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A friend sent me this; it was so good I just had to share “Where IS Your Bethlehem?God’s Word shares with you, “Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem….He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” As the crow flies, it was a journey of approximately 62 miles but traveling over hills, through villages and around rivers would likely have made the trip even longer. Christmas pictures seem to show Mary riding a donkey but we have no idea of their mode of travel. In any case, whether on foot or on the back of a swaying brown animal, it wasn’t an easy journey, especially for a woman nearing the end of her pregnancy.

Why did she go? True, government officials decreed a census and that everyone must go to their “own city”, the place their families called home, for this official registration and counting. Perhaps Mary was also quite ready to leave the village of Nazareth where tongues were wagging about her pregnancy and unmarried status.But Mary and Joseph knew they were going far from family and into a city whose streets would be clogged with traveling strangers. They were assured of no warm welcome, no cozy place to birth the expected child. Perhaps they hoped for a small house or a distant relative or a way for Joseph to earn money for their keep, but in almost every way, they were traveling into the unknown. The journey was long and hard, the destination uncertain.

Nearly nine months before their arrival in Bethlehem, Mary spoke life-changing words to God, words that were to comfort her in the many uncertain years ahead, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” With those simple words of faith, she could endure the long journey on the back of an animal, the cold streets of Bethlehem, the staring faces of strangers, and even the crude stable with its straw-lined manger.

Where is your Bethlehem? Has the path been long, the people uncaring, the circumstances burdensome? When you submit yourself as servant to a Loving Father, you can – in quietness and confidence – add “May it be to me as You have said” no matter the place or position in which you find yourself. In Jesus’ Name. Thy Will be done. Amen. Peace.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

We look at others and often think that they are fearless.  They seem so brave! But the truth is, they are often afraid – of everything.  They just do things anyway. Fortunately our Lord has always been kind enough to share His peace with His people ?.

Courage is not the absence of fear, it’s the facing of it. But if we ask God, not only will He give us courage; He will give us Peace.

And with the Judgement that our country, indeed the world, is about to face, we will need every ounce of courage we have, and then some.  And even that won’t be enough.

We are going to need God’s Peace.  The peace that only He can give.  The peace that “transcends all understanding”.  The peace that comes through keeping our minds and our hearts focused on Jesus Christ.

So this Christmas, let’s tell Jesus how very much we need Him.  Let’s focus only on Him.  And whatever occurs in the next few years, we will not only survive, we will be at Peace ?

When we find a moment in our busy days to really think about Christmas, it’s overwhelming, isn’t it? The joy of it. The gratitude that fills our hearts 🙂

Jesus came. And if only one human being existed, He would still have come. That is how much He loves us! Truly, I don’t think I could have. Honestly, perhaps I would be willing to do that for my family, but for a complete stranger?

But Jesus did, and would. Because He loves us!

A baby in the manger became the greatest King ever born! Our King. Our Lord. Our Friend. And He brought to us a Love and Compassion greater than we have ever known. Or ever will. That alone is something to be grateful for you!

We love Jesus, because He loved us First. And by His example, He showed us how.

A teenager in North Carolina created a sign to Thank Jesus. You can read his story here: Thank You Jesus Signs. You can put one in your yard this Christmas. Don’t be afraid to Thank Jesus-Because Jesus wasn’t afraid to Save us 🙂

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’-Matthew 25:23

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God’-Matthew 5:8

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.-Joshua 24:15

We are all called to it, but what does it mean to live a Holy Life?

A life filled with Worship and Praise for God.  A life filled with Thanksgiving for all God has done for us, and for His Forgiveness.  A life of Prayer.  Time spent reading God’s Word. Obedience.  Putting God First.  Sharing the Good News of Christ.  Living out the Holy Spirit’s Gifts and Sharing them with others.  Sharing our Faith, even when it’s hard or costs us.  Loving God with our whole heart and soul, and Loving each other!

They are all part of a Holy Life.  We just need to live it ?

Thank you Jesus for giving us the ability and chance to live a Holy Life!.