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Christmas: God’s Gift for a Lifetime 2014 Advent Devotionals Westminster Presbyterian Church

An Advent Season Prayer This Advent season is so full so crammed with human emotions – the wondering anticipation of little children, the joy and anxiety of parents, the grinding loneliness of those fare from family and home, the glimmering hope of all who find the meaning of their life laid in a humble manger, the weariness and despair of those who cannot believe the old, old story and thus see only the false and ugly aspects of our celebration. Break in – break in to all our lives this day, Lord Jesus. Come to us as you came long ago, in gentleness and tender vulnerability. Evoke in all of us that love which alone can save us, and through us save the world. In this season of giving and receiving, we pause a moment to recall the gifts you bless us with at Christmas. (From Faces at the Manger, J. Barrie Shepherd) “Christmas: God’s Gift for a Lifetime” is the theme of the 2014 Advent Devotional booklet. The Adult Ministry Committee is grateful to the many writers who shared their stories and thoughts about this most wonderful season. Our hope is that you will find inspiration and meaning as you read the devotions in this booklet, and perhaps they will trigger memories of gifts given and received. May you be blessed as you read an offering each day. ~Adult Ministry Committee, 2014

November 30

December 1

Gifts from God

A Gift for a Lifetime Matthew 7:11 New International Version (NIV)

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; God’s mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. The Lord God gave the peoples of the earth a garden, and the people said; “That’s very nice, God, but that’s not enough. We’d like a little knowledge, please.” The Lord God gave them knowledge, And the people said, “Now that we have knowledge, we’d like things. The Lord God gave the people things, but they always said, “That’s not quite enough.” So the Lord God gave them gifts unequaled: the sun lightning and thunder rain and flowers animals and birds and fish trees and stars and the moon. God gave them the rainbow. God parted the Red Sea and gave them manna. God gave them prophets and children and each other, but still the people said, “That’s no quite enough.” God loved the people, and out of ultimate merciful goodness God gave them the Gift of Gifts, a Christmas present never to be forgotten. God gave them love in the form of God’s son, even Christ Jesus. There are some that don’t open their eyes or their ears or their hearts and they still say, that’s not quite enough. They wander through the stores looking for Christmas. But others open their whole being to the Lord, bending their knees to praise God, carrying Christmas with them every day. For these the whole world is a gift! Kneeling in Bethlehem, by Ann Weems

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” If you were to give your children a gift to last their entire lifetime, what would it be? Some Christmas gifts do not last very long. A child might be bored with a Christmas toy by that afternoon. But other gifts might have a long and useful life. A pair of sturdy boots can last, provided that your feet aren't still growing. But what kind of gift lasts for a whole lifetime? Perhaps a musical instrument might last a person's whole life. They might outgrow a specific instrument but you could give the lifelong appreciation of music. You could give a book. You won't outgrow a book like you might a pair of pants, but the books that appeal to you when you're young may not hold the same appeal as you grow older. Or perhaps it could be a different kind of gift… an education, a good work ethic, wisdom, or even love. A happy home and warm memories can be a gift that lasts a lifetime. What specific gifts has God given you that have lasted for a lifetime? Ask God to help you think of what he has given you. Write them down. Thank God for the gifts He has given. ~John Mortenson

December 2 Sharing God-given Gifts For quite some time, longer than I care to admit, I’ve felt a nudge to reach outside the church & our missions to do something for someone else, to give of myself in a different way. That does not mean I do not want to continue to do work within our church. It’s just a nudge to reach out, to use my God-given talents to help someone else. So I finally heeded the nudge and signed up to be a volunteer tutor with Reading Connections. I quickly learned that the gift of my self has turned into a gift to me! Each week I look forward to meeting with my students. They are immigrants from various countries around the world, and they are simply wonderful. These ladies and men desire to learn to read, write and speak English better than they currently do. Consequently they are exceptionally motivated. They thirst for knowledge and try so hard to learn new concepts and words. We have such a good time. We laugh over humorous mispronunciations. We share special events in our lives, such as births and getting a driver’s license or going to vote for the first time. They call me “teacher,” yet they are grown men and women just like me. These women and our time together have become a special gift to me, one of the best I’ve ever received. So, don’t wait too long to acknowledge a nudge you are feeling. Who knows, it may turn out to be the best gift you ever received! ~Daphne Haverkamp

December 3 Christmas Gifts I enjoy wrapping gifts. Making the gift special with the outer wrapping is part of the fun. First, I use colored tissue paper to surround the gift. Then the outer wrapping paper can be so creative. Great colors or maybe some glitter on the paper can make a gift look so fancy. I really love feeling the texture and the weight of the paper. That is why I have favorite brands of wrapping paper. And of course there is beautiful ribbon. I love the double sided and wire edged ribbon the best. It makes a beautiful bow which can be fluffed again if the bow gets crushed when taking gifts to work or to gatherings of friends or family. Or there is curling ribbon. Not just one strand but putting lots of strands together of several colors and then curling it to make a beautiful cluster on the top of a box or the side of a bag. A beautiful outer package begins to tell the recipient look carefully, this is a special gift. And then I ponder God's gifts to me every day. If I only recognize gifts with beautiful paper or great ribbon, I will miss many of the wonderful gifts from God available to me every day. A sunrise, a new day, people all around, a friend saying, "I am praying for you." - priceless gifts! Prayer: Dear God, we are so used to celebrating Christmas with gifts in beautiful packages. Help me to remember that you give good gifts to me every day. Thank you for being present in my life. Fill me with the gift of your Spirit today. Amen. ~Terri Burleson

December 4 Re-gifting? Please do! II Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his inde-

scribable gift! In the history of the world there has never been a gift that was more amazing, incredible, and long lasting than the birth of Jesus. By graciously accepting this gift, we become the recipients of redemption, peace, forgiveness and unconditional love. This eternal gift will never, wear out, break or grow old. It is a gift of a lifetime! Although it can be difficult to re-gift something we like or enjoy, preferring instead to re-gift that ugly tie, or the watermelon scented body lotion, the gifts of the Christ are re-giftable and sustainable. Few are the gifts that when given away leave us with an even greater abundance! But so it is. So re-gift the love! Re-gift the peace! Re-gift the forgiveness! Offer these gifts to everyone! Not just on Christmas day, but every day! You'll be glad you did, and so will He! ~Rebecca Austin Williams

December 5

December 6

“The Gift of the Baby Jesus”

“Welcome to Our World”

Well, it’s time to “put the Christ back in Christmas”; time to celebrate the baby King’s birth; time to remember the miracle and celebrate the continued promise and presence of Christ in our lives. But haven’t we have each experienced in our lives a Jesus that seemed elusive. Haven’t we each experienced a Jesus that seemed to go away, or seemed to be hiding from us, or maybe who seemed to not be there at all. But maybe we’re not looking in the right places for the hope of nations in a God who cares so much for us that He became one of us in the form of innocence.

John 5:11-12 God gave us eternal life; the life is in his

See, the treasure on this quest is not just the baby. The treasure is who the baby will be, what the baby will do, and what the baby will mean for all people for all eternity; a gift, a symbol of salvation, a sign of the covenant, a king, a resting place, a starting over, a rebirth. The nativity is an angel choir crying out for each one of us to seek the Messiah who is nearby to us. It’s a calling to follow the signs into the midst of the least in order to find the greatest. It’s a command to come and adore Him, while He reveals His goodness and Godliness to us. It’s going, going and searching because we just can’t wait. It’s moving something to discover or rediscover what we need to find. It’s finding Jesus in our lives and being forever changed because of it. He’s not hiding; follow the clues. He wants to be seen, to be found, in a stable or on the street. A few years ago at the beginning of Advent, we told Jossalyn that we were going to have a Live Nativity out in the field behind our house with real animals and real people. And for two weeks prior to it she kept saying, “I can’t wait to see the real baby Jesus, dad!” And I say to you what I said to her, “I can’t either. I can’t wait till you, and I, and everyone in the world sees the real baby Jesus.” Maybe for the first time, or maybe again, I cannot wait until the puzzle begins to take shape, until what was lost is found, until we find or uncover what we have waited for, what we go in search of. I cannot wait until we see the real baby Jesus in our lives. The Nativity awaits. ~Sam Perkins

Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life. “Fragile fingers sent to heal us, Tender brow prepared for thorns, Tiny heart whose blood will save us; Unto us is born, Unto us is born.” Without Christmas, we can’t have Easter. I know few of us think about Easter at Christmas time, but in my daily devotional reading today, the verse from 1 John prompted me to remember both the gift from God (Jesus) as well as the gift of God (eternal life). As a believer, I know that the birth of Christ and accepting Christ as my Savior is the best Christmas present I ever received. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. When I was much younger, Christmas was a time for gathering around a huge meal and opening presents. I do not remember when I accepted Christ as my Savior; I wish I did. I am envious of people who know the exact date when Christ entered their life. I know that Christ has been the center of my Christmas for as far back as my memory will take me. I first attended Westminster the Christmas following my North Carolina Presbyterian weekend in October 1998. This was the first time I heard the song “Welcome to Our World”, made popular by Christian artist Chris Rice. The song was sung at the contemporary worship service at Westminster by Flay Blalock. I remember listening to the lyrics and feeling overwhelmed with emotion. For me, the gift of Jesus at Christmas, reminds me to remember Easter also. Accepting the gift of eternal life from a baby born on Christmas Day is a choice anyone can make. My choice is to welcome Jesus to my world. Prayer: Loving God, Help each of us remember your gift of eternal life is ours to receive by accepting the Christ child’s birth, death, and resurrection. Amen. ~Jan Parker

December 7

December 8

The Church Year

The Gift of Time to be Thankful

The church is Advent. The unwrapping of God’s greatest gift is near. Advent – coming. God will take away the tinsel and decorate our human hearts in hope so that Christians can sit laughing in the rain, knowing that the Lord is going to shine in upon their being. For no matter how long the darkness, God will send the light. In spite of cursing and violence and the massacring of human dignity, we will dance in the streets of Bethlehem, for He will be born! The church is Epiphany. We are the Magi, searching, resplendent in this world’s accouterments of knowledge and wealth and achievement. But we search for something more. And - of all unlikely places – in a stable the Deity appears. The borning of our Lord bursts in upon our ordinary lives like fireworks in the snow. Excerpt from Kneeling in Bethlehem, by Ann Weems

Philippians 4: 6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every-

thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Twenty-five years ago I found a small lump after spending a Friday afternoon by the pool in my apartment complex. After what seemed like a very long weekend I was examined by my physician. Test results showed nothing significant; and I was told to check back in 6 months. My physician persisted; and I trusted his instincts to set up an appointment with the surgeon’s office. Subsequently a biopsy was immediately scheduled for the day after my 30th birthday. I celebrated my 30th on Thursday by going dancing with a group of friends. The next day I went in for my biopsy without much concern about a cancer diagnosis. I remember the surgeon’s eyes as he told me the results. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation followed; along with love and support from my family, church family, friends, and co-workers. Since this time I’ve met and married my supportive husband and became a stepmom to my wonderful stepson. I’ve seen nieces and nephews born and watched them grow up. I have received these and many more blessings than I can ever begin to count. As odd as it sounds, I remember thanking God for this journey of healing so that I could see His love shining through others He’s placed in my path. Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, In this busy time of the year help me to remember to give myself the gift of time to be thankful for the many blessings that you have placed in my life right here, right now; trusting in you to take care of the rest. Amen. ~Donna Weekly

