The Merry in Christmas

For God so loved this world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16

What puts the Merry in Christmas? Is it next day shipping from Amazon? Is it free delivery after spending $100.00? Is it the Black Friday deals? Is it the buy one get one free offers? Is the the presents under the tree? The food on the table? The songs we sing? The movies we watch? The lights on our houses? The Church programs? The family we get to see again? What puts the Merry in Christmas?

Christmas: Christ means Anointed One, Mass means a large gathering. Christmas means a gathering for the Anointed One. Merry means Cheerful. A Cheerful gathering for the Anointed One. That is what the words: Merry Christmas mean. So lets ask the question again. What makes the gathering so Merry? Is it the things we buy or do or is it the Anointed One?

Well if it is the things you buy and do, then you are celebrating Santa Claus and winter. This is a worldly view of Christmas. Millions will go all out in decorations and know little to nothing about Jesus. Some may know Jesus and rejected Him. Still they will go out of their way to make a holly jolly Christmas this year. Others will know Jesus and still get swept away by the commercialism of the holiday. A few will be Grinch’s and remind us that we don’t really know when Jesus was born so the celebration is useless.

Few, and Jesus uses that word to describe His followers (Matt. 22:14) few will know and understand the meaning of Merry Christmas and the Merry for them is found in the Anointed One. On this First Day of Advent, as you light the candle, pause for a moment and ask yourself where does your merry come from. For God the Father, through His Spirit and Son did everything He could to make sure we would have a way to Him and eternal life.

Light the 1st Advent Candle

Holy Father, as we gather around the Advent Wreath and light the 1st candle, we pause for a moment to ask ourselves, from what do we find merry for this gathering of the Anointed One, Your Holy Son Jesus Christ. We confess all the things we have made this celebration in the past. This year Holy Father we want less of us, less of spending, less of the trappings from this world. This year we want more of You. This year we want to be mindful of this celebration and why we say the words :Merry Christmas. This year we want our hearts to rejoice in the Anointed One, the Christ, whom You sent to save us. This year we want a cheerful meeting to celebrate the Anointed One, Christ Jesus. Amen.

What’s In A Name?

Daniel 1: 7

The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

Why? Why change someone’s name? What is the purpose behind this? The answer is simple: Total Control. You see our names are very important to us. My name is Michele and it is spelled with one L. So I get upset when I see someone spell it with two. Others who have different spellings for their names can understand. Our name is personal, its a part of our identity. Our parents gave us those names. I got a new puppy in September of 2020, and the first thing he learned at obedience school was his name. That is how important a name is, that even an animal, a pet, must be taught their name before any other command. Which brings me to the why of this post.

Why did the King of Babylon want their names changed? Well lets look at what we know about these men so far.

1. Captives from Jerusalem
2. Men from royal and noble family
3. no physical defect
4. handsome
5. young
6. show an aptitude for every kind of learning
7. well informed
8. quick to understand
9. qualified to serve in the kings palace
10. learn their language and literature

Ten ways to make sure that the king would have the dedication of these 4 men. These 4 men where good workers. However, they never gave that king their dedication. They only bowed down to God. This is important for all of us to remember, especially for this time in our lives. We are living in a time when the world is trying hard to define all of us so that they can get our devotion to their thinking. Children of God are not citizens of this world. We are Holy and Redeemed by Jesus Christ. The world wants to call us: Republican/Democrat; Black/White; Christian/Jew/Muslim; Liberal/Socialist/Conservative; Pro life/Pro Abortion; Heterosexuals’/Homosexuals’/Everything and Anything Sexual. These lists go on and are growing. They have one thing in common: Identity. Depending on the names we are called, we are thus identified.

Now I pause at this part because this is where many find fear. Fear in what they say of themselves might get them fired from a job or replaced on a team. Crazy sounding but true. But what is even crazier is this: The risk of being fired or replaced is greater in the more conservative you are. Example: I am Christian, Conservative, Heterosexual, Pro Life, White Republican. That is a far more hated identity than all others. Suddenly I live in a time when being any one of those markers can get me killed, beaten and or hated.

Names, names are very important. That is why the world tries to change our names. What’s yours?

