Gift or Giver

By Peggy Kleckner

“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all-how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

Romans 8:32 (NIV)

The Christmas season always seems to bring reflection of previous Christmas seasons. I found myself smiling the other day as I recalled one particular gift opening at a family gathering.

Two of our sons were in their teens and each had received a gift from their aunt and uncle. One opened the gift and found a tootsie roll bank. Out of obligation and good manners, he graciously thanked them for the gift and laid it aside. The other son opened his gift, found a tootsie roll bank and knowing the character of this aunt and uncle proceeded to open the bank, dump out the candy and found in the midst a gift card… the true gift. He found the treasure hidden. He knew to look because he knew who had given him the gift.

Though the second son at first offered to take the bank from his brother, he did eventually tell him to look past the appearance of the gift and dump out its contents!

How did one know to look beyond what he saw on the outside? He simply refused to believe that the giver would give so little because in the past they had given much more. He wasn’t going to believe that there wasn’t more until he poured it all out and searched it all completely.

Sometimes life looks difficult and my way seems strewn with hardship or pain, as if nothing good could possibly be in it. In those times, I try and remember this lesson. I am willing to search it for the good that the Giver of all good gifts has tucked away in it. I look for the hidden treasure because I have come to know and trust God’s character.

Too often, we settle for so much less because we won’t look past what we see with our physical eyes. We won’t believe bigger and dig deeper. We trust our eyes and not His heart.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Where are you settling for less than all He wants to give you because you won’t go back and dump out the contents of your life and look for the true gift?

2. Who do you need to tell about the hidden treasure you have already found?

FURTHER READING:

James 1:17; Psalm 145:8; John 3:16

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield.

Light of the World

By Jeannine Sawall

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

John 12:46 (NIV)

Christmas is undoubtedly my favorite season. It’s not because of the gifts or shopping, parties or plans, but because of the lights. Everywhere you look, there is the added sparkle of Christmas lights. Candles burn on mantles, icicle lights shimmer in the snow, ornaments reflect a thousand points of light as they dangle off the Christmas tree, even the heavens seem to declare the glory of that Silent Night with crisp, clear skies alight with the twinkling of millions of stars. Darkness is dispelled as the world is aglow in shiny celebration of the season.

And as the world celebrated Christmas by displaying the glow and shimmer of all kinds of lights, God celebrated by sending Jesus, the Light of the Word. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). Jesus is the Light who shines in the darkness that is too often life.

In the midst of our Christmas celebrations, we may have found ourselves dealing with the pain, fear, and despair that life sometimes brings. Jesus lights up our lives with love and hope. When we find that we’ve lost our way or are stumbling around in the darkness, Jesus’ light provides an open path to follow. If we feel overwhelmed and can’t see straight, the Light of the World illuminates our situation so we can gain a better perspective. Maybe the busy-ness of all that occurred this season has obscured your vision, and you can’t see past the long list of things you didn’t quite finish or still need to do before everything is packed away. Allow Jesus to clear your vision and see the real reason you celebrate once again. Jesus’ light, the ultimate Christmas light, shines forever, leading the world out of darkness and into life with God.

As this holiday season draws to a close, as you enjoy the many Christmas lights still shining in the darkness, take a moment and reflect on Jesus, the real Light of Christmas. Allow the glory of His coming to clear your head of all the distractions and busy-ness that take your focus off Jesus, and bask in the glow of His love and care for you. He has come so that we would no longer be in darkness, but alive in the Light of His wonderful glory and grace. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Is there a situation in your life that makes you feel as if you are in a place of darkness? How might His light offer hope to you in this area?

2. Has the busy-ness of this past season caused you to lose focus? Allow the Light of the World to clear your vision and begin to celebrate Him!

FOR FURTHER READING:

John 8:12, 9:5; Matthew 5:14-15

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine is actively involved in ministry to those walking through grief.

In Context

By Lisa Boyer

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

In recent years, I don’t believe I’ve quoted any verse more often than Jeremiah 29:11. I love that verse and I love to share it with those in need of encouragement about their future. But I must confess, as often as I had quoted it, I hadn’t studied the verse in context. I hadn’t asked the critical questions like who was this verse written to? Was it to Jeremiah? If it was spoken by the Lord to Jeremiah, was it because he was special? Can it be applied to us universally today?

It’s not that I didn’t want to accurately apply the word of God - - I did - - but I had failed to remember to look it up. Several years ago, I opened my daily reading Bible to find Jeremiah 29:1-30:24 as the day’s passage! I devoured the Word, considered its context and fell in love with the verse even more!

