Christmas is upon us, and we're all getting ready for...what? Is there a purpose behind this preparation? Across America, and the world, has Christmas become just another reason to throw a seasonal party?

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I asked this very question to myself as I hung my wreath on my own front door. Why the wreath? Does this circular object have meaning, or is it just "pretty" and "fitting" at Christmas? And along with that, why the greenery and red ribbons that wrap around so many door frames, staircases, and mantles? I love the festive look, but is that it? When I asked these heart-questions, the Lord gently reminded me of a passage of Scripture:

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Each household is to take a lamb...your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old...the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the doorposts..." Exodus 12:3,5-7

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When my mind settled on these verses, the crimson red ribbons that accompany the evergreen boughs at Christmas became much more than mere traditional decor found on the shelf at Michael's. I suddenly felt a beautiful connection to the Israelites of old. Their Savior is my Savior. I have a Protector over my household as well. He has come, and He lives within. The greenery with red ribbon reminds me to bow my heart in humbled worship.

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Here's another thought: Could the circular wreath we hang on our doors represent God's matchless love that is complete because of the birth, death, and resurrection of His Son? In your mind's eye, trace your finger around a wreath from top, to bottom, to top while reading these all too familiar words:

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For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

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He came from heaven to earth to be with us, in order to bring us to heaven to be with him. The wreath proclaims eternal life all because of Immanuel!

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So as the world celebrates, does the world know why? When you look at your wreath and the greenery at your door or on your mantle, celebrate your Savior. May the red ribbon remind you of His crimson blood shed for you and your household! Rejoice! His entry into the world has purchased your entry into heaven. This is what the world needs to know. Yes, may our homes and our hearts and our voices sing together, "Joy to the world, the Lord has come!"

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I have two pictures that keep coming to my heart and mind this Christmas.

It's crazy how opposite they appear; yet, they both reflect one and the same story.

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The first picture is found in Ezekiel 1. When I was listening to this chapter on my Bible App earlier this year, the events in this scene "got me."

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To paraphrase (and it will only scratch the surface): the prophet Ezekiel is standing by a river when he has a vision of God. The heavens open up and there's a brilliance accompanied by a thunderous noise, along with supernatural beings bearing faces and wings. With all of this, there's a chariot with four gleaming wheels that all dart back and forth, moving in unison. This kinetic-radiance is a mere backdrop to what Ezekiel explained next:

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‍"And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire, and seated above the likeness of a throne, was the likeness with a human appearance...and there was a brightness around him...such was the appearance of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face..." Ezekiel 1:26, 28

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To fill in all the blanks with brilliant, word-for-word truth, please read ALL of Ezekiel 1!

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In contrast to this other-worldly picture, and because we're now in the full thrust of the Christmas season, I can't help but think of Luke 2 (another great read!).

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And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

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The great I AM in a lowly feeding trough.

The Light of the world wrapped in a blanket.

The Creator was willing to be cradled.

He emptied himself...he humbled himself...

to be WITH US.

There is no greater love!

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This Christmas, and then throughout the year, let's be awed by both

his glory and his grace,

his majesty and his mercy,

his light and his love.

The King of kings,

the Holy One,

the Humble One

has come.

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For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

"I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly,, and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isaiah 57:15

Have you ever wondered why we bring a tree into our house at Christmas time? I did a little reading on its more recent history and there certainly is a time and a place that the modern Christmas tree began...

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BUT... I also found something in antiquity (in the book of Leviticus of all places) that mentioned using tree foliage to decorate "houses." Listen to God's explicit instruction to Moses concerning the Israelite's yearly celebration, the Feast of Tabernacles:

You shall celebrate the feast of the Lord for seven days, with a rest on the first day and a rest on the eighth day. Now on the first day you shall take foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord... Leviticus 23:39-40.

The Israelites were to put all of these beautiful branches in and around their tent to signify His goodness to them as they wandered in the desert for forty years. He protected them, He provided for them, He was with them both day and night...

And now, do we not have even more reason to celebrate God with us?

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He dwelt among the Israelites in a tent; He dwells among us in our hearts through Jesus Christ.  

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He has brought light into our darkness, hope into our existence, Life into our soul.

