Giving Gifts or the Gift of Giving

The excitement of the Christmas season began the weekend after Thanksgiving when I was growing up. The day after our meal of Thanksgiving turkey with green bean casserole and stuffing we would begin decorating our home. The tree was always first on the agenda followed by each of the three girls pulling out ornaments chosen especially for us by our parents and grandparents.
Once the tree was glimmering with lights and the festive ornaments were hung, we would pull out the handmade stockings of felt covered with beads and sequins with our names stitched at the top. The garland was hung on the fireplace mantle or staircase and the egg nog was in the fridge ready for us to enjoy.
The excitement of the season didn't stop once the decorating was complete because growing up I lived far away from my grandparents and extended family which kept us apart at Christmas time. Because of this my family would ship boxes of Christmas presents to us the years we were kept apart. Each day in the weeks leading up to Christmas I would come home from school with anticipation bubbling forth waiting to hear the doorbell ring, waiting to see the familiar chocolate brown UPS truck sitting out at the curb. we would eagerly run to the door grappling with the cumbersome box eager to begin pulling out the festively wrapped contents and place them under the tree.
These precious memories still hold a special place in my heart. As a kid the excitement was focused on the fact that I would soon have new trinkets, toys and games to play. As an adult the joy I have in these memories is not found in getting new trinkets and toys but rather it focuses on the fact that so many of my loved ones had the gift of giving. Giving of their time and their thoughts. Each year my grandparents would painstakingly choose one ornament from Hallmark that reminded them of me. One year it was a Strawberry Shortcake ornament. Another year it was a tin ornament in the shape of an elephant. Each one chosen to bring me joy.
My mother also was giving of her time. At the birth of each new child and grandchild or the addition of a son-in-law my mother would spend countless hours stitching together a stocking. Each stocking was a different pattern and each required hand stitching of hundreds of beads and sequins and each had our names stitched by hand. Oh the love held within those stockings.

It is so easy, even now, to focus on the gifts rather than the giving. This past year has reminded me that life is precious and family is precious and love is powerful. I find myself in awe of what an amazing and selfless gift God gave us when he sent His precious son to earth as a sacrifice for our sinfulness. Oh how precious we are to God, how much we are loved by him that he gave us his Son.

Dear Lord: Thank you Lord for loving me so much that you sent your most precious Son to die for me. May we remember that this season is so much more than just giving gifts but also about sharing with others just how precious they are to us. Amen

marvelous gifts

“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Being employed by our city’s Children’s Theatre Company to perform in their December production has changed our Advent this year. I started looking at the calendar wondering when we’d all be at home to put up our decorations together. There wouldn’t be time. After pulling all the boxes out, I sadly left for rehearsal on Saturday. When I returned, my 10 year old daughter had almost single-handedly decorated the house. “I listened to Christmas music the whole time” she reported, which is a must by my standards. It was a warm, tearful moment as I realized she did it because she wanted to have the Christmas stuff out, but she also did it for me.

At times, I look at what I do for Jesus and think it isn’t enough. Obviously, it never will be, but it is exactly what He desires. He loves each chore and effort that we offer to His glory. God’s delight might be similar to the feeling I have over my daughter’s careful labor. It has inspired me to look at my own daily tasks and work at them with a similar intent: this is my gift, this is what I can offer to my Lord right now, and He loves to marvel at my work because I did it for Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Thank you for loving us in such a complete way. May our effort and gifts be delightful to You. Help us to acknowledge You in all that we do. Amen

Peace

I borrowed this devotion from my husband. It was published in the weekly newsletter he writes for Faribault Lutheran School.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Christmas is a time when many are traveling home for Christmas. It is a special time for me because, typically, all of my family gathers together in Nebraska. Of course, I am not talking of my immediate family, but my parents, my siblings, their spouses, their children. On occassion, we have even had a fiancé and a couple of boyfriends thrown into the mix. In all, close to 30 people gather at my parent’s house in Blue Hill, NE. Even though we are separated by miles, my family has always been very close. There seems to be a constant stream of emails as we attempt to coordinate who will bring what to eat, when each group will arrive and where everyone will sleep (a few of the younger members of the group are boycotting the sleep issue). I know that my parents always look forward to having everyone at their home for Christmas, but I am equally as sure that they miss the peace and quiet that is typical in their “retirement” lifestyle.

