Be kind. Always if you have a choice, be kind.
I think love can save the world. When we love, we completely recognize the value of the other.
Anne Rice (1941-2021) was an American author whose themes of fantasy and graphic horror filled many of her novels.
From Luke 1:27-27: “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”
When shall we ever meet?
Longing to meet my Lord
His lamp, lighting the way
Filled with love, now on board
Life’s laboring turmoil
Enchained by sin’s shackles
Christ offers lasting Grace
Freed from darkest jackals
Heaven’s gifts come to earth
Filled with unselfish love
Each dawn brings liberty
Embracing newfound love
Rejoice, again rejoice!
No more trembling in fear
Appearing like day’s sun
Safely home, Jesus steers
From Luke 24:50-53: “Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up His hands, He blessed them. While He was blessing them, He withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.”
From Deuteronomy 6:5: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Unconditional, none greater
Father’s steadfast and faithful love
He witnesses each human stain
Yet, His grace forgives from above
Eternity’s river of hope
Father’s truth expressed through His love
Heavenly spirit’s mercy flows
Righteousness descends from above
Enemy’s darkness now shattered
Father’s peace illuminates love
Patience always slow to anger
Angelic praises from above
Judgment left to His caring hands
Father’s vision expresses love
Invites man’s actions of kindness
Sunrise always leads from above
Truth sown from greatest commandment
Father looks inward at man’s love
Shared with every generation
Joy destined to praise from above
From Leviticus 19:18: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.
From Ephesians 4:31: “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice.”
Joan Didion (1934-2021) was an American writer and journalist.
Rejoice!
Darkness forsaken
Savior’s merciful light
Payment for redemption’s gift
Love
Believe!
Resurrection’s light
Savior’s destiny fulfilled
Permanent cornerstone of faith
Trust
Submission!
Heart’s acceptance
Savior’s risen grace
Warmth of eternity’s light
Forgiven
Wishing to dine out
Reservations all filled up—
Home’s dinner for two
Morning’s coffee spot
No longer waiting in line—
Brewing cup at home
Gift-wrapped retirement
Immersed in new adventures—
Life’s blessed pairing
Daughter plays all day
Riding Dad’s motorcycle—
Up for excitement
Mall’s escalator
Roller-coaster up, then down—
Child’s favorite ride
One more dollar, please?
Loving Dad empties wallet—
Grinch on vacation
Young Lydia awakens on this December’s early morning of peace. Her imagination embraces new hope to be found in the season.
She understands that Christmas means much more than a decorated tree, wrapped presents, and fresh baked cookies. As her intuitive eyes peer outside of her bedroom window, the dawn sky offers a view of a brilliant star.
Inside her quiet thoughts, she whispers, “I need to see more.”
Throwing a long winter coat over her pajamas and remembering to wear her snow boots (just as her Mom always insists), Lydia ventures outside. Standing on the front porch, she feels surrounded by the tranquility of the winter scene.
The snow-covered yard appears perfectly groomed, and the nearby pine trees are all powdered in white. To her wandering eyes, the heavens’ star appears even closer. She feels a tug at her coat to step down from the porch.
Her steps quicken as she edges into the nearby woods. The cold air actually brings warmth to her heart. Suddenly, she stops with eager eyes looking forward.
Again Lydia’s imagination begins to wonder, “What will I find if I walk some more?”
An undistinguished pine tree, holding candles of light, invites her to enter a clearing. Right in front of her waits an unbelievable scene.
A tiny feed trough filled with hay stands alone.
From the shadow’s fringes come a man, a woman, and a newborn baby. The woman carefully places the baby in the feedbox, because there is no room for them at the inn.
Lydia’s pulse quickens as she realizes what is happening. A “real life” nativity landscape . . . or is it the story predicted through prophecy’s promises? Her young mind just isn’t sure.
She looks back up into the heavens and fixes her eyes upon the morning’s star. Suddenly she feels joy surrounding her heart. Indeed, she believes in the love found in her Savior.
Kneeling in the soft snow, Lydia offers a short prayer:
Sweet Baby Jesus
Your love warms my heart.
Your birth will lead many to worship you.
I will always walk with you.
I love you so much.
Amen.
From Isaiah 9:6: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders, and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Ultimate grace appears
Sharing Father’s every love
Savior’s purity shall breathe
Holy Spirit waits above
Virgin mother gives birth
Revealing destiny’s sign
Emmanuel will walk with us
Glory forever divine
Out of darkness stirs light
Echoing heavenly choir
Witness Messiah’s first breath
Peace honors Father’s desires
Come all to Bethlehem
Embracing hope born this night
Answer to prayers arrives
Shepherds praise this newborn Knight
Brilliant star fills with joy
Hearing each mountaintop sing
Timeless pledges beam with truth
Salvation this Prince shall bring
As Christians around the world celebrate the birth of their eternal Savior, you are invited to listen to one of the season’s most stirring hymns, “All Come, All Ye Faithful.”
Night wakens sweet tooth
Harvesting freezer’s ice cream—
Sundae anyone?
Backyard football game
Unleashing perfect spiral—
Kitchen window scores
Snowball fight pauses
Hot chocolate with cookies—
Mother born to lead
Big Sky Buckeye 