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It is now our turn to decorate with meaning and rejoice before the Lord!

So yes, a tree is in my house! And it is adorned with lights and balls and berries and bows. For it represents the abundant Life I have found in my Savior. He became poor (think of the tree He died on, the old rugged cross), that I might become rich (the tree of Life!).  

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I am rich because my Wonderful Counselor, my Mighty God, my Eternal Father, my Prince of Peace has filled my hollow heart with love and joy and peace.  You see, it's not really about the tangible, temporary gifts under the tree, the gift is the Tree, the ever-green-abundant-life-giving Tree.

Rejoice, rejoice, again, I say rejoice.

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I challenge you to do two things this Christmas; actually, I think God does:

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One, like our ancient brothers and sisters, bring in the foliage of beautiful trees into your home. As you set your Christmas tree up in its prominent place, worship the goodness of your God-- because He is with us!

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And then two, go to the world, your world, and tell them why they have a tree in their house; keep this in mind, they are dying to know.

I have a collection of manger scenes, some small, some large, all unique. I love getting them out each year and finding a special spot for them. For some reason, as I have looked at these over the last couple of weeks, my eyes have been drawn to the manger bed that holds the Christ-child. How strange to focus in on something so seemingly unimportant. Why not concentrate more on the angels and their glorious singing? Or the wise men and the shining star? Or even Mary and Joseph in their wonderment? Hmmm, the manger bed? What’s the point?

And then, it hit me. We, each one of us, are that simple but unique vessel that cradles Christ. Just as Jesus was laid in the humble feeding trough 2000 years ago, He has poured Himself into our hearts through His Spirit today. This truth is the Good News that the angels sang about!  We, through faith in Him, have the opportunity to house His holiness. We are not the point, but we have the incredible privilege of holding the Answer to life so all can admire and  behold the Point: Jesus.

This Christmas, and then forward, consider the indescribable gift we have been given: the humbled privilege of cradling the King of kings. Hold Him securely for yourself, and then lift Him up for others so they can behold their Savior.

And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger (Luke 2:12).

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not ourselves (2 corinthians 4:7).

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As we are now in the thick of the holiday season, the propensity to be distracted by so many things increases by the day, so much so that we lose focus of the one thing we are celebrating (see Luke 10:41-42). Let’s face it, we are a frantic and frazzled people, all in the name of Christmas.

Today, I’m hoping to pull you back in with some pleasant and peaceful thoughts about the one thing we are celebrating, Jesus.

The first thought is the lead-in question: If you were asked to describe your core personality with two words, what would those words be? Wholesome and happy?  Calm and collected? Eager and excitable? Passionate and powerful? Think about this question for a while, and really answer it.

Now for the second thought, the main question: Do you know the two words that Jesus used to describe Himself? It’s found tucked into some of the most familiar verses that we know as believers:

Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  Mt. 11:28-29

Wow, Jesus, King of kings, called Himself…gentle. Jesus, Lord of lords, deemed Himself…humble.

The awesome paradox continues from Isaiah 9:6:

The Wonderful Counselor… left His holy throne room.
The Mighty God…was placed in a mother’s womb, and then into a feeding trough.
The Everlasting Father…walked the dusty streets of Jerusalem, and also washed feet.
The Prince of Peace…was smitten, stricken, and crowned with thorns.

This God-man emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant…and He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Phil. 2:7-8

So today, my friend, think of the one thing that’s important, especially during this season. As you hit the ground runnin’ with your feet, keep the gentle and humble One tucked in your heart. He is the One that we are celebrating. Sing Him a song or two: a song of worship as King of all creation, followed by a song of thanksgiving as Savior of the world.

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, “God with us.” Mt. 1:22

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When thinking of the age-old Christmas story, one of the most familiar portions of Scripture is when the angel greets the shepherds in the darkness of the night. This passage is read so repeatedly each year that the event becomes a common scene in our minds. But goodness, how uncommon this real-life event must have been! First, one angel, then, a host of angels suddenly appeared, proclaiming the promise that had been held behind a divinely closed curtain for thousands of years. Yes, the wait of the great reveal had been put on sovereign hold since Adam and Eve's exit from the garden.

