savior was born For nations of earth and people forlorn.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Luke 2:8


O is for Omega, meaning "the last;" He's eternal: present, future and past.

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Revelation 22:13


P is for Prophets, when living on earth Foretold His redemption and blessed birth.

"I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel." Numbers 24:17


Q is for Quickly, as shepherds who heard Hastened to act on that heavenly word.

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:16


R is for Rejoice. The sorrow of sin Is banished forever when Jesus comes in.

"And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth." Luke 1:14


S is for Savior. To be this He came; The angel of God assigned Him His name.

"She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21


T is for Tidings related to all, Telling of Him who was born in a stall.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." Luke 2:10


U is for Us, to whom Jesus was given To show us the way and take us to heaven.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11


V is for Virgin, foretold by the sage, God's revelation on prophecy's page.

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23


W is for Wonderful, His works and words The King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6


X is for Christ. It's X in the Greek, Anointed, Messiah, mighty, yet meek.

"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power." Acts 10:38


Y is for Yes, called God's Yes in His Word; God's answer to all is Jesus the Lord.

"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." 2 Corinthians 1:20


Z is for Zeal as it burned in Christ's heart. Lord, by thy Spirit to us zeal impart.

"And his disciples remembered that it was written, the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." John 2:17

The Christmas Ten Commandments

Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of thy Christmas shopping list.

Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that thy soul is forgotten.

Thou shalt not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.

Thou shalt not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.

Thou shalt give thyself with thy gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and he who receiveth it shall treasure it forever.

Thou shalt not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.

Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Share thy blessings with many who will go hungry and cold unless thou are generous.

Thou shalt not neglect thy church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.

Thou shalt be as a little child. Not until thou has become in spirit as a little one art thou ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

Thou shall not forget to share your joy, peace and faith with those around you.

An Inexpensive Gift

Do you need an inexpensive gift to give someone for Christmas this year? How about a compliment.

Using compliments wisely was one of the secrets of success for Mary Kay Ash of Mary Kay Cosmetics. "Everyone wants to be appreciated," she often said, "so if you appreciate someone, don't keep it a secret." Mark Twain also said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment." That probably goes for most of us.

What's a good compliment? It's one that is both sincere and timely. Insincere flattery is false. It patronizes at best. But a sincere compliment is a heart-felt expression of appreciation. And when said in the right way at the right time, it has the power to call forth something beautiful in another.

One man changed his life by learning how to offer a simple compliment. "I never let a day go by without giving at least three people a compliment," he says. He challenges others to give it a try. Since adopting this exercise, he says he has discovered an extraordinary response from other people. He adds that he is experiencing a growing appreciation for the various people in his life.

I have begun practicing the exercise myself. I am discovering that few things can so quickly change a relationship as the right word said at the right time. And what's more, surprising someone with a compliment can be a fun thing to do.

So give somebody a word of encouragement today. It will be the least expensive gift you could give at Christmas, but probably the one that does the most good.

The Biggest Loser

"The Biggest Loser"
Luke 19:1-10

All too often people have invented gods that meet certain needs, but fail to come to know the true God that can meet all their needs. The truth is that God seeks out the lost, and He always has His heart tuned into the soul that desires to find Him. So often in our modern world our attention is drawn to so many things that we don't have the time to even think about our soul. The truth is that nothing in this world can satisfy the spiritual needs of our soul except God.

The Bible teaches us that the hungry heart to know God will find Christ. If you really desire to know God He will come and find you.

(1) The biggest loser.
Verses 1-3a "And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was..."

-Zacchaeus was the biggest loser of his day.
a. He was hated by his own people because the Jews saw tax collectors who worked for Rome as both crooks and traitors to their own kind. They often disowned their own when they became tax collectors.
b. The Romans didn't care much for him either, but they tolerated Jews like him if they collected money for Caesar!

c. He got rich by overcharging people, so he had few if any friends.

d. He was short physically, thus he bullied people by his money since he couldn't stand up to them physically.

-Money had been his god, but had not brought him happiness.

Zacchaeus was curious about spiritual things too, just as the rich young ruler that turned away from Jesus sadly because he was so rich and unwilling to change from his god of money to the God of the Universe.