Jesus washes the disciples feet

John 13: 1-17

I decided this weekend that I would steer clear of social media. I spent a good portion of my day in prayer. Around dinner time I decided to watch television. My daughters suggested The Crown. So I turned it on, and watched a few episodes before bed. I was bothered by the scenes where the king and queen where being dressed by others. As a Hospice Chaplain, one of the most common complaints from my patients is their inability to assist in their own care. My daughter and I discussed what a major step this is as we grow up. It signifies maturity and independence.

As I prepared for bed this was still weighing on me. I prayed and asked God why. Then He told me.

Jesus is our King. Our King got on His knees to wash the feet of His 12 disciples. Twelve feet that included the one who would betray Him. The one who would deny Him. The one who would doubt Him. The eleven who would run. He washed their feet. Our King, the King of all that is seen and unseen. The One and only True King, washed the feet of 12 men.

Man made royalty believes they are better then everyone else. Jesus is better than everyone else, and still got on His knees and washed the feet of 12 men.

One is served and the other serves. Something to think about this Sunday.

REPENT

Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

The other day I read a post on Facebook about a robbery that took place at a local Walmart. The thieves were seen running out of the store with carts load of food. The witness called the police as they walked into the store. Once in they found the manager of the store and told him. He (the manager) told them that they don’t call the police any more if the thieves make it out of the store. It happens weekly, almost daily. They choose instead to raise the prices so that the rest of us who shop make up the difference.

Many comments were already added to this post. The majority all favoring the thieves and justifying their sins. Then I commented: It is wrong to allow someone to sin and not warn them. We do them greater harm when we allow them to sin or justify their sins. Would we justify a rapist by saying he was lonely? Certainly not! Then we don’t do that to any other sin. Within seconds I was called judgmental and unloving. I took the high road and backed out of the conversation. Today I would like to address the opposition.

Judgmental: No. For I didn’t pass judgment on this person. I didn’t even call them a thief as you did.

Unloving: No. Are we unloving when we teach our children right from wrong? Is it wrong for us to train a dog? Is stealing a crime in our country? Isn’t warning someone not to commit a crime far more lovable than allowing it? The next time they could meet up with a manager with a gun who uses it to stop them. Is that more loving?

The other complaint I received was the comparison I used. Rape VS Stealing. Here is that response.

There are 10 Commandments. These are the Laws of God. Jesus came to fulfill the Law not erase the Law. Thou Shall Not Steal, that’s number 8. The word steal means to take what isn’t yours. This can be applied both to thieves and rapists for both take what isn’t theirs. There is also, Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery. That’s number 7 and it includes all sexual sins. These are God’s Laws, and not mine. Stealing is a crime in this country, committing adultery isn’t. God doesn’t care what our laws excuse, His doesn’t excuse any of us of our sins. Not once, not ever will you find in Scripture where God says, “Oh you were hungry, oh okay go ahead and take food out of that mans store. Make others pay for it.” Nope He doesn’t say that and neither should we. All sin is equal and all sin is against God. For when we sin we are actually rising up and saying to God we know what we need, and He can’t provide. We become our own gods.

Today’s verse is important and this is why. Jesus just spent 40 days fasting in the desert. Then being tempted by the devil. The angels came and took care of Him. He left the wilderness and learned John was in jail. So He went out into the town preaching. First word out of His mouth: Repent. Turn away from your sin. Stop sinning. Don’t commit that sin again. Agree with Me that it is wrong and a sin. All of that is a part of repentance. All of that is what Jesus is calling for us all to do. So when I speak out and say, ‘hey stealing is wrong.’ I’m just sharing what I learned from my Father.

We have spent enough time, too much time, coddling sinners and trying to get them to come to Church. Now they have a good reason not to come, Covid. We still have to reach them. Justifying sins might get us more followers, but telling the truth is what sets them free.

You decide. I already did and lets just say I’m not that popular. Neither was Jesus, so I’m okay.

Sacrifice

Romans 3:25

God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

As a Hospice Chaplain many times people will ask me why God takes all the good people and leaves the mean ones here on earth. That’s a good question, and I went to God in prayer asking for an answer. This is what He taught me.