It wasn’t written to Jeremiah because he was special. In fact, it wasn’t written to him at all! It was written to the children of Israel who were in captivity in Babylon. And Jeremiah 29:11 was just the beginning, with wonderful promises following it: “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity” (Jeremiah 29:12-14b).

We’ve all been held captive by sin and need to be reminded that if we pray, He will listen and if we seek Him, He will be found by us and we will be brought back from captivity!! Wow…what beautiful words!

But are they for us as well, even though they were written to the Jews, His chosen people? I believe the answer is yes. Certainly, the promise was originally given for a specific time and for a specific moment, but the absolute principle of this promise to all who are God’s people is found over and over throughout the Bible. “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:12-13)! Everyone!

Join me in reading it again…with an emphasis on the word YOU!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Today, will you seek Him with all your heart?
2. Is there someone in your life being held captive by sin that you can share this message with? Will you do that today?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 11:9-10; Romans 8:28; 2 Timothy 2:25-26

Lisa has been married to Ted for more than 20 years and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog, and loves hanging out with and impacting teenage girls for Christ.

Seasons of Life

By Elin Henderson

“For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.”

2 Corinthians 8:12 (NKJV)

Each of us well understands the different seasons of life. It wasn’t long ago that I was chasing little ones around 24/7. My day consisted of changing diapers, cleaning up toys and dreaming of naptime!  Now, my days are full of carpooling, soccer practices, tennis lessons and youth group. It won’t be long before a new season of “empty nest” comes my way. No doubt, everyone out there is in one of these seasons or a similar one. 

Here in 2 Corinthians 8:12-15, Paul is reminding the church that life is full of seasons. Sometimes we have more “____” fill in the blank (time, energy, finances, etc.) and sometimes we have less. God has given us the body of Christ - -  each other - -  so that when one’s season means no ability to leave the house during daylight hours without a small parade in tote, others are free to do so. Or when one person has evenings totally tied up with going from one youth event to another, others have their kids in bed and are free to escape. 

With each season comes a new set of exciting challenges. Instead of being frustrated that you are doing too much or not enough, let us embrace the “willing mind” that Paul speaks of above. Let’s ask God what He has right now for each one of us as we do our part in this current season of life. And, amazingly - - as we walk with Him and allow Him to use us - -  He makes up the difference.

GOING DEEPER

1.  How can this help us be patient with ourselves and with others in our day to day lives and ministries?

2. What resources do you see God giving you in this season of your life? How can you use those to minister and reach out to others?

FURTHER READING:

James 4:14; Colossians 4:5

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to thirteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

In Hs Time

By Susan Klein

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

2 Chronicles 20:12b  (NIV)

A friend of mine recently petitioned many of us to pray for her. She was in a dilemma about a job situation and felt God had not been giving her clear guidance in the matter. Since she felt a certain urgency to make a decision, she did what most of us would do. She asked her girlfriends to pray. In her request, she shared the two choices that she was presented with, not knowing which one to follow. As I watched the responses accumulate in our group message, some of them included opinions as to which job might be best suited to her needs, as well as heartfelt promises to pray for wisdom in her decision. Then one response read: “I have my opinions, but they don’t really matter. Sometimes you have to just step in the water before God parts the sea! Seek His direction and then move forward. He will open or close the waters.”

How many of us can relate to times in our lives when we’ve felt pressured to make a quick decision, so we rally the trusted troops to come alongside of us to pray and give us wise counsel? While we clearly see this action displayed in Scripture, sometimes God does not answer in our time constraints for a reason. We can petition our hearts out and still not hear from Him as soon as we believe we need to. All things happen according to His will, and in His time. Our faith, and the faith of those watching us can be greatly strengthened when we are forced to make a decision trusting blindly in Him. He may provide an answer right at the final second, or He may sit back and challenge our faith by not answering until we have already made our choice. He is eager to see us exercise our faith in the matter so that others might behold His glory, just as they did in Joshua chapter 3. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant were instructed to enter the Jordan River while it was at peak flood stage. God did not part the waters for them to cross over before they entered, but after  they set foot in the raging river. They walked in by pure faith and obedience, and He acted in His perfect timing.

Next time you’re faced with making a quick decision and don’t feel your prayers are getting a clear answer, seek God and then move forward, allowing your faith to be strengthened.