-God is not all that interested in wealth by this world's standards and so Zacchaeus would need to see the God he needed rather than the god of wealth he had served until now.

-His soul was at stake, and somehow Zacchaeus realized this.
a. Jesus was passing through, so it was an opportunity to explore a greater meaning in life than wealth.
b. He would have to overcome all the barriers in his life to get to God.

(2) Going out on a limb.
Verses 3b-4 "and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way."

-Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus desperately.
a. The hunger in his heart must have been great.

b. He was willing to risk being out in a crowd that despised him.

c. He was willing to climb a tree if necessary to see Jesus since he was too short to see over the crowd.

d. He was willing to search for Chris.

-Zacchaeus was on his way to discovering the greatest joy of his life.

-Zacchaeus had discovered that wealth had not brought him joy in life, it had not fulfilled him, it was not the answer to life's needs.
a. So often the rich only discover this so late and never change.
b. Unlike the other rich young man who had come to Jesus however Zacchaeus was searching for Jesus at any cost.

-Zacchaeus had gotten rich by being resourceful, and since he can't see Jesus through the crowd because of his height he simply climbs a sycamore-fig tree so that he can see Him.

-Zacchaeus had finally realized what few rich people discover, real wealth is not found in money, the things that make a man rich are free and available and found in Christ.
a. It doesn't take money to discover real joy and peace.

b. It doesn't take wealth to give you a sense of purpose, it takes God.

-Ask yourself this question: Was Jesus just passing by or was Jesus passing through the crowd to find the one heart that was yearning for Him?
a. The language here implies Jesus did not plan on stopping, He was just passing through Jericho.

b. Yet, Jesus cannot pass by a hungry soul and He will stop right at the tree where Zacchaeus is sitting. God will never miss the hungry heart, even in a crowd.

(3) Making a lifestyle change.
Verses 5, 6 "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully."

-As soon as Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was He stopped and looked right up at Zacchaeus.
a. Jesus even calls him by name.

b. God knows who you are.

-Imagine the amazement Zacchaeus felt when Jesus stopped and addressed him by name. Though Zacchaeus was a man with everything most people would want, money, power, prestige, he was also a man with an empty heart in need of God.

-Jesus' speaking to him indicates a divine appointment - "Zacchaeus, come down immediately, I must stay at your house today."
a. This has the unmistakable ring of divine appointment.

b. Jesus passed the entire crowd to touch one man's soul.

c. God can still do this today.

-The reaction of Zacchaeus is quite clear, "he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly."
a. There is no way to miss the joy that Zacchaeus felt immediately.

b. Christ's desire to come to his home was all that he could have hoped for.

c. It is certain no Jewish leader of any reputation would have even stepped foot in a tax collector's home, that Jesus would ask to come shows the love of God in Christ which was far greater than the world's love or religious love.

(4) When everybody else says, "It's impossible."
Verses 7, 8 "And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold."

-Notice the crowd's reaction to Jesus' public declaration that He must go to Zacchaeus' home that very moment: "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'"
a. The crowd cared nothing about Zacchaeus' soul, it may be that many of these people had been taken by the large taxes Zacchaeus had imposed on them.

b. It is certain that they only despised him, no one had compassion on his soul - hence all their muttering here.

c. Why would Jesus even want to go to this man's house? To save him of course!

-Yet notice the reaction of Zacchaeus to the crowd-he "stands up."
a. The language here indicates a short man who now squares back his shoulders to take a stand for his new found faith.

b. Zacchaeus the outcast is becoming Zacchaeus the outspoken man of faith.

-Zacchaeus now proclaims the commitment of his new found faith, it takes action that is consistent with being saved by grace.
a. Zacchaeus declares, "Look, Lord; Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."

b. What a statement that reflected a new heart.
c. There is no question as to the sincerity of his faith in Christ. This commitment is made in front of the entire crowd, not in secret.

