Seasonal Meditations

Advent Begins Again!

2007-12-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Advent season begins. It occurs to me that, as I once again receive this gift, I choose to be present, to simply experience, day by day, the wonder of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. God wraps His Advent gift in a holy promise, divine mystery and fulfillment that takes my breath away. I choose to be present!!

Elaine Burnett

Father of Lights

2006-12-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

I don’t think I ever thought of this verse as Christmassy before, but last night I couldn’t get it out of my head. It was still front-of-mind this morning when my clock-alarm jarred me awake. The sentence dovetails so beautifully with Isaiah’s prophetic words…

“There will be no more gloom for those who were in distress…

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

Additionally, there is the mention of gift-giving, which is so apropos to the season. It reminds me that the practice of giving gifts is an ancient ritual, perhaps coming from an archetypal wellspring within us. In fact, the gesture is older than humanity itself! The Father of sun, moon, and stars is characterized by generosity.

Change of Plans

2006-12-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas reveals a God who is not a Distant Observer but rather a Nearby Interrupter! Matthew 1:18-25 describes the divine invasion of a common man’s circumstances.

God’s redemptive agenda disintegrated Joseph’s world and then reassembled it into an utterly new order of meaning. I think it’s fair to say that the reassembly required Joseph’s cooperation; in a real sense, he became a co-creator with the Spirit.

Joseph’s said yes to God, but in a different way from Mary: she surrendered to what the Spirit was doing deep within her – something she could not do herself. Joseph’s “yes” required him to do and not do a series of important things; he had to drastically change his plans. Amazingly, he agreed to refrain from love-making with his new bride until after Jesus was born! (See verse 25.)

Joseph was a teachable, flexible person, able to embrace change. He accepted the fact that things would never be the same, and he adapted to the new way of life.

The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.

While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—'God saves'—because he will save his people from their sins." This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term:

Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us").

Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God's angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 (The Message)

Flesh and Blood

2006-12-22T23:48:00.000-08:00

The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish. John 1:14 (The Message)

God in Baby-Skin

2006-12-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

Christmastime… Expectation is a key theme of the season. Hopeful anticipation is the tenor of Advent, as we remember humankind’s deep longing for its Savior.

The countdown to Christmas also stirs our expectancy for waking up into the magic of gifts and family and festivity. Monday morning we’ll wade through drifts of wrapping paper, enjoy favorite foods prepared with once-a-year extravagance, and visit at leisure with people we don’t see often enough.

Perhaps these things aren’t so very incongruent. Maybe the sparkling, delicious forward-looking we feel for the goodness of gifting, feasting, and visiting is directly connected to the heart of Christmas. Rather than moan about the secularization and consumerization of the Holiday, let’s look with wide-eyed wonder for God in baby-skin, delivered into the middle of our world.

“Yea, Lord, we greet The, Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be glory given… O come, let us adore Him…”

Scott Burnett

Christmas Twins

2006-12-21T00:11:00.000-08:00

Matching snowmen robes.

Plush.

Plush robes are not for wrapping inside of after a shower. They are not for drying. They cannot Absorb. They are for warming or for Posing In.

Twin cousins in snowmen plush robes. Robes thickly over clothes, over daytime clothes in the morning. Christmas Morning. Cousins, girls, not the same age, not having the same appearance, but with twin kindred souls. Christmas souls. Twin cousins in snowmen plush robes with their arms around each other in the photograph. Looking at the picture-taker and Posing. Smiling at the photograph, years later, all the time after, smirking at those snowmen. Twin Teenage cousins with a Boyfriend or Boyfriendless in plush robes on Christmas morning with arms around each other. They are swimming in the robes like pajama royalty, one Twin Cousin with straight white teeth and a kid tan from living in California. The other Twin Cousin with kid Bangs and borrowed clothing. Twins because they are Cousins because they are In Photographs together inside the world like a secret. Girls.

Snowmen.

Snowpeople.

Snowgirls.

Snowgirls in snowrobes, Posing as teenagers Holding On to each other in a twinly kindred way of looking out at things.

Of loving things.

Of wearing gifts.

Girls wearing gifts of a changing, falling-down-and-falling-up-all-around, mind-whirring, eccentric Growing Up.