GOING DEEPER:

1. In what areas might you be stuck, waiting for an answer?

2. Will you dare to go forward, unsure of the outcome, but trusting God anyway?

FURTHER READING:

Daniel 3:17; Mark 11:22-24; Genesis 22:1-14

Susan enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and mentoring. She and her husband Mark enjoy opening their home to those in need. They also co-lead an on-site small group studying 1 Corinthians with Oakwood’s Wednesday Night Community.

Loved

By Peggy Kleckner

“I will set out and go back to my father…his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him…”

Luke 15:18a & 20b (NIV)

Recently, I have overheard several conversations about people trying to win their fortunes at the casino or hoping to win the Publisher’s Clearing House contest. They seem to have no problem accepting the enormous odds against them.

It makes my heart sad that so many people can believe the possibility is there for them to win on a lottery ticket or at a casino, but they cannot believe that God loves them. They have closed the door to their heart and given up hope of returning to the God who has created them.

Somehow they have believed the lie that either God is not good, or that He will not forgive them for whatever it is that they feel is unforgivable.

How many of us have been tripped up by something “bad” that happened in our life? Someone close to us died, we lost a job, our spouse left us, our parent abused us…something that we judged as “bad” happened and we stopped believing that God is good. The pain of the situation was too great, and we ran from God in anger and in hurt. We decided to do life without Him.

It is hard to turn back home again. It is hard to hope that not only will He be there, but that He will welcome us. It is hard to believe that He wants to comfort us in our pain, because we know He is big enough to have stopped it and He didn’t. We had wanted the gift and not the Giver.

The other stumbling block is just as hard. We failed miserably somehow. We’ve been cruel to others. We’ve been stuck in an addiction. We lied, or cheated, or stole from others. Perhaps we’ve been divorced or been in jail. Whatever the sin or situation, we believe there is no longer room for us at His table.

What if, in this season of hope, we took the effort to turn around and head back to our Father’s house? What if we took a chance and went to find out for ourselves what God has to say to us? What if we opened His Word and looked for ourselves at who He is and what He says?

What if He stills loves you? What if He really is good? What if He really does forgive?

Take a chance, turn toward home.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Has someone been inviting you to take a closer look at God lately?

2. Do you have your arms open to receive a prodigal coming home?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 15:11-32; John 8:1-11; Psalm 34:18

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield.

God-Honoring Legacy

By Karen D’Amore

“…Go and make disciples of all nations…”

Matthew 28:19a (NIV)

When Chuck Smith became pastor of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in 1965, the church was struggling with twenty-five members. Knowing his willing servant’s heart and zeal to live out Scripture, God would stir in his heart as no other preceding him. Welcoming “outsiders” who didn’t fit the stereotypical Christian mold, he opened his church doors to “barefooted, floor-sitting hippies”…catapulting the Jesus Movement of the late 60’s-early 70’s into reality. “His decision to dispense with the traditional liturgy, replace pipe organs with electric guitars, preach from the pulpit in Hawaiian shirts” and invite “come-as-you-are worshipers” became “the ‘new paradigm’ for…Christian mega-churches…His amalgam of fire-and-brim stone theology and avuncular charm” made him a successful shepherd with the youth of that culture.[1]

Pastor Chuck altered the landscape of Christian music (hymns) by embracing modern worship and giving birth to Maranatha music, one of the first contemporary Christian recording companies in the U.S. Also known for his straightforward, expository teaching verse by verse, chapter by chapter through the Bible, his life truly reflected the Gospel message of Christ.

On October 3, 2013, physical death ushered Pastor Chuck into the presence of God for eternity. Faithfully ministering until the end, he preached three sermons from his wheelchair three days prior to his death. The legacy Pastor Chuck leaves behind is a powerful testament to what God can do with a willing servant. Growing that small struggling church into a worldwide movement for Jesus, Calvary Chapel ministries now span the globe with over 1600 church plants, satellite networks, and fifty affiliate Bible college campuses worldwide.

Forbidding his accomplishments to define him, he maintained an unflinching commitment to God’s Word. He remained a humble servant of Christ, crediting Jesus for every good work in his life.

Pastor Chuck’s ministry made a tremendous impact on my life as a teenager during the Jesus Movement. The contemporary worship and Pastor Chuck’s innate ability to make Scripture come alive drew me to seek a relationship with Jesus.

Joining thousands of viewers worldwide for Pastor Chuck’s memorial service, I was overcome with emotion. As the music and stories drew me back to that pivotal decision to follow Jesus, I was touched and inspired by the legacy of my personal spiritual giant. Each story and memory memorialized the life of a faithful servant who pointed multitudes to Jesus. Impacting an entire generation…Pastor Chuck leaves behind a God-honoring legacy!