Peace is a word that we hear often during this time of year. If you look up the word peace in the dictionary, you will find definitions that deal with “the absence of war” or “free from fighting” or “free from disturbance”. These definitions are fine, but I don’t feel that they are quite what Isaiah had in mind when he wrote, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

The peace that the Prince of Peace brings to our lives goes much deeper than external issues like hectic schedules, crowded highways or annoying disturbances; it surpasses physical sickness, poverty and war. The peace that Christ brings to our lives gives us a freedom. Freedom from sin, death, and the power of the devil; it is a peace that only He can give to us. The apostle Paul had a great understanding of this special peace. Take a look at the opening paragraphs in Ephesians, Philippians, or 2 Thessalonians. Do you see the common word that leads to peace? Grace. It is because of God’s grace and His gift of His Son, Jesus, that we can know true peace. A peace that is not of this world but resides with us in this world. During this Advent season, as we make preparation for the coming of our Savior, may the words of Paul find their place both in our hearts and on our lips, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ..” Phil. 1:2 (ESV)

Anxiety

Mary was greatly troubled at his words...

but the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary,

you have found favor with God." 

Luke 1:29,30

Can you imagine?  Mary is a young girl.  She's never been married.  She's engaged.  An angel shows up at her house.  This angel is terrifying in itself, but the message he bears--the fact that Mary is going to have a baby...well, that's just paralyzing.  In Mary's culture, to be pregnant and unmarried is the worst disgrace.  Disgraceful enough that Joseph would leave her.  She'd be alone, and shunned.

Although we don't feel anxiety to the degree of Mary's, there's plenty of anxiety to be had this time of year.  For us at least, the anxiety seems to stem from finances.  Money can only stretch so far, yet there's presents, food, travel, and the usual bills to pay for.  Then there's time.  There's work, parties, school functions...it is all so stressful.  It is so easy to get lost in the shuffle and give in to the anxiety.

Yet Mary didn't give in to the anxiety.  Through the One who would come from her womb, she could stand fearless not just before the holy angels bu the holy Lord himself.  "God, my Savior," she called her child some verses later.  Jesus was the answer for Mary's Christmas anxiety.  

Just as Jesus is the answer for our own anxiety. God favored Mary, and God favors us.  He sent His Son to remove our sins with his payment.  He sent Jesus so we can stand without anxiety before him this blessed Christmas season.  It is the peace that passes all understanding.

We pray:  Dear Heavenly Father, Christmastime can be filled with anxiety.  Just as you gave Mary peace through Your Son, give us peace.  Remove the fear from our sinful hearts.  Fill them with joy because of our Savior's birth.  Amen.

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:7-8

Most parents I know have at one point or another questioned the inclusion of Santa Claus in their Christmas celebration. “When my children discover that Santa is make believe, how will I convince them that the same is not true about Jesus?” I’ve been asked this on several occasions and the concern is valid. We want our children to trust that even though the world will tell them all sorts of crazy lies, the things coming out of our mouths can be absolutely trusted.

The worldly stories told around Christmas time are intoxicating. They are about a fat man in a fuzzy red suit with flying reindeer that somehow fits down every chimney. They certainly foster the creative and inquisitive use of imagination I want my children to use to the fullest extent of their abilities. This is a terrific story, but it’s not the word of God. So how do I balance encouraging the excitement of the season, and being grounded in Christ at all times? Can I have it both ways? Maybe.

I have never been one to over exaggerate the idea of Santa, but when my children talk about making cookies for Santa I roll out the dough. My children have learned well from this world and can tell you all about jolly old St. Nick. He’s the guy that leaves gifts in their stockings depending on whether they have been naughty or nice. This is what the world knows of Santa. They seem to know him very well. Maybe not.

Today my family will read the story of Saint Nicholas and learn where the tales of this legendary figure really come from. They will hear about a real man who gave to others when they needed it most; who gave in thankfulness to God for the great gift of His Son. They will learn about a man who was persecuted for his faith, and who knew that the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation were necessary only because he was on the naughty list.

Yes, we will be hanging stockings and setting out cookies on Christmas Eve too. So, here’s the big question. When I’m asked if Santa Claus is real, what will I say? Maybe I’ll never be asked. Maybe my children will be too wrapped up in Luke 2 to care. But if (when) I’m asked, my response will go something like this...

Saint Nicholas is not a man who lives at the North Pole, but he was a man of God who was from what is now the country of Turkey. He knew that Jesus came to save creation from sin and he shared that news with others. He took care of his neighbors, but did so in secret because that’s what the Word of God instructs us all to do. We continue what he began about 1700 years ago, giving gifts to one other and to those in need, in secret, in celebration of the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation that we have been given through a baby born in Bethlehem.