-The depth of his commitment to Christ is also shown in the fact that the Old Testament law required for fraud that the amount be paid back plus 20% interest. (see Lev. 6:5 and Num. 5:6) The fact that Zacchaeus was willing to give back 4 times the amount shows a heart willing to go well beyond the law's requirement.
a. He is not only going to give to the poor half of everything he has, but pay back 4 times the amount he had taken by fraud from others.

b. The Old Tesament law required for theft four times the amount returned according to Exodus 22:1. This would indicate that Zacchaeus considered his actions beyond fraud and more like outright theft. He makes no effort to hide his sin or put a softer spin on his previous actions.

c. He wants to obey the Word of God as proof of his sincerity. This should still be the case today when someone gets saved, a desire to obey the Word of God!

-While the crowd mutters because their ideals of keeping pure from wicked sinners by not interacting with them is shot by Jesus' actions to show this man concern, a heart is transformed right before their eyes!
a. They were concerned about legalistic purity - "don't be in a sinner's home."

b. Jesus was concerned about getting into that home and changing a man.

-Real faith has real actions to them.

-The real test of being a believer is a changed life, one whose behavior actually reflects the character of Christ.
a. There is little doubt that Zacchaeus' confession of faith is genuine.

b. Unlike the other rich young man who left Jesus very sad, this rich young man finds Jesus in his home and in his heart and with it, much joy.

c. Christ can make all the difference in the world in the human heart.

(5) A true son of Abraham.
Verses 9, 10 "And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

-Jesus not only declares Zacchaeus a believer, but also declares him to a true son of Abraham.
a. The significance of this statement is clear, Jews disowned their own kind who became tax collectors, no longer thinking of them as sons of Abraham.

b. Jesus makes clear that no one could be MORE a son of Abraham than this man Zacchaeus who like Abraham "believed God."

c. Jesus thus not only healed his soul, but his standing in society also. Jesus ministers to his need of belonging.

-For the first time in his life Zacchaeus lived up to his name now - "Zacchaeus" means "pure."

-While the crowd may not have liked Zacchaeus' new found status before God it was precisely why the Lord had come, "to seek and save that which was lost."

-Zacchaeus had discovered what few wealthy people discover, which is that real happiness and joy does not come from what one has, but what one gives.

-No doubt Zacchaeus' whole life changed, and so did that of those around him, from now on he was a man of character and integrity, helping the poor and not just getting rich at other people's expense.
a. The power of God's love is so great it can transform the hardest heart into a heart of tenderness and joy.

b. It wasn't hours and hours of counseling that turned Zacchaeus' life around, it was an encounter with Jesus that turned it around in a moment.

Santa Claus needed a vacation-a little medicine for the soul's sake

Santa Claus needed a vacation. He decided to go to Texas because it was warm and he had heard that the people were friendly. As soon as he arrived in town, people began to point and say, "Look The big red one! Isn't he someone famous?

Santa thought, "Gee, I'll never get any rest if people start asking to sit on my lap and try to tell me things they want." So he decided to disguise himself. He bought a cowboy outfit complete with cowboy boots and cowboy hat. "No one will know me now, I look just like everyone else!" he thought happily.

As soon as Santa started walking down the street people began to point and say, "Look! It's that famous Christmas personality!" Santa rushed around a corner to hide.

"It's my beard!" he thought. "They recognize me because of my long white beard!" So Santa went to a barbershop and had his beard shaved off. "I really look like everybody else now!" Santa thought.

So he walked down the street with a big smile on his face. Suddenly a man shouted, "It's him! It's him! Look everybody!"

Santa couldn't believe it. He was sure that no one would recognize him. So Santa walked up to the man and said, "How did you recognize me?"

The man looked at Santa and said, "You? I don't know you, but isn't that four-legged guy with the big red nose behind you Rudolph?"

Christmas Downsizing

The recent announcement that Donner and Blitzen have elected to take the early reindeer retirement package has triggered a good deal of concern about whether they will be replaced, and about other restructuring decisions at the North Pole.

Streamlining is due to the North Pole's loss of dominance of this season's gift distribution business. Home shopping channels, the Internet, and mail order catalogs have diminished Santa's market share. He could not sit idly by and permit further erosion of the profit picture.