Twin Cousins, twin snowpeople. Together.

An inherited, made-up Growing Up.

Perhaps apart. California being one Separator of Twin Cousins.

But always with the memory of snowmen robes wrapping them up in a Plush Swimming in the middle of Christmas in the daytime. Twin Souls. Not dry, not wet. A Growing Up snowgirl part of a Family. A kind of Always, twirling and diverging and flowing in the middle part of souls. Percolating on and Posing In, cyclic, during Christmas.

Courtney Burnett

Christmas Kindness

2006-12-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:18-19

When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, and before the angel clarified the matter to him, his first thought was to honor Mary and treat her with dignity.

Consider the magnitude of the strength of character revealed in his response! He could have chosen “righteous indignation” or given himself permission to play the victim role; but instead, humility and kindness motivated his actions.

Joseph provides a gentle and understated example for us at Christmastime: Kindness requires great courage and confidence.

Scott Burnett

Absent Angel

2006-12-18T22:40:00.000-08:00

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

An angel has described to Mary the miracle God’s Spirit is about to create within her. She opens herself to the message, surrendering to a transcendent destiny. And then the angel is gone.

It must have been a relief in some sense. After all, how long can a human endure a face-to-face encounter with the supernatural? Still, normalness must have returned with a dull thud. Her head must have been spinning!

In my opinion, this is one of the most helpful bits in Luke’s rendering of the Nativity narrative. Each of us is invited to receive the miracle God wishes to plant within. Once we’ve said yes, the gift’s gestation occurs in the ordinariness of everyday life.

Scott Burnett

As You're Loading Up Your Plate...

2006-12-18T06:58:00.000-08:00

During this holiday season as we sit down for our Christmas feast will we load up our plates with stress, anxiety and worries, or will we fill them with love, joy and thankfulness?

Paul talking to the Thessalonians says, “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thes. 5:16-18 NIV)

Each year during Christmastime, I remember a bit of wisdom handed to me as a teenager with some stubborn difficulties in my life. I would always take them to a very close friend, my Dad. “Why is it,” I whined and complained, “that I can’t seem to cope with these problems?”

I remember my Dad’s long, thoughtful glance. “Maybe,” he offered, “it is because you aren’t grateful enough.”

“Grateful?” I asked. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the law of Living that you will discover someday,” he explained. My dad knew a lot about living. As I stood there reflecting his deep brown loving eyes pierced my heart. He went on.

“Focus on adversities and you’ll attract more of them (focus on stress and it will turn into distress). Be thankful for the privilege of living, and your life will grow increasingly bright.” He paused, looking at me with the love of a father. I am sure you have heard this phrase before but it truly impacted my life. He said “Michael, develop an attitude of gratitude, an attitude of thankfulness!”

I was a teenager then. Years of observing life and many wonderful people has left me convinced that what my Dad said that day is true. He has passed away now, but every holiday season I remember the times I complained to him about how hard it is to raise a family in today’s world. He always shared with me his advice to stop complaining and develop that attitude of gratitude and thankfulness.

That is the secret of living that my Dad shared with me so many years ago. So as you load up your plate this Christmas remember:

Pastor Michael Fernandez

“Gratitude is a God-honoring Attitude.”

Jesus is the Reason...

2006-12-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

"If you seek me and search for me with all your heart, I will be found by you." (Jeremiah 29:13)

It was early in December. The stores were decorated for Christmas. The Christmas lights were aglow. It was a magical scene. The Mall was crowded with Christmas shoppers. A father and his little three-year-old daughter went to the Mall for an afternoon of fun - to see the latest toys, the lights, the Christmas trees, Santa, and all the beauty of Christmas expectation. They went into a store filled with flowers, wreaths and decorations to make a home beautiful for the season. The little girl ran ahead of her father and headed for the back of the store. After a few minutes her father heard his little girl yell "Daddy, I found Jesus!" as all the people in the store stopped to listen and smile. At the back of the store were some Nativity scenes with the baby Jesus in the manger. That little girl knew the real "Reason for the Season" and she was so excited at finding Jesus! May you too be excited at finding Jesus during this Advent season. Jesus is the "Reason for the Season." He came to earth as a helpless baby to identify with mankind and to save us from our sins. He came to seek the lost! He came to seek for you...and me! Let us give Him first place and all of our adoration during this holy Advent season.