*I would encourage you to watch this. http://www.lhmmen.com/studyvideofull.asp?id=13640 It’s a video of Ken Klaus, who was the speaker of The Lutheran Hour for many years, sharing some great information on Saint Nicholas.

Blessings as you prepare to sit once again at the feet of your newborn King.

Heavenly Father,

Teach me how to balance the ideas that the world has of Christmas with the truth of your Word. Help me to honor the sacrifice of your Son in how I teach my children throughout this season. Thank you for the salvation my family has because of Him.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Pour out your hearts

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8


The 5 o’clock hour at our home can not necessarily be considered the most peaceful part of our
day. Between homework completion, four hungry tummies roaming around, tiredness creeping
in and dad not home yet, finding time to talk to the kids one-on-one about their days is almost
nonexistent. A rare moment occurred one afternoon this week where my oldest daughter and I
found ourselves....alone.... in our kitchen while I cooked. The floodgates opened and I had the
pleasure of hearing, uninterrupted, about her whole day. From who she ate lunch with, to how
she did not like her math lesson, she talked and I listened. What a treat! In that moment I felt
us grow closer. I felt us share even more things in common and I could sense the comfort she
got in laying her day out before me.

Relationships thrive on good communication. God lovingly invites us and encourages us to
communicate with him through prayer, much as a parent encourages their child to share their
daily lives with them. Our faith relationship is incredibly important to Him, not because He
needs it but because He loves us. He created us for relationships - first and foremost with
Him but also with others. He sent his only son to die for us to save us from all that makes us
unworthy of God. He wants that relationship to grow to the point where it is more important than
anything else and this happens when we reach out to him in prayer. There are lots of kinds of
communication - facial expressions, hand gestures, tone of voice, physical gifts. But above all,
verbal communication consists of all those things expressed in words. Prayer is that kind of
communication with our Heavenly Father.

It is both humbling and thrilling to realize that God wants to hear from us. He wants to hear
about our days, to hear out fears, our joys, all the mundane things included. He wants us to
bring our requests to him with open and sincere hearts. In Psalm 62:8, God tells us that we
should pour out our hearts to Him because He is our refuge. God is always available, never
distracted and and always eager to share our lives.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of prayer. Thank you for loving us so much that you desire to have such
an initimate place in our daily lives. Help us each day to humbly come before you with all the
things that burden our hearts and all the joys we want to share with you. May we prioritize
those conversations with you so in turn our relationship with you can continue to grow deeper
each day. Amen.

Rest For Your Soul

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28-30

I wrote the following article for our church website. We have a weekly blog called "Taking Worship Home," and part of my job is to write it every so often. I wanted to share this one here during this busy season of Advent.

The title of this week’s sermon is “What Jesus Has For Me: Disciples Come To Receive.” (CLICK HERE to listen to it.) I honestly didn’t know if I would be able to receive what Jesus had for me in worship this weekend, but then in the opening prayer we spoke these words:

“Enter my reality, quiet the noise, slow my frantic pace, and give to me the rest and restoration my soul longs for that only You can give. Amen.”

“Enter my reality.” My reality on Sunday morning was a squirmy one year old in my lap, an even squirmier two year old sitting on the pew next to me, and Daddy was on a plane to New York. I was sitting there thinking that there was no way I was going to be able to take anything home from worship this weekend, much less write about it. I was wrong. This prayer hit me right where I was, and I intend to memorize it this week. It was exactly what I needed to hear then, and I have already needed to hear it since.

Then came the Gospel reading.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30

This scripture is not new to me. In fact, in my years of teaching in a Lutheran school, this was one of the verses my students memorized each year. I’ve even sung these words in Handel’s Messiah; but, at one point in the sermon, Pastor Wiechman emphasized the word “souls” in such a way that I had honestly never thought about before. When I hear weary and burdened, I immediately think of needing physical and mental rest. It’s no wonder! “...quiet the noise, slow my frantic pace,...” I know this prayer was not just for me. I am certain these are words we can all relate to. What I really need, what we all really need, is rest in our soul. “...give to me the rest and restoration my soul longs for that only You can give.”

Heavenly Father, We get so busy, especially during this time of year, and as much as we need physical and mental rest, the only way we will truly find relief from our weariness is to find the rest for our souls that comes from You and You alone. Thank You for providing that for us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.