Challenged by Pastor Chuck’s inspiring legacy, I am compelled to consider my legacy. Desiring to emulate this spiritual icon, I now strive to live a life that too will leave a…God-honoring legacy!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What legacy do you hope to leave?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 13:7; 3 John 1:4

[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/14/us/chuck-smith-minister-who-preached-to-flower-children-dies-at-86.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0 

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.

Refuge

By Tracy Smith

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

Psalm 18:2 (NIV)

As I reflect on the year and what aspect of God was revealed to me most often, I would have to say “God as my refuge.” 

When I was 17, I was diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While it was good to have a name/reason for the intrusive thoughts and behaviors that had plagued me for the past eight years, it was also scary, since there is no “cure” for OCD… only management. 

Through the years, the symptoms have waxed and waned. Sometimes the OCD is only there in the background and not interfering with my life, and sometimes it is there 24/7, pounding at me mercilessly. 

Early in 2011, I was asked to speak to a group of women about my OCD - - what it had taught me about God.  That was a frightening thing for me as OCD is not something that I have shared about easily, so very few people in my world were aware that I had it. However, I had been praying for years for God to use my OCD in some way for good and for Him, so I knew my answer had to be “yes.” 

Immediately after saying “yes,” the spiritual warfare hit and my OCD symptoms skyrocketed into “very interfering” territory. In the months that followed, I learned that I could always count on God to be the refuge and place of safety that David wrote about in Psalm 18. I was able to wield the tools in my spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) more effectively than ever before. I had true friends I could talk to and a mentor/friend who prayed me through some of my most difficult days. I have a family that loves me enough to tell me the truth even when it's hard to hear. God gave me just what I needed (in so many ways), so while the storm raged around me, I was able to be anchored to Him. Isn't it just like our God to give me a new lesson to share with others?  

With the Christmas season ending and the new year  beginning, I am so thankful that our Lord chose to become human and that His sacrifice provided a way for restoration of the relationship between God and us. God as my refuge - - I wonder what aspect of God will be revealed to me in 2014? 

GOING DEEPER:

1. What attribute of God have you seen most clearly in your own life this past year?

2. What can you do to be ready for what He’ll show you in this upcoming year? 

FURTHER READING:

2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 92:2; Psalm 46:1 

Along with being a wife and mother to two boys, Tracy is an administrative assistant at Oakwood, and leads a great group of Junior High girls. 

Surround Sound Fear

By Elin Henderson

“…Fear is on every side…”

Psalms 31:13b (NKJV)

When I make my rare appearances at the movie theater, I am always reminded of the reason I don’t have a surround sound entertainment system in my living room! The movie, whether it is Despicable Me 2 or Captain Phillips, comes to life in such a way that you feel like you can’t escape! The sound is coming at you from every angle and you can feel it in your very being.  I don’t need that kind of “entertaining” intensity in my life! 

Sometimes, we can experience a surround sound FEAR. From every side and every angle, the enemy is coming at us, and with him comes his weapon of fear. There is no apparent escape or way out. The theater doors are closed, we are stuck in our row and the noise just keeps getting closer and louder! 

The Old Testament shepherd/king David well knew what it was like to live with surround sound fear. Many a time he had to run for his life and even fight for his life. Things were said to him and about him. Whether it was perceived or real, his (and at times our) fear can be overpowering. 

Did David remain there, overpowered by fear? No!  Verse 14 says, “But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God’.”  He called out to God and ran to Him for shelter and safety. He knew that in the midst of surround sound fear there was a cleft in the rock where God’s hand would hide and protect him.    

So, next time you, like the hymn writer below, experience surround sound fear, may you cling to the Hand of Him who is all your hope and stay! 

“When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.”

-Keith W. Ward [1]

         

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1. Are there some fears in your life that have grown to “surround sound” – gradually or even quickly? 

2. How does knowing God’s protection over you and loving hand under you, help to allay those fears?    

FURTHER READING:

1 John 4:18; Psalms 27:3; Psalms 46:2

[1] http://www.faithalone.org/journal/1998i/Ward.htmlhttp://www.faithalone.org/journal/1998i/Ward.html

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to thirteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

The Call

By Becci J. Terrill

“…she believed the One who made the promise
would do what He said.”