God's people suffered much, but they held onto the hope of their future Messiah. Here is only one of the many promises:

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them...For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest of His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:2,6)

This particular promise came 700 years before the fulfillment of it. Here is a challenge for you and for me: at some time in the busyness of this celebratory holiday, let's take 7 uninterrupted minutes to sit quietly and...wait. Might I suggest to wait in the darkness of a silent night? While waiting, add faith, add hope, add love. His promise is for you too.

And now...join the shepherds. Put yourself there on the hillside with them:

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them...and said, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:9-14)

The long awaited suddenly happened. Jesus, the anticipated Promise, appeared. 

He is the only valid answer to this sometimes weary, sometimes confusing, sometimes sorrowful life. In Christ, you never have to wait without hope.

Good news, He is the answer to eternal life as well. One more time, there will be another long awaited suddenly. In the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet…we will be changed (1 Cor. 15:52).  

Until then and while waiting, take time to see His glory in the quietness of your Silent Night.

My friend and interior decorator Madelaine Singleton and I just got back from Mississippi and Florida where we presented the Christmas Wreath of Hope to a few local groups. Through Scripture, I told the purposeful meaning behind each decorative element that Madelaine used in her wreath demonstration. It was a pleasure to share this symbolic message. As we journeyed along together, we jokingly called ourselves the “Tell and Show” show.

My talk was packed with God’s word, and Madelaine’s teaching was detailed, but below are the 5 basic wreath instructions along with their truths. After reading, who knows, you might be inspired to hang a Wreath of Hope on your own front door!

1. Start with a GRAPEVINE WREATH. These barren branches represents our life without Christ. Jesus says, I am the vine you are the branches…apart from Me, you can do nothing. John 15:5

2. Add RED RIBBON. This ribbon represents the blood of Christ that He shed on our behalf, His life for ours. When John saw Jesus coming toward him, he cried out, Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

3. Insert GREENERY (from your yard or from Michael’s). The green branches represent the new life that Christ brings. He cares for us, and He grows us. Jesus said, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

4. Add RED BERRIES. These colorful berries represent the fruit that Christ followers bear from knowing and walking with Him each day. Jesus says, He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. John 15:5

5. Add TWINKLING LIGHTS. These small lights represent the hope of Christ that lives inside of us through His Spirit. Scripture says, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

The Wreath of Hope is now complete! However, let me mention that the circular shape even has meaning. The life we are living now is only half of the story; it is our “wilderness wandering” that Jesus graciously enters into to be with us. But the story is not over. Someday we will be WITH HIM, forever. Rest in this familiar promise, For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

This Christmas, make a wreath with your friends or with your children and share its meaning. We now have really good reason to decorate!

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Last Sunday, my pastor Rob Sweet, enlightened me to a new thought concerning an ancient title. He pulled apart this familiar Christmas passage:

And a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah9:6

Concerning the title, Prince of Peace, Rob explained that another term for Prince is Administrator, and then, another word for Peace is Wholesness; thus, the Prince of Peace becomes the Administrator of Wholeness. I like this thought. It gives me a new perspective on what Jesus wants to do for you and me. Our well-being is His concern.

We must understand from the start that His peace is not like the world's peace which tends to numb feelings or cover hurts with temporary fixes. No, His peace does the opposite, really. The Prince of Peace seeks to expose wounds and uncover hurts for the purpose of administering wholeness in our souls. Truly, only Christ, through His Spirit can touch us with this kind of healing.

And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:17-18

Will you let the Prince of Peace have your heart this Christmas? Remember, even in the manger bed, the Messiah had the cross set before Him for the purpose of making you whole. There, He bore all your sorrow and all your sin.He reconciled all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of the cross (Col. 1:20).Let Him have you, all your wounds, all your hurts, all your pain. Unveil your deepest longings as well as your most hidden sins to your Savior. This is why He came. He is able to administer peace that is beyond anything that this world could offer. Will you allow Him to do this for you?

This Christmas season, each day, say to Him in faith, "Prince of Peace, please come." 