December 9 Our One True Hope Read: Scripture: Romans 5:1-5; Jeremiah 29:11 As a child, I developed a deep passion for music and dancing. One Christmas I informed my mother that I wanted a record player. Having chosen exactly what I wanted, I gave Mom the specific details to ensure that I would indeed receive the right one. Well, Christmas arrived, as did a record player; however, it was not the one I wanted — it was even better! Another year, at Easter time, I searched relentlessly for my basket (Easter Bunny always hid them) but found it nowhere. My siblings and cousins, 10 in all, had found theirs but mine was still nowhere to be found. Believing that Easter Bunny had forgotten me, I began to cry when suddenly I spied a lumpy dishtowel on a kitchen chair. Upon closer inspection, I discovered my basket of goodies hidden beneath the towel. These seemingly inconsequential childhood memories conveyed powerful messages of God’s love, grace and mercy many years later when Mom suffered with a prolonged illness. She and I began to engage in discussions of spiritual matters. During our talks she confided that she didn’t understand why her prayers often remain unanswered and that she feared death because she was uncertain of her destiny. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, I began writing sermonettes to Mom. Quoting Luke 11:9, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.” I shared my belief that God does indeed answer all prayers; however, sometimes he answers in ways we don’t expect or recognize. I recounted the stories of the Christmas when I yearned for the record player and the Easter when I thought I had been forgotten. I shared that oftentimes we think we know what we want and what is best, as I did in my request for a record player, when what God elects to give us is much more valuable — just as the record player she gave me was so much more than I could ever have imagined or anticipated. I offered further that the answer to prayer is often before us and yet remains hidden because we fail to recognize it as I had failed to recognize my Easter basket under a lumpy dishtowel long ago. In another sermonette, I addressed grace and justification by faith. Mom believed in God’s grace for others and grace to others, but struggled to accept it for herself. Grace was rarely spoken of in the Roman Catholic Church and, when it was mentioned, it was something to be earned, for God was a vengeful and punitive God who kept score. Sharing Ephesians 2:8-9, I expressed my belief that, contrary to what Mom was taught, God freely gave the ultimate gift of grace to all believers through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Yes, God’s grace was even a gift to her and there was nothing she could do to earn this grace or anything she could do that would result in God rescinding his grace. My prayer and hope was that she could accept God’s precious gift of grace for herself. On Jan. 9, 2004, at 6 p.m., I spoke these words repeatedly to my mom who lay dying, unable to speak, in a hospital bed 500 miles away: “Mom, I love you. God loves you. It’s OK if you want to go Home. At 6:15 p.m., Mom went Home. The word “hope” is mentioned 167 times in 169 verses in the NIV Translation, with 15 Hebrew or Aramaic derivatives and five Greek derivations. The Greek word translated as “hope” in Romans 5:4, elpis, refers to faith in what we cannot see or understand. Tiqvah, the Hebrew word translated as “hope” in Jeremiah 29, denotes expectation. In this Advent season of hope, anticipation and expectation, may we be reminded of our one true hope … our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, for in him we live and move and have our being. ~Diana Koehler

December 11 Look Homeward Angel Read Psalm 35:1-9

December 10 Unselfish Giving It was the Saturday night before Christmas in 2007. I was homebound following what I call “my fall with grace” through my attic on October 30th. I was recuperating from the surgery which fused my broken back together and waiting for my broken foot to heal. I had been blessed by a parade of Westminster brothers and sisters sending cards, bringing in food and staying with me the required 24/7 during the hours my husband had to work following my discharge from the hospital the day before Thanksgiving. I had also been a grateful recipient of the blood of life which saved my life while I lay in intensive care. It had been quite a journey of unselfish giving by many, but the only additional thing I wanted that Christmas was the one thing I could not have – to be able to celebrate Christmas at a candlelight Christmas Eve service and hear my favorite hymn, O Holy Night, sung. I was sitting in the living room leaning on my walker when there was a knock at the front door. I heard my husband say, “Come on inside. She is in the living room.” In walked three of my high school friends, Louis Allen, Gary Mitchell, and Caren McPherson, and some of their family members. (I had reconnected with Caren and Louis when I began attending Westminster Church.) Within minutes the most beautiful a cappella version of “O Holy Night” was being sung directly to me in my own living room. God had sent Christmas to me in the form of human angels! I imagine that my friend, Caren, who is now in heaven, is still singing with the angels. Thank you, Caren, for my most memorable Christmas! ~Claudia McCoy

In the 1960’s, my father was pastor at a small church in a small mill town. While there, I became friends with Roger who was a member of our church and one of my classmates. Because I entered school at the 10th grade level and was considered an “outsider” by many of the other youth in the town, I found it very hard to make friends. But, there were a few who reached out to me. One of these was Roger. Roger was genuinely one of the nicest friends that I had in this town. After graduating from high school, I went off to college and Roger was drafted into the military and was sent to Vietnam. Roger’s activity while in Vietnam was to take a dog, who had been trained to locate snipers, and go in front of a platoon as it made its way through the jungle. This was an extremely dangerous duty; and, based upon past history, was a duty in which soldiers doing it had a high fatality rate. I knew the chances of Roger surviving were not good. I prayed every day for Roger’s life to be spared. At our church’s Christmas service on a Wednesday night in 1967, Roger, just recently being discharged, attended that service. He had survived. I would rank this as the best Christmas gift I remember ever getting - Roger’s survival. I still feel great gratitude for this gift. ~Andee Gable

December 12 The True Gift of Christmas Read Philippians 2:5-10 Scripture tells us at the time of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the angels rejoiced! Through the years, we’ve heard the Christmas story retold often from the points of view of Mary and Joseph, but have you ever considered what Jesus’ own feelings may have been? What must have it taken for Him to willingly set aside the glories of Heaven to be born a helpless babe to poor parents in an occupied land. He even did so knowing full well what the outcome would be and the price He would have to pay. The world Jesus was born into was under oppressive Roman rule. The working poor struggled to make ends meet, put food on the table, and pay taxes. For many, the promised coming of the Messiah, the Redeemer, was their only glimmer of hope in a dreary existence. In my own life, 1997 was a rather bleak year. I had finally left a bad marriage for my own safety, moved back to NC, started over again with a new job and a cramped apartment. I was struggling to put the pieces of my life back together. That Christmas Eve my parents invited me to their house for dinner so I wouldn’t be alone, but in the midst of their friends celebrating, I felt even more lonely. All the merriment and jollity only magnified the pain I was feeling inside. I really wanted to attend the 11 pm Christmas Eve service at the church where I’d grown up, but no one else did, so I went alone. As comforting as it was to be in the candle lit sanctuary, I was a bundle of emotions. You see, this was the same church where I had spoken my marriage vows seven years earlier. I felt as if I’d never be able to stop my tears from flowing, much less ever be happy again. During the service, these words resonated with me in a way they never had before: “Christ was born into a broken, suffering world.” Here I was, broken and suffering. I realized the reason Christ came was for people like me, to bring hope to the downtrodden and brokenhearted. Not for the rich and the powerful, but for the lonely, the poor, the disheartened, the ones whose hearts are open to receive Him: the true Gift of Christmas. As the service concluded at midnight, worshippers departed and bid each other “Merry Christmas”. As I made my way silently back to my car, I lifted my face to the cold night sky, only to feel against my cheeks, not tears, but the soft brush of snowflakes just beginning to fall. It was a like a gentle kiss from Heaven, from the One who loves me more than I can comprehend. The one who laid aside the riches of Heaven to be born in a stable. For me. For you. For us. ~ Laura Allred

December 13 The Christmas pageant The pageant was to be performed by the young children of the church. The director was accustomed to working with children but there was one 6 year old boy who was a "handful." He daydreamed during rehearsals and couldn't remember a single line, so the director gave him the role of a wise man. The role required no speaking: all the boy had to do was walk up to the manger, look at baby Jesus, and place his "gifts of gold" on the ground. Surely, the director thought, even HE couldn't mess THAT up. That Christmas Eve, the performance was without a hitch. When it was time for the wise men, the first two wise men performed their parts, but when the 6 year old boy looked in at baby Jesus, he dropped his "gold" on the floor with a loud crash. The church became very quiet. His eyes wide, the little boy turned around to the congregation and, with shocked expression, exclaimed, "He's ALIVE! Jesus is ALIVE!" During rehearsals, a baby doll had been used to stand in for Jesus, but on the night of the performance, they used an actual newborn. Of course the boy hadn't been paying attention so when he saw a real baby in the manger, it seemed like a miracle. It is easy to look at Jesus birth as a miracle, but his resurrection was even more miraculous. It can be easy to forget that we worship a savior who still lives today. Our Redeemer lives! ~John Mortenson

December 14

December 15

The Gift of Earthly “Angels”

The Perfect Gift

Wouldn’t it be wonderful

My daughters were unusually excited about their gift for me, I could tell. I unwrapped the box slowly and took out what looked to be a deck of cards. On the top of the deck, pasted to the familiar red Bicycle card, read a handwritten message --“52 Things We Love about Mom.”

if Advent came filled with angels and alleluias? Wouldn’t it be perfect if we were greeted on these December mornings with a hovering of heavenly hosts tuning their harps and brushing up on their fa-la-las? Wouldn’t it be incredible if their music filled our waking hours with the promise of peace on earth and if each Advent night we dreamed of nothing but goodwill? Wouldn’t we be ecstatic if we could take those angels shopping, or trim the tree or have them hold our hands and dance through our houses decorating? And, oh, how glorious it would be to sit in church next to an angel and sing our hark-the-heralds! What an Advent that would be! What Christmas spirit we could have! An angel-filled Advent has so many possibilities! But in lieu of that, perhaps we can give thanks for the good earthly joys we have been given and for the earthly “angels” that we know who do such a good job of filling our Advent with alleluias! From “Angel-Filled Advent” Kneeling in Bethlehem, by Ann Weems

As I looked through the deck, I found that each card was numbered and had its own message. Some were hilarious – “You may not be the best singer, but you always sing it out loud.” Some hit a little too close to home – “You text with your index finger (and it’s funny.)” Some were reaffirming -- “You like our friends and they like you.” And some were incredibly touching – “You’re always there for us.” I knew right away that this was, beyond a doubt, the best Christmas gift I had ever received. I felt peaceful and deeply treasured. For about two hours. Then, being the neurotic person that I am, my hamster-wheel brain kicked in and start spinning anxiously. One card read, “You emphasize education (but not too much.)” Hmmm, I worried, am I not making a big enough deal about school? Are they goofing off? WHAT ABOUT COLLEGE? Then there was this card: “You aren’t too strict.” Am I not strict enough? Are they getting away with stuff I don’t know about? AM I A BAD MOTHER? And so it went, all of my doubts and ego and human weaknesses finding a way to turn this beautiful gift into a cause for worry. Why is it so hard to receive the gift of love? As I reflect on this Christmas gift a year later, I realize that it’s the same with God’s love, which is truly the perfect gift. I make it so much harder than it has to be. This season, I will try to breathe deeply, quiet the inner voices and open up to let that love, available always, warm me and bring peace. ~Ann Morris

