Merry Christmas!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”[Isaiah 9:6-7]

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-5, 14]

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

To all my faithful followers,
I cannot thank you enough for taking this faith journey with me. Your emails, comments, retweets, and Facebook messages have blessed me tremendously this year. I love how the Lord uses what He is teaching me to bless others along the way.
I pray you have someone special to spend Christmas with this year. I know no matter where you are, you’re not alone. The Lord is by your side. I plan to take the week of Christmas off to focus on the Lord and my family. I pray you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ll meet you back here in 2012.
Blessings,
Susan

Give The Gift of Christmas!

Do you have someone hard to shop for on your Christmas list this year? You know the person I’m talking about; the one who is extremely picky, so no matter what you buy, it won’t be the right color, the right size, or right fit. Maybe it’s the person who has everything so finding something unique and special is almost impossible. It can be frustrating.
There is one gift you can give to anyone and everyone on your list. It always fits. It’s always the right size and it never goes out of style. It’s the first gift of Christmas…JESUS! There is nothing in the world that will bless your friends and family as much as Jesus. He came to meet our every need (not want).
Isaiah 61:1-3 tells us He came “To bring good news to the afflicted… to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
This Christmas season, whether you choose to exchange material gifts or not, be sure to give Jesus to all you meet. He is the answer to their question, the solution to their problem, the way, the truth and the life [John 14;6]. You give Him in the words you speak and the deeds you do. You give Him in the smile you pass on to those you pass by. You give Him when you pause to pray with one who looks like they’ve lost all hope. There are endless ways to wrap Jesus and give Him to others. Jesus is Christmas, so this year give Christmas away.
Merry Christmas to you all!

How far are you willing to travel?

How far would you travel for Jesus? Would you be willing to travel eight hundred miles to see Him or is that out of the question? It is estimated the Magi traveled eight hundred miles to see the Christ child. They took this trip on camels [Matthew 2:1-12]. The thought of riding on a camel for over eight hundred miles over the course of two years with nothing to guide you but a star couldn’t be easy. It took dedication. It took determination. And they were willing? Are you?
How far would you travel to share Jesus? There are people who travel all over the world on short term mission trips and to be long term missionaries to share the Gospel. They recognize the power of Romans 10:14-15 “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Are you willing to put your life on hold for a season or even a couple of weeks to take the Gospel to a foreign land? [Isaiah 6:8]. Or are you willing to sacrifice a Starbucks or two to send another to share the Gospel? Would you hold off on buying a new car for a season so you can support a missionary for that season instead? 
How far would you travel for Jesus? Would you be willing to cross the street to invite a neighbor to dinner? Would you be willing to take a dinner to that single mother around the corner? Would you be willing to teach the young boy without a father how to throw a baseball? Matthew 25:40 says "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me."
This Christmas season we are reminded Jesus traveled from heaven to earth for you and me [John 3:16]. How far are you willing to go for Him?

Then God stepped in...

Have you been contending for something without seeing results? You’ve done all you know to do and you’ve cried out to the Lord asking for His intervention and nothing appears to change. Don’t give up. God hasn’t forgotten you, even if it feels like it [Joshua 1:5].
Sometimes our answers come quickly, while we’re still praying [Daniel 9:23]. Other times we are left waiting and wondering. We know the Lord will not leave us nor forsake us [Deuteronomy 31:6, 8]. When we find ourselves in a season of contending without a change in our situation, we can find our peace in the goodness of God [2 Chronicles 6:41].
Elizabeth and Zechariah had prayed for years on end for a child, yet she was barren. She was “well along in years” as her husband gently put it in Luke 1:18. Everything looked helpless, and then God stepped in and everything changed. An old woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son, but not just any son. One who “will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will never take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of righteousness- to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” [Luke 1:15-17].
When God answers He brings “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” [Ephesians 3:20]. We don’t always understand His ways or His timing in situations, but we can trust Him [Psalm 62:8, Psalm 115:11, Isaiah 55:8 and Romans 15:13].
Is there a situation in your life you need God to step into? Cry out to Him. He will answer you, it just might come wrapped differently than you expect.