The reindeer downsizing was made possible through the purchase of a late model Japanese sled for the CEO's annual trip. Improved productivity from Dasher and Dancer--who will retrain at the Harvard Business School--is anticipated. Reduction in reindeer will also lessen airborne environmental emissions for which the North Pole has received unfavorable press.

I am pleased to inform you that Rudolph's role will not be disturbed. Tradition still counts for something at the North Pole. Management denies, in the strongest possible language, the earlier leak that Rudolph's nose got that way, not from the cold, but from substance abuse. Calling Rudolph "a lush who was into the sauce and never did pull his share of the load" was an unfortunate comment, made by one of Santa's helpers and taken out of context at a time of year when he is known to be under executive stress.

Today's global challenges require the North Pole to continue to look for better, more competitive steps. Effective immediately, the following economic measures are to take place in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" subsidiary:

The partridge will be retained, but the pear tree never turned out to be the cash crop forecasted. It will be replaced by a plastic hanging plant, providing considerable savings in maintenance.

The two turtle doves represent a redundancy that is simply not cost-effective. In addition, their romance during working hours could not be condoned. The positions are therefore eliminated.

The three French hens will remain intact. After all, everyone loves the French.

The four calling birds were replaced by an automated voice mail system, with a call-waiting option. An analysis is underway to determine who the birds have been calling, how often and how long they talked.

The five golden rings have been put on hold by the Board of Directors. Maintaining a portfolio based on one commodity could have negative implications for institutional investors. Diversification into other precious metals as well as a mix of T-Bills and high technology stocks appear to be in order.

The six geese-a-laying constitutes a luxury which can no longer be afforded. It has long been felt that the production rate of one egg per goose per day is an example of the decline in productivity. Three geese will be let go, and an upgrading in the selection procedure by personnel will assure management that from now on every goose it obtains will be more productive.

The seven swans-a-swimming is obviously a number chosen in better times. Their function is primarily decorative. Mechanical swans are on order. The current swans will be retrained to learn some new strokes and therefore enhance their outplacement.

As you know, the eight maids-a-milking concept has been under heavy scrutiny by the EEOC. A male/female balance in the workforce is being sought. The more militant maids consider this a dead-end job with no upward mobility. Automation of the process may permit the maids to try a-mending, a-mentoring, or a-mulching.

Nine ladies dancing has always been an odd number. This function will be phased out as these individuals grow older and can no longer do the steps.

Ten Lords-a-leaping is overkill. The high cost of Lords plus the expense of international air travel prompted the Compensation Committee to suggest replacing this group with ten out-of-work Congresspersons. While leaping ability may be somewhat sacrificed, the savings are significant because we expect an oversupply of unemployed Congresspersons this year.

Eleven pipers piping and twelve drummers drumming is a simple case of the band getting too big. A substitution with a string quartet, a cutback on new music, and no uniforms will produce savings which will drop right down to the bottom line.

We can expect a substantial reduction in assorted people, fowl, animals and other expenses. Though incomplete, studies indicate that stretching deliveries over twelve days is inefficient. If we can drop ship in one day, service levels will be improved.

Regarding the lawsuit filed by the attorney's association seeking expansion to include the legal profession ("thirteen lawyers-a-suing"), action is pending.

Lastly, it is not beyond consideration that deeper cuts may be necessary in the future to stay competitive. Should that happen, the Board will request management to scrutinize the Snow White Division to see if seven dwarfs is the most efficient number

Real Freedom

Steve Goodier shared this thought that is worth repeating.

I like what Quentin Crisp said about social mobility: "Keeping up with the Joneses was a full-time job with my mother and father. It was not until many years later when I lived alone that I realized how much cheaper it was to drag the Joneses down to my level."

And speaking of social mobility…two women happened to be seated next to each other on a plane and struck up an earnest conversation about their respective hometowns.

“Where I’m from,” one woman sniveled, “we place all our emphasis on breeding.”

Her new companion, unimpressed and uninterested in this yardstick for measuring the value of a person, just smiled. “We think that’s a lot of fun, too – but we do find time for other pursuits.”