Not too long ago, my parents and I made a long drive from my home in Nolensville, TN all the way to Houston, TX. To stay alert during the 12 hour journey, I changed radio stations often, picking up all kinds of music along the way. I was delighted when I came across Christmas music; it was the first time to hear the familiar tunes of the season. I found myself snappin' and tappin' down the highway, over the river and through the woods. However, the longer I listened to the merry melodies, the more I began to realize, no Christmas carols, not one. I waited and waited, but to no avail. All the familiar songs were tossed around: I'll be Home for Christmas, Frosty the Snowman,Jingle Bells, but there was no: O Holy Night, Joy to the World, or O Come All Ye Faithful. Wow, no Christmas Carols at Christmas time? I was taken off gaurd, eager to enter into the season in both fun-filled lyrics and worshipful song. After a while, I felt empty, and actually quite exhausted. (I think I heard Rockin' around the Christmas Tree too many times in too short a span. Too much rockin' for nothin'.)

I know taking Jesus out of the season is not a new idea; Christmas is being stripped down to a mere happy holiday, year by year.We've seen it happen in our school system, in our mainstream stores, and in our social settings. Jesus is pushed aside, yet the holiday hooplah carries on. I liken it to attending an exquisite wedding without the bride and groom, or throwing a huge graduation party without the graduate. When the guest of honor is absent, these events are reduced to a large crowd of meaningless amusement. So is Christmas without Christ.

Truth be known, I think we should not expect the non-believer to celebrate Christ during this season. Why would a secular company chose to bear His Name? Or why would a main-stream radio station proclaim His good news? Of course, it saddens me to see our Christian heritage becoming a thing of the past. And, I'm sure it grieves the Lord as well.

But, I think what might grieve God more is when we, the believer, diminish Him at Christmas. How? By getting caught up in the hustle and bustle and expense of the season, by spinning from one activity to the next, by making a list and checking it (more than!) twice, by being so full of the season that there is no room to let Him in. So Christian, let's not worry so much about the world and it's predictable behavior of diminishing the holy-days. Instead, let's look within:

First, look into your own heart. Take quiet reverential time to acknowledge Jesus; proclaim one of His many Names in praise; carry this Name with you all day long.
Second, acknowledge Jesus in your home; share this heartfelt Name (from your quiet time) with your spouse and with your children.
Third, acknowldege Jesus in your "world." Give this Name to your neighbor, your co-worker, or your friend.

Keep His Name pulsating through your heart, your home, and your world, day after day, all season long.Your small voice from a sincere heart of faith in Christ Jesus will ring louder than any half-hearted banner or any seasonal red cup. I am certain, as the "secular Merry Christmas sayings" fade away to nothing, the faith-filled voices will not stop singing; they will rise in triumph and in adoration, worshiping Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace… the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, the Lord of lords…the image of the invisible God…the head over all rule and authority…Immanuel, which translated means, "God with us". (Is. 9:6, I Tim. 6:15, Col. 1:15, Col. 2:10, Matt. 1:23)

Christian, as the world goes silent, 'tis the Season…to sing to the world.

Good Christian men, rejoice

With heart and soul and voice

Now ye hear of endless bliss

Joy!Joy!

Jesus Christ was born for this

He hath ope'd the heav'nly door

And man is blessed evermore

Christ was born for this 

Christ was born for this.

                                                                             (John Mason Neale, 19th century)

*3 Directional tools for you during this Christmas Season, located on the sidebar of my website:www.respitefortheweary.com:
1. Christmas Devotional: Who is this Jesus, and Why did He Come? (starts Dec. 1st)
2. Older Christmas posts: Celebrating Christmas
3. My new 365 day devotional book: The Heartbeat of God  

Every year at Christmas time I look forward to a few of my favorite things. It's what makes Christmas, Christmas. Here are three (of many) traditions that I cherish over the holiday season: love exchanged through Christmas cards, joy shared at family get-togethers, and peace given in quiet moments with my Savior. I think each of you can relate to one or all of these Christmas traditions.

I John 1:7

But have you ever thought why certain things are our favorites? What is the deeper root, or the  foundational rock of the different traditions at Christmas? Could it be that we are made in the image of God and that He is the originator of the beautiful things that we habitually do this time of year? I believe so… A long, long, long time ago, God spoke to the Israelites: These are the appointed feast of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies (Lev. 23:1). These feasts were to be celebrated every year, generation after generation. And all these feasts pointed to…Jesus. So, we humans are not the originator of traditions, or the author of Christmas for that matter! Perpetual acts of celebrating are a God-designed decree; and it pleases Him. He is the author of love and joy and peace and fellowship and family and faith.