What is in a name?

What is in a name? Shakespeare had Juliet ask this very question in Romeo and Juliet. Her response to her own question was “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
In our culture, names are typically chosen by going through a baby book while you’re expecting your child. Some people will use a family name or a name of someone who has had a major impact on their life. Then there are those in Hollywood who come up with names that make you wonder if any thought at all went into the selection or if they just happened to be having breakfast while choosing a baby name. Let's face it, Apple or Coco will become the subject of ridicule at some point in life, probably on the playground.
In Biblical times, names carried meaning. When we read through the scriptures, we tend to gloss over names, especially if they are hard to pronounce; however, God wastes nothing. If He went to the trouble to have the name recorded in the scriptures, we need to recognize there was a reason. He let us in on something by including the names.
The Christmas story is recorded in the beginning of the book of Luke. Before we get to the birth of Christ, we read the prophesy of John followed by his birth. Luke 1:5 says “In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.” By looking at the names in this verse, we can uncover a deeper understanding of what God was saying to us.
Most of us know Herod was part of the royal family. He was the king of Judea and known to be less than kind. Zechariah means “remembered of Jehovah.” For one who had longed for a child of his own, it was important for Zechariah to know he was remembered by God. He prayed and prayed for a child, yet in his old age he remained childless. His name alone was a source of strength.
Next we come upon the name Abijah, who was in Zechariah’s family line. Zechariah gained his heritage from his family line. Abijah means “my father is Jehovah.” That’s pretty awesome. Zechariah came from a line of people who were the children of Jehovah. He waited on God to remember him and his prayer for a child and now we know he could wait in peace because he had the favor of God. He was Jehovah's child. I don't know about you, but I'm partial to my children.
Following this long introduction of who Zechariah is, we read of the birth of his son, John. God didn’t just answer his prayer for a child, but he gave him a son, which in that day was big stuff. It was better than winning the lottery.
As you read through the scriptures, try not to gloss over the names mentioned. Research them. God may be trying to teach you something about the time period, the people or even yourself. As Christians, we, like Zechariah, are children of God. He remembers us when we pray. His favor rests upon us simply because we’re His. Don’t give up when you pray for something, even when you’ve been contending for a long time. God hears you and He will respond. You won't always get what you want, but He will always give you what you need. When you come before the Throne of Glory, remember who you are!

Do you know who He is?

What songs take you back to your childhood at Christmas time? Is it Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer or Frosty or is it another carol? For me it is the old gospel song “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” which was always sung by our minister of music, Rob Rollins. He has the most amazing voice and as he sang the line “we didn’t know who you was” the reality would always hit me that we still don’t. No matter how much we know the Lord, no matter how long we’ve been walking with Him, there will always be more to learn about Him. We can always go deeper.
Jeremiah 33:3 says “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” There is so much for us to know and the best teacher is Jesus Himself. As you seek to know Him more, pause and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. In John 17:3 Jesus prayed to the Father about His followers and He said “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” The desire of His heart isn’t for us to secure our ticket into heaven, but for us to have a deep and abiding relationship with Him, which is the result of time invested on a regular basis [John 17:11].
This week as you focus on baby Jesus, seek to know the man, Jesus, so when you come face to face with Him in heaven you won’t have to say you didn’t know who He was.

Do you have room for Him?

