From Our Hearts

From the beginning of the biblical narrative in Genesis, God planned the redemption of fallen mankind through a promised Savior (Genesis 3:15). For centuries, devout Jews searched the Old Testament prophecies in the hopes of understanding when and where this Savior, their Messiah, would appear.

Have you ever heard a group of elementary schoolchildren reciting “the Christmas story” from Luke? There’s nothing like it! We experience, again, the story of the shepherds, tending their flocks at night, and being visited by an angel. During this Christmas season, may our hearts be filled with wonder at the reality of God's goodness to us, in sending His Son into this world.

Isaiah is considered among the greatest of the Old Testament prophets because of his many predictions of the Messiah. Christmas is the time when we celebrate the birth of this Messiah, so you’ve probably heard this one during the Christmas season: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Consider God’s choice of Mary as the mother of His Son. Mary was young and probably not from a prominent or wealthy family. The Bible doesn’t give any details about her physical appearance or information about her father and mother. We are not told of any outstanding characteristics Mary had… except of her love for God and her deep trust in Him.

The holiday season can be a time for us to thank spouses for the many ways they meet our needs. But, do we show that appreciation more than one season a year? Do we take time to count the many blessings we enjoy because of their care for us, and show them blessings in return?

This Thanksgiving we are thankful for God, each other, our family, and you, our treasured friends in the faith. May God open up the windows of heaven and bestow blessings like you've never experienced. May He make His face to shine upon you. May He heal your body, heart, and mind. And may He draw you close to Him.

Holidays should be a time of joy accompanied by family and friends. There is really no need to stress over the details. It’s a time to be thankful and celebrate peace. We can eliminate most of the busyness of the holidays by simply planning ahead, and not taking on too many major projects.

As we head into the holiday season, I am reminded of the need to focus on spiritual blessings. In the midst of celebration and being surrounded by material blessings, let’s turn to the book of James. One reason I love the book of James is that along with advice to help us with our daily trials and challenges, we read in James 1:3-12 a list of benefits or blessings that come from going through trials. Let’s look closely at two of these verses.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving Day is a food-filled celebration associated with expressing gratitude to God for the harvest of His bounty. As we prepare for this Thanksgiving Day—in the midst of our food prepping, house cleaning, and entertaining, let’s pause, bow our head before God who is mighty, and note some of the great things He’s done for us—both in good times and in rough seasons.

Many of us juggle responsibilities in our homes, churches, families, and communities, feeling alone in the middle of such busyness and efforts. But there’s nothing believers will have to do or bear alone. Here's why.

The writer of Proverbs 25:11 paints this word picture about good communication, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” As a woman after God’s own heart, this kind of beauty should be the goal for all of your communication. Here are several of God’s keys to godly speech.

As a Christian, you have a perfect friendship in Jesus Christ. God’s Son, Jesus, chose you to be His friend. Just as with His disciples, Jesus says about you: “You are My friends…I have called you friends” (John 15:14-15). With Jesus as your friend, you really don’t need anyone else.