-Marilyn

Anxiously Awaiting Light...

2006-12-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

Nature has scripted an unforgettable story for us in the Upper Left-hand Corner of the U.S. this December. We're recovering from one of the worst windstorms we've ever endured. Over one million sites lost electricity (more than three million people). We're anxiously waiting for the lights to come back on!

The situation has given us a chance to experience real darkness. It's fair to say that many Northwesterners have acquired a much deeper appreciation for the coming of the Light of the World.

We'll try to get back on track with our Advent posts. Thanks for your patience and your prayers!

The Promise of Eternal Life

2006-12-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

Advent, a time of waiting…it took on a new meaning for my family and me this year, as we were waiting for our father to pass to his eternal reward. Tuesday was that day and I am feeling so blessed with the reality of my faith in these days.

At a time when life is so centered on the “Season,” I do not have good memories of past Christmases. If that were the whole reason for celebrating, this Christmas would be a terrible one yet again. But the reality is that I am so very thankful that the real reason for Christmas is the same yesterday and forever.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

No matter what happens in life that does not change. Jesus came as a baby to show us what God was like by living His life as an example for us to follow. He promised us a bright future with Him. In the death of a loved one we get to see, yet again, the promise of eternal life and celebrate in our loved ones passing.

“If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we're a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.

There is a nice symmetry in this: Death initially came by a man, and resurrection from death came by a man. Everybody dies in Adam; everybody comes alive in Christ.”
I Corinthians 15:19-21 (The Message)

Fiona Monaghan

Grace

2006-12-13T06:47:00.000-08:00

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 1:3)

The thread of God's grace is woven through His Word. Advent is all about expecting His grace to touch my life with Christmas joy. It's all about weaving that grace into the way I think about others, the way I relate to them.

At one time in my life, I had the chance to direct children's Christmas pageants for several years in a row. Each year, those weeks of preparation were filled with assigning parts, learning lines and planning details. Along the way, there were expectations, degrees of cooperation, substitutions, surprises and huge doses of the grace of God. At a time of the year when there is so much competition for everyone's schedule and attention, we managed to pull off several rehearsals with a representative number of the cast and musicians present. We worked around the rest." Every year, despite a pretty ragged dress rehearsal, we looked forward to a beautiful and meaningful performance. Wonder of wonders! that's exactly what those eager and willing children presented, and I was filled with joy.

As I walk through this season, I pray for the grace and vision of God, that I may fully know the joy and fulfillment of Advent.

"Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love." (II John 1:3)

Elaine Burnett

Help My Unbelief

2006-12-12T06:51:00.000-08:00

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and he will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:30-33)

Imagine what it must have been like for Mary to hear those words: “You have found favor with God.” Then to hear that she would conceive in her womb the Son of God. This was the promise, and it was fulfilled. But the details of its working-out were something else again. Mary did have a son, but from the beginning and on into manhood he led an ordinary life. Then, when the extraordinary emerged, in less than three years he was executed by the Roman government as a criminal.

Each of us has a similar promise spoken to us: “You have found favor with God … and you have been given an important role in God’s plan.” It’s true. But the up close working-out of it doesn’t seem that spectacular, or even easy. I can identify with the “ordinariness” of Mary’s life. But how can I identify with her faith, which she never lost? She believed, stayed the course, and lived well the seemingly obscure and sometimes confusing and sometimes difficult role that was given to her.

O Lord, I do believe. Help my unbelief.

Reava Davis

Solitude

2006-12-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

Mother Theresa said, “God is the friend of silence. We need to find God, but we cannot find Him in noise, in excitement.”

Many activities of the Christmas season are centered around gatherings of family and friends for dinners, parties and events. As Christmas approaches we make our way through crowded shopping malls, traffic, and oh so many lines. I enjoy all the celebrations of the season, but one of the things I look forward to the most happens late into the night on Christmas Eve. My girls are asleep, the stockings have been filled, last minute presents wrapped and preparations for the next day have been made. The house is quiet and still and in the glow of the lights on the tree I come before the Lord. It’s not a time of petitions or requests, but rather a simple fellowship with Him. I bask in His presence, and as I experience His peace I am in awe and reverence. In the serenity of those moments I feel I’ve “captured” Christmas.