    So over this next week, invite Him into a few of HIS favorite things. Dig deeper into these traditions and stretch your arms wider with His love that is ever present and that conquers all; then, hear Him rejoice over you with singing (Zeph 3:17).

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A holiday tradition in the Baxter home is for all of us to load up together in the truck and head toward the local Christmas tree lot. A tree is picked from the selection, put in the truck-bed, and then placed in the corner of our living room. All of this is done in cheerful merriment of the holidays. (Ok, not all of us are cheerful all of the time, but it sounded good).

Our tree stood bare for a night and a day before we decorated it this year. The evergreen branches have a stark beauty all on its own. But, of course, a Christmas tree is meant to be decorated! So, three of the six of us decorated it together last night. The other three in the family obviously had had enough merriment during the tree-selection process…bah-hum-bug.

As we decorated, I was reminded of a life lesson that I have taught my kids on different occasions. The lights and ornaments are inanimate, of course, but we can learn something from them. For example, these objects don’t “look” around and about themselves, wishing they were made differently. They just display their own unique creativity. Also, they don’t “fret” over their postition, wondering why “that ornament over on the other side of the tree gets to hang in a higher spot”. No, the lights and ornaments are content to contribute to the work of art as a whole; but at the same time, their individual spot on the tree is beautiful because of them. As I placed each unique ornament on the tree in it’s designated branch, I thought of how the Christmas tree is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ working together.

Just like the ornaments, we are each a beautiful creation. Both time and care were put into the manufacturing of the intricate items placed on the tree. Likewise, we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14).

And just like the ornaments, as well as the lights, we all have a place to rest, a place to display our beauty, a place to contribute to the whole design. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift…for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:7, 12).

So when you look at your tree this year, think of the body of Christ. You have a unique ability in sharing a universal purpose: to shine your light… and to display God’s glory. And you have a specific place in which to do it. Don’t wrestle, just rest. Hear your Creator and Positioner say, “You are precious in My sight…you are honored and I love you.” (Isaiah 43:4). Merry Christmas.

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The familiar line of the Christmas story goes....And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Jesus."
"Jesus who?"

When Joseph and Mary went knocking on the doors of the homes and inns of Bethlehem, they were shut out, one at a time. If these residents and inn owners had only known just Who it was they were pushing away, would things have played out differently?

For example, if Joseph had said about the soon-to-be-babe, "It's Jesus, Prince of Peace," would they have let the young desperate couple inside? And then, if they had entered for the night, I wonder if all guests inside the inn would have been invaded with a calm serenity like they had never experinced before.

Or, if Joseph had exclaimed about the coming-infant, "It's Jesus, Savior of the World," would some home-owner have quickly prepared Joseph and Mary a room? And then, would each individual there in that house have felt a lift in their spirit from their personal burdens, as well as a holy protection from evil and darkness?

Or, what if Mary desperately shouted in the streets about her expected child, "It's Jesus Immanuel--'God with us'!"? Would each one of the Bethlehem inn-keepers have turned their places inside-out in order to provide a place for God's presence to be within his establishment? If so, on that glorious night, would all the inhabitants have experienced life that is truly life? (I Timothy 6:19).

Sadly, these home-owners and inn-keepers were unaware of just Who was knocking at their door. But the good news is, we do know! The vital question is this: what are we going to do with Jesus, because He isknocking, and He doeswant in.

Let's not shut Him out any longer; let's allow Him into our individual hearts. And then, let's together, one by one, let Him back into our homes... let Him back into our schools... let Him back into our country. He is the Light of the World....and in Him there is no darkness at all. (I John 1:5). Why do we keep choosing darkness?

Hear His words, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (Rev. 3:20)

"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Jesus."
"Jesus who?"
"Jesus Prince of Peace, Savior and Protector, Light of the World... God with us. Can I come in?"

Here we are in the beginnings of the Christmas season, and I already feel surrounded by lots of the swirling and twirling activities that accompany the season. Every year, I have to keep my heart in check, and consciously choose to Whom or what I will give my devotion. (Devotion: love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or a cause.) Will I choose Jesus or will I choose the season?