Hebrews 11:11b (The Message)

It came when I least expected it, and frankly, wasn’t looking for it. My life was already full, but God had a different plan. He wanted me to follow Him in a new direction. Yes, it was a direction that I longed to go, but also secretly feared to tread. He knew that, but He also knew that if I followed Him our relationship would become stronger and sweeter. But that doesn’t come easily.

He cleared the obstacles in the path so my answer could be “Yes!” He gave me an overwhelming sense of joy in those first steps down the new path. He brought excitement and hope in the journey. Then the unthinkable happened. I lost my way!

When I realized this, panic welled up inside of me. I searched and searched to no avail. I couldn’t find the path! What had happened? How had I missed it? I stopped searching for the path and realized I needed the One who called me on the journey. He knew my problem. He knew my fear. His loving voice reassured me He had called me, so He would also lead me. I needed to keep my eyes on Him and not the path.

Peace flooded my soul. I couldn’t see the path, but my focus had changed. He had called. He promised to be with me. I moved forward again with slower steps, holding His hand and listening for His voice.

The devil whispered in my ear. He undermined my confidence and caused me to doubt my ability to follow the call. He suggested unhealthy ways to escape and save myself from failure and humiliation.

The Holy Spirit inside cried out, “No! Get away from me. You have no power here.” Healing words of Scripture soothed my wounded soul. I started out again on the journey.

I haven’t arrived at the destination yet. I don’t know what it looks like, but I can see the lights in the distance and know God will get me there. I have not overcome all of my fears, but I am clinging to the One who has called me and the promises that He gives me every day - - He won’t leave me and He will guide me on each step of the journey. I am learning to believe those promises more and more.

I think we call that faith.

GOING DEEPER:

1. God loves calling people to do things they cannot do on their own. What is He calling you to do? Will you trust Him and obey?

FURTHER READING:

Read Hebrews 11 for a look at lives of faith.  

Becci is a wife and mother of two adult daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove, WI. She serves as WE Women’s Special Events Coordinator and teaches 4th grade Sunday School.

Intentionally Obvious or Covert

By Peggy Kleckner

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

Recently at work, we were asked to come dressed in camouflage or blaze orange in honor of hunters. Some of the people at work try and lighten things up by suggesting these things. Packer attire on one day, perhaps Badger attire for the Wisconsin college team on another day….you get the idea.

In any case, being married to a passionate hunter meant this clothing was readily available. I came dressed in the over-sized, down-to-my-knees, blaze orange long-sleeved shirt of my husband. Since not everyone joins in on these things, let’s just say I definitely was noticeable. Another woman had on a blaze orange vest, but wore it under an unzipped sweatshirt. Essentially then, you only saw the blaze orange if she was facing you, unlike myself who could be spotted from a very great distance.

My manager came dressed in her husband’s shirt, but she had chosen the camouflage fabric for the day. In earthy browns and greens, she was a quieter participator in the day’s fun.

Although I am used to this fabric being in my home and on my husband, I had not worn it before myself. I don’t really like drawing attention to myself and I certainly thought a lot more people would be dressed in the same fashion. I wasn’t quite prepared to be so obvious!

When I applied this scenario to my walk as a Christian, I realized sometimes I wear camouflage. Outwardly I look like any other human being, but in some circumstances it will become very obvious I am different. Like a star that can only be seen at night, it is my setting that displays my true nature.

As Christ’s ambassador, I may be called to speak one-on-one with someone who will then see the blaze of His love in me (like the friend who wore the vest under her sweatshirt that was only seen when she faced someone). At other times, He may choose to set me on display in some fashion (like wearing blaze orange at work for the day).

In the midst of my everyday life, He may ask me to swap out my camouflage for blaze orange in order to display His glory as His ambassador to those who don’t yet know Him. My actions will follow the intent of my Father. Although this may not be “comfortable,” it most certainly is the work of an ambassador.

GOING DEEPER:

1. In what circumstance this week have you felt Him call you to display the light of His love?

2. Are you recognizing His lead and His choosing, or are you setting up your own display?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 6:8; Proverbs 16:9

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield.

The Christmas Prayer
By Lexi Ellis

“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 1:14 (NIV)

Because I have a typical evangelical Protestant background, liturgies were not a common experience for me. While studying abroad in Scotland, I came to love the timeless, powerful words that have been written for the traditional liturgies. There is something powerful about the church speaking as one voice about the eternal truths of our God - - especially around Christmastime. Today, may this be our timeless prayer:

“Wonder of wonders, God has to come to us!
Not as a judge, but a Savior.
Not in power, but as a servant.

