Month: December 2018

I was listening to a Christian radio station the other day on my way home from work. In fact, it was the day after Christmas, December 26. After a Christmas song had finished, the announcer – DJ, came on and said: “Now that Christmas is over we’ll start looking toward the new year.” He said it, just like that. Just like I typed it. With absolutely no emotion. Just another day. Just another announcement. It’s over folks, next… Maybe he just has that kind of voice, maybe he was busy looking over the next announcement, maybe he was just plain glad Christmas was behind him. It just struck me as odd. Christmas wasn’t even cold and we’d bounced right on to the next thing. The biggest event