December 16 The Gift of the Word “Holy words of our faith handed down to this age Came to us through sacrifice; O heed the faithful words of Christ.” -- From the hymn “Ancient Words” by Lynn DeShazo One day this fall I began counting the number of Bibles I have in my various bookshelves at home. “One, two, three …”. When I got to a baker’s dozen I decided to stop! Too many Bibles? Maybe, maybe not. I think about what each Bible has meant to me in my life, in my spiritual development. Sometimes I needed a bit more clarity, sometimes perhaps a bit more insight. My first “gift” Bible is not even on a bookshelf. The little New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs that my first church gave me is safely tucked in a box and I continue to treasure it as my first! As a teenager, I asked my parents for a new Bible one Christmas. I think they were surprised, but perhaps delighted too. This was a special Bible – “The Marked Reference Bible”, with verses about salvation marked in red, the Holy Spirit in green, temporal blessings in gold, and prophetic subjects in blue. It was a King James Version and I did use it quite heavily, trying to understand the words of the Kings’ English. It was indicative of my spiritual growth that my parents gave me “The Living Bible” paraphrase a Christmas or two later! Now I buy my own Bibles, it seems. Since becoming a participant in various Bible studies over the years, including my favorite – Disciple Bible Study – I have sought detailed study Bibles where, although it is the Scripture itself that is authoritative, I have gained insight from various editorialists with who I sometimes argue! My favorite study Bibles are the New Oxford Annotated Bible (NRSV), the Jerusalem Bible (a French Roman Catholic translation with editorial notes from the “Church Fathers”), and the Archaeological Study Bible (NIV) where I learned so much about the geography and culture of Bible times. With the Bible, the more translations I read, the closer I feel to understanding God’s meaning and desires for me. Truly, whether you receive the Bible as a gift (and Christmas is an appropriate time!) or you gift yourself from time to time, the Bible is the living Word, a gift that truly keeps on giving! Prayer: God, thank you for the Word, and give me a new insight into how your Word might affect my life, and those around me, with the hope you provide. Amen. ~Mike Maynard

December 17 Gifts That Reflect Love When I was a child my grandmother gave me a Raggedy Ann doll that she made by hand. It is now faded and a bit ragged, but is (basically) still in one piece. My grandmother was a farmer’s wife, an expert cook, seamstress and housekeeper. She took pride in creating the best yeast rolls from scratch, crocheting afgans and sewing Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. She made one for each of us grandkids when we were young and, in my mind, my Raggedy Ann still represents her love for me. When my son was born, my grandmother was 82. I asked her whether she would be willing to make a Raggedy Andy for him. She eagerly took on the challenge. When Raggedy Andy arrived, the stitching was not quite as tight as it had been on mine, but it was still beautiful to me as a symbol of my grandmother’s love for my son. When my middle daughter’s Raggedy Ann arrived, the stripes on the legs went the wrong way, but it was still made with love and so I treasured it. When my youngest daughter was born, my grandmother was 89 and she still made her a Raggedy Ann. The hair on the doll was thin and the doll was fragile, so when it came, I put it on a shelf in my daughter’s room to wait for her to grow up rather than let her play with it. My youngest daughter was the last great-grandchild to get a Raggedy Ann that was hand made by my grandmother. But even now, at 96, when another great-grandchild arrives, she makes sure she gives them a Raggedy Ann or Andy (they are now bought from a lady in her church). If you have ever had a Raggedy Ann or Andy, then you may know a secret about them. If you undress them, there is often a heart stitched on their chest. The dolls for my children have “I love you” stitched in the heart. To me, the Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls are valued as symbols of my grandmother’s love, for me and for my children. My grandmother lives in a nursing home in Iowa, so my children have only seen her once or twice, but even though they really don’t know her, the dolls reflect her love for them. I remind them occasionally about the wonderful lady (their great-grandmother) who made the dolls for them. We have never seen God, but he has given us many gifts that reflect his love and help us see him in our world today. I can’t help but think of God when I see a beautiful sunset, watch waves crash on the shore, admire a view from the Blue Ridge Parkway or meet a newborn for the first time. As we give and receive gifts this holiday season, let’s remember the love for each other that is reflected in the gifts and also remember the love that God has for us that is reflected in the gifts that he has given us, especially in the gift of his son. ~Cindy White

December 18 Generous and Perfect

The author of the Letter of James declared that

"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1: 17 "Generous and perfect" - Isn't that what much of the holiday scramble is about these days? It is the sort of gift we'd all like to give or maybe even receive. Of course, "generous and perfect" is open to interpretation. When I was about six or seven years old I thought that if only I had a box of chocolate covered cherries I would pretty much own the world. I expressed this wish to friends and indulgent relatives who asked what I'd like for Christmas, hoping that maybe one of them would oblige. Actually, several of them did. At the time neighbors were scattered and family didn't share my taste in candy. Suffice it to say that I haven't wanted - much less eaten - a chocolate covered cherry since about mid-January of that year. So let's look at "generous and perfect" again. There's the story of a very old lady who, when she awoke each morning, would say to herself, "What? I'm still here?" And then she gave thanks for another day of life. Those who have s suffered a sprained ankle or broken wrist, hospitalization or even just a bad (is there any other kind?) cold, are likely to be grateful, upon recovery, for the great gift to simply be able to function in ordinary ways. When life throws a wicked curve, isn't it a generous and perfect gift to have the attention of those who care? And if it is time to celebrate, what about that serenade from our own Carl Webb, who has managed to call every member on every birthday for the last fourteen years. What a gift to give! What a gift to receive! There are loving parents and spouses, precious children, dedicated workers, warm homes, good friends, and opportunities to serve. So the gifts abound, on and on, far beyond our ability to count. And the very last gift that we receive - that of eternal life with Christ - is the most generous and the most perfect gift of all. ~ Barbara Avery

December 19 The Gift of Abundant Life While thinking what I could contribute for an Advent devotion, I received the monthly newsletter of Shanti Nepal, a Christian community health and development organization which was started by a remarkable young man, Krishna Man Shakya. A radiant Christian and my dear brother in Christ, he gained valuable knowledge, skills, experience, and maturity while working in the large mission project which I directed from 1990-2000. This Nepali organization, which I encouraged him to start, has grown in remarkable ways and has had a significant impact not only in community development in remote rural areas, but in spreading the gospel - a gospel we all take too much for granted. Although a number of the staff of Shanti (Peace) Nepal are friends and colleagues of my wife, Sue, and me, the devotion in the October Newsletter was written by another first generation Christian man whom I do not know – Prem (Love) Subba. As I read it, I immediately felt this message was appropriate for Advent and the meaning of Christ’s coming, not only for us who have known Him but for many who are hearing this message for the first time. I have made a few editorial changes so that the “second language” English can be understood, but have retained the word, “Devil”, as this is who he believes is “the thief”. Text: John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” “Jesus was opening the mystery of life. There is life led by the Devil and life promised by Jesus himself. The Devil actually desires to lead our life into emptiness, which is destined for eternal destruction. That life is full of sickness, laziness, weakness, and hopelessness; it is unproductive and ultimately of no use for the glory of God. Such life is driven by the Devil who never wants people to have full life that is promised by Jesus. The abundant life has hope, strength, health and productiveness, which ultimately has full potential to help his/her self and others. This is the kind of life that comes through Christ. It is not possible to have it without believing and trusting and leaning on Christ. As Christian community workers, we all must possess the abundant life that Jesus promised. This abundance of life must overflow from us and must be witnessed by the communities we serve. People will glorify our Father in heaven when they see the goodness and abundance of our lives.” ~Dick Harding

December 20 The Ultimate Gift What a wonderful multi-layered theme. The celebration of the birth of Christ is, of course, the bedrock; the ultimate gift itself. This gift in the person of Jesus comes wrapped in its own layers of promise, hope, and the revelation of a God of love who asks nothing but that we love God by extending that love through service to one another, especially to the least of our sisters and brothers. To realize the promise of peace on earth we are asked only to reach out in love to all we encounter. To realize the gift of peace within ourselves requires simply that we rid our hearts of unwarranted suspicion, hatred, jealousy and greed and replace them with love, compassion, empathy and openness. The gift has also continued through the ages as people of all religious persuasions as well as many who claim no faith, contemplate the meaning and extraordinary impact of this man of humble origins who spent his all-too-brief earthly ministry among the common people preaching, teaching, healing and serving. Were it not for that message of love and compassion proclaimed by the one we call "The Prince of Peace," would we have as many folks around the world ministering to suffering people in various circumstances through agencies such as Urban Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice and Palliative Care, shelters for victims of domestic abuse, prison ministries and Doctors Without Borders? The selflessness of Jesus has inspired leaders of many faith traditions and sometimes it is good to go outside the confines of Christian culture to hear the message anew. In a 1941 essay entitled, "What Jesus Means to Me," Mahatma Gandhi, a Hindu, wrote, "I refuse to believe that there now exists or has ever existed a person that has not made use of his [Jesus] example to lessen his sins, even though he may have done so without realizing it. The lives of all have, in some greater or lesser degree, been changed by his presence, his actions, and the words spoken by his divine voice." Gandhi concluded his remarks with this: "I believe that he belongs not solely to Christianity, but to the entire world; to all races and people, it matters little under what flag, name or doctrine they may work, profess a faith, or worship a God inherited from their ancestors." Christmas and its celebration of the birth of the Christ Child was a gift to all people for all time and its message continues to be manifested in new and unique ways as world circumstances in each age dictate. To use once again an overused cliché, it's the gift that keeps on giving. ~Dick Swanson

December 21

December 22

Star-Giving

The Season for the Lonely

What I’d really like to give you for Christmas

The Christmas Season, both the Spiritual and secular, is arguably the most festive time of the year. All around are lights and glitter, parties and pageants, shopping and baking, Cantatas and Candlelight Services.

is a star. . . . Brilliance in a package, something you could keep in the pocket of your jeans or in the pocket of your being. Something to take out in times of darkness, something that would never snuff out or tarnish, something you could hold in your hand, something for wonderment, something for pondering, something that would remind you of what Christmas has always meant: God’s Advent Light into the darkness of this world. But stars are only God’s for giving, and I must be content to give you words and wishes and packages without stars. But I can wish you life as radiant as the Star that announced the Christ Child’s coming, and as filled with awe as the shepherds who stood beneath its light. And I can pass on to you the love

Billions of people around the world are celebrating. But for the lonely, the broken-hearted, it is the loneliest time of the year. It is a reminder of the absence of something dear, something that is no longer. Joyful noises are all around, but for the lonely, there is a chilling silence. How can anyone be alone when billions of people are celebrating? Sometimes the lonely cannot feel the love of the Holy Spirit because the pain is just too great. The dark has shadowed the Light. As Christians, you are called by Christ, the very Reason we celebrate. Called to reach out, as one of the billions that are joyous lovers of the Season, to the lonely. You are commissioned as the Light of Christ to spend time showing the love that has blessed you. It is you, as the Light of Christ, which can make a difference for the lonely. Reach out of yourself, and with the Grace of God, the prayers of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, you can make a difference for one of the lonely during this glorious Christmas Season.

that has been given to me,

Remember the teachings of the Word of God:

ignited countless times by others

Matthew 5:14-16

who have knelt in Bethlehem’s light.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Perhaps, if you ask, God will give you a star. From Kneeling in Bethlehem, by Ann Weems

~ Lisa Ganem

December 23 The Gift of Challenges “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 Life is full of challenges. In fact, I have come to believe that God can use our challenges to help us find our life’s purpose and ultimately establish and ground our faith. This realization suggests to me that the most meaningful gifts I have received from God are the places with the most challenge. We’ve all heard the expression, “That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” If we allow for God’s guidance, this is truth. Most parents would say that their children are their greatest gifts. I would suggest the possibility that the challenges our children offer may be our greatest gifts. Let me share with you one of our family’s challenges that speaks to this truth. Our son, Rob has awakened every morning for the last 30 years facing a seizure disorder. He does so without complaint, whining, fear, or loss of hope. He continues to believe that he will drive a car some day, a wish for which all young men hope. He has endured medications, surgeries, experimental trials and countless tests because he has faith that something will make a difference for him. No prejudice on my part because I’m his Mom, but he is the bravest person I know and one of my greatest gifts. His example continues to inspire and assure our family that God is in control. I’m the one who has questioned and argued with God about “why” and will probably on occasion continue to do so. But, all I have to do is watch Rob. His strength gives me a faith that I would never have had without him and his challenges. He and his attitude are a gracious gift to me. His challenge is met by the scripture Romans 12:12 - “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, and persevere in prayer.” God is there and will help, if we only allow ourselves to listen. So perhaps as we ponder Christmas this year and all the gifts of challenge that we face, we will realize that truly the greatest gift is Jesus Christ. He is our inspiration, our hope, our constant companion and our salvation. After all, he faced the ultimate challenge and prevailed. Wishing each of you a joyous Christmas and God’s gift of challenges. ~Anne Hendrix