Jesus knew the importance of solitude, and made it a priority to be alone with God. There is something about solitude which is essential for experiencing true intimacy with our Father. May we all find time for solitude during this busy season to experience a personal Christmas with our Living God.

"The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you."
2 Chronicles 15:3 NIV

Karen Howell

The Ice-Skating Beginner

2006-12-10T01:30:00.000-08:00

When I was sixteen I participated in a youth group event for fifth and sixth graders, including my younger sister. I was coerced into going along on this particular pizza event followed by ice skating at the local rink under the pretense that I would do no skating. Not only did I believe the pastime to be horrendously overpriced and an extravagant waste of my money, my experience in the ice skating field was very limited. Many attending high school kids who were my friends had also made up their minds not to actually skate for one reason or another. I had put my foot down in ice skating rebellion and I was not alone.

As we headed for pizza, the full effect of all the kids together sweeping the restaurant like a typhoon. Though it was a Friday night, I was not aware of the other diners at all because they were so eclipsed by the eleven-year-old army. Somehow within half an hour everyone was fed and still high on life (and sugar) when we left the restaurant. I was sure that the night was headed downhill from here, for my cold was worsening and we were now headed to the ice skating rink In fact, upon arrival I walked straight through the entrance and directly past the ticket window- the girl in line behind me had to explain to the lady taking money and stamping hands that I was only going to watch and I was not going to skate. By the time we reached the inside of the rink and plunked ourselves down on the bleachers, I was armed with chocolate and numerous excuses, ready to stay in ice skating self-exile for the rest of the night. I could not help but watch the kids of all ages on the other side of the glass, especially the fifth and sixth graders. They were all laughing at each others’ antics and skating in animated oblivion to the bleacher cluster. In general they all seemed quite happy and competent, no social disasters evident, so I relaxed a little. I told myself with satisfaction that no one could get me to skate. I had accomplished my goal and now all I had to do was sit and watch! And then I noticed my sister, who didn’t know how to skate either.

I watched her stumble along the very edge of the rink, holding on to the railing for dear life and moving as tentatively as could be, my heart broke somewhere beyond my non-skating resolve. She was out on the ice, but her skill was not adequate for this moment of being alone and completely clueless as to the art of having fun. There was no one there to hold her hand and show her how to look like an idiot on the ice and still have a good time.

I stood up. My new brokenness beyond my stubborn resolve had no outlet and I had stood up for no reason, just to make some sort of motion. I found a youth group leader to help teach her how to skate. Then I found a peer who offered to take me out on the ice and show me how to skate around so that I could be of actual help rather than cause a commotion on the rink by falling flat on my face en route to my sister, who by this time was skating okay, holding the hand of the leader I had first gone to in my distress. After arguing with myself for a moment, I went back to the ticket window and paid the eight dollars to get a stamp on my hand and rent ice skates. As I tottered out onto the ice clasping tightly the hand of my friend and muttering to myself about what insanity had possessed me, my perspective changed. I quickly was able to let go of the railing which had seemed so essential to my survival a minute before, and then I progressed to holding my friend’s hand like a normal person rather than a human claw. Soon I could go (very) short distances on my own. I yelled to my friends still glued to the bleachers, “Look! Look! I’m skating!” They nodded in approval and wondered what the big deal had been for me. I felt lighter than air.

Finally I skated oh-so-cautiously to my sister and asked her if she would like to skate with me. She agreed and we took hands and skated around the rink in all our beginners’ glory. We laughed together and held hands so that when one of us fell we wouldn’t slide too far and laughed some more. Inexperience can be glorious- and hilarious. That is one of the dynamics I am most thankful for within my faith, and as Christmas approaches it is one of my meditations within the holiday sphere.

Courtney Burnett

How Can This Be?

2006-12-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. (Luke. 1:34-35)

If, through an angel, I were told what God planned to accomplish through me in the days ahead, I’d probably ask, as Mary did, “How can this be?”