Some people try to impress. They want to elevate themselves by conspicuous breeding, social standing, education and life-style. They believe that to be “well-bred, well-fed, well-read and well-wed” just may help them find some happiness (and a satisfying bit of deference from others).

These symbols have little meaning for other individuals. They care little about how people see them. The only standards which concern them are those they set themselves. The person they really want to please and impress most is the one looking back from the mirror.

I believe that, more than anyone else, these people know what it is to be free. Why? Because they’re free from what others think about them. They are free from feeling like they always have to please other people. They are not programmed to behave a certain way because others expect it.

One man I know likes to say, “Be yourself. Everybody else is already taken.” But I think that author and educator Leo Buscaglia may have said it best. “The easiest thing to be in the world is you,” he said. “The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. Don't let them put you in that position.” And that’s advice worth following.

Who decides what you will do? Who decides who you will be? Who decides what is important to you? Who sets your standards? Ultimately, who do you REALLY want to impress? Somebody else … or yourself?

The point is this: you can’t please everybody, nor should you try. So why not be sure you at least try to please the right person? That’s REAL freedom.

Three things I live for

There are three things in life that are important to me and I hope to you as we'll. mine may be in different order, but hey that's jut the way I feel about them.

(1) My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life. Without it I could not exist.

(2) My family. Becky is my rock, Shane is my enforcer, Candy is an inspiration, and Hannah, Gracie, and Hayden are my bright lights. My new grandson's arrival in March is greatly anticipated. This week Dennis has reminded us all to laugh even in the midst of difficult times.

(3) My church family. We are not the biggest congregation and have had our struggles the past three years, but this is one of the finest groups of people I have served. Somehow I believe we are going to see great changes for all of us together in the future.

I live for Jesus, I live for my family, I live for my church. What else is there.

The Light

Christmas is a special time of year. I can't imagine what it would be like if we did not celebrate Christmas. What better time of year than Christmas to teach children the true meaning of why it is so special.

Christmas is not about lights, trees and presents, turkey dinners, or family gatherings. Those things are great, and "God has given us richly all things to enjoy." But more importantly, Christmas is about God's Love and light. John 3:16 sums up the true meaning of Christmas,
God's ultimate gift to everyone His Son, the light of the world. God loved His creation so much that in order to redeem us from eternal death, which we so deserves, He sent His Son to be the substitute for us.

I don t care that some say that the first Christmas was not observed at the birth of Christ, that it originated back in Rome to honor Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, or some other theory that someone else might have come up with. To me, the first Christmas was the day that God sent light into the world.

I am glad that Sunday schools and churches put on pageants with the manger scene and the shepherds. What better way to teach a child about Christ and why He came to earth. I am glad that the authors of the Bible recorded that the humble shepherds celebrated on the night of Christ's birth, by leaving their sheep when the skies filled with light and the angels sang, and they went seeking for the Light of the world, Jesus The wise men began their search for the King that same night because they saw a light in the sky a star in the East.

Does it matter that the usual scenario is of the wise men at the inn with the shepherds in these pageants? Is it really giving the children the wrong idea? Of course we know that the wise men came on the scene much later. The child will learn to put things in their proper order as he grows up. I did. So let the Sunday schools put on their pageants, with the wonderful Christmas scene of the shepherds and the wise men worshipping Jesus.

I don't care that research has shown that we do not know the exact day of Christ's birth. It does not matter whether it was not December 25th or some other day of the year. What matters is: Christ, the LIGHT of the world was born. And that He lived--as a man; suffered--as a man; died a cruel death on the cross--as a man; and rose again on the third day--as God, triumphant over sin and death, our redeemer, our savior, our Lord.

I don't care if they tell me that the exchanging of gift idea did not originate with the gifts that the wise men took to the child Jesus. To me, gift giving, 'though enjoyable, is not important. God's ultimate Gift is. If people get pleasure and comfort from giving and receiving gifts, then let them carry on with it. To me it does not detract from the true meaning of Christmas.