December 24 God’s Indescribable Gift Sometimes it feels like a losing battle, keeping the spiritual significance of Christmas alive. From the days before Halloween onward, it seems, we’re being corralled into a “buying stuff” mentality. Black Friday paved the way for Cyber Monday. Thanksgiving Day is now becoming a shopper’s option, and Black Friday deals are being made available days—even weeks—in advance. All of this reduces Christmas to nothing more than a retailer’s paradise. For people of faith, it is far more. As years have passed, I appreciate more and more the giving of gifts rather than being on the receiving end. Of course, it is exciting to open a wrapped package, especially prepared for you, anticipating what’s inside. It’s likewise meaningful to discover a kind act done in your honor as a gift of love from another. But I have found it even more gratifying to watch a loved one open a package I have prepared just for them, wondering how they will receive it, or letting them discover a kind act done in their honor. Their joy fills my heart. I have often imagined what God must think as we human beings take in the fullness of the gift of Christ—the Light of the World—coming in to our hurting world. What joy must fill God’s heart, knowing that the perfect gift has been given and received! My hope and prayer for us during this season of Advent is that we will, indeed, receive that greatest gift AND that we pass on the hope, peace, love and joy that comes with Christ.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

2 Corinthians 9:15

Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ. We thank you for how that forever changed the course of humanity and how this gift brings new life and hope to all the world and to our very lives. May we lean in to the grace and goodness that comes from Christ, enabling his light and love to be shared with all. Amen. ~Mark Brainerd

December 25 The Gift of Immanuel Therefore the Lord will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Ever since those prophetic words were spoken by Isaiah, and every time they are spoken now, there is anticipation and expectation. What will this Immanuel be like – this “God with us?” Artists have attempted to create visual images of God in a myriad of ways over the centuries. How would we recognize God in our midst? What would God look like? Long before the birth of Jesus prophets spoke of the coming messiah in amazing ways. His name would be:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6b) Those names sound rather appropriate for talking about the author of creation. But Jesus turned out not to be what most people expected. Jesus: powerful, majestic, almighty? Not so much. Jesus arrived not in strength but weakness. He was born into a marginalized community; people who were oppressed; the son of ordinary workingclass family. His relationship with the religious system of the day was tense. He resisted the world’s affinity for wealth, pleasure, power, and recognition. He spent a good bit of time hanging around with the weak and powerless, the outcast, the widow, and the orphan. The truth that we have come to realize is God looks like Jesus! In Jesus we not only see God, we see the fullness of humanity – who you and I are created to be. This was and continues to be God’s gift to us. God’s gift doesn’t fit into a “stocking hung by the chimney with care.” It must be received in our hearts. Simon Tugwell writes in his book Prayer: “If we keep clamoring for things we want from God, we may often find ourselves disappointed, because we have forgotten the weakness of God and what we may call the poverty of God. We had thought of God as the dispenser of all good things we would possibly desire; but in a very real sense, God has nothing to give at all except himself.” In the busyness, the wrappings and trappings, the parties and presents, the sounds and sights of the holiday season, do not miss the true gift of Immanuel – God with us. ~Butch Sherrill

2014 Advent Calendar of Activities Events throughout Advent November 23 – Dec. 7 – Angels for Partnership Village gifts available at Friendly Ave. Fellowship Hall

worship venues and

November 30 – December 23 Las Posadas - Mary & Joseph spend a night at your home “en route to Bethlehem” Advent Devotional is available online or a printed booklet at worship venues Advent Sermon Series: Christmas: The Usual Suspects December 7 – December 23 Honor cards and gifts from Alternative Giving available in church office & during Sunday fellowship times. December 1 – 23: Salvation Army bell ringing at Harris Teeter Shifts are Monday-Friday from 4-8 pm and Saturday from 10 am-8 pm Mondays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 7:30 am “Preparing in Silence” - Contemplative Prayer, Chapel Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 10:00 – 10:50 am – Lectio Divina, Chapel Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11, 18 7:45 pm - Lectio Divina, Conference Room

First Week of Advent – November 30 thru December 6 November 30, 7:00 pm: Blue Christmas, Chapel December 6, 9:00 – 11:00 am: Advent Celebration Breakfast & Alternative Giving Sale

Second Week of Advent – December 7 thru December 13 December 9, Noon: J.O.Y. lunch December 13, Outrageous Outreach @ Salvation. Army Bells December 13, Jazz Vespers, Sanctuary

Third Week of Advent - December 14 thru December 20 December 14: ALL Angel Tree gifts received

Fourth Week of Advent – December 21 thru December 27 December 21 4:00 pm: Chancel Choir Christmas Concert (Dinner to follow) December 24 3:00 pm: Family Service, Friendly Ave 5:00 pm: Contemporary Service, Lake Brandt Contemporary Service, Friendly Ave. 8:00 pm: Traditional Service, Friendly Ave. 11:00 pm: Communion & Candlelight Service, Friendly Ave.

M ak e Way f o r Ch r ist mas

Gr ah a m K en d r ic k

S o n g b o o k wi t h se p ara t e w o rd s s ect i o n

Compilation copyright © Make Way Music 1988 First published 1988. Reprinted 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2005 Important Copyright Information The words of most of the songs in this publication are covered by a Church Copyright Licence which is available from Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI). This allows a local church reproduction on overhead projector acetates, in service bulletins, songsheets, audio/visual recording and other formats. If you are copying the words to this song under the terms and conditions of your CCL words licence please report this usage in your song report returns to CCLI. The music in this book is covered by the additional Music Reproduction Licence which is issued by CCLI in the territories of Europe and Australasia. You may photocopy the music and words of the songs in the book provided: You hold a current Music Reproduction Licence (MRL). The copyright owner of the song you intend to photocopy is included in the Authorised List which comes with your MRL. If you are copying the music under your CCLI MRL again please report this usage in your song report returns. If you have downloaded the music from our web site, in your return please note that the ‘virtual songbook’ is called Graham Kendrick.co.uk. The Music Reproduction Licence is not currently available in the USA or Canada. Full details of CCLI can be obtained from www.ccli.com or you can contact them direct at the following offices: Church Copyright Licence (Europe) PO Box 1339, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4YF, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1323 417711; Fax: +44 (0)1323 417722; Email: [email protected] CCL Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd (Australia and New Zealand) PO Box 6644, Baulkham Hills Business Centre, NSW 2153, Australia Tel: +61 (02)9894-5386; Toll Free Phone: 1-800-635-474 Fax: +61 (02)9894-5701; Toll Free Fax: 1-800-244-477 Email: [email protected] Christian Copyright Licensing Inc 17201 NE Sacramento Street, Portland, Oregon 97230, USA Tel: +1 (503) 257 2230; Toll Free Phone: 1 (800) 234 2446; Fax: +1 (503) 257 2244; Email: [email protected] Please note, all texts and music in this book are protected by copyright and if you do not possess a licence from CCLI they may not be reproduced in any way for sale or private use without the consent of the copyright owner. MWSB3 Produced by Make Way Music www.makewaymusic.com

Contents Celebrating the Gift 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Introduction (Tonight) ..................................................4 Tonight (Glory to God)..................................................5 The Christmas Child......................................................9 The Servant King ........................................................11 Let it be to me ............................................................13 Immanuel, O Immanuel ..............................................14 Thanks be to God ........................................................17 O what a mystery I see ................................................20 Tell out, tell out the news ............................................23 The Candle Song ........................................................25 Sharing the Gift

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

Introduction (Good news) ..........................................27 Good news ..................................................................28 Sing all the earth..........................................................30 Gloria ..........................................................................31 Arise, shine ..................................................................32 This Child ....................................................................35 O come and join the dance ..........................................37 The Giving Song ........................................................40 For God so loved the world ........................................41 Peace to you ................................................................43 God with us ................................................................45 Heaven invites you to a party......................................47 Tonight (reprise) ..........................................................52 Thanks be to God (reprise)..........................................53 Words Celebrating the Gift ....................................................55 Sharing the Gift ..........................................................59

1.

From: THE GIFT

Introduction (Tonight)

MAKE WAY FOR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATING THE GIFT

Bright ‘rock’ feel

Graham Kendrick

Copyright ©1988 Make Way Music, www.grahamkendrick.co.uk. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Churches and organizations holding both a words and a music reproduction licence may reproduce the words and music of this song according to the terms and conditions of their licence. If you have downloaded the music from our web site, in your song report returns to CCLE please note that the ‘virtual songbook’ is called Graham Kendrick.co.uk.

www.grahamkendrick.co.uk [email protected]

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04

2.

From: THE GIFT

Tonight (Glory to God)


Graham Kendrick



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TON IGHT (GLORY TO GOD)


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3 of 4

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2. Afraid, we covered up our faces, Amazed at what our ears did hear. Good news of joy for all the people Today a Saviour has appeared! (Bridge) And so to Bethlehem To find it was all true; Despised and worthless shepherds, We were the first to know! 4 of 4

08

3.

From: THE GIFT

The Christmas child


Gentle, but with expectation

Graham Kendrick



1 of 2

09

THE CHRISTMAS CHILD


2. Will our wars go on forever? And will peace be never At Christmastime? If we keep Him in the manger Then there is no danger From the Christmas Child

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4.

From: THE GIFT

The Servant King (From Heaven You came)


Slowly, with feeling

Graham Kendrick

Copyright © 1983 Thankyou Music songs Adm. By worshiptogether.com songs excl UK and Europe.Adm.by Kingsway Music [email protected]. Used by permission. Churches and organizations holding both a words and a music reproduction licence may reproduce the words and music of this song according to the terms and conditions of their licence. If you have downloaded the music from our web site, in your song report returns to CCLE please note that the ‘virtual songbook’ is called Graham Kendrick.co.uk.


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11

THE SERVANT KING


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5.

From: THE GIFT

Let it be to me


Gently flowing

Graham Kendrick



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6.

From: THE GIFT

Immanuel, O Immanuel


Worshipfully, but with strength

Graham Kendrick



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14

IMMANUEL, O IMMANUEL


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15



3 of 3

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7.

From: THE GIFT

Thanks to be to God


Smoothly, not too slow

Graham Kendrick



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THANKS BE TO GOD


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THANKS BE TO GOD


2. Jesus, the heart of God revealed, With us, feeling the pain we feel. Cut to the heart, Wounded for me, Taking the blame, Making me clean.

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19

8.

From: THE GIFT

Oh what a mystery I see


Bright, quite quick

Graham Kendrick



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20

O WHAT A MYSTERY I SEE


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21



2. This perfect Man, incarnate God, By selfless sacrifice Destroyed our sinful history, All fallen Adam’s curse. In Him the curse of blessing turns, My barren spirit flowers, As over the shattered power of sin The cross of Jesus towers. 3. (Women) By faith a child of His I stand, An heir in David’s line, Royal descendant by His blood Destined by Love’s design. (Men) Fathers of faith, my fathers now! Because in Christ I am, (All) And all God’s promises in Him To me are ‘Yes, Amen’! 3. No more then as a child of earth Must I my lifetime spend His history, His destiny Are mine to apprehend. Oh what a Saviour, what a Lord, O Master, Brother, Friend! What a miracle has joined me to This life that never ends! 3 0F 3

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9.