I invite you to join me in reading the 25-day devotional, "Who is this Jesus and Why did He Come?". Each day, 5 defining verses are provided for you to "be still in" during the rush of the holy-days. This small booklet can be found on-line at www.respitefortheweary.com.

He is so much more than a baby in a manger! Find out this Christmas, that it's really not about our initial devotion to Him; rather, it's about His Christmas devotion to us...

For many years now, my heart has considered the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas as the "holy days." I have encouraged my children to be extra attentive during this season as well. I reminded them only a few nights ago that the Lord will be whispering something specifically to each of their hearts in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the season... so... be still... don't miss it.

God has something for you as well over His holiday. This "something" may be nestled in a phrase from a Christmas carol; it may be words from a sermon, or it might be a new thought from the age-old nativity story. Be still, hear Him.

As I traveled back from Mississippi over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Lord gave me "my something" this season. Through the first Christmas carols that were being played on the radio on the long ride home, my mind kept settling on one word: holy. One word, one gift to open. So I'm in the process of "gathering" this word from statements, from songs, and from Scripture. For example, I have jotted these things down:

A Statement-- Synonyms to holy are: set-apart, sinless, ordained, righteous, blessed.

A Song-- "O Holy Night" -- So according to the "like-minded" words above, the night of our dear Savior's birth was a set-apart night, a blessed night, an ordained night.

Another Song-- a line in "Silent Night" is: "holy infant so tender and mild." Yes, even as an infant, He was holy.

A Scripture-- Isaiah 6:1-3 says... I saw the Master sitting on a throne--high, exalted!--and the train of His robes filled the Temple. Angel-seraphs hovered above Him, each with six wings... and they called back and forth to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is God-of -the-Angel-Armies. His bright glory fills the whole earth." And this holy God is the King in the manger-bed? Were these same angels hovering...and singing back and forth to one another? And He lay there... for me?

And the gift grows each day, and I am awed.

What one word or phrase does He have for you this season? Peace, comfort, joy, love? We have so much to celebrate! He is not just one word, He is the Word. And He is not just packaged in one gift, He was wrapped in "swaddling clothes" as the Gift. Let's you and I enjoy Him throughout the Holy-days.

If you need daily guidance in your thoughts over the next several weeks, please refer to my website at www.respitefortheweary.com and view my new 25 day devotional Who is this Jesus and Why did He come? It is meant to direct you, and help you meditate on the Word...the Gift...Jesus.

On December 2nd just before lunch, I was racing to my first Christmas party--and I mean racing. I was the "set-up" lady for the celebration at my daughter's tutorial, and I was LATE. As I was I flying down highway 65, I felt much like Santa in his sleigh, especially because I had all the decorations in my back seat, one of which was a small bell on top of a Santa-hat that literally jingled all the way. Becoming aggravated at every slow-moving-vehicle in my path, as if they were to blame, I said to myself, "This is NOT how I want to spend my entire holiday--rushed, frazzled, and in a fix."

So, how do I keep from entering this whirlwind of frenzy, all in the "name of Christmas"? Because, undeniably, there are parties to attend, presents to purchase, homes to decorate, families to house. The answer came to me as I was sitting frustratingly still in a long line of traffic the day of my daughter's party. Through the lyrics of a Christmas song, the Lord spoke these two words, "Behold Him."

Hmm... behold Him... I have contemplated these words since my hectic car ride. In fact, I decided to look up the word behold in the dictionary. It means: to look at, see; especially something remarkable or impressive. If we were to divide this word, it would look something like this:

be-- exist; synonyms: have life, draw breath, arise, prevail

hold--grasp, carry, keep, remain secure, embrace.

I then investigated further and read the Christmas story located in Luke 1 and 2. Did you know "behold" is mentioned nine times in this passage? Indeed, something remarkable and impressive was happening; and Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, the angels, the shepherds, and Simeon, to name a few, were all drawing breath from it and carrying it in their hearts. They were beholding Him, Jesus, the Almighty, the all Holy One. Now the question is, am I?