Do you have a situation you’re expecting God to show up in? Do you have in mind what it would look like if He did arrive on the scene? Would He ride in on a white horse like prince charming and rescue the day or would He simply walk into the room and speak causing things to shift? Could He show up in an unexpected way, a way that doesn’t look like God and still meet your deepest need? Certainly He could. He’s God!
Too many times we determine how God should move or what He should do in our given situation to rescue us, provide for us, speak to us or guide us.
Over two thousand years ago, God came on the scene in the most unpredictable way. Who would have ever imagined God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Almighty King of kings and Lord of lords would enter creation as a helpless baby? In Luke 2:6-7 we read “While they were there, the time came for the Baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
God reminds us in Isaiah 55:8 His thoughts are not our thoughts nor are His ways our ways. God knows what He’s doing. He’s not in heaven just winging it. He has a plan and all is going according to plan, even when it may not appear to be. He could have had Christ born in a palace with a team of doctors and servants standing by to assist. He chose to bring Jesus into the world in a stable with only the animals witnessing His birth. He had His reasons, even if we don’t understand them.
Just because things aren’t going the way you’d like them to go doesn’t mean God has checked out of the situation and abandoned you. In fact, it is most likely the complete opposite. He works in mysterious ways and if we will trust Him and make room for Him in our life situations, believing He knows best, we’ll eventually see His fingerprints. Are you willing? Do you have room for Him?

He's got this!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re wondering where God is? Based on the circumstances you’re facing, He appears to have taken a vacation. We know there is nothing farther from the truth. God promises over and over in His Word that He’s there for us [Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, and Joshua 1:5]. He said He will be there when we cry out to Him [Jeremiah 33:3].
So if we know He is with us, do we believe He is able to intervene on our behalf? In Isaiah 50:2 God is speaking. He says “Was my arm too short to deliver you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you?” The obvious answer is “NO!” There is nothing impossible for God [Luke 1:37]. In fact, Matthew 19:26 says “with God all things are possible.”
He created the heavens and the earth [Genesis 1:1]. Everything that is, He created. Therefore, everything is subject to Him. God trumps circumstances! No matter what your situation or how bleak things look when, you factor God in His peace falls upon you [John 14:27].
What is your situation? What are your circumstances telling you? Don’t stop there or distress and despair will settle in. Go one step further… What is GOD telling you? My current favorite verse (I have different ones all the time depending on what I’m going through) is 1 Thessalonians 5:24: The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. God is faithful. "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" [2 Corinthians 9:8, emphasis mine]. What do you need to trust Him with today?

What we have is an opportunity!

Don’t you hate it when things go wrong? You pour yourself into something and then the wheels fall off the bus? Do you get frustrated when this happens? In college I worked with a guy named Guy. When problems would arise causing others to get frustrated, he would reply “We don’t have a problem here, what we have is an opportunity!” He was a little quirky but his positive outlook on things caught on and defused bad situations and caused people to look for positive outcomes instead of give up hope.
In January of 1819, an organ repairman traveled to St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf to repair the church organ. While he was there, the priest and the organist taught him a song they had recently written. The organ broke just before Christmas. How could they celebrate Christmas without music? In an attempt to have some type of music for the church to enjoy for Christmas, these men wrote eighteen short and simple lines and set them to music for two voices, the choir and the guitar. This is how the most popular Christmas carol of all time, Silent Night, came to be. If the organ had been repaired prior to Christmas, one of the world’s favorite carols of the season may not have been written and sung for almost two hundred years.
Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” What appears to be a problem in your life right now? Are you willing to place it in the hands of God to see what He does with it? When you do, it is no longer a problem, but an opportunity.

Never Hidden!

Do you have a favorite hiding place for Christmas presents? A place that is secure from the snoopers in your household? My husband has hidden gifts in the exact same place since we got married- under the guest room bed. I know this, not because I’ve snooped and found anything, but because after the holidays the vacuum cleaner invariably picks up shopping bags when I vacuum the guess room. Personally, I prefer to be surprised. As I’ve said, for twenty years now he has used the same hiding place and I have never snooped, not once.
There is one Christmas present that wasn’t hidden. It was delivered and announced to one and all. It was the first gift of Christmas- Jesus. The birth of the Christ-child fulfilled countless prophesies about the birth of the Messiah [Micah 5:2, Daniel 9:25, Isaiah 7:14, Psalm 72:9, Isaiah 60:3 and Hosea 11:1]. It was announced to shepherds in the field so they could witness and proclaim it [Luke 2:8-15]. And He is available to the entire world [John 3:16].
It’s Christmastime. What are you waiting for? Your present is present. Why not take a moment to get familiar with Him?