From: THE GIFT

Tell out, tell out the news


1oyful and bright

Graham Kendrick



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TELL OUT, TELL OUT THE NEWS


2. Laughter and joy He will increase, All our burdens be lifted, Oppression cease; The blood-stained battle-dress be burned, And the art of our warfare Never more be learned. 3. So let us go, His witnesses, Spreading news of His kingdom Of righteousness, ’til the whole world has heard the song, ’til the harvest is gathered, Then the end shall come.

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10.

From: THE GIFT

The Candle Song


Softly, with awe

Graham Kendrick



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25

THE CANDLE SONG


2. Stars and angels sing, Yet the earth Sleeps in shadows; Can this tiny spark Set a world on fire? 3. Yet His light will shine From our lives, Spirit blazing, As we touch the flame Of His holy fire.

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11.

From: THE GIFT

Introduction (Good news)

MAKE WAY FOR CHRISTMAS SHARING THE GIFT

As a fanfare

Graham Kendrick



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12.

From: THE GIFT

Good news


Brightly, with strength

Graham Kendrick



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GOOD NEWS


2. Let earth's dark shadows fly away, Alleluia! In Christ has dawned an endless day, Alleluia! 3. Now God with us on earth resides, Alleluia! And heaven's door is open wide, Alleluia! 2 of 2

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13.

From: THE GIFT

Sing all the earth


Quieter, same speed

Graham Kendrick



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14.

From: THE GIFT

Gloria

Strength


G. R. Woodward (1848-1934)

Music: 16th century French melody


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31

15.

From: THE GIFT

Arise, shine (Darkness like a shroud)


Capo 5 (C)

Graham Kendrick

Copyright © 1985 Thankyou Music songs Adm. By worshiptogether.com songs excl UK and Europe.Adm.by Kingsway Music [email protected]. Used by permission. Churches and organizations holding both a words and a music reproduction licence may reproduce the words and music of this song according to the terms and conditions of their licence. If you have downloaded the music from our web site, in your song report returns to CCLE please note that the ‘virtual songbook’ is called Graham Kendrick.co.uk.


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ARISE SHINE


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ARISE SHINE


2. Here among us now, Christ the Light Kindles brighter flames in our trembling hearts! Living Word, our Lamp, come guide our feet As we walk as one in light and peace, ’til justice and truth shine like the sun. (Final Chorus) Jesus the Light of the world, Jesus the Light of the world, Jesus the Light of the world has come! Women: Men: Women: Men: All:

Your light has come! Your light has come! Your light has come! Your light has come! Your light has come!

All: Cheers, etc... Leader says: Welcome to the celebration! Welcome to the greatest birthday party of all time! We are celebrating the birth of a Child whose coming changed the whole course of human history, and who has changed our lives too. Though His arrival was almost unnoticed, His birth had been prophesied centuries before when the prophet Isaiah said: All say: For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and He will be our ruler. He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Leader says: Let’s celebrate together this most joyful of all birthdays, the birthday of Jesus, the Child from heaven.

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16.

From: THE GIFT

This child


Calypso

Graham Kendrick



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THIS CHILD


2. This Child, rising on us like the sun, Oh this child, given to light everyone, Oh this Child, guiding our feet on he pathway To peace on earth. 3. This Child, raising the humble and poor, Oh this Child, making the proud ones to fall; This Child, filling the hungry with good things, This heavenly Child.

Leader says: The birth of a child should always be the cause of great rejoicing, but how much more so when the Child is none other than God Himself, come to save His people from their sins! So come and join the dance!

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17.

From: THE GIFT

O come and join the dance


As a Scottish folk-dance

Graham Kendrick



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O COME AND JOIN THE DANCE


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O COME AND JOIN THE DANCE

2. (Leader) (Leader) (All) (Leader) (Leader) (All)


Come shed your heavy load And dance your worries all away, For Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem. He came to break the power of sin And turn your night to day, O, take my hand and come and join the song.

3. (Instrumental verse and chorus) 4. (Leader) (Leader) (All) (Leader) (Leader) (All)

Let laughter ring and angels sing And joy be all around, For Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem. And if you seek with all your heart He surely can be found, O, take my hand and come and join the song.

Leader says over introduction: On that first Christmas night, joyful angels announced peace and goodwill to the world - and heaven is still bursting at the seams with good gifts for everyone. So open your heart to receive what God has stored up for you, especially the greatest Gift of all...

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18.

From: THE GIFT

The Giving Song


Accelerating with each verse

2. May His tender love surround you At this Christmastime; May you see His smiling face That in the darkness shines.

Graham Kendrick

3. But the many gifts He gives Are all poured out from one; Come receive the greatest gift, The gift of God's own Son. Last two choruses and verses: Lai, lai, lai... (etc.)



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19.

From: THE GIFT

Capo 2 (D)

For God so loved the world


Smoothly

Graham Kendrick



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FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD


2. And God showed His love for you, When He gave His only Son; And you, if you trust in Him, Shall not die, But have eternal life; No, you shall not die, But have eternal life.

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20.

From: THE GIFT

Peace to you


Graham Kendrick



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Leader says: Let’s give thanks to God together. All say: Thank You, heavenly Father, for the peace that comes through Your gift of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Thank You that although He was in very nature God, He made Himself as nothing, took on the nature of a servant, was made in human likeness, and experienced the pain and suffering of a sinful world. Thank You that, in order to give us life, He humbled Himself, and surrendered to death, even death on a cross...

“The desire to relieve the hideous secularity of our great towns may well lead to a demand to use carols in outdoor processions and festivals in spring and summer as well as Christmas” Percy Dearmer, editor of the Oxford Book of Carols. 1928.

44

21.

From: THE GIFT

God with us


Quite quick, with a steady rhythm

Graham Kendrick



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45

GOD WITH US


(Leader) (All) 2. One of a hated race, (echo) Stung by the prejudice, (echo) Suff’ring injustice, (echo) Yet He forgives. (echo) Wept for my wasted years,(echo) Paid for my wickedness, (echo) He died in my place, (echo) That I might live. (echo) 2 of 2

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22.

From: THE GIFT

Heaven invites you to a party


Joyful, with a strong rhythm

Graham Kendrick

Copyright ©1988 Make Way Music, www.grahamkendrick.co.uk. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission. ‘Angels from the realms of glory’ words by J. Montgomery (1771-1854). Churches and organizations holding both a words and a music reproduction licence may reproduce the words and music of this song according to the terms and conditions of their licence. If you have downloaded the music from our web site, in your song report returns to CCLE please note that the ‘virtual songbook’ is called Graham Kendrick.co.uk.


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HEAVEN INVITES YOU TO A PARTY


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23.

From: THE GIFT

Tonight (reprise) (Glory to God)


Brightly

Graham Kendrick



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From: THE GIFT

Thanks be to God (reprise)


Brightly, with strength

Graham Kendrick



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THANKS BE TO GOD (REPRISE)


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Celebrating the Gift TONIGHT (GLORY TO GOD) TONIGHT, while all the world was sleeping, A light exploded in the skies. And then, as glory did surround us, A voice, an angel did appear!

Glory to God In the highest, And on the earth Be peace from heav'n! Glory to God In the highest, And on the earth Be peace from heav'n!

(Men)

(Men) (All) } (Men - Women echo) (Men) (All)

Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music

(All) } (Men - Women echo)

THE CHRISTMAS CHILD

(Men) (All)

} (Men - Women echo) (Men) (All) } (Men - Women echo) (Men) (All)

And so to Bethlehem To find it all was true; Despised and worthless shepherds, We were the first to know!


} (Men - Women echo)


Afraid, we covered up our faces, Amazed at what our ears did hear. Good news, of joy for all the people Today, a Saviour has appeared!




HEAR THE SOUND OF PEOPLE SINGING, All the bells are ringing For the Christmas Child. In the streets the lights are glowing, But there is no knowing Of the Christmas Child.

Oh, let this child be born in your heart, Oh, let this child be born in your heart, Tonight, tonight, Tonight, tonight. Will our wars go on forever, And will peace be never At Christmastime? If we keep Him in the manger Then there is no danger From the Christmas Child.

Oh, let this child be born in your heart, Oh, let this child be born in your heart, Tonight, tonight, Tonight, tonight.

(Men) (All) } (Men - Women echo) (Men)

Oh, let this child be born in your heart, Oh, let this child be born in your heart, Tonight, tonight, Tonight, tonight.

(All) Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music


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THE SERVANT KING


FROM HEAVEN YOU CAME, helpless babe, Entered our world, Your glory veiled; Not to be served but to serve, And give Your life that we might live.

IMMANUEL, O IMMANUEL, Bowed in awe I worship at Your feet, And sing Immanuel, God is with us, Sharing my humanness, my shame, Feeling my weaknesses, my pain, Taking the punishment, the blame, Immanuel. And now my words cannot explain, All that my heart cannot contain, How great are the glories of Your name, Immanuel.

This is our God, the Servant King. He calls us now to follow Him, To bring our lives as a daily offering Of worship to the Servant King. Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1983 Thankyou Music

LET IT BE TO ME LET IT BE TO ME According to Your word. Let it be to me According to Your word. I am Your servant, No rights shall I demand. Let it be to me, Let it be to me, Let it be to me, According to Your word. I am Your servant, No rights shall I demand. Let it be to me, Let it be to me, Let it be to me, According to Your word.

Immanuel, O Immanuel, Bowed in awe I worship at Your feet, And sing Immanuel, God is with us, Sharing my humanness, my shame, Feeling my weaknesses, my pain, Taking the punishment, the blame, Immanuel. And now my words cannot explain, All that my heart cannot contain, How great are the glories of Your name, Immanuel, Immanuel, Immanuel, Immanuel. Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music



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THANKS BE TO GOD


FATHER, NEVER WAS LOVE SO NEAR; Tender, my deepest wounds to heal. Precious to me, Your gift of love, For me You gave Your only Son.

O WHAT A MYSTERY I SEE, What marvellous design, That God should come as one of us, A Son in David’s line. Flesh of our flesh, of woman born, Our humanness He owns; And for a world of wickedness His guiltless blood atones.

And now thanks be to God For His gift beyond words, The Son whom He loved, No, He did not withold Him, But with Him gave everything. Now He’s everything to me. Jesus, the heart of God revealed, With us, feeling the pain we feel. Cut to the heart, wounded for me, Taking the blame, making me clean.

And now thanks be to God For His gift beyond words, The Son whom He loved, No, He did not withold Him, But with Him gave everything. Now He’s everything to me. And now thanks be to God For His gift beyond words, The Son whom He loved, No, He did not withold Him, But with Him gave everything. Now He’s everything to me. Now He’s everything to me. Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music

This perfect Man, incarnate God, By selfless sacrifice Destroyed our sinful history, All fallen Adam’s curse. In Him the curse to blessing turns, My barren spirit flowers, As over the shattered power of sin The cross of Jesus towers. (Women)

By faith a child of His I stand, An heir in David’s line, Royal descendant by His blood Destined by Love’s design. (Men)

Fathers of faith, my fathers now! Because in Christ I am, (All)

And all God’s promises in Him To me are ‘Yes, Amen’! No more then as a child of earth Must I my lifetime spend His history, His destiny Are mine to apprehend. Oh what a Saviour, what a Lord, O Master, Brother, Friend! What miracle has joined me to This life that never ends! Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music


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TELL OUT, TELL OUT THE NEWS NOW DAWNS THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, And the darkness shall never His brightness dim; True light that lights the hearts of men, Only Son of the Father, Jesus Christ.

