Life This Side of Heaven

Inclement weather. Traffic snarls. Detours. Flights canceled. Roads closed. As the song goes, "Gee, the traffic is terrific".  But it’s always been that way.  Just ask Joseph.  And check with the Wise Men. There will be changes to our plans and detours in the year ahead.  However, one thing is certain through it all.  With the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, we can take heart and look ahead with confidence – God is with us.

You may well find yourself singing these words in worship today day and asking this same question asked in the hymn, "What Child is This?"  It's based on a poem that written back in 1871. And in it we are confronted the astonishing good news that the Savior has come for us and has brought us His gift of salvation.

Imagine being hired to photograph a wedding and then finding out that you were waiting for the wrong groom. When John languished in Herod's prison, he sent his disciples to ask Him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” And as we draw nearer to the celebration of Christmas again this year, we may want to ask ourselves if the picture we have of Jesus the right one?

"The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat ..." What is Isaiah talking about? The world you and I live in doesn't look anything like that. It may surprise you to know that this, too, is a part of God's Christmas gift to us of a Savior!

Have you ever wondered what Christmas tree farmers do with all of the stumps that are left over after the trees are cut, bundled and sent out for sale? It's impressive. Using the imagery of a stump and a shoot, Isaiah describes how God's love, and His gift to us of a Savior, is more than remarkable. It's a miracle!

It’s hard to imagine, as Micah tells us, that the time will come when nations will no longer to war, and nor will they train for battle.  But what God has described is certain. The peace Micah describes moves beyond a mere possibility. It's found in a Person.

Even though it's only the beginning of December you may have found yourself already singing the familiar words, “We wish you a Merry Christmas." But there's actually a bit of Advent in the verse that follows. In fact, there's a unique tie between Christmas pudding and the words of a prayer you may have heard spoken in church this past Sunday.

Remember the Alamo!  Have you heard that famous phrase but wondered what it is about the Alamo that we’re supposed to remember?  Here in 2 Timothy, Paul gives a similar encouragement.  However, he’s very clear why.  And it's a great passage to hear as you and I get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving!

What's the difference between a complaint and a question?  On the surface, they may sound the same.  However, unlike a complaint which arises from contempt and dissatisfaction, a question seeks an answer.  It’s a sincere and honest inquiry that seeks to better understand the situation. In worship, we're blessed to hear God's answer to those questions and to receive the assurance He provides.