The Meaning of Christmas (and a Poem)

As Christmas is fast approaching, my prayer is that we don’t get so caught up in our own celebrations that we forget the meaning of this special holiday. We celebrate because Jesus Christ purchased salvation for both the Jews and the Gentiles. Christmas would be meaningless if He didn’t purchase salvation for sinners. He lived a perfect life and died in our place. And then He rose from the dead! This is the meaning of Christmas. This is the reason we celebrate. And it sure is cause to celebrate!

God’s children are all across the Earth, in a variety of seasons and circumstances. May our hearts be grateful and generous this Christmas season as we reflect not only on our own lives, but also on the lives of others. Below is a poem I wrote entitled, “The Many Faces of Christmas.” Enjoy and Merry Christmas to all!

Cold streets, winter nights

Warm windows, wrapped with lights

Loneliness and hands that freeze

Mistletoes and sparkling trees

Santa Clause finds some, not all

Some are at the Christmas Ball

While some are huddled close together

Under bridges, facing weather

Some are warm, by a fire

Some at stores, the constant buyer

Some in Church, singing praise

Some are gone, been so for days

As you join family and friends,

Think of all the faces that Christmas lends.

And don’t complain, whatever you do

There’s always someone who has it worse than you.

Christmas Quotes

Christmas is just three days away. It’s my favorite holiday of the year! Naturally, I wanted to compile a list of some of my favorite quotes on Christmas to help us all get in the Christmas spirit!

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”
― Steve Maraboli

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?”
― Bob Hope

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ”
― Norman Vincent Peale

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”
― Charles M. Schulz

I AM (A Poem)

Though I’m saddened when you make mistakes,
My heart is joyful when you seek My face.
For I did not come to help the morally right,
but the fallen and broken are dear in My sight.
The closer you come to Me,
the closer I AM.
Though distractions are plenty,
so is My hand…
Reaching out for you daily,
My peace is there for the taking
So if you’re tired of waiting
come find rest in I AM.

We want explanation but what God gives us is revelation.

Conversation with God – Jeremiah 29:13-14

It is written, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 29:13-14)

Child, can’t you see that I long to be pursued by you? I am a true romantic.

And selfless as My love is, I want this for you, not just for me. Though it brings Me great pleasure when you search for Me, it benefits you even more.

It is this process, this endless pursuit, this great romance that defines our relationship. Doesn’t it sound exciting? I hope that your heart delights in Me, as Mine does in you.

Continue to seek Me. Begin your search again and again with each new day. Not only does this please Me, but it fulfills your deepest desire: to be found.

It is My desire too; to be found. Can you tell that you were created in My image? 😉

Life Cycle

“Whatever has happened before will happen again. What ever has been done before will be done again. There is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

Have you ever noticed how cyclical your life is? I sure have.

As unpredictable as life can be, it’s cyclical nature is just as predictable.

For everything that dies, something else is born.

For everything that ends, something else begins.

For every door that closes, another one opens.

After every high, comes a low.

After every storm, comes the sun.

After every loss, comes a gain.

In fact, the cycles are so predictable, it’s a wonder that we worry or doubt at all. Perhaps this is why we’re told to give thanks in ALL things, because another change is always just around the corner.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Conversation with God – Isaiah 55:8-9

It is written, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the Earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) My lamb, it pleases me to see you needy for me. I know that this world can be hard on you but fear not! I am your God and I love you.

It is a great place to be; in dependence, desperately surrendering to me. For in your weakness, my power is made known. My power is able to work through the cracks in your life that you perceive as trials. I can assure you, child, trials are not what you presume them to be.

Continue to abide in me, little one, so that I may direct your path. So that my power may shine through your life, both in times of trial and times of joy.

The Problem with The New Age

The problem with New Age Spirituality is that it whispers we can be gods. It plays on our desire to be able to count on ourselves, carve our own paths, and determine our own futures.

No doubt, it alludes to God, and offers reasonable tribute to God in the way of time, attention, and love but, ultimately, New Age Spirituality says these things are ours, not His.

The New Age suggests that we are nouns, when in fact we are, and always will be, simply adjectives.

God will only fill empty hands.

empty hands

Conversation with God – Psalm 5:3

It is written, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice…” (Psalm 5:3) Thank you, little one, for coming back to me this morning. I am a proud father. Well pleased. The morning is my favorite time to sit with you, before your mind has begun and your day has yet started. My joy comes in the morning. By meeting with me now, you are able to take my joy as a gift and carry it with you throughout the day, using it to bless those around you.

When you look at Buddy (my dog), laying peacefully beside you, think of how much joy and warmth it brings to you. Now multiply that by one billion, and that is what it is like for me to see you resting peacefully in me.

Yet remember, I did not come to bring peace. But to save. So lean on me during all times and my peace will transcend your circumstances. I am your Rescuer. May you go in peace.