The weather is getting brisk, the leaves are turning beautiful colors as they gently fall from their branches to cover the ground. The election is finally over. Fall is officially here.
I am starting to go through the holiday bins to see what decorations are usable; going through my yarn stash to see how many hand made gifts will be inspired – then a list of what to make for whom – then a smile as I realize they probably won’t get finished because I look at my wall of totes with each one carrying a project already started. So, come gift opening time no one will know what to expect 
Christmas music is already being played full time on local radio stations. I heard a news report this week about a group protesting that Christmas is too religious. I go to the stores adorned with brightly colored decorations, trees and imitation gifts wrapped. Sales are announced everywhere with pictures of family members excited to receive them. The music played is about toys and gifts and family gatherings. People are lined up fighting for the last item on the rack as the “perfect must have present”. And it is only the middle of November. WHERE, I ask you, is the too much religion?
Come to my house and I pray you will find that religion. I do participate with the tree and the presents. My teddy bears dress up and share in the happiness of the season. And foremost in the decor is a nativity, actually 2 or 3. My heart is filled with the promise of a savior sent from heaven to offer us salvation. That is the ultimate gift.
Read this fantastic account in Luke 2. Click here for an online version.
Let me be among the first to wish you a “Merry Christmas”.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. John 1:6
In a corner of my bedroom, where I can see him when waking or resting, is a Helzberg Diamonds Teddy Bear. On his sweater are the words “You Are Loved”. Over his shoulder is a messenger bag. This messenger is bringing me good news that someone loves me.
He reminds me of another messenger, 200 years ago. His name was John the Baptist.
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a messenger to bear witness of the Light that all might believe.” (John 1:6.7)
John was not the Light, He was not the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. He was the messenger. When asked John told them he was “the voice crying in the wilderness to make straight the way of the Lord” (John 1:23).
John went before Jesus and prepared others for Christ’s appearance. He told the people of God becoming man and how much God loves us.
He was the messenger. My bear reminds me that I am loved, not by the diamond company, but by God. And this particular messenger just happens to be a teddy bear.
I received this in an email so I can’t credit the author. I liked it and wanted to share it with you.
Top 10 Predictions No Matter What Happens in the World
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
and God approves this message!
ISN’T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE
I am starting to go through the holiday bins to see what decorations are usable; going through my yarn stash to see how many hand made gifts will be inspired – then a list of what to make for whom – then a smile as I realize they probably won’t get finished because I look at my wall of totes with each one carrying a project already started. So, come gift opening time no one will know what to expect 
