A New Year and a Time for Renewal

In a few short hours, we will be heralding a new year: 2010. People will be struggling with their New Year's resolutions, soon to be forgotten or thrown aside. The new year always arrives in the dead of winter, when everything around us is lifeless.

Winter is a time when nature takes a break--growth stops and plants and trees enjoy a respite from producing leaves and blossoms. They "die" for a season so that they can be revived in the springtime, when the rains offer refreshment and renewal.

Our lives also have the opportunity to be refreshed and renewed, through the power of Jesus Christ. We can "die" for a season, asking Jesus to take away that which is old and corrupt and creating in us a new heart--a heart that longs for refreshment and renewal.

It's a choice that each of us must make on our own, choosing to live a life that brings glory to God and doing those things that please Him. The first step is to ask Jesus Christ into our lives.

"By the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." (Romans 5:18)

The Cycle of Life - Part 2

What could possibly be greater than the joy of holding your newborn son or daughter for the first time? Watching your father hold his great-grandson for the very first time and seeing the joy in his face as he beholds the tiny bundle that represents four generations.

Just as a father loves his child, Jesus loves His children with a love that is never-ending. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God, and He longs for the day when we will share eternity with Him in the home He has prepared for us in heaven.

"In my Father's house are many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)

The Cycle of Life

As children, we can't wait to grow up and become adults. As adults, we look forward to getting married and having children. Then the cycle continues into grandparenting, one of the most wonderful times of all.

Once our own children are grown and have flown the nest, we find that we have more time on our hands. Time to write blogs, indulge in our hobbies, learn new things. We have time to spend with our grandchildren, teaching them new things and participating in the joy of watching them make new discoveries. We also have the opportunity to rediscover our childhood while playing with our grandchildren.

There is joy in playing "Candyland" with a 3-year-old, making snow angels in the front yard and building a snowman. Playing with a grandchild can be energy-draining, but it can also be exciting.

"And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof." (Zechariah 8:5) Children (and grandchildren) are held in high esteem in the eyes of the Lord. We are tasked with their care and learning and ensuring that they know about their Heavenly Father.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

"A man should be happy and enjoy his family, his friends and his food. These things will cheer him on his way through all the days God has given him." Ecclesiastes 8:15 (The Clear Word Version)

The holidays are the best time to enjoy good food with family and loved ones. It's a time to relax and to reflect on the past, the present and the future; a time to share the joys and sorrows each has experienced. It's a time to celebrate achievements, whether they be job-related, school-related, or simply a dream that has been fulfilled.

As we look to the new year, which is soon upon us, let's also remember the One who gives us breath each day and who celebrates each of our achievements with us. Without God, there is no life.

Christmas Tidings

"While they [Mary and Joseph] were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:6, 7 (New International Version)

Christmas is more than tinsel, toys, and trees. It's more than bargains and baking, presents and popcorn balls. The joy of Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth, and the joy begins in the heart. Once we accept Jesus into our hearts, the joy is abundant, and everything else is just "fluff".

As we enjoy the holidays with family and friends, let's remember the true meaning of Christmas. It is a season of giving and a season of renewal, all of which are gifts from the ultimate Gift Giver, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!