Remember the story of the old Indian woman who had 2 children. One was born disabled and the other perfect. She had both in a wagon, and she was bringing them to her priest. She was to sacrifice one child before their god. As she walked through the town everyone expected it to be the disabled child. However, on her way back, that is the child she had with her. She sacrificed the perfect child. When the town people asked her why her response was “Isn’t our god worth the perfect sacrifice?”

God has one Son, Jesus. Lucifer was an angel God created who rose up and tried to be equal to God. When he fell from the grace of God he persuaded 1/3 of the angels to fall with him. Since then he works hard to keep us fallen. God said to me: I could’ve sacrificed Lucifer. After all he is the one who is responsible for the sin. But I wanted a sacrifice that could be greater than the sin, so I chose My Son, the perfect One.

Now if God chose His Son, who is above all of us and perfect why should we in turn give Him anything less?

We are one month away from the season of Lent. This will give us plenty of time to think of what it is we will sacrifice this year for 40 days? Keeping in mind that God gave to us the perfect Sacrifice His Son Jesus Christ. What then can we sacrifice to Him?

Might, May and If

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

For years my daughters have been warning me about the food I consume. I was in the habit of eating a lot of 100 calorie snacks and premade meals. They kept telling me that my consumption of these foods is why I was having so many dietary issues. They were right. Recently I came across a page of a gentleman who shows the poisons that are in our food. Food that is marketed for dieters and healthy eating. He exposes the lies in the packaging that our wonderful government allows. After learning just a little, I began to do research on my own. This is when I discovered all the poison’s in the majority of the products in my house. With this knowledge I began to make wiser choices. Within weeks my digestion issues are being resolved. I am learning as I go so I expect other changes to occur as well. Even knowing this, I will eat something quick and easy. Then spend days after sick. Baby steps….baby steps.

So you will understand why it is I am leery of the Covid 19 Vaccine. A vaccine for a viral infection. So lets just go over what we know about viruses. There is no way for us to cure them, or prevent them. If we could HIV and the Flu would be history. When we get the flu shot we can still get the flu. Why? Well because we get vaccinated for one strand of the flu and we always catch another. The medical field tells us that the vaccine helps us so that when we get the flu it isn’t as bad. I will tell you what I know: I get the flu vaccine and every year I get the flu, and I am sick with high temps. One time I caught pneumonia. So I’m confused on how the vaccine made it better.

Now we see in the Media (man made god and leaders) that a vaccine is available. They are marketing it as a way to control and stop Covid 19. A virus. The flu is a virus. HIV is a virus. Did they control or stop those?????? In the marketing of this drug you will see key words: Might, May and If. Think people…these are not words of affirmation. These are words of people who don’t know, have no clue, and are guessing. The same professionals who put words on our food products like: Natural flavoring, which means a chemical is added that tastes like the food you are eating. Why? Because they took all the flavor and nutrient out of the food to process it so it has a longer shelf life. These are the same people who backed Monsanto. Who is Monsanto? Look that up my dear ones, they are the ones who put the poisons, dioxin, agent orange, and other toxins in our crops. For decades we have been poisoned by food, medicines, household cleaning products, laundry products, dish washing products, makeup, perfume, deodorants, toothpaste, and various vaccines.

I made a claim about a week ago on Facebook that I was breaking up with poison and I mean it. I am reading labels and learning what the words mean. This is exactly why I am not going to get the Covid Vaccine. The pharmaceutical companies are letting this be available with these words, it may help prevent Covid. It might prevent you from getting Covid. You might get Covid but if you do it might not be so bad. Now to make this even more dangerous, the pharmaceutical companies have the guarantee to be held harmless, and no fault should any of us die from the vaccine, or become sick or have serious reactions. Is this the chance you want to take?

Now for those who think I am heartless and don’t care for the most vulnerable. I have to say this: I am a Chaplain and spend my day caring for the most vulnerable. I do all I can to keep them safe and protected. I have a brain injured husband who I stay away from to keep him safe. I have a granddaughter who is in heart failure and I stay away from her. I break my heart to keep them safe. I take my chance of getting Covid from my patients so I can care for them and suffer heartbreak for not being with my family. I am called by God to do this and don’t regret it, nor do I look for a pat on the back. I am stating this to let you all know that I am well aware of the most vulnerable. They are my family. Now if you want to take the risk on a maybe, might, may or if…go ahead. I’m not and my making this decision it does not mean I am heartless or uncaring. Kayden and Gary I love you both, and miss you more than words can say. To my patients I say, as long as God directs me to your bed, I will be there at my own risk of catching Covid so I can hold your hand. There is no if, maybe or might in my love and dedication.