Wonder of wonders, God has come to us!
Not in silence, but in the Word made flesh.
Not in the shadows, but bringing Light.

Wonder of wonders, God is with us!

Angels sang their anthems at the midnight hour to awaken a sleeping creation;
Shepherds came to worship you, and went away rejoicing;
Wise ones gave their hearts to you, so they could dwell in yours.
O Emmanuel, we adore You.

You came as a baby, to hold us in Your grace;
You came to us in a stable, so we would have no trouble finding you;
You came to us in poverty, to enrich our lives.
O Beautiful Messenger of Peace, we adore You...

God became one of us, so that we could
see the face of love,
hear the voice of peace,
be touched by the hand of grace,
know the heart of mercy…

Child of Bethlehem, be born in us today:
forgive us,
heal us,
make us new;
We will join the angels in singing your praise this Christmas day and all the days to come. Amen.” (1)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a place you can be alone today for a moment to read this aloud as a prayer to our God? Better yet, can you share it with someone else?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 2

Lexi is married to Andrew, has a new puppy named Calvin, serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country Christian Academy and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

(1) Thom M. Shuman. Christmas day liturgy, Year B. Revised Common Lectionary.

As we celebrate Christ’s birth, we look back to two prayers of celebration at God’s arrival to dwell among us, recorded in Luke. May these words be reflected in our lives, as well. Merry Christmas!

Mary’s Song, Luke 1: 46-55 (NIV):

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
  of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
 holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Simeon’s words about Jesus, Luke 2:29-35, 39 (NIV):

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

…When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.  And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

The First Noel

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

Matthew 2:10 (NIV, emphasis added)

When was the last time you were overjoyed? Not just happy or glad or satisfied…but “over-the-top-can’t-contain-yourself-want-to-tell-everyone-you-meet”- joyed? Scripture tells us this was how the Wise Men felt following the star, seeking the foretold King. “The First Noel” sums up the story in these lyrics:

The first noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay-in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep.

They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star, three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest, o'er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those wise men three, full rev'rently upon their knee, and offered there, in His presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav'nly Lord, that hath made heav'n and earth of naught, and with His blood mankind hath bought.

Chorus: Noel, noel! Noel, noel! Born is the King of Israel! [1]

The definition of Noel refers to this Christmas story of being overjoyed. It means “the season of Christmas.” [2] What I love about the lyrics to this carol is the simplicity of the telling of that story of the Nativity. The shepherds aren’t squeaky clean…they are poor. The wise men have implied wealth because of the value of the gifts they bring to the manger. The picture of the light of the star being seen by those on the lowest rung of society to the highest - - available to anyone who looks - -  is the beauty of Christ, both the day of His birth and today.

And we are to be overjoyed.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Meditate today on our verse, seeking to be overjoyed. 

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 126:3; Luke 2

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_Noel

[2] http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Noel&allowed_in_frame=0

Freedom

By Elizabeth Cole

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

 Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)

I was playing freeze tag with some girlfriends a couple of months ago. Can you see it? Grown women of various ages (and stamina) racing and loudly shouting in Dickten Park. Dodging “it” as she approached to freeze. Seeking just the right moment to zigzag over to the frozen friend, releasing her with a touch for movement again. Finding breath and energy sapped to the point whereby “it” had no problem catching and freezing. Hoping against hope that someone somewhere still had enough air left to rush in and free us.

I was startled at how exhilarating it was to be “unfrozen,” able to run again freely. I was also surprised at the feeling of helplessness when frozen, unable to do anything to release myself.

As we live in this Advent season, there is an undercurrent of freedom, isn’t there? The Christmas carol “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” begins with these words:

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.

The Savior born in the manger was about our freedom. Freedom to be in relationship with Him. Released from the paralyzing “frozen-ness” that comes from the weight of guilt and fear and shame and secrets and sin. Set free to live life as He intended it.

Oh my… it’ll take your breath away as surely as if you’d run the whole of Dickten Park, when you consider the kind of exhilarating love that stoops to a stable to set you free.

Shout it out, beloved, you’re free!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take a moment today to step away from holiday planning and breathe in deeply the fact that you are set free. Articulate the difference it makes in your life…today. Reflect on the words in “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”

2. If you are living as if you are still “frozen,” what steps could you take today to live in the freedom Jesus gives?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 42:1-10; Luke 4:16-21; Galatians 5:1

Elizabeth is a wife and mother of three grown daughters. She is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church.