Christmas Reminder

Luke 2:11-14, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 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!” (NKJV)

There are two more days before we enter into the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. But that is really a misstatement for Christians. I for one celebrate Jesus Christ on a daily basis because I am able to recognize His presence being with me on a consistent basis. I do not need neither do I want my recognition of the presence of Christ to be based on a "holiday" that only rolls around once a year. I want to be sensitive to the fact that Christ is at work in my heart and life on a daily basis and I desire to respond to His presence with praise, adoration, thanksgiving, exaltation and with a personal testimony to the goodness of God. 

My heart was drawn to some important points of remembrance during a conversation with a dear friend of mine who has encountered several health issues over the past few years. One of the points that I will share today was inspired through the words that he spoke to me. Each of these points should be a "given" for each of us but honestly speaking it is very easy to take for granted those blessings that God has provided for us. We can find ourselves either so captured by the good times of life or so overwhelmed by the challenging moments of life that we fail to fully put things into the proper perspective. 

1) We should remember on this Christmas Day to offer thanks to God for the opportunity and privilege to have a relationship with Him. It was the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that opened the door of salvation for each one who would say yes to His invitation. 

2) We should remember on this Christmas Day to offer thanks to God for the family and friends that God has placed in our lives. We understand that no one us has a perfect family or a perfect group of friends but we do recognize and appreciate the impact and influence that each one of them has had on our lives. On a personal note, I am thankful for my wife, my children and their wives as well as our grandchildren. I am thankful for my Mom, siblings and their families. I am thankful for my in-laws as well as their families. I would like to give recognition to my Dad as well as Ann's Mother and Dad. These special people will not be present with us in a physical manner but they are certainly "alive" in our hearts, in our memories and through the lessons of life that they taught us. Each of them are in the presence of God but they are also in our presence through the impact and influence that they imparted to their families. 

3) We should remember on this Christmas Day to thank God for the church family that He has given to us. Our church family is certainly not perfect either but we do know that they have our backs so to speak and we understand that we can count on their prayers, support, and encouragement. We do not need to take for granted those who serve among us and those who are willing to invest their time and effort into our lives.

4) LAST BUT NOT LEAST!! We should remember on this Christmas Day or Christmas Eve Day to pray with our family. It is important for the leaders of the family to pray for the younger members of the family. We must take seriously the need to "stand in the gap" for one another. We need each other and we need to support each other in Prayer.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE WILLINGHAM'S!!! 

God's Love

I John 4:7-11, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ⁸ He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ⁹ " ¹⁰ In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (NKJV)

There are many revelations of God that is contained in the message of Christmas. We learn about the Immaculate Conception (the virgin birth of Christ). We identify the obedience of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi. We are able to see the hand of God at work as He directs the plan that has Jesus in Bethlehem when it was time for Him to be born. These are just a few of the examples of the Hand of God at work during this prophetic time in the history of humanity.

But there is another "truth" that I want to bring to your attention. The birth of Christ is the revelation of God's love to fallen humanity. Let me remind you of the words found in verse 9 of 1 John 4. "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." What we refer to as the plan of salvation was initiated through the power of the promise that is declared in this verse. The love of God was one of the foundational stones that paved the way for each of us to enter into a relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

The plan of salvation would require the entrance of the Son of God into this world through the human process of birth. We know that this plan would ultimately lead Jesus to the cross to die for the sins of the world. John 3: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." Do you see the pattern of God's love resonating through the birth of Christ? 

This post is not a theological dissertation as much as it is a simple reminder that we need to remember the LOVE OF GOD as we celebrate the birth of Christ in a few days. The love of God was made manifest and lived out through the life of Jesus Christ. I have witnessed the love of God demonstrated this past year as people have accepted Jesus as their Savior. I have witnessed the love of God demonstrated as people have been healed from various ailments. I have witnessed the love of God as "precious saints" have made their transition from earth to the presence of God through the vehicle of death. I have witnessed the love of God manifested through the smile of a baby's face. I have witnessed the love of God manifested though family and friends who have shared His love and their love with me. The list of the occurrences of the love of God is endless in each of our lives. We just need to take time to remember them!!

DON'T FORGET THE LOVE OF GOD AS YOU CELEBRATE ON SUNDAY!!!

Don't Forget

I have found myself very determined to remember and reconnect with the true message of Christmas. That desire seems to be a re-occurring theme across the spectrum of Christianity. I have been reading thoughts from various sources over the past few weeks and I discern the fact that God is calling us back to the "Truth of Christmas." I understand that there is a "cultural understanding" and demonstration of the Christmas story but I am more concerned with the "Biblical understanding" regarding the birth of the Savior of the World.  

