On Sunday I was invited to sing in a "Sing a long Messiah." Held at a grand Catholic Cathedral, we sat by vocal section in the pews, facing a large community orchestra, the director and four sublime soloists. We stood to sing the choral parts as the director turned to direct us. It was awesome. It was also humbling as I sight read most of the scores. Although I listen to it daily in December, I've now realized that I sing along to ALL the parts, and mix them all together. Following the score was a whole different experience.
The first solo is a tenor singing "Comfort Ye." Sigh. It is simply lovely, in music and lyrics, and today's soloist did it justice. It's still one of my favorite pieces.
Isaiah 40:1-3 "Comfort, O comfort My people," says your God. "Speak kindly to Jerusalem; And call out to her, that her warfare has ended, That her iniquity has been removed, That she has received of the Lord’s hand Double for all her sins." A voice is calling, "Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.
Isaiah was told by God to comfort the exiled Israelites. The 70 year captivity, a punishment for Israel's rebellion against God, was almost over. Her punishment behind her, she could have a clean slate. Comfort.
How kind of God to give them hope and comfort in the midst of punishment. God does promise consequence to our actions, but there is never a lack of hope. No matter the sin, God is waiting to take us back and to comfort us even through the consequences.
Be comforted. Your Savior is born, and He is Christ the Lord. Emmanuel. God with us. Take comfort. He is LORD. And you can be reconciled to Him.
Organizational Tip of the Day:
Pick out the cookie recipes that you make and inventory your supplies. Make a list of ingredients needed, and put it in your wallet. Next time you dash to the store for something, you can pick up the cookie ingredients too. Schedule an evening to make the first batch of dough. Refrigerate until you have time to bake.
Easiest Christmas treat: Turkey Eggs. Place pretzel rings (circles) onto waxed paper on a cookie sheet. Melt white chocolate. Spoon chocolate into the center of each pretzel ring. Put a red or green m&m in the center of each one and allow to harden. A quick, easy, tasty and pretty confection. The sweet and salty combination is a winner.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
December 7
We invited our neighborhood to a Christmas party last night. Weeks ago I slipped invites into a dozen nearby mailboxes, inviting them for hors d'eouvres and beverages, and asking them to bring a small plate of something sweet. Two dozen new friends attended, and we had an excellent time reacquainting, and also meeting some for the first time.
Of course yesterday was a FULL day of cleaning, cooking and finishing the decor. This year Thanksgiving was late, and Christmas is suddenly upon us. Although I've puttered my way through a few decorations, there was A LOT to do as of yesterday morning. That's why I like to be the hostess: there's nothing like a deadline to get things moving! Due to the extensive help given by our 16 year old, the house was officially READY for Christmas as of 5 pm.
At about noon I was emptying and scrubbing out the refrigerator. I knew that the guests would be in and out of the fridge to get beverages, and the spills and crumbs just had to go. Somehow when guests are coming in, things get cleaned that otherwise tend to be ignored. It's not that we're slobs, but we always live with some level of uncleanliness - whether the kitchen sink is a bit scummy, the floor contains a few crumbs, the washer and dryer have spilled detergent and lint, the stove and refrigerator retain a few spills... Since I do have interests OTHER than cleaning, daily living does build up.
Until we have guests. So many times my family has asked me....WHY are you cleaning that? WHO is going to see that?
My answer has usually been, 'If I don't clean this for guests, when will I ever clean it?" I take advantage of the visit to force myself to go a step or two beyond normal cleaning.
And yesterday, as I was scrubbing the area under the vegetable drawer (it definitely needed scrubbing,) it occurred to me that Advent is a preparation for the arrival of a guest. We take a month to anticipate His arrival, and we clean things up a bit in preparation. The problem is that it is so easy to focus on the outward preparation: preparation that is often focused on the arrival of other guests, who allegedly are also focused on Him. (but likely caught up in the season of His birth rather than on Him) It's easier to prepare our surroundings than our hearts.
Jesus IS the reason for the season. The parties are for Him.