I don't care what they say about the Christmas tree. To me that is not important. I have heard several opinions on this. Great that people get pleasure out of putting up and decorating a tree. It doesn't bother me a bit. In fact, if it uplifts someone from their humdrum existence, bringing light and giving them something to look forward to, at least once a year, let them put up a tree. To me this is not a distraction from the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps it even adds to it. Christ came as the Light of the world: so let the lights at Christmas help remind people of this. Christ died on a tree for our sins: so let the tree be a reminder of this.

New Words (LOL)

Words that should exist . . .
ACCORDIONATED (ah kor' de on ay tid) -- adj. Being able to drive and read a road map at the same time.

AQUADEXTROUS (ak wa deks' trus) -- adj. Possessing the ability to turn the bathtub faucet on and off with your toes.

AQUALIBRIUM (ak wa lib' re um) -- n. The point where the stream of drinking fountain water is at its perfect height, thus relieving the drinker from (a) having to suck the nozzle, or (b) squirting himself in the eye (or ear).

BURGACIDE (burg' uh side) -- n. When a hamburger can't take any more torture and hurls itself through the grill into the coals.

BUZZACKS (buz' aks) -- n. People in phone marts who walk around picking up display phones and listening for dial tones even when they know the phones are not connected.

CARPERPETUATION (kar' pur pet u a shun) -- n. The act, when vacuuming, of running over a string or a piece of lint at least a dozen times, reaching over and picking it up, examining it, then putting it back down to give the vacuum one more chance.

DIMP (dimp) -- n. A person who insults you in a cheap department store by asking, "Do you work here?"

DISCONFECT (dis kon fekt') -- v. To sterilize the piece of candy you dropped on the floor by blowing on it, somehow assuming this will `remove' all the germs.

ECNALUBMA (ek na lub' ma) -- n. A rescue vehicle which can only be seen in the rearview mirror.

EIFFELITES (eye' ful eyetz) -- n. Gangly people sitting in front of you at the movies who, no matter what direction you lean in, follow suit.

ELBONICS (el bon' iks) -- n. The actions of two people maneuvering for one armrest in a movie theater.

ELECELLERATION (el a cel er ay' shun) -- n. The mistaken notion that the more you press an elevator button the faster it will arrive.

FRUST (frust) -- n. The small line of debris that refuses to be swept onto the dust pan and keeps backing a person across the room until he finally decides to give up and sweep it under the rug.

LACTOMANGULATION (lak' to man gyu lay' shun) -- n. Manhandling the "open here" spout on a milk container so badly that one has to resort to the `illegal' side.

NEONPHANCY (ne on' fan see) -- n. A fluorescent light bulb struggling to come to life.

PEPPIER (pehp ee ay') -- n. The waiter at a fancy restaurant whose sole purpose seems to be walking around asking diners if they want ground pepper.

PETROPHOBIC (pet ro fob' ik) -- adj. One who is embarrassed to undress in front of a household pet.

PHONESIA (fo nee' zhuh) -- n. The affliction of dialing a phone number and forgetting whom you were calling just as they answer.

PUPKUS (pup' kus) -- n. The moist residue left on a window after a dog presses its nose to it.

TELECRASTINATION (tel e kras tin ay' shun) -- n. The act of always letting the phone ring at least twice before you pick it up, even when you're only six inches away.

Life

James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

Life by its very nature is a mixed bag.

-It hands us both beauty and tragedy, love and loss, pleasure and pain.

-What we do with it, however, is up to us.

-We can let it split us in two, or we can use even its hardest times to make our souls stronger and our hearts more loving.

-We can spend it complaining or we can use it to help others, share God’s love, and make Heaven smile.


 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12). 

Change

Romans 1:14-16 “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Change! Can you believe that one word can impact the world, open doors of ministry, and at the same time tear churches apart. Perhaps you have seen on TV in the past the commercials that advertise the city of Las Vegas. The ads seem to promote immorality by saying that “what happens here stays here.”

Unfortunately I believe that is what has been happening in the church today. Undeniably, we have seen some wonderful moves of God take place. The Holy Spirit’s gifts are in operation. Healing is taking place. Wonderful testimonies of God’s power have been shared. But are we living by the code, “what happens here stays here”?