Light up the darkness.

Are you troubled by some of the things you see going on in our world today? It appears darkness is taking over. If we didn’t have the Word of God filled with promises, it would be easy to settle into despair.
In Ephesians 5:11 Paul says “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” How are we to expose deeds of darkness? After all, what can one person do?
One person with Jesus is a majority. When we fail to be intimidated by the size of the obstacles we face, the Lord can use us to accomplish great things.
In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus says “You are the light of the world.” He tells us not to hide our light, but to showcase it. Wherever we go, darkness is dispelled as the light of Christ shows up. Have you ever been in a really dark room before and lit a single candle. It is amazing how one little flame can light up and entire room. Darkness no longer remains. The same happens when we enter into a situation. We carry Christ with us. When Christ is factored into a situation things change.
What situation looks impossible to you now where you feel one person couldn’t possibly make a difference? What if that one person was Jesus? Do you think He could change things? Ask Him what He would have you to do in the situation? You might be called to pray and nothing more. Don’t be discouraged. Prayer changes things. You might be called to act. Whatever you’re called to do, you can trust you aren’t doing it alone [Deuteronomy 31:6, 8].
Its mighty dark in this world, but you can help change it by living out Matthew 5:16. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

What do candy canes and Christ have in common?

Do you like to eat candy canes? I’ve always been a fan, because I love just about anything peppermint. I love making the peppermint chocolate bark, I love peppermint tea, peppermint hot chocolate, and peppermint candy.
When you look at a candy cane, you instantly think of Christmas. Years ago, someone penned a children’s book, The Legend of the Candy Cane, explaining how the candy cane points to the real meaning of Christmas. The candy cane dates back to 1670, when a choir director at Cologne Cathedral in Germany molded a sugar stick into the shape of a shepherd’s staff. At the time the candy sticks were all white and given out to children during the traditional nativity service to pacify them during the long services. The adding of the stripes and the peppermint flavor didn’t occur until the early 1900 in America. In the 1950s candy canes began being produced by machines rather than by the time consuming handmade process.
While the candy cane wasn’t necessarily produced to reflect Christ, through the years the different features of the candy cane have come to represent Jesus. It is said the candy cane represents a shepherd’s staff because Jesus is the Good Shepherd [John 10:11]. If you turn the candy stick upside down, it is in the shape of a “J” for Jesus [Matthew 1:21]. The three stripes of red on the candy cane are said to have two meanings. One says they represent the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit [Matthew 28:19]. Another references Isaiah 53:5 that says “By His stripes we are healed.” The red stripes are symbolic of the blood of Christ that was shed for our sins [Hebrews 9:14]. The white represents the purity of Christ and the purity He offers to all who believe [Isaiah 1:18].
This Christmas when you see a candy cane, may it serve as a reminder of the One who loved you enough to peel back the curtain of heaven and come down to set you free so you could be with Him eternally [John 3:16, Hebrews 9:15]. While you’re at it, why not give away some candy canes this Christmas season and take a moment to share what they represent. Consider them the evangelism tool of Christmas.

Are you familiar with the song The Twelve Days of Christmas? It is a rather lengthy Christmas carol listing a variety of gifts someone gives to a loved one for Christmas. While the items listed in the song seem bizarre to us today, they were common in the time the song was written; however, they were actually code for spreading the Gospel from one generation to another.
There was a time when Roman Catholics were not allowed to share their faith in England. From 1558-1828 they were forbidden to openly practice their religion. Wanting to pass their faith on from generation to generation called for creativity on their part. Under the guise of a song, believers were able to share their faith with another.
What would your life be like if you couldn’t openly celebrate your faith? Would you choose to believe what you believe and keep quiet or would you share your faith no matter the cost?
Many believers around the globe are faced with this decision today. We are very fortunate to live in a country where we can openly profess our faith in Jesus Christ and share that with our friends and family. It would be a tragedy not to take advantage of the opportunity while we have the freedom to share our faith.
Acts 1:8 says we will be Christ’s witnesses across the world. Matthew 28:18-20 commissions us all to take the Gospel to the nations. What creative ways are you implementing to share the truth of Jesus Christ with those you encounter? You may not write a clever song to share the message, but you have been called to share it nonetheless. There is no time like the present. Who will you give Jesus to today?