My concern goes deeper than just saying the words "Merry Christmas" rather than "Happy Holidays." Those words may be a symptom of the problem but I believe that we face a far deeper "illness" that is at work in our world. I believe that the Deity of Christ is under attack. I also believe that the modern day believer must make sure that his/her faith is built upon the solid foundation of the Word of God. But this foundation has to be more than just a book in our library or an app on our phone or tablet. The Word of God must have a definitive place in our heart and it must be proactively put into action in our lives. Those two actions lead us into a relationship with God that continually transforms/changes us from glory to glory. I just desire to know Him even more and I desire for the Word and the Spirit to perform its work in my life.

Earlier today I read some words that spoke to my heart. I would like to share them with you today, Be blessed and encouraged as the Word of God speaks to your heart throughout this day!!

Underneath the frivolity and fun of this Christmas season, there's something truly magnanimous. Feel free to revel in the generosity and sense of family that arises at this time, but please don't wander too far from the awe of the incarnation. It's not always easy to comprehend, but over 2000 years ago an unblemished, holy God stepped down from the lofty realms of heaven and made His dwelling place among men and women. Jesus is, in every way, the Word incarnate (John 1:14). Our long-standing biblically rooted faith is built upon the fact that the Son of God invaded human history and brought salvation into the lower reaches of the earth. 

"Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. ...It was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that ... He could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people" (Hebrews 1:14a, 17).

If Jesus never became flesh and blood, then humanity would be eternally encased in a frigid, inescapable darkness. Yet, by His willingness to humble Himself and take on human form, the transformation of the world has already begun. Although many luminous things capture our imaginations at Christmas, we must never forget the inexplicable wonder of the incarnation. For, in it, we find the basis of all our hopes and dreams. 

Monday's Musings

Let me take a  moment and share a personal reflection with you today. The messages that I have shared during this season of Christmas is different that any messages that I have ever shared during this special time of the year. Several weeks ago the Spirit began to deal with my heart about taking a "fresh" look at the message that revolves around Christmas. This unction from God has taken me on a journey that has led me to explore the message behind the message but also look at the fullness of the message of the birth of Christ. 

The birth of Jesus Christ set in motion the plan of God that would open the door to a personal relationship with God, our Abba Father. This relationship (personal adoption by Abba Father) would open the door to the rich reserves of promises that God has provided for His children. I knew the principle of "adoption" to be true but that principle has been re-planted into my heart and spirit. The principle of adoption has reignited my desire, passion, fervor and tenacity to pursue more of God which will ultimately lead me into a deeper, more personal relationship with Abba Father. I sense the presence of God as I am sitting at this desk typing (preaching) these words. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

I was awakened early this morning out of a deep sleep by the Holy Spirit. Immediately I realized that subconsciously I had been reflecting on yesterday's message. I had shared about the fact that Jesus was born on God's timetable and not man's timetable. God's way and thoughts are certainly higher than our ways and thoughts. Over the past few weeks I have asked some of the men to share their personal reflections about some of the provisions that adoption has given to us,

One of these provisions is healing. I plan on sharing on this blog some observations that one of the men brought to our attention. But I need to share what happened to me this morning. I was taken back to a time in my memory when I was very ill. I was a Pastor in my early 20's who was walking by faith and trusting God to be my healer. I had been sick for several days with a high fever, major congestion, and I had become very weak. We did not have any insurance and our income was limited which hindered me from getting medical attention plus I was determined to trust God to heal me. Several people from church had come by our home and prayed for me but I was not getting any better. I had even limited the family from coming into my room because of the illness. BUT ONE OF THE MEN FROM THE CHURCH CAME BY TO CHECK ON ME AND PRAY FOR ME!! Aren't you glad for those moments when God interrupts your plans and inserts His plan into your life. He prayed for me because I was too weak to do much praying. The Spirit of God began to fill the room and I felt the Spirit of God rebuking the fever that has been in control of my body for several days. The fever broke, the sweat off my body soaked my bed clothes as well as the linens and blankets on the bed. The "stench of sickness' filled that room but I WAS HEALED. I was able to eat and my recovery began to be set in motion that very day!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! OH I NEED TO TELL YOU THAT JESUS IS STILL ALIVE AND HE IS STILL MINISTERING TO HIS PEOPLE!!!!!!!