 Don’t you know that the world is looking for the spiritual excitement that we are experiencing here? Don’t you know that many in this town have been in one church or another at some point in their lives and there was nothing to keep them there? Don’t you know that the Holy Spirit power that is evident in this church is enough to provide something lasting in the lives of those who have never found anything in any other church?

Romans 1:14-16 is part of a passage in which Paul writes of his desire to visit the church in Rome for the express purpose of sharing something with them. Verse 13 sets the stage for what Paul is about to say by saying these words, “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.”

-Obligated to change our mindset.
Romans 1:14 NIV “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and to the foolish.”

The word translated “obligated” in the NIV is “debtor” in the KJV. Paul’s recognition is that he has a responsibility as a Christian. In the context of the passage his responsibility is win the lost. Paul’s passion was for the lost. Obligation originates in the mind. As Christians we know that we have certain obligations. When we are saved our minds are changed. We see things from a different perspective – from God’s perspective. God’s perspective is that He desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. So our obligation is to do everything we can to affect that purpose.

Romans 12:2 says that it is the renewing of our minds transforms us. “Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

So the way we think should be in a constant state of change. We as the church must be obligated to changing our minds. Why-Because the word says so? No, but because we want to know God’s will. Now, how do we exercise our obligations? It is through the church. When our minds are in that continual state of renewal and change we will recognize that we are obligated to God through the church. We are obligated to God’s work in the church – which is what? – bringing the lost to Christ.

-Eager to have a change of Heart.
Verse 15 “That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you in Rome”.

The word translated “eager” means that Paul is predisposed to the task He is ready, but it includes an element of passion or fierceness. We already developed the idea of changing the way you think. Eagerness comes from the heart. Eagerness to win the lost involves having a heart transplant. Isn’t that the fulfillment of what the prophet Ezekiel said?

 “I will take away your hearts of stone and give you hearts of flesh.” Once we have changed our minds to the necessity of evangelizing, we have to be predisposed to it. Change your hearts. Solomon pronounced a blessing over the children of Israel when he said these words in 1 Kings 8:56-61:

 “Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other. But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”

-Having a change of Spirit.
Verse 16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

 I know a lot of people who are dedicated to a church.

 -One group is so dedicated to a particular church or denomination that it makes you stop and wonder if their salvation comes through Christ or through that church. They see their obligation to their church as the first and foremost priority. They may or may not have a true change of heart.

 -We see those who have an obvious change of heart but fail in their commitment to the church of Jesus Christ. “I don’t have to go to church to be saved!” is their battle cry. Not being committed takes away all obligations to the work of Christ. There’s no one to answer to. No spiritual authority over you. That’s where the danger is.

 -Personal evangelism is about winning people to Christ. There is no question about that. But Jesus didn’t simply tell us to go and witness. He said go and make disciples. You can have a change of mind and a change of heart, but if you are not truly changed in your spirit you can say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel…” and not really mean it. To Paul not being ashamed of the gospel meant being willing, and compelled in his spirit by the Spirit of God, to go! The word “ashamed” means disfigurement or disgrace. Paul is not disfigured or disgraced over the truth of God. He is willing to preach the gospel at any cost. In this case it meant his going to Rome as prisoner. If we are refusing to share the gospel because we don’t know how or for whatever reason, we need to get rid of that spirit and accept the spirit of power.

-Change is a difficult word. But change within the church can change the world. I want you to notice one thing that we haven’t discussed. I know we have power in the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but verse 16 tells us that the “gospel” is the power of God to salvation. The gospel message is simple. Point 1: Who Jesus Was! Point 2: What Jesus Did! It’s that simple.

 -Change your minds. Let God’s word dwell in you richly. See things from God’s perspective. Know that you need to share the gospel. Be obligated.

-Change your hearts. Remember how Jesus walked with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection? He shared with them how the word of God had foretold everything that would happen. He shared the gospel message with them. Luke 24:32 says, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Be eager.

-Change your spirits. The prophet Jeremiah got to the point that he thought it was useless to speak God’s word. Nobody listened. “But if I say, ‘I will not mention Him or speak anymore in His name, His word is like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot.” Be unashamed.