Yes, indeed. I’d have a whole list of things past and present that would raise questions. How can this be? …given my marriage, or ex-marriage…or my health…or the consequences of my mistakes…or my obligations…or my lack of power and influence…or my weaknesses…

But it’s the Lord who works through me. I’m not the one who achieves it. Mary wasn’t the one who achieved what God did through her. The same Holy Spirit that came upon Mary has come upon me. I am given things to accomplish that are part of God’s plan. My challenge is to recognize this, embrace it, and be thankful. It’s too easy to get “busy” during the season and forget whose plan it really is.

Reava Davis

Spirit of Play

2006-12-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

My sister and I spilled off of the toboggan at the bottom of Chamber’s Hill. The wipeouts were arguably the best part of sledding.

Just as we were figuring out which way was up, an avalanche of dog bounded down on us out of the powder and glare. We barely had time to wonder whether he was attacking or romping.

But despite his wolf-like physique, his body-language gestured an invitation to play. He was a beautiful, pure white Malamute with ice-blue eyes and a melodious croon. He was as gregarious as he was mysterious. We became fast friends.

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28

God intersected humankind in a very Christmas sort of way, invading our wreckage with a spirit of play.

Scott Burnett

Be Still...

2006-12-07T00:07:00.000-08:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Let us be silent that we may hear the whisper of God."

It occurs to me that silence is a very real part of Advent. Being silent does not come naturally to me; I need to choose to linger in the quiet moments, to meditate on God's Promises (Psalm 119:148). God's Word to me is "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

When I am still, anticipation of the coming event grows within my heart and my senses are attuned to all I love about celebrating this season. I can dwell on my family, the beauty, the scents and the music.

Throughout the centuries those who believed God and looked forward to the fulfillment of His Promise to send the Messiah must have reflected on Psalm 37:7, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him."

And, then, in the holy hush of a Bethlehem night, the fulfillment of promise and expectation lay swaddled in a manger. Nearby, on a quiet hillside, some shepherds had a visit from an angel, and then…

"Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'"

Like me, the shepherds were ready to rejoice, to worship, to spread the word, and to celebrate the season!

Elaine Burnett

God's Hospitality

2006-12-06T00:07:00.000-08:00

World War II is over. The 20th Century is about to crest its halfway point. The big overnight trains are still running at capacity all across America.

The cook lights the kitchen fire before dawn and the dining car comes to life. The breakfast crew bustles to the rhythm of the wheels. Aromas of woodfire, percolating coffee, and comfort-food call expectant passengers from their beds.

The appearance of Emmanuel, God-With-Us, is the arrival of God’s hospitality in our hometown. Emerging suddenly, like a train from a tunnel… its headlight is Bethlehem’s star… its clatter and din is the sound of Gloria in excelsis Deo!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The Gospel of Luke 2:13-14

Scott Burnett

Recognizing the Miracle

2006-12-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

"For to 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

For centuries, Hebrew prophets had passed along reminders of God's covenant with His people, as well as specific clues as to how He would fulfill His Promise. The night the anticipated Messiah arrived as an infant he was wrapped and tucked into a manger of hay in a shelter for animals. The child and the event were celebrated by relatively few, including some shepherds, a man named Simeon, the prophetess, Anna......and, later, three Gentile Magi, all of whom were ready to embrace the surprise and to recognize the miracle.

Advent brings fulfillment to anticipation. Recognizing that miracle is a gift from God.

Beautifully wrapped packages around a Christmas tree hold the promise of special gifts inside. Sometimes, our gift is exactly what we expected. Often, we're surprised at the contents.

When the ways God's promises unfold don't match my preconceived expectations, I want to embrace the surprises, to recognize the miracles and to sing out the words of Mary,
"My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!" Luke 1:46-47

Elaine Burnett

God is With Us!

2006-12-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 NIV

~One bitterly cold, snowy Christmas Eve, Fred Henderson was sadly making his way home. A series of blows in his business had him literally reeling. Then he saw the lights of home. Fred didn’t feel up to the festivities, but he thought, “I must pull myself together. I must not let anyone know what has happened.” He put on a good act. At length, the family prepared to hear the Christmas story and Fred opened the Bible to the first chapter of Matthew. Reading, he came to verse 23: “He will be called Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” When he had finished, Fred went out to clear the snow from the walk. As he dug into the drifts, he found himself saying, “God is with me.” Peace came over him, and with it also came a conviction that a solution to his problem would appear.