And while the extra entertaining, the traditions, the family gatherings are all good things, they are not THE thing. We all need to focus on some internal cleaning, some internal preparation for Him. While He is always within us as believers, and in a perfect world we would be internally anticipating Him moment by moment, as humans we need constant reminders, annual observances and celebrations. We need that "guest" mentality to kick us into gear. And so each year I do concentrate on Advent. We as a family do light the Advent candle on Sunday evenings. We do a few extra family devotionals. And I, as an individual, try to keep that urgency of doing some annual internal scrubbing in anticipation of worshiping at His birth in an even more intimate fashion than the year before.
Just as my home couldn't get guest worthy in a day if I did not keep up daily cleaning all year round, my general habit of daily time with Him is the background for a truly meaningful Christmas. Yet, just as the power scrub concentration of a few days does remarkable things to ready my home for guests, a month of focused attention to Him and His birth can allow me a *cleaner* worship experience.
It's December 7th already. How is your heart cleaning going?
Of course yesterday was a FULL day of cleaning, cooking and finishing the decor. This year Thanksgiving was late, and Christmas is suddenly upon us. Although I've puttered my way through a few decorations, there was A LOT to do as of yesterday morning. That's why I like to be the hostess: there's nothing like a deadline to get things moving! Due to the extensive help given by our 16 year old, the house was officially READY for Christmas as of 5 pm.
At about noon I was emptying and scrubbing out the refrigerator. I knew that the guests would be in and out of the fridge to get beverages, and the spills and crumbs just had to go. Somehow when guests are coming in, things get cleaned that otherwise tend to be ignored. It's not that we're slobs, but we always live with some level of uncleanliness - whether the kitchen sink is a bit scummy, the floor contains a few crumbs, the washer and dryer have spilled detergent and lint, the stove and refrigerator retain a few spills... Since I do have interests OTHER than cleaning, daily living does build up.
Until we have guests. So many times my family has asked me....WHY are you cleaning that? WHO is going to see that?
My answer has usually been, 'If I don't clean this for guests, when will I ever clean it?" I take advantage of the visit to force myself to go a step or two beyond normal cleaning.
And yesterday, as I was scrubbing the area under the vegetable drawer (it definitely needed scrubbing,) it occurred to me that Advent is a preparation for the arrival of a guest. We take a month to anticipate His arrival, and we clean things up a bit in preparation. The problem is that it is so easy to focus on the outward preparation: preparation that is often focused on the arrival of other guests, who allegedly are also focused on Him. (but likely caught up in the season of His birth rather than on Him) It's easier to prepare our surroundings than our hearts.
Jesus IS the reason for the season. The parties are for Him.
And while the extra entertaining, the traditions, the family gatherings are all good things, they are not THE thing. We all need to focus on some internal cleaning, some internal preparation for Him. While He is always within us as believers, and in a perfect world we would be internally anticipating Him moment by moment, as humans we need constant reminders, annual observances and celebrations. We need that "guest" mentality to kick us into gear. And so each year I do concentrate on Advent. We as a family do light the Advent candle on Sunday evenings. We do a few extra family devotionals. And I, as an individual, try to keep that urgency of doing some annual internal scrubbing in anticipation of worshiping at His birth in an even more intimate fashion than the year before.
Just as my home couldn't get guest worthy in a day if I did not keep up daily cleaning all year round, my general habit of daily time with Him is the background for a truly meaningful Christmas. Yet, just as the power scrub concentration of a few days does remarkable things to ready my home for guests, a month of focused attention to Him and His birth can allow me a *cleaner* worship experience.
It's December 7th already. How is your heart cleaning going?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
December 6th
Happy St. Nicholas Day. Living in the Milwaukee area, my husband's family celebrated St. Nick on the morning of December 6, and we have carried on the tradition. There really was a St. Nicholas, a very benevolent fellow, so we keep the tradition. The two college kids took their loot back to school with them to open this morning as well. It's not quite as much fun as when four little people came racing out in the morning, but we continue nonetheless.
Let's focus on Mary today. Perhaps we can try to adopt a Mary attitude this month.
Luke 1:26-38
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. “And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Let's focus on Mary today. Perhaps we can try to adopt a Mary attitude this month.
Luke 1:26-38
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. “And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
December 5
I love it when God brings me to the same concept in the Bible from different directions. God confirms in me YES GRACE think upon that.
That happened yesterday with Isaiah 40:11
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
In our study of the Names of God, I learned that Jehovah Raah is "The LORD is my shepherd." Looking in Scripture to see where God is referred to as a shepherd brought me to Isaiah 40:11, which is a passage which inspired another one of the songs in The Messiah.
The 19th song is entitled, "He shall Feed His Flock," and features soprano and alto solos.
Thus the Names of God study overlapped the Advent study, and I kn0w that God is revealing Himself to me as my shepherd today.
Did you know that sheep are dumb? They are among the dumbest of animals, and only survive if they have a watchful shepherd. The Scriptures continually compare people to sheep, insulting but true, and Christ identified Himself as The Good Shepherd in John 10:14
“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me."
Do you know Him? Really know Him? Sheep get to know their shepherd's voice and smell by spending time with him, as well as by following their parent sheep who are in turn following their shepherd. It's all about trust. Once the sheep trust the Shepherd, the sheep can rest securely and just follow him from pasture to pasture. They're still dumb and helpless on their own, but they are secure in their Shepherd.
John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
Did you get that? Without Him we sheep can do nothing.
What a great concept for the busiest month of the year. Apart from Him and His leading, I can be a pretty dumb sheep and wander right off the cliff of busyness. In this month more that any other I need the guidance of my shepherd. I want to find the comfort of His rod and staff as stated in Psalm 23:4. I need to know my Shepherd well enough that I can completely trust Him and His plan for my life, my month and my day. And I need to stay close enough to Him to feel His nudging - within a staff's length for sure.
As you meditate on Psalm 23, talk to your Shepherd. Thank Him for the promise of Isaiah 40:11 - that He will tend to you, gather you, carry you close. Rest in Him.
Psalm 23 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Organizational Tip of the Day
Instead of sending out cards to everyone you know, select a few people to whom you can actually write a few lines of personal greeting. Maybe mail one or two each day? Christmas is about relationship...don't let the "stuff" steal the joy of the relationships.
That happened yesterday with Isaiah 40:11
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
In our study of the Names of God, I learned that Jehovah Raah is "The LORD is my shepherd." Looking in Scripture to see where God is referred to as a shepherd brought me to Isaiah 40:11, which is a passage which inspired another one of the songs in The Messiah.
The 19th song is entitled, "He shall Feed His Flock," and features soprano and alto solos.
Thus the Names of God study overlapped the Advent study, and I kn0w that God is revealing Himself to me as my shepherd today.
Did you know that sheep are dumb? They are among the dumbest of animals, and only survive if they have a watchful shepherd. The Scriptures continually compare people to sheep, insulting but true, and Christ identified Himself as The Good Shepherd in John 10:14
“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me."
Do you know Him? Really know Him? Sheep get to know their shepherd's voice and smell by spending time with him, as well as by following their parent sheep who are in turn following their shepherd. It's all about trust. Once the sheep trust the Shepherd, the sheep can rest securely and just follow him from pasture to pasture. They're still dumb and helpless on their own, but they are secure in their Shepherd.
John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
Did you get that? Without Him we sheep can do nothing.
What a great concept for the busiest month of the year. Apart from Him and His leading, I can be a pretty dumb sheep and wander right off the cliff of busyness. In this month more that any other I need the guidance of my shepherd. I want to find the comfort of His rod and staff as stated in Psalm 23:4. I need to know my Shepherd well enough that I can completely trust Him and His plan for my life, my month and my day. And I need to stay close enough to Him to feel His nudging - within a staff's length for sure.
As you meditate on Psalm 23, talk to your Shepherd. Thank Him for the promise of Isaiah 40:11 - that He will tend to you, gather you, carry you close. Rest in Him.
Psalm 23 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Organizational Tip of the Day
Instead of sending out cards to everyone you know, select a few people to whom you can actually write a few lines of personal greeting. Maybe mail one or two each day? Christmas is about relationship...don't let the "stuff" steal the joy of the relationships.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
December 4
Handel's Messiah is without a doubt my favorite piece of music. Recently I had to drive a couple hours in the car, and I listened to it for the first time this season. From now until the new year it will be the standard music in my vehicle, for my daily commute as well as the longer trips.
The music transports me. The words uplift me. The words are Scripture. When you listen to The Messiah, you are inadvertently memorizing Scripture, and that is always a good thing.
I read recently that in August of 1741 Handel was given a list of Scriptures by a friend, and when he read them he was overcome and the music began exploding within him. The entire score was written in 24 days, and is the most performed music in all of history. Isn't it amazing what the Word can inspire?
One of my favorite songs in The Messiah is based on Matthew 11: 28-30.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Those verses seem especially appropriate at this time of year. Are you weary yet? This week I am - it seems that Thanksgiving came so late and Christmas is upon us. The month has hardly begun and I'm already feeling behind.
But there is perspective in His Word. His yoke is easy. What He wants me to do is totally do-able. He gives me the strength to get every bit of His will done. Are you sharing His yoke? Or are you trying to pull through the holiday season all in your own strength? Talk to Him about it now. Lean on Him and even your busyness will be bearable - because He's there right next to you, each step of the way. Spend some time in the Word each day and see if you can't become consciously aware of your yoke mate - all through each day. No organizational tip can top that advice!
The music transports me. The words uplift me. The words are Scripture. When you listen to The Messiah, you are inadvertently memorizing Scripture, and that is always a good thing.
I read recently that in August of 1741 Handel was given a list of Scriptures by a friend, and when he read them he was overcome and the music began exploding within him. The entire score was written in 24 days, and is the most performed music in all of history. Isn't it amazing what the Word can inspire?
One of my favorite songs in The Messiah is based on Matthew 11: 28-30.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Those verses seem especially appropriate at this time of year. Are you weary yet? This week I am - it seems that Thanksgiving came so late and Christmas is upon us. The month has hardly begun and I'm already feeling behind.
But there is perspective in His Word. His yoke is easy. What He wants me to do is totally do-able. He gives me the strength to get every bit of His will done. Are you sharing His yoke? Or are you trying to pull through the holiday season all in your own strength? Talk to Him about it now. Lean on Him and even your busyness will be bearable - because He's there right next to you, each step of the way. Spend some time in the Word each day and see if you can't become consciously aware of your yoke mate - all through each day. No organizational tip can top that advice!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
December 3
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (KJV )
That about says it. To find peace, we need to keep our mind on Him, and trust in Him.
Read Luke 1 again. Did you marvel at the story of Elizabeth and Zacharias? Look at verse 13:
Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.
Zacharias and Elizabeth were righteous in the sight of the God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years. (Luke 1:6-7)
Zacharias and Elizabeth's minds were on God, and they must have trusted in Him to be labeled righteous. Righteous and yet longing for a child. Trusting that God knew best. Do you think he was still petitioning heaven, even at his advanced age?
Whatever it is that you are longing for today, find peace with it. Stay your mind on God. Trust Him. Petition Him. And then be at rest. When you start to lose your peace about it: REPEAT!
After all, as the angel told Mary, For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)
Organizational Tip of the Day
Look at your December calendar, and write in any plans you have. Now think of what you haven't "planned." Getting a tree? Pencil it in! Baking shortbread? Which day? Going to the post office? Pick a date and time to give yourself a deadline. Get the essentials onto your calendar, and then work the plan. You'll feel less pressure if you have a time slot attached to each task!
That about says it. To find peace, we need to keep our mind on Him, and trust in Him.
Read Luke 1 again. Did you marvel at the story of Elizabeth and Zacharias? Look at verse 13:
Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.
Zacharias and Elizabeth were righteous in the sight of the God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years. (Luke 1:6-7)
Zacharias and Elizabeth's minds were on God, and they must have trusted in Him to be labeled righteous. Righteous and yet longing for a child. Trusting that God knew best. Do you think he was still petitioning heaven, even at his advanced age?
Whatever it is that you are longing for today, find peace with it. Stay your mind on God. Trust Him. Petition Him. And then be at rest. When you start to lose your peace about it: REPEAT!
After all, as the angel told Mary, For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)
Organizational Tip of the Day
Look at your December calendar, and write in any plans you have. Now think of what you haven't "planned." Getting a tree? Pencil it in! Baking shortbread? Which day? Going to the post office? Pick a date and time to give yourself a deadline. Get the essentials onto your calendar, and then work the plan. You'll feel less pressure if you have a time slot attached to each task!
December 2nd Add-on :)
Christ alone can bring lasting peace - peace with God - peace among men and nations - and peace within our hearts. ~~Billy Graham
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