Christmas Thoughts on Thursday

I enjoyed our time of discussion in the Adult Discipleship class last evening. It is amazing to focus on the stories behind the story of Christmas. I am not only intrigued about looking into the information of the Christmas story but also the fresh inspiration that arises as we take another look at the Baby in the Manger. I encourage each of you to lift your eyes and heart toward Christ, our Lord and Savior and listen for His Voice to speak fresh revelation in your heart. Do you remember that the book of Hebrews declares that the word of God is "alive and powerful?" Let the Word of God come alive in you today!!!

I am going to share a poem that one of the ladies at New River wrote and shared with us in a recent Leadership Meeting. She expresses her thoughts about CHRISTMAS TIME through the following words. 

CHRISTMAS time is all about a baby being born

Heaven's rejoicing on that first Christmas morn

Red ribbons and bows cannot ever compare

It's the birth of JESUS, that we are to share

SAVIOR and LORD, was born on that Christmas day

Tell others the good news of Christ, for HE is the way

May we always celebrate our soon coming KING

And never forget, He is our EVERYTHING

Sometimes we seem to forget, that the best is still yet

Times we needed a helping hand or a lift

I know that we've been given GOD'S greatest gift

May God truly bless you this CHRISTMAS season

Every day, just know that CHRIST is the REASON

                                                                   B. Kidd

I trust that you will be blessed and encouraged today as we remember the blessings of the birth of Christ.

Paying Attention

Matthew 11:15, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (NJKV)

The words of this scripture often resonate in my heart during prayer time as well as those times in which I am reading the Word of God. I can remember my parents telling me that I was not paying attention. I can remember telling our children that they were not paying attention. Now, I am telling our grandchildren that they are not paying attention. I wonder how often that God has thought the very same thing about me and my relationship with Him. Am I truly paying attention to God?

Am I truly committed to paying attention to God at all times or have I developed the strategy of "selective hearing." Selective hearing affords me the opportunity to pick and choose those words that are more pleasing or acceptable to me. I remember that I enjoyed my parents saying yes a lot more than I enjoyed them saying no especially if  the decision concerned something that I really desired to do. I must confess that I truly want to listen to God in every situation but there are some situations that challenge me to listen closely to what God is saying, I am a work in progress when it comes to listening to what God is saying.

I recently read these words that certainly challenged me to pay closer attention to those principles/teachings/directives that God will place in our lives if we truly pay attention to Him and His Word.

"Jesus taught compellingly about the importance of truly paying attention and listening to the life lessons found in His teachings. Because He illustrated truth with everyday examples, clearer comprehension was available, but the deepest understanding only came to those who were intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally engaged in hearing what Christ had to say. For believers, being present in the presence of Jesus is not passive prayer, but proactive listening. The heart hears best when it’s been cleansed by the Spirit and eagerly communes with Christ."

Let us re-commit ourselves to listening to Christ as we move forward in this celebration of the birth of Christ. Christ came to transform humanity and not just improve humanity. Is it possible that I have settled for improvement and failed to realize that Christ desires to lead me into transformation? 

Monday's Musings

The countdown toward Christmas is certainly moving us toward that special day of celebration. The decorations are very visible. The decorative lights are twinkling through the dark of the night. The Poinsettias are being sold in various locations. People of all ages are looking forward to opening their gifts to see what surprises are hidden in the gift bag or wrapped under the beautiful paper. And last but not least Pastors are trying to develop sermons that seek to remind us of our need to NOT FORGET THE TRUE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!

Simply put there is a lot of "action" taking place and there will be even more to come in the next two weeks. I do not want to sound like an old scrooge but I do need to ask this question. Do the traditions of Christmas draw more of our attention than the TRUTH OF CHRISTMAS? At first glance that seems to be an easy question to answer. We will immediately respond that the TRUTH of Christmas means more to us than any of the other activities of that special day. And I believe that it is true BUT there is also a real need (at least in my opinion) that we must reconnect with the depth of the story of Christmas and all of the Truth that is revealed to us.

I have felt a special unction from God to reconnect with the depth of the message of Christ and the open door of revelation that was declared when Christ was born. I have also felt led to write about that inspiration as well as share my heart with our local congregation. The needs that we are facing are challenging to say the least and we need to understand that we serve a "BIG" God who is able to meet the "BIG" needs that each of us are facing. I truly believe that the story of Christmas opens our eyes to the greatness of God and prepares our heart to receive the fullness of His Truth into our hearts. Could that be the reason that the true meaning of Christmas is under such attack? Could that be the reason that the celebration of the true meaning of Christmas is being limited in various areas of of our society? Even the words "Merry Christmas" have been replaced with "Happy Holidays." But I want you to know and I want others to know that I am not celebrating a "holiday" BUT I AM CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!!

I encourage you to take a closer look at the message of the baby in the manger!!