~Last Christmas, North Campus sent out three Santa Clauses and their helpers to visit Mill Creek Gardens and Lynnwood Manor Health care. Each resident was given a stuffed animal such as a teddy bear and Santa was warmly received by those he visited. A few ladies even asked Santa for a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Santa of course obliged.

Some of the bears were musical and played Silver Bells. As we sang it together the words brought back memories of Christmases past. One gentleman seemed agitated and appeared not to want his gift. Santa leaned over towards him and whispered, “Santa knows you have a very warm heart.” Tears began to form in his eyes as if to say, “I am worthy of a gift.” He then held his arms out to receive his gift from Santa.

God is with you and with me. His presence is the ultimate Christmas gift. This means that you can be strong enough to meet any difficulty, take any disappointment and bear up any reversal.

“He will be called Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'”

Your Friend for Life!

Pastor Michael Fernandez

Joy to the World!

2006-12-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

Since the early days of the church, God's people have prepared for a celebration of Christmas, a special season of the church year called Advent, where we anticipate and get ready for remembrance and celebration of the great day on which the Savior was born.

The word Advent means "coming" and has reference to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Actually, as long as we live here on earth, we are living in Advent in eager anticipation of His final coming!....or are we? Are we eagerly awaiting our Lord's return? It depends on how much we love Him.....how well we know Him.....our relationship with Him....how ready we are to meet Him.... Maybe that's something for us to think about during this Advent season.

As I purchase gifts for loved ones, I think of the wise men, who brought precious gifts to the baby Jesus, and I think, "Lord, what can I give you, for your wonderful gifts to me -- for your forgiveness, your salvation, your great love, your grace and mercy, your patience, eternal life.... and He says to me: "Precious child of mine: "Give me your heart. Give me your life."

As I put up Christmas lights, I think of Jesus who said "I am the Light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." As I bake cookies and breads, I think of Jesus who said "I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger."At this Advent Season, may Jesus Christ be the center of your activities, your adoration and your worship!

Marilyn Biggs

The Light of Advent

2006-12-01T23:50:00.000-08:00

"The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world" (John 1:9).

Approaching the Advent season, I look forward to lights everywhere: on trees and houses, candles, flickering fireplaces and starry nights. My husband will say, as he does each year, "We can never have too many lights".

When I was growing up, and into my adult years, we used decorative candles at Christmas but we never burned them. It just wasn't done. They were carefully packed away and brought out, year after year - without any wicks being lit, without a soft glow to grace the scene. I remember unpacking the Christmas candles one year and finding that many were unusable. They had melted in the summer heat, losing their shape. In considering it extravagant to burn (and use up) my candles, I had wasted the opportunity to enjoy and share the gift of light and beauty with others. What an "Aha" moment of the anticipation of candlelight throughout the season.

"It started when God said, ' Light up the darkness !'
and our lives filled up with light, as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful" (II Corinthians 4:6).

May the focus of my anticipation be the face of Christ, and may I be extravagant in sharing the Light of Advent!!

Elaine Burnett

EXPECTATION: Anticipating the Coming of MESSIAH

2006-11-30T23:14:00.000-08:00

God announced His intentions about the Messiah when He made a promise to Abraham. And Romans 4:3 tells us that "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous."

God is a promise-keeper, but many did stop believing, and others continued to believe. They dreamed of the day, they hoped for the future, they put their confidence in the promises of God. They recognized Christmas when it happened and they knew Jesus when He came.

The promised Messiah has come, but we have a longing and anticipation for that day when Christ will return, as He promised, and we will know complete joy! At this Advent Season, these longings return as we wait for His promised return. God has promised! Let's believe it!

When I was a child, I anticipated Christmas for its gifts, Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, festive family gatherings and the excitement of the season. When I grew older, it was the Holiday parties and the special holiday foods, and cookies, and the shopping, and Christmas programs & pageants, favorite Christmas carols, and get togethers with friends & family that I looked forward to.

Now I am 78 years old, and my anticipation is to step into the "other side of Christmas", to see the promise fulfilled, and to gather around God's throne in Heaven singing "O Come All Ye Faithful" with my family and friends, praising & worshiping the King of Kings & Lord of Lords!

Maranatha -- Come Lord Jesus!

Marilyn Biggs