Tell out, tell out the news, On every street proclaim A child is born, a Son is given, And Jesus is His name! Tell out, tell out the news, Our Saviour Christ has come, In every tribe and nation Let songs of praise be sung, Let songs of praise be sung! Laughter and joy He will increase, All our burdens be lifted, Oppression cease; The blood-stained battle-dress be burned, And the art of our warfare Never more be learned.

Tell out, tell out the news, On every street proclaim A child is born, a Son is given, And Jesus is His name! Tell out, tell out the news, Our Saviour Christ has come, In every tribe and nation Let songs of praise be sung, Let songs of praise be sung! So let us go, His witnesses, Spreading news of His kingdom Of righteousness, ’til the whole world has heard the song, ’til the harvest is gathered, Then the end shall come.

Tell out, tell out the news, On every street proclaim A child is born, a Son is given, And Jesus is His name!

Tell out, tell out the news, Our Saviour Christ has come, In every tribe and nation Let songs of praise be sung, Let songs of praise be sung! Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music

THE CANDLE SONG LIKE A CANDLE FLAME Flick’ring small in our darkness. Uncreated light Shines through infant eyes.

God is with us, Alleluia, Come to save us, Alleluia, Alleluia!

(Men - Women echo) (Men - Women echo) (All)

Stars and angels sing, Yet the earth sleeps in shadows; Can this tiny spark Set a world on fire?


(Men - Women echo) (Men - Women echo) (All)

Yet His light will shine From our lives, Spirit blazing, As we touch the flame Of His holy fire.


(Men - Women echo)


(Men - Women echo)

(Men - Women echo) (All)

(Men - Women echo) (All)



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Sharing the Gift GOOD NEWS

SING ALL THE EARTH / GLORIA

GOOD NEWS, good news to you we bring, Alleluia! News of great joy that angels sing, Alleluia!

SING, ALL THE EARTH, For the Lord, He has come among us. Sing all the earth, Sing all the earth.

Tender mercy He has shown us, Joy to all the world; For us God sends His only Son, Alleluia! Let earth’s dark shadows fly away, Alleluia! In Christ has dawned an endless day, Alleluia!

Tender mercy He has shown us, Joy to all the world; For us God sends His only Son, Alleluia! Now God with us on earth resides, Alleluia! And heaven’s door is open wide, Alleluia!

Tender mercy He has shown us, Joy to all the world; For us God sends His only Son, Alleluia! Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music

(Men - Women echo)

Sing all the earth For the Lord, He has come among us. Sing all the earth, Sing all the earth. Come, all ye citizens, Welcome your God and Creator. Sing all the earth, Sing all the earth.

{ (Men - Women echo)

{ (All)

Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis! Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music ‘Gloria’ words by G. R. Woodward (1848 - 1934)

ARISE, SHINE DARKNESS LIKE A SHROUD covers the earth; Evil like a cloud covers the people. But the Lord will rise upon you, And His glory will appear on you Nations will come to your light.

Continued over...


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Arise, shine, your light has come, The glory of the Lord has risen on you! Arise, shine,your light has come, Jesus the light of the world has come. Here among us now, Christ the Light Kindles brighter flames in our trembling hearts! Living Word, our Lamp, come guide our feet As we walk as one in light and peace, ’til justice and truth shine like the sun.

Arise, shine, your light has come, The glory of the Lord has risen on you! Arise, shine,your light has come, Jesus the Light of the world, Jesus the Light of the world, Jesus the Light of the world has come! (Men) Your light has come! Your light has come! (Women) (Men) Your light has come! (Women) Your light has come! Your light has come! (All) Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1985 Thankyou Music

All: Cheers, etc... Leader says: Welcome to the celebration! Welcome to the greatest birthday party of all time! We are celebrating the birth of a Child whose coming changed the whole course of human history, and who has changed our lives too. Though His arrival was almost unnoticed, His birth had been prophesied centuries before when the prophet Isaiah said: All say: For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and He will be our ruler. He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Leader says: Let’s celebrate together this most joyful of all birthdays, the birthday of Jesus, the Child from heaven.

THIS CHILD THIS CHILD, secretly comes in the night, Oh this Child, hiding a heavenly light, Oh this Child, coming to us like a stranger This heavenly Child.

This Child, heaven come down now To be with us here, Heavenly love and mercy appear, Softly in awe and wonder come near To this heavenly Child. This Child, rising on us like the sun, Oh this Child, given to light everyone, Oh this Child, guiding our feet on the pathway To peace on earth.

This Child, heaven come down now To be with us here, Heavenly love and mercy appear, Softly in awe and wonder come near To this heavenly Child. This Child, raising the humble and poor, Oh this Child, making the proud ones to fall; This Child, filling the hungry with good things, This heavenly Child.

This Child, heaven come down now To be with us here, Heavenly love and mercy appear, Softly in awe and wonder come near To this heavenly Child. This Child, heaven come down now To be with us here, Heavenly love and mercy appear, Softly in awe and wonder come near To this heavenly Child. This Child, heaven come down now To be with us here, Heavenly love and mercy appear, Softly in awe and wonder come near To this heavenly Child. Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music


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Leader says: The birth of a child should always be the cause of great rejoicing, but how much more so when the Child is none other than God Himself, come to save His people from their sins! So come and join the dance!

All:

(Instrumental verse and chorus) Ldr: All:

O COME AND JOIN THE DANCE Ldr: All: Ldr: All:

O COME AND JOIN THE DANCE That all began so long ago, When Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem. Through all the years of darkness Still the dance goes on and on, O, take my hand and come and join the song.

Ldr: All:

Let laughter ring and angels sing And joy be all around. For Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem. And if you seek with all your heart He surely can be found, O, take my hand and come and join the song. Men: All:

Men: Men: All:

Men: All:

Rejoice! } (Women echo) Rejoice! O lift your voice and sing, And open up your heart to welcome Him. Rejoice! } (Women echo) Rejoice! And welcome now your King, For Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem.

All:

Men: All:

Men: Ldr: All: Ldr: All:

Come shed your heavy load And dance your worries all away, For Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem. He came to break the power of sin And turn your night to day, O, take my hand and come and join the song. Men: All:

Men:

Rejoice! } (Women echo) Rejoice! O lift your voice and sing, And open up your heart to welcome Him. Rejoice! } (Women echo) Rejoice!

And welcome now your King, For Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem.

All:

Rejoice! } (Women echo) Rejoice! O lift your voice and sing, And open up your heart to welcome Him. Rejoice! } (Women echo) Rejoice! And welcome now your King, For Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem. Rejoice! } (Women echo) Rejoice! O lift your voice and sing, And open up your heart to welcome Him. Rejoice! } (Women echo) Rejoice! And welcome now your King, For Christ the Lord was born in Bethlehem.


Leader says over introduction: On that first Christmas night, joyful angels announced peace and goodwill to the world and heaven is still bursting at the seams with good gifts for everyone. So open your heart to receive what God has stored up for you, especially the greatest Gift of all...


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THE GIVING SONG

AT THIS TIME OF GIVING, Gladly now we bring Gifts of goodness and mercy From a heavenly King. Earth could not contain the treasures Heaven holds for you, Perfect joy and lasting pleasures, Love so strong and true.

At this time of giving, Gladly now we bring Gifts of goodness and mercy From a heavenly King. May His tender love surround you At this Christmastime; May you see His smiling face That in the darkness shines.

At this time of giving, Gladly now we bring Gifts of goodness and mercy From a heavenly King. But the many gifts He gives Are all poured out from one; Come receive the greatest gift, The gift of God’s own Son.

And God showed His love for you, When He gave His only Son; And you, if you trust in Him, Shall not die, But have eternal life. No, you shall not die, But have eternal life. Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music

PEACE TO YOU PEACE TO YOU. We bless you now in the name of the Lord. Peace to you. We bless you now in the name of the Prince of Peace. Peace to you. (Repeat twice) Peace to you. We bless you now in the name of the Lord. Peace to you. We bless you now in the name of the Prince of Peace. Peace to you, peace to you. Peace to you, peace to you. Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music

Lai, lai, lai... (for two choruses and verses) Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD That He gave His only Son; And all who believe on Him Shall not die, But have eternal life; No, they shall not die, But have eternal life.

Leader says: Let’s give thanks to God together. All say: Thank You, heavenly Father, for the peace that comes through Your gift of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Thank You that although He was in very nature God, He made Himself as nothing, took on the nature of a servant, was made in human likeness, and experienced the pain and suffering of a sinful world. Thank You that, in order to give us life, He humbled Himself, and surrendered to death, even death on a cross...


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GOD WITH US Ldr:


HE WALKED WHERE I WALK, (All echo each line)

He stood where I stand, He felt what I feel, He understands. He knows my frailty, Shared my humanity, Tempted in every way, Yet without sin. All:

Ldr:

HEAVEN INVITES YOU TO A PARTY To celebrate the birth of a Son; Angels rejoicing in the starlight, Singing ‘Christ your Saviour has come’. Heaven invites you to a party To celebrate the birth of a Son; Angels rejoicing in the starlight, Singing ‘Christ your Saviour has come’.

God with us, so close to us. God with us, Immanuel! God with us, so close to us. God with us, Immanuel! One of a hated race, (All echo each line) Stung by the prejudice, Suff’ring injustice, Yet He forgives. Wept for my wasted years, Paid for my wickedness, He died in my place That I might live.

All:

God with us, so close to us. God with us, Immanuel! God with us, so close to us. God with us, Immanuel!

All:

God with us, so close to us. God with us, Immanuel! God with us, so close to us. God with us, Immanuel!


(Leader first, all echo each line) And it’s for you, And it’s for me, For all your friends And family. Now heaven’s door Is open wide, So come on in, Come step inside.

Heaven invites you to a party To celebrate the birth of a Son; Angels rejoicing in the starlight, Singing ‘Christ your Saviour has come’. All:

Angels from the realms of glory Wing your flight o’er all the earth; You who sang creation’s story Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.

And it’s for you (Leader first, all echo each line) And it’s for me, For all your friends And family. Let trumpets blast, Let music play, Let people shout, Let banners wave. Continued over...


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Come all you people, (Leader first, all echo each line) Join hands together, Bring all your neighbours, Everybody! Send invitations, To every nation, Come and adore Him, Everybody! Everybody! All:

Heaven invites you to a party To celebrate the birth of a Son; Angels rejoicing in the starlight Singing ‘Christ your Saviour has come’.

And it’s for you (Leader first, all echo each line) And it’s for me, For all your friends And family. Let trumpets blast, Let music play, Let people shout, Let banners wave. Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music ‘Angels from the realms of glory’ words by J. Montgomery (1771-1854)

TONIGHT (GLORY TO GOD) (Reprise)

GLORY TO GOD in the highest, And on the earth be peace from heav’n! Glory to God in the highest, And on the earth be peace from heav’n! Glory to God in the highest,(Men - Women echo) (Men) And on the earth (All) Be peace from heav’n! Glory to God in the highest,(Men - Women echo) (Men) And on the earth (All) Be peace from heav’n! Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music

THANKS BE TO GOD (Reprise)

And now thanks be to God For His gift beyond words, The Son whom He loved, No, He did not withold Him, But with Him gave everything. Now He’s everything to me. Now He’s everything to me. Glory to God in the highest! Graham Kendrick Copyright © 1988 Make Way Music


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Let God Remake You The Christmas scene is anything but ordinary. “What happened at the manger wasn’t designed to put me in ‘the holiday mood,’” writes Dan Schaeffer. “It was intended to shake me to the roots of my soul.” In this excerpt from his book In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas, Dan Schaeffer helps us see beyond the holiday traditions to embrace Jesus—the gift God sent into the trouble and difficulty of our lives to bring us true peace.

The

REAL GIFT OF

CHRISTMAS

Dan Schaeffer is an award-winning writer who pastors Shoreline Community Church in Santa Barbara, California. His work has appeared regularly in more than thirty different Christian magazines and periodicals, in many different countries and languages.

To order more of The Real Gift of Christmas or any of over 100 other titles, visit discoveryseries.org.

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Dan Schaeffer 8/21/17 3:28 PM

introduction

The Real Gift of Christmas

D

o you ever have the sneaking suspicion that much of our emotional attachment to Christmas stems more from our traditional celebrations than the news announced to the shepherds some twenty centuries ago? We read the Christmas story in Matthew and Luke and we parrot all the appropriate clichés: “Jesus is the reason for the season,” and “Let’s keep the Christ in Christmas.”

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But when all is said and done, we still wonder what fuels our Christmas sentiment. And so it goes, on and on, as each year we struggle to know how to properly celebrate Christ’s marvelous entrance into our world. We know what He did—even those who don’t believe it know the story of the first Christmas. But how deeply have we thought about that story and its implications for our lives? The problem is that when something becomes too familiar to us, we have trouble seeing it in a new way. That is the purpose of this booklet: to help you see beyond the familiar and find the true spirit of Christmas—the spirit that is meant to decorate our hearts the way lights decorate a barren tree.

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The real gifT of ChrisTmas

contents one

What’s Wrong with This Picture? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 two

When It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 three

One More Gift to Give . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 managing editor: J. r. hudberg Cover Design and image: Terry Bidgood interior Design: steve gier interior images: (p.1) Terry Bidgood; (p.5) Painting by gerard van honthorst / Public Domain; (p.15) Dovile Cizaite via stock.xchng; (p.23) lisa fanucchi via stock.xchng excerpted from In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas by Dan schaeffer. Copyright © 2003 by Dan schaeffer. Used by permission of Discovery house Publishers. Unless indicated otherwise, scripture is taken from the holy Bible, NeW iNTerNaTioNal VersioN®, NiV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, inc.™. all rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission of Zondervan. © 2013 rBC ministries, grand rapids, michigan all rights reserved. Printed in Usa

one

What’s Wrong with This Picture?

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very Christmas, in our living room, we put out our manger scene—a small, rustic-looking stall, crude but charming, busy with sheep, shepherds, camels, wise men, and two babes in the manger. (The second baby, put there by our youngest child, is from another long-lost set.) When Dad connects the lights, and Mom adds some appropriate seasonal foliage to cover the top of the stable, it provides all of us a warm, wonderful holiday experience. The problem is that I’ve gazed upon this manger scene

[5]

so long that I’ve become numb to it. I’ve heard the story so often that I’ve stopped thinking about it. But when I do think about it, I realize that this scene isn’t normal. And God doesn’t want me to view it as pretty and quaint. He wants me to be appalled, even bewildered and confused; because when I am, I have to think about the scene rather than ignore it. What happened at the manger wasn’t designed to put me in “the holiday mood.” It was intended to shake me to the roots of my soul. Christmas is the day we celebrate the entrance of the eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, allrighteous, all-holy, and glorious God into our world. When I stop and consider this fact and then look at that scene of the baby Jesus in the manger, I scratch my head and say, “What’s wrong with this picture?” Four words in the story of the first Christmas should challenge my mind, not anesthetize it. “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (luke 2:12, emphasis added). The God of the ages, too glorious to look upon, is lying in a feed trough. The God before whom Moses and Isaiah fell down on their faces, and from whom the cherubim hide their faces, is in a filthy stable. If this story were merely myth, we

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W de It of

could smile warmly and safely ignore it. But this isn’t myth. It is fact. Lying in a manger. These four glorious words describe far more than the place where baby Jesus was laid. Here is

What happened at the manger wasn’t designed to put me in “the holiday mood.” It was intended to shake me to the roots of my soul. a message from God, a parable in four words, a testament in wood and straw that contains more truth than would fit in a volume of books.

A Sign for the Shepherds At the time of the census decreed by Caesar Augustus, which demanded that all the citizens of the entire Roman Empire had to return to their hometowns to register, Bethlehem must have been swollen with people. The streets must have been congested, the homes crowded with relatives, and the inns bursting at the seams. In these circumstances, how would a group of shepherds find the child they were seeking? There could have been mothers and babies galore. Which one was the right one? What’s Wrong with This Picture?

[7]

All the babies were wrapped in some kind of cloths, so that didn’t narrow it down. The sign for the shepherds was that the baby would be lying in a manger. Even in that ancient time and place, a stable for a birthing room and a manger for a crib would have been unusual. This scene was strange, and it was intended to be. Imagine the shepherds entering Bethlehem, searching for the manger, eagerly listening in the night for the sounds of a crying baby to guide them. Finally their faithfulness was rewarded. They found the promised Savior, Christ the Lord, in the form of “a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Now the shepherds knew without doubt that God had been leading them. The manger was their sign. Without it they had no compass and no hope. The baby in the manger was the Great Shepherd who led these sinful men to a carpenter and his young wife, and, ultimately, to Himself. The scene—father, mother, baby, and manger—was a promised sign to the shepherds, confirmation that they were not on a fool’s errand. The shepherd’s themselves were a sign too, a billboard for the Christ child’s earthly parents. Their appearance provided a sense of peace and rightness to the bewildering turn of

[8]


Th Gr to ul

The baby in the manger was the Great Shepherd who led these sinful men to a carpenter and his young wife, and, ultimately, to Himself. events of giving birth to this miraculous child in such unmiraculous surroundings.

A Confirmation for Mary and Joseph What we celebrate each year may have been a terrible ordeal for Mary and Joseph. Was this what Mary envisioned when Elizabeth, her friend and relative, had prophesied that she would be blessed and honored (luke 1:42)? Mary had great faith, but was it challenged when she entered that stable, heavy with child and exhausted from the long journey from Nazareth? Somehow I doubt that this young woman found her circumstances inspiring. When her labor pains began, with no midwife to help her, when she and Joseph were alone in a stable “celebrating” the arrival of the heavenly child, promised through great miracles and dreams, did they ever ask themselves, “What’s wrong with this picture, God?” Then the shepherds arrived, sharing their angelic vision and the all-important sign they had been What’s Wrong with This Picture?

[9]

given—a sign to the world—a baby lying in a manger. Not in a palace or an ornately decorated crib befitting the Son of God. Not in a cozy room with proper comforts for a woman in labor, but in a cold stable. And yet the baby was right where He was supposed to be—lying in a manger. When they saw these rugged worshipers, did Mary and Joseph sigh in relief? Did the joy of confirmation flood their souls, washing away any doubt that might have accumulated in their hearts? I think it did. The heavenly pronouncement from the shepherds was an additional confirmation that their present circumstances were holy to God. There had been no divine mistakes. This was precisely the place God chose to showcase His entrance into our world, wrapped up so tight in swaddling cloths that He couldn’t even move. This grand entrance did not fit His person or His glory. But in it, we begin to see glimmers of His purpose.

No Room for God in the World He Had Made The eternal God lying helplessly in a manger is an object lesson impossible to ignore. This scene puzzles

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Th th th to th w

the critics, and rightly so. It is not uncommon to hear critics of Christianity speak of the wrathful, vengeful, judgmental God of the Old Testament. But would such a God suffer Himself to be disgraced by lying helplessly

The heavenly pronouncement from the shepherds was an additional confirmation that their present circumstances were holy to God. The manger scene reveals as much about the mercy and love of God as do any of His words or acts of compassion. in a manger? No, the manger scene reveals as much about the mercy and love of God as do any of His words or acts of compassion. “There was no room for them in the inn.” Those familiar words ring out across the centuries. Yet in truth, there was no room for Him anywhere. And this scene, forever frozen in time, reminds us not only of His character but also of ours. The Creator returned to a decidedly hostile world, not with divine wrath prepared to destroy all that would treat Him with contempt, but in divine mercy prepared to endure all that we could throw at Him. Could God’s mercy and love toward our What’s Wrong with This Picture?

[ 11 ]

hostile and rebellious world have been any clearer than when He was found lying in a manger? When we are having difficulty conjuring up an appropriate Christmas spirit, we need only picture the God of eternity enduring that filthy and incredibly humiliating setting. It was His love for us that put Him in that manger. And as we picture Him lying in a manger we see something we’d never have understood otherwise.

So We Could Understand In our world, important people tend to associate with other important people; they seek each other out. And being seen with the right people in the right places can take you far. So it is with no little confusion that we view God humbling himself so drastically before us. Yes, us. You and me. We were the reason He left His glory. We’ll never really understand it, not completely anyway. We know what He did, but for the life of us we can’t figure out why. When someone greater than us humbles himself before us in some way, it is a powerful gesture. We are amazed and moved that someone of such stature and status would do such a thing. When someone gives us a gift we don’t expect or deserve, we are touched. So when

[ 12 ] THE REAL GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

W a ne

I think about God in a manger, I am amazed, touched, and, above all, grateful. God humbled himself in a way that a shepherd, or a child, or a tax-gatherer, or a fisherman, or a woman with a checkered past, or a self-righteous Pharisee, or even I would understand. While lying in a manger, God was sending a message that tells us what we desperately need to know about Him.

While lying in a manger, God was sending a message that tells us what we desperately need to know about Him.

Anyone Could Approach Him The God-Child was announcing in a dramatic way that He had come to be available, to be accessible. He hadn’t come to isolate Himself, or to hobnob with only the important people. He had come to mingle with all, to receive them with open arms and put Himself at their disposal. All this He conveyed by simply being found lying in a manger! A common feeding trough for beasts of burden hosted the God-Child Himself. “Why?” we ask ourselves. Why indeed! For us! God humbled Himself before us so that What’s Wrong with This Picture?

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we would realize that there was nothing He wouldn’t do to bring us into relationship with Him. What’s wrong with this picture? Not a thing! Because the primitive scene of our God lying in a manger reminds us of this precious truth: We’re no longer alone.

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two

When It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas

Something Different, Something Deeper

T

he message of Christmas is about hope. But sometimes “it doesn’t feel like Christmas.” It doesn’t feel hopeful. Sometimes life conspires to challenge the Christmas message of “good news of a great joy.” Each culture has its own traditions surrounding Christmas. While many of these traditions have little to

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do with God entering our world, they have become so inextricably intertwined with our Christmas celebrations that it is difficult, if not impossible, for us to separate the truth of Christmas from the traditions we have grown up with. For example, in the West, Christmas has become a time of family celebration with food, presents, and parties. So when the painful reality of life interrupts our celebrations of the Christmas season, when we lose some of these traditional supports, we believe we cannot experience the spirit of Christmas. For years the Christmas spirit has meant an immersion in the festal garb of the season—the colors, lights, decorations, songs, presents, family get-togethers—and yes, the story of the Babe in the manger. But the Christmas story, the real story, has become a sidelight to our celebration. It is important, but not absolutely essential. We could actually get through the season with great joy, celebration, and treasured memories without seriously considering the implications of the entrance of God into our world. A simple nod to “the reason behind the season” would suffice—even a brief one. Millions of Christians do it every year and appear none the worse for it.

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It se tr

But what happens when a broken family or the aching loss of a loved one or deteriorating health or fragmented and painful relationships conspire to wipe away our joy?

It is difficult, if not impossible, for us to separate the truth of Christmas from the traditions we have grown up with. At such times we begin to see how far we have strayed from the true message of this blessed season. What we need is something different, something deeper. Author and speaker Jill Briscoe recalls being asked to speak to a church gathering in Croatia for two hundred newly arrived refugees. They were mostly women, because the men were either dead, or in camp, or fighting. That evening she told the refugees about Jesus, who as a baby became a refugee Himself. He was hunted by soldiers, and His parents had to flee to Egypt at night, leaving everything behind. Sensing that her audience was listening intently, she continued telling them about Jesus’ life, and when she got to the cross, she said, “He hung there naked, not like the pictures tell you.” At the end of the message, she said, “All these things have happened to you. You are homeless. You have had to flee. You have When It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas

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suffered unjustly. But you didn’t have a choice. He had a choice. He knew all this would happen to Him, but He still came.” Then she told them why. Many of the refugees knelt down, put their hands up, and wept. “He’s the only one who really understands,” she concluded.1 This is the part of the Christmas story that is often neglected. God had a choice, and He chose to become a vulnerable human child. He chose to come to earth and suffer and die. We can decorate His entrance into the world with festive angels and stars. But those decorations cannot mask the purpose of His entrance—to suffer and die for us.

The Christmas “Unpeace” Ironically, in those times when it least feels like Christmas, it might be most like Christmas. Maybe hope, in the midst of strange, uncomfortable, and confusing circumstances, is the closest we can get to the true and original spirit of Christmas. Often, the lack of the internal peace we are desperately seeking nearly convinces us that God’s love for us—us personally—has waned. How can God truly love us when He allows such pain and suffering to enter our lives? But it was because of this very pain and

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Go be He an

God had a choice, and He chose to become a vulnerable human child. He chose to come to earth and suffer and die. suffering that God came in the first place. In fact, it was into just such “unpeace” that our Lord arrived. As author Emmy Arnold writes, How could God hate us, when He gives us what He, past all measure, loves? I proclaim to you great joy that shall come to all peoples—peace on earth! The true Christmas experience is to feel that this Christmas peace is the greater power; that even now on earth it overcomes all unpeace. That this peace shall come to all—that is the expectation and faith of Christmas. The Christmas Star in the night sky, the shining of the Christmas light in the night—all this is the sign that light breaks into the darkness. Though we see about us the darkness of unrest, of family discord, of class struggle, of competitive jealousy and of national hatred, the light shall shine and drive it out. Wherever the Christmas Child is born in a heart, wherever Jesus When It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas

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begins His earthly life anew—that is where the life of God’s love and of God’s peace dawns again.2 When all the things that spell security and comfort are removed, we become keenly aware of how much we needed God to enter our world. We can’t make heaven on earth, no matter how hard we try, no matter how much we decorate. Sin has affected and infected everything we touch. We needed to be rescued. We need a Savior. We long for peace. Peace on earth, and peace in our hearts. This is what the original participants in the Christmas story were waiting and hoping for. A powerful way to appreciate having a Savior is to imagine what it would be like not to have one. Imagine that your pain and suffering have no meaning. Your life is simply ruled by fate—and you are just unlucky. Wrongs will never be made right, truth is relative, and hope for a better world is just so much dreaming. Your silent suffering and hidden pain have no divine audience; they are yours to bear alone. There exists, quite simply, no hope beyond this life. But we do have reason for rejoicing. A Savior was born

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W pe pa w

to us, and our suffering touches His merciful and gracious heart. He was not only moved by our suffering; He came to join us in it. He lowered Himself to suffer what we suffer, to feel what we feel, to cry with us, hunger with us, thirst with us, and live with us. The Almighty God made Himself vulnerable to all the pain of human life.

We long for peace. Peace on earth, and peace in our hearts. This is what the original participants in the Christmas story were waiting and hoping for.

One of my greatest joys is in knowing that there is a God and that He is righteous and loving. That this God loves me never ceases to amaze me. So my hope can shine through any pain, confusion, and suffering that comes my way, because I know my Savior cares for me. My hope cannot be quenched, because I know my God loves me even through suffering. Christmas reminds us that we can put our hope in a sure thing—the love of God—demonstrated so beautifully on that wonderful day when He came forth into our world as a baby. Because of our despair, When It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas

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hopelessness, and helplessness He left His throne in heaven. This is the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (luke 2:10). This is the Christmas we can all celebrate, with or without family, friends, or familiarity. Christmas goes beyond trees, decorations, songs, and presents to speak to our true condition. 1 Jill Briscoe, “Keeping the Adventure in Ministry,” Leadership Journal (Summer 1996).

2 Emmy Arnold, “Christmas Joy,” When the Time Was Fulfilled (Farmington, Pa.: Plough, 1965).

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three

One More Gift to Give

D

uring the Christmas season, one of the most quoted Scripture verses is from the prophet Isaiah: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (isaiah 9:6). This passage is the fulfillment of God’s promise to give us a gift that would heal our relationship with Him (cf. gen. 3:15). The day Jesus was born, this hopeful and long-forgotten promise was fulfilled. Something had

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to bridge that gulf and bring our hearts back to Him. That something was the Son—the presence of the Son with us. This famous passage (isaiah 9:6) adorns countless Christmas cards and is quoted from thousands of pulpits every year. And, as with the nativity, familiarity can bring indifference to the beautiful message imagery of this promise.

“A child is born” Isaiah was in the midst of prophesying against Israel because of her unfaithfulness. Very soon he would tell the Israelites that the Assyrians would be God’s instrument of discipline, coming down upon Israel and overwhelming her. Yet God interrupted this tragic prophecy to speak tenderly about Israel’s future, promising that He would never abandon her, despite her unfaithfulness. As evidence of this promise, a child would be born for her. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (isaiah 7:14). This is not an allegorical lesson or wishful thinking. No, this is a real promise. God would someday deliver His wayward people, and that deliverance would involve

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Go pe a an

God would someday deliver His wayward people, and that deliverance would involve a miraculous human birth at a definite time and place in history.

a miraculous human birth at a definite time and place in history. When we make promises we really intend to keep, we get specific with dates, times, and details. And that’s what God did with Israel. He got specific about this coming Messiah. This wouldn’t be just any child; it would be a child born of a virgin. That is specific! But notice, this same child would not only be born to a virgin, He would also be born to us. This child would be born to Israel. And all who have become children of Abraham by faith also benefit from God’s eternal plan. This child was a gift not simply to Israel, but to all of mankind. Then Isaiah gets even more specific: This child will be born of a virgin, will be born to us, and will be a son.

“A son is given” One day in eternity the Father and Son spoke about the plan for creation. So the Son disguised His glorious divinity, One More Gift to Give

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descended to earth, and under the cloak of humanity became the promised child. A child was born; the Son was given. Mary birthed Jesus, but not until after the Father had first given Him. He was the Son from all eternity, but on a given day He became a child. This was to identify this special child with His eternal, divine origins. The tradition of exchanging gifts in which we participate so fervently and eagerly at this season can be traced ultimately to the Father. The giving began with Him. The greatest gift came from Him. He gave us a world to live in, and He gave us life to enjoy it. Then, when through our own sin we forfeited that life, the Father gave again. He gave us His Son, and through Him new life, eternal life, not merely as His creation, but as His beloved children. That life, however, came with a price tag we couldn’t afford. Like the expensive car that is way out of our reach, or the house we could never afford to even think about buying. We did not deserve this second chance, so it had to be given.

“The government will be on His shoulders” People often expect their government to provide prosperity, peace, justice, compassion, and guidance.

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Th pa se Th

But the governments of the world have rested on some pretty weak and narrow shoulders over the years, and none have ever measured up to this lofty goal. In fact, precious few have even sought such a selfsacrificial end. Most seek only their own power and self-aggrandizement.

The tradition of exchanging gifts in which we participate so fervently and eagerly at this season can be traced ultimately to the Father. The giving began with Him. We tend to be hard on our leaders when they fail, but we must remember that they have an inherent handicap. They are imperfect just like us. We might as well ask a cow to fly south for the winter, or a dog to live underwater like a fish, as ask an imperfect person to govern perfectly. Imperfect people make imperfect laws, which they imperfectly enforce, and which are powerless to change imperfect hearts. Imagine a government that would be perfect, righteous, fair, effective, and compassionate. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? But who would be qualified to lead such a government? Who could bear such a burden? Only the One More Gift to Give

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Child born to us, the Son given to us. Because one day the government of all nations and all people will be given to Him forever, and He will govern perfectly, righteously, and eternally.

“And He will be called Wonderful Counselor” Life is full of so many choices, so many decisions that need to be made. Often we seek counselors who can help us make the right ones. But every counselor is also in need of a counselor. Because, try as we might, it is impossible for any of us imperfect human beings to have a perfect perspective. None of us have all the answers, all the time. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we did? Isaiah’s use of the Hebrew word pele, meaning “wonder,” indicates that everything about Jesus is a wonder. He is beyond all we could ever imagine. Jesus is such a wonder, so perfectly capable, that He has no need of counselors. He never has to ask advice, or “get back” to us on something. He has all the answers to everything all the time. Isn’t that wonderful? The perfect heart and mind are blended in God’s gift to us of a Wonderful Counselor.

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On al an an

“Mighty God” In the Hebrew, El Gibbor is translated “God, the mighty one.” However, the word Gibbor actually means “hero.” It could be translated “a heroic God,” or “a God of a hero”—a hero whose chief quality is that He is God. He is not just our God; He is our hero. For He not only has the power, but also the desire to rescue us. Notice the contrast between the terms Mighty God, child, and Son. We think of God’s Son as the meek and gentle

One day the government of all nations and all people WILL be given to Him forever, and He will govern perfectly, righteously, and eternally. child Jesus. But He was in disguise. He was God cloaked in humanity. God incognito. From everlasting, the child born, the Son given, was and is El Gibbor, the Mighty God. We know people can make promises they don’t intend to keep. But what about the person who can’t deliver on his promise because he doesn’t have the power to make it happen? Is there anything more disappointing? Yet all of the promises implied by these titles of the coming Christ One More Gift to Give

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child would be fulfilled because He would be El Gibbor, the Mighty God.

“Everlasting Father” In this phrase, Isaiah is not confusing Jesus the Son with God the Father. Instead, Isaiah is describing the nature of the Messiah’s relationship with His people and His relationship with time. This child to be born is eternal, and He is fatherly in His dealings with us. Father! The very word can evoke strong emotions. We love our fathers; we blast our fathers. We blame them for our condition; we bless them for our condition. Yet whether we bless them or blast them, we all seem to be looking and longing for that perfect father relationship. But our human fathers are imperfect, even the best of them. And so we yearn for One who will look out for us, protect us, provide for us, hold us in His strong arms, and answer all our dumb questions. Whatever our minds and hearts can desire or imagine in a perfect Father, Jesus will be for us . . . forever!

“Prince of Peace” Almost the moment we are born, the conflicts begin. We fight with our parents, our siblings, our friends, our spouses, our children, our relatives, and our leaders. Peace

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W m Bu

We think of God’s Son as the meek and gentle child Jesus. But He was in disguise.

is our eternally elusive pursuit. Peace between nations, peace between neighbors, peace between spouses, peace between family members, even peace in our own minds and hearts. Many men and women have achieved great things, but no one can claim to have brought the world real peace. We want peace, but we also want our own way. We desire peace, but we can’t remove all the peace-disturbing things in our life. I can feel at peace toward you, but what happens if you don’t feel at peace toward me? A true and lasting peace in our world is simply beyond our reach. How appropriate then, that as the names of Messiah are listed, the last one we hear echoing in our minds is Prince of Peace. Real, lasting peace, for nations or individuals, is not something we achieve; it is something we receive through the Son. It is part of the gift. Vance Havner once wrote, “Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts: the gift of God to man—His Son; One More Gift to Give

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and the gift of man to God—when we first give ourselves to God.”3 The true Christmas spirit reminds us of the ultimate gift—God’s offer of salvation, His presence with us. It is good news! Good news for all people!

3 Vance Havner in Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World,

compiled by Edythe Draper (Wheaton Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992), #1360.

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