To Jesus I say, I trust in You and You alone. You are the One who has called me into this ministry. You are the One who has kept me safe this far. You are the One who lead me to the truth of the poisons. You I trust…and lean not on my own understanding, but on all You reveal to me. Thank You Jesus. Amen

Jesus Loves Children

Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms,placed His hands on them and blessed them.

Children love to hear about Jesus. I have 10 grandchildren, and they all love Jesus. I’ve been a Sunday School Teacher, and a Youth Pastor. Children love Jesus. I have done back yard Vacation Bible Study, with neighborhood children, and can attest, children love Jesus. I have had children who are raised as Atheist, Buddist and Muslim, all believe in Jesus while in my VBS program. Children love, absolutely love, and believe Jesus. The faith of a child has no fear, or doubts.

You have no problem telling your children about Santa, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny. You delight at their childlike faith in these make believe characters. Yet one day the truth will be revealed. All the charm of losing a tooth will be gone.

This year for Christmas give them something they can keep eternally, give them Jesus. Share with them His stories. Explain to them He is real, and He can do all things. He doesn’t come to us in a sleigh, but in a manger. He doesn’t collect our teeth, but our tears. He doesn’t hide eggs, but His word in our hearts. That the Babe in the manger is the Man on the Cross. He doesn’t fill a basket with goodies, but He walked out of the grave.

Trust me they will love the story of Jesus, and Jesus loves them. From the moment they are conceived He loves them.

This year Christmas is going to be different. Many families are left without jobs. Families are struggling to make ends meet. This is a good year to spend less on gifts that end up in a garage sale one day, and more time on the Eternal Gift Salvation.

Children love to hear about Jesus.

Racism

I live in America where I am protected by our Constitution. I have the right to free speech and thought. Until now. Now I am told that to have any other thought besides the Left, then I am considered: wrong, unintelligent, unemployable and unworthy. They justify this racism, hatred and anger saying its because we backed Trump. Certainly us deplorables per Hilary Clinton, need the Left to straighten us out. According to the Left all of us must be of a monolithic mindset. Throwing the 1st Ammendment out and replacing it with totalitarianism. They, the Left, are the ones in power and charge. We don’t have to say we disagree. They will know if we supported Trump. We will be marked by them. Then thrown out like dirty bath water.

Think I’m making this up? I’m not and here are some Tweets to show you what they say.

The View

This morning I went to visit one of my hospice patients. She was in the general room and The View had just started. So I heard today’s show. There are two things I would like to address.

First, Sunny Hostin, I’m a Republican. I’m a educated woman. I’m a female Pastor and Chaplain. How dare you say I need to be educated. How dare you insinuate you are far more intelligent simply because you voted for Biden. How dare you say I turned my back on LBGTQ, Blacks and Latinos. How dare you say I support caging of children. How dare you ever assume you know me or why I am Republican.

Second, Joy Behar how dare you tell me I need a Jesus moment. I have many Jesus moments. That is why I am Republican. I am pro life. I am pro child. I am pro person. I am a servant of God. How dare you tell me I need a Jesus moment. How dare you say I have to educate myself. How dare you insult me.

When Justice Amy was sworn in the Left screamed “pack the courts.” In a crazed fashion to defend their right to kill babies. This is the group that has the audacity to call me uneducated. How dare you assume anyone is less than you simply because they don’t listen to you and obey your voice. Simmer down my little Hitler women. We don’t have to vote for who you say. We can use our own brains. You are just mad because you can’t control me or the rest of us.

Please do America a huge favor and stop talking.

God’s Kingdom

A kingdom divided will fall. Good reminder for Election Day. We cannot allow politician’s, the media or Hollywood to dictate to us how we should hate each other. My favorite thing about America is how we always rush to help others. Lets return to that.

The 2nd thing we learn is God’s Kingdom isn’t divided. God’s Kingdom here is Son and Spirit working together to drive out evil.

We need to purge our country of evil as well. Today is a good day to join God’s Kingdom.