In order to do this, I must first and foremost, sit still with Him. In this place of rest, He can speak wonder-full things to me, just like the true characters of the first Christmas story. I too, want to exist and then embrace the Saving One. But then, when I get up from this restful state and start running into the midst of all the Christmas cheer, I must pull my heart and mind away from the chaos and then intentionally choose to behold my Savior. So, as I drive, I will worship Him through beautiful songs. As I decorate, I will celebrate Him through meaning-filled expression. As I wrap, I will contemplate Him, the gift of Life nestled in swaddling clothes. And as I attend parties, I will take Him with me and share His love.

Breathe in, my friend, and behold Him this entire Christmas season and you will be bountifully blessed by the King of kings. He is worth every thought, and then some.

As you can tell from my previous three entries concerning Celebrating Christmas, I have "nestled myself into" the appointed feasts of the Lord found in Leviticus 23. Once again, another feast, the Firstfruits Feast, (say that seven times real fast!), caught my wondering heart and mind. Listen to these words of instruction concerning this Israelite celebration:

When you enter the land which I am going to give you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord for you to be accepted. Leviticus 23:9

A sheaf is a bundle; so the priest would take a bundle of the first of the harvest, barley in this case, and lift it high into the air, all the while praising and thanking God for His provision to His people.

Listen now to this part of the first Christmas story:

And when the days for their purification were completed they (Mary and Joseph) brought Him (Jesus) up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord...and behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And when the parents bought in the child Jesus...Simeon took Him into his arms, and blessed God. Luke 2:22-28

Simeon the priest knew the instant Mary and Joseph entered the temple that they were carrying with them the long-awaited Messiah, Savior of Israel (and of the world). He humbly took their first-born Son, the fruit of her womb, and raised Him high into the air, praising and thanking God. Yes, this bundle was of another kind than the days of old. This bundle was the fullfilment of all the other wave offerings that had come before. This bundle was the final firstfruit so that we may be accepted. This bundle was the best of the best, the holy of holies, the perfect blessing--Jesus, high and lifted up, for you and for me. And now ponder all that He has given us in the Spirit:

But the fruit of His Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galations 5:22

I encourage you to bring visual reminders into your homes concerning God's final wave offering, His own Son. Whether it's earthy grains tied with a beautiful bow, or fresh fruit and berries sitting in a glass bowl, let these things created by Him cause you to worship Him with praise and thanksgiving. He gives and keeps giving, just like the harvest.

I love my Bundle of Blessing. And He will be high and lifted up in my heart this Christmas season.

Yes, thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! II Corinthians 9:15

One of the God-appointed feasts in the Israelite's day was called the Feast of Trumpets. How interesting--trumpets. I decided to dig a little deeper to find out more about this musical instrument. First of all, God loves trumpets! In fact, I'm wondering if these are His favorite instruments. (Remember, when He comes back for us on the last day, the trumpet of God will be blown for all the world to hear!) In Biblical times, this magnificent sound was used:

-to signify the first day of the month and at the beginning of feasts

-to assemble the Israelites when moving throughout the wilderness

-to lead the Israelite army into battle

-and to announce extraordinary events

Extraordinary events? Wouldn't you agree that the night that the Messiah was born was the most extraordinary event in all of human and heavenly history up to this point in time? The Creator of the universe in a feeding trough? The bliss of heaven sleeping in a bed of hay? Yes, extraordinary. Let's re-visit that holy night, that night divine:

...There were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flocks by night...and suddenly an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them...and the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."...and suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God...(Luke 2:8-13).

Indeed, the angelic trumpet section was on that night, with full range and projection! If I could have been anywhere in the first Christmas celebration, that's where I would have been--to hear the angels play and dance and sing--to feast my eyes and ears on the resounding praise concerning the wonders of His love. The only response would have been to fall on my knees. But then, I would have gotten up and run in haste with those lowly shepherds to find the newborn King--the King of kings, the Lord of lords!

But, I was not there; I (and you) are here, today...

Dear friends, it's now our generation's turn to make a joyful noise! O come let us adore Him! Praise Him with your Christmas carols--praise Him with your ipods, praise Him with your CD's. Praise Him with your musical instruments, praise Him with your merry dancing--praise Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Yes, O come all ye faithful, and sing to the world:

Immanuel, God with us. Your joyful noise is sweet to your Savior's ears, and to your neighbor's hearts.