This day after Christmas has been a nice “snow day.” Debbie returned to work and I have spent most of the day working on our New Year’s Newsletter. I’m glad that all of our supplies arrived in time for us to get it out before the New Year dawns. I am thankful that I have felt good today was well.

This Christmas we missed being with Stephanie and her family. We would have normally traveled to Atlanta this year, but Debbie’s work schedule did not allow that to happen. But we did visit by phone and “facetime” and received a picture of the Atlanta grand-kids by their tree.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ….he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:“Lord…my eyes have seen Your salvationWhich You have prepared before the face of all peoples,A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”  Luke 2:25,26, 28-32

Of all those who visited the baby Jesus, Simeon and Anna who greeted the child in Jerusalem seem to be overlooked. We recall, repeat and sing about the account of angels appearing to the shepherds and the star that lead the wise men to the new born baby. But it seems the encounter in Jerusalem at the Temple with Simeon and Anna is almost an afterthought.

However, when we stop and consider the events they are most remarkable. Simeon’s words are almost like an “infant dedication” that we would see in a church service today. He blessed the child and admonished the parents. Also of note is no Angel appeared to Simeon, not outward sign or manifestation directed Him. Simeon is referred to as “just and devout.” But there is no indication of any official role that he had, such as priest or Levite or scribe. What we are only told that Simeon walked closely with the Lord and was directed by the Holy Spirit. Just like John pointing to Jesus years later and saying, “behold the Lamb of God” somehow the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon, “this is the One!” No angel, no dream, no star.

This event is an important aspect of the events around the birth of Christ. We see Him declared by angels to the shepherds, and revealed by the Holy Spirit to Simeon. In three verses the work of the Holy Spirit is mentioned three times in Simeon’s life. “The Holy Spirit was upon Him”  “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit…”  “…he came by the Spirit into the Temple…”

I am challenged by the life of Simeon. I can’t think of anyone else, other than Jesus, that scripture notes, “the Holy Spirit was upon Him.” We see the disciples baptized in and ministering through the power of the Holy Spirit, but that was after Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit is upon an individual, God reveals Himself and “things” to them. For Simeon, it was that he would not die before He laid his eyes on the Messiah. The Holy Spirit directs our lives. The Holy Spirit provides insight. Of all those who encountered the Christ-child, Simeon’s word are the only ones recorded in scripture. The notable statement of Simeon’s is, “…..a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles..”

The Messiah was coming to restore the Kingdom of Israel. Jews weren’t concerned about the Gentiles, because they were outside of the covenant of God. As a matter of fact one of the great controversies in the Book of Acts took place when Gentiles placed their faith in Jesus. But the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon what the angels declared to the shepherds, the birth of Christ would bring, “great joy to all people.”

Don’t just be awed at angels appearing to shepherds and a star guiding the wise men, but be amazed at how the Holy Spirit divinely directed and honored the life of a man named Simeon. And then be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life today.

Merry and Blessed Christmas to all! Debbie got up early and began preparing the traditional cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. I go up not as early, but we go off to Lakewood shortly after 7 a.m. and made it right at an hour. Too bad holiday traffic isn’t everyday traffic. I picked up my mom and she joined us at Christian and Bridget’s home for Christmas dinner.

We did arrive in time to see the grand kids open some of their Christmas gifts. They were very patient with the process and grateful for what they received. We found out, with Riley anyway, that anything with Star Wars and Legos was a cause for excitement, even over his “Red Rider BB Gun.”

As grandparents, who tend to be hard to shop for, we received updated matted pictures of the grand kids. I think this falls into the category of what goes around comes around, as I recall that being a traditional Christmas present for my parents and Debbie’s over the years. So it seem appropriate to take a picture of the Lakewood grand kids with their pictures.

We left Lakewood early because of weather reports and returned to Fort Collins just in time for the falling snow to make this an official “white Christmas!” We will enjoy a relaxed evening and work on our New Year’s Newsletter.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” Galatians 2:8

Christmas is about giving and receiving gifts. I’m not sure about the whole shopping challenge, but I do like gifts wrapped and displayed under the tree. Gift giving is an interesting dynamic. It forms a connection between the giver and the receiver. Of course there is no greater joy than to see children open gifts and exclaim with excitement, “this is just what I wanted.!” That kind of response not only brings joy to the receiver, but the giver of the gift as well.

As you get older it seems there isn’t much that you really, “need” and that can make Christmas shopping a challenge for people like that. But as many observe the older you get the more you value gifts that can’t be bought with money.

All of this has significance for Christmas and Christ coming to earth as God’s gift to the world. We see our great God, motivated by the greatest cause (love) gave the greatest gift (His Son) in order to extend the greatest invitation (whoever believes) to rescue people from the greatest peril, to have the greatest future (eternal life).

While we refer to God as the great gift giver, the true gift is eternal life through the forgiveness of our sin (salvation). It is a gift that we can’t earn, money can’t buy and that we don’t deserve. Often we don’t value what we have unless, we understand what we have been kept from.

I was watching a TV program where an individual was kept from a “trip of a lifetime” by his boss. The individual found this out many years later and was going to exact revenge on the boss only to find out that the van he was scheduled to take to the airport, was involved in a crash and everyone on board died. The boss in his actions, that were not understood, and were viewed as undermining the man’s plans and enjoyment, actually saved his life.

Some may view God’s gift of eternal life as something that would interfere with their “plans and enjoyment.” They view a walk with God as rules, regulations and difficulties. Instead is is hope, light, life and peace. What people tend to seek the most has already been provided through the baby born in Bethlehem’s manger. That is the gift that we all need and that we can all have. No “black Friday sales” on “limited quantities” no “one time offers.” It is even easier than ordering on line and there is no waiting in order to receive the benefits of the gift. It is a gift that simply needs to be received….through faith in Christ. Receive that gift. Value that gift! I’m sure you will find, “this is just what I wanted!”

Christmas Eve 2014 is far different than ones we have experienced in the past. Last year our home was filled with the entire family and all the excitement, play, puzzles and cooking that characterizes our family times together. This year it is just me and Debbie (and the dog). Debbie is cooking preparing for our trip tomorrow to be with Christian and Bridget and children.

After feeling a little sub-par this morning, I began to feel better and wrapped some Christmas presents. Debbie was able to get off work a little early so we went out for Chinese food. We were all by ourselves as the Christmas music played. (Brought to mind a scene from a Christmas movie) We then attended a Christmas Even Service at Timberline Church.

We trust you have had an enjoyable day whether with family, last minute Christmas shopping (usually my tradition)  or whether you find yourself experiencing a different setting this time of the year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

I don’t like crowds. When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem it was crowded. Crowded villages and streets were common in Jesus day. Especially during special times of the years such as feasts and festivals and….a mandatory registration.

No one likes to be shut out. To be told that last seat has just been taken, the last ticket was just sold, the last room was just rented. When we arrived at church this afternoon for the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service we were running just a little later than planned. By the time I got in the building the ushers were directing people to one of the auxiliary auditoriums. By the time Debbie parked the car and got in that one was full and they were directing people to another overflow auditorium. When I saw one of the staff pastors that I have known for a number of years, I wanted to say, “can’t you find two seats in the main auditorium for a friend?!”

Mary’s situation was far more desperate and should have caused more sympathy than the normal request for a room, any room. Yet all that was available was shelter in a stable; but thank God for the shelter! The “no room in the Inn” is one of the dramatic turns to the story. But what we see is how God provides, even when it is not what we want or expect or feel we need. The ability to improvise and to make adjustments is essential in our life and our walk with the Lord.

There are no guarantees and sometimes the Lord provides for us a “back up plan” to our plan, but it may be His plan from the beginning. Those situations test our trust and obedience and willingness to see God’s plan come to pass even if it means His son being born in a stable instead of the comforts of the Inn.

So tonight Debbie and I took my friends advice and waited until the next service and had plenty of time to get in, be settled and to relax and enjoy the Christmas Eve Service.

Perhaps our take away from the “no room in the Inn” is not so much of the challenge to make sure our hearts are open to the Lord, as much as our hearts being open to God’s provision and God’s way to fulfill His plan, especially when it frustrates or own plan. I know that is a lesson that I continue to learn.

This morning, I made it to my Tuesday morning prayer time. It was good to be back with the group after a couple of weeks of absence and it was good to see most all of those who attend on a regular basis present.

The cold and wind that came up later in the day, and my level of energy discouraged me from getting out to the fitness center, but I did feel productive in getting some work done in my office.

Last night I attended a Broncos’ game night event with the Allies Men’s Group at CB & Potts. It was a great group to watch the game with, even though the final result was not what we were cheering for. My friend Jim Szakmeister, who I have mentioned before was there to lead the group in a few cheers and moments of celebration. (We took a picture to show off our Bronco gear)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:4,5 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”   Isaiah 9:2

The setting of the birth of Christ is found at night. It is obvious that babies are born at all times of the day, but the timing of Christ’s birth at night is a significant part of the story.

Darkness and light are two contrasts we are constantly reminded of. It happens at the dawn of each day. It takes place when we turn on a lamp in a dark room. When the light shines, hope arises, confidence and peace enter our lives. And such would it be with the coming of Christ into the world. John in His gospel doesn’t share about the birth of Christ purse, but shares about the Eternal Word coming as “The Light” into a dark world.

Darkness. It was the time of day when Christ was born and it was the condition of the world to which He entered. The shepherds on the hillside were blinded by the light that pierced the darkness as the angels appeared to them. The wise men, saw “The Star” shining brightly against the backdrop of the nigh skies.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of light coming to those in darkness. John simply said, “the light [Jesus] shines in darkness…” Jesus Himself said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 When Christ was crucified, darkness covered the sun, signaling the death of the “light of the world.” But it was at sunrise as a new day was dawning that the tomb of Jesus was discovered empty.

Has the light of Christ encountered the darkness of your heart? Just like the sun, the Son of God continues to shine His light into our life to confront us at our point of need and remove the darkness. Just like in the natural when our eyes must adjust to the light being turned on after being in a dark room, at times the light of Christ can seem to be intrusive and even painful. But as we welcome it, we find that is where we are destined to live.

So my prayer is that Christ’s light will shine brightly in your life, family and your relationships this Christmas season.

Today was rest and catch up day from our late night in Cheyenne. We joined Charlie Simineo for a performance featuring his son Rick at the “Ozymandian” Theater. Ozymandian means “huge and grandiose but ultimately devoid of meaning.” As a Seinfeld fan I liked that definition. The production featured 20 short skits about the holiday season.

It included portrayals of some traditional stories such as “The Grinch That Stole Christmas” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” They did a creative rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” but did the “Twelve Months of 2014” and highlighted some top news stories during the past year. Of course a favorite of mine was the carol “Obama-Care” sung to the tune of “O Christmas Tree.”  I think this one would go viral on the internet.

Debbie and I caught a picture with Rick Simineo after the production. Rick is a talented young man, father and dad and high school math teacher by day. He is one who uses, “both sides of his brain!”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…He has helped his servant Israel,  in remembrance of his mercy,as he spoke to our fathers,  to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”  Luke 2:54-55

“…he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies  and from the hand of all who hate us; to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,the oath that he swore to our father  Abraham…”  Luke 2:70-73

As I was reading about the birth of John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus, my attention was drawn to the idea of “God remembering His promise to His people…”

Both Elizabeth and Mary experienced divine pregnancies. Elizabeth’s was by natural means but required divine intervention for it to take place due to her advanced age. Mary’s was by supernatural means through the work of the Holy Spirit.

We find the record of Mary’s “Song” of praise while she was visiting Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist.  In it she references the Lord’s intervention related to the “remembrance of his mercy.”

When John was born Zachariah the priest uttered a prophetic message that contained similar words about God, “remembering His covenant to Abraham…”

As we reflect on the four hundred years of silence since the last Old Testament prophet passed from the scene, it was a time of waiting, a time of expectation. Faithful Jews were aware of the promise of the Messiah coming one day. But days turned into years, years into decades, decades into centuries. Where was the Messiah, would He really be coming as the Lord promised? Has the Lord forgotten His promise?

At Christmas we can related to movies or actual experiences when a gift is opened and the recipient responds with a joyful response of, “O, you remembered!” With the news of a prophet to prepare the way and the birth of the Son of God it became clear that the Lord was remembering His promise to Abraham, remembering to be merciful to His people in need of hope and a future.

What is important to remember is that this is the human perspective. It is the perspective of the limited vantage point of the human existence. Had the Lord really forgotten? Not at all! But from the human perspective it could have felt that way. However, the Lord was working in His way and in His time so that years later Paul would declare, “…in the fullness of time, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,to redeem those who were under the law…” Galatians 4:4-7

I am sure that before Jesus was born that there were those, like there will be before His second coming that scoffed and said, “where is the promise of His coming?” How often we wonder, “where is God?” “Has the Lord forgotten…me…His promise?” And then we see the Lord working in His way and in His time and we respond with joy and excitement, “He has remembered!”

Consider the following verses that remind us of the Lord’s faithfulness…

• “For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones…” Psalm 27:28
• “For the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage…”  Psalm 94:14
• “The LORD will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name….” 1 Samuel 12:2

Rest assured the Lord does not forget and He is not distant. We are called to wait patiently. Sometimes when we least expect it, in a way we least expect the Lord will “show up and we will see that He has remembered!”

That is a foundational part of the Christmas story. It is one we need to remind ourselves of today, this Christmas week.