The Song's Hidden definition:
My True Love= God
Me= The Christian
Partridge in a pear tree= Jesus
Two Turtle Doves= Old and New Testament
Three French Hens= Faith, Hope, and Love
Four Calling Birds= Four Gospels
Five Golden Rings= First Five Books of the Bible
Six Geese A-laying= Six Days of Creation
Seven Swans A-Swimming= Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Eight Maids A-Milking= The Beatitudes
Nine Ladies Dancing= Nine Fruits of the Spirit
Ten Lords A-Leaping= Ten Commandments
Eleven Pipers Piping= Eleven Faithful Disciples
Twelve Drummers Drumming= Twelve Points of the Apostles Creed

You're able. Are you willing?

What are your grammar pet peeves? My biggest one to date is the inappropriate use of the word “myself” by countless people who should know better. I’ve heard educators, writers, public speakers, politicians, radio celebrities, pastors, and every other walk of life use the word “myself” when they should use “me” or “I” in its place.
Another grammar pet peeve I have is the inappropriate use of the word “can” in place of the word “may.” When I taught school, I would bust my students on this all the time. They would approach me and ask “Can I go to the bathroom?” My response was always the same: “I don’t know, can you?” Can asks “do I have the ability” and may asks “do I have permission?” [Now that I’ve spouted off both of these, you’ll catch me doing one or the other and there I’ll be with egg on my face. Just for the record, if you do catch me implementing either of this grammar mistakes, please call me out.]
When you recognize the word “may” relates to permission verses ability, some scriptures jump off of the page as you read them. Ephesians 1:17-19 says “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Paul asks the Father for permission rather than ability. We were all created with the ability to have wisdom and revelation to know God. We were created with the ability to know Him.
We will not gain that understanding by accident or without assistance. We need the Spirit’s help. When we ask permission from the Holy Spirit to know the Lord more, He opens our hearts, our minds, and our spirits to know Him. That’s a beautiful thing.
No longer do we have to sit by and look at the great men and women of the faith, like Billy Graham and Mother Theresa, and wish we could have what they have. We can, if we’re willing to seek it. Are you willing?

The coming of the Christ-child...

Does your family have an Advent calendar in your home during the Christmas season? The word Advent means “coming.” Advent is a time when we celebrate the coming of the Christ-child. There are many ways to celebrate Advent. Books and calendars are readily available with Scripture readings and stories about the coming of Christ. Many churches celebrate Advent by lighting a candle and reading a specific Scripture of the coming of Christ. Another way we celebrate Advent is by gathering together with friends and family and singing carols of the coming of Christ.
A popular carol, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, is a song of Advent. The song speaks of some of the names of Christ, the first being Emmanuel, God with us [Matthew 1:23]. Next the Lord is referred to as the Rod of Jesse. Christ came through the line of David, who was the son of Jesse [1 Samuel 1:16, Isaiah 11:1, Matthew 1:6, 16]. Christ is also called Day-Spring, “the dawn of the approaching eternal day” [Luke 1:78]. Finally, He is called the Key of David. Jesus is the key to eternal life. By coming to earth and dying on a cross for our sins, He unlocked eternity for us all [Isaiah 22:22].
As you celebrate the season of Advent, take time to meditate on the words of the carols of the season. They have been passed down from generation to generation and survived the test of time, because they carry the Gospel message and sing praises to the King we all anticipate.
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

What are you holding onto?

Do you consider a half-truth a lie? Is partial truth enough for you or will you only accept the whole truth? In a court of law, partial truth isn’t enough. In fact, when you take the witness stand in a court of law you are asked to raise your right hand and take the following oath: “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” Half-truths hold no value.
Today some people look at scripture as a suggestion or guideline rather than a standard to live by. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” He Himself is truth [John 14:6]. John 1:14 says “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Therefore, Jesus is the Word and the Word is truth. The Bible is truth, period. We have to accept it's all true or none of it is true. We can’t pick and choose which part of it is true and applicable to our lives today and what isn’t. If so, what would the standard be for making the choice? Who would determine what we take and what we throw away?
There are religions today that profess they believe in the Bible; however, they only believe their version of it, which isn’t the Bible because it has either had portions of the Word removed, doctored, or they’ve added to it. Revelation 22:18 says we aren’t to adjust the Word of God or the Lord will deal with us harshly. It isn’t a first draft that needs editing. It’s the real deal. As Charles Sineath likes to say “God said it; I believe it; that settles it!”
Galatians 1:7-8 says “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” We aren’t to buy into the distorted versions of the Bible or the Gospel. They are only half-truths at best.
In 2 Corinthians 11:3 Paul warns believers: “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” We must cling to the full counsel of the Word of God and sift what we hear through it to determine if it is truth. It is the only way we can protect ourselves from the enemy’s deception.
In John 8:8:31-32 Jesus told the disciples: “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." What are you holding onto today?

Jesus is the reason...........

Do you enjoy listening to the old Negro spirituals? They stem from songs sung by slaves about their dependence on the Lord. I think my favorite has to be Amazing Grace, however a familiar Christmas tune is from this genre. Go Tell It On The Mountain was based on the tune of the old spiritual “When I Was A Seeker.” The words to Go Tell It On The Mountain were penned in 1907 by John Wesley Work, Jr. The song calls believers to tell everyone everywhere about Jesus. It is the song version of the Great Commission [Matthew 18:18-20].
Believers hold the gift of life in their hearts and we’re called to share it with all we encounter [John 14:6]. It is not a suggestion rather a command. You’ve heard it said “Good news travels.” There is no better news than the new of Jesus. It is referred to in scripture as the Good News.
Psalm 145:4 says “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts." Acts 1:8 says “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." We are to tell any and all we encounter, offering them the opportunity to know the Christ-child as Lord and Savior.
Go tell it…whether you’re on a mountain top or standing on the shore. There is no better news that Jesus. He isn’t just the reason for the season. He’s the reason for everything!

We Three Kings

Do you like singing Christmas carols? Caroling was always a family favorite growing up. We’d make huge pots of hot chocolate and chili and everyone would come over. Daddy would build a raging fire in the fireplace and Mom kept the oven working overtime baking cookies. Everyone would gather for dinner and then we’d bundle up and head out to spread our holiday cheer throughout the neighborhood while Mom kept the fire going and the hot chocolate simmering.
We Three Kings was a popular carol we’d sing and then we would debate whether there were really three kings or not. The story of the of the Magi is found in Matthew 2:1-12. Matthew 2:1-2 state “Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’” Nowhere does it specify the number of Magi present. It only indicates Magi came and they came from the east. Because of the word “we” in verse two we know there was more than one. It has been assumed there were three based on the number of gifts presented to Jesus when the Magi found Him [Matthew 2:11].
They presented Him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. Each of the three gifts was quite valuable and some scholars believe these items financed the holy family’s quick escape to Egypt [Matthew 2:13-23]. The three gifts were also very prophetic in nature, symbolizing who and what the child, Jesus, would be.
Gold was the treasure of kings and Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. “The burning of frankincense was an important part of ancient Israel’s worship of God. This gift indicated that the child, Jesus was God.” Myrrh is a spice that was used to embalm the dead, which is suggested to point to Christ’s death of the cross as the Savior for all.
We Three Kings was written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. [1820-1891]. This Christmas when you sing or hear the popular carol, keep in mind the King it is about and raise your voice in agreement with the final verse fixing your eyes on the bright Morning Star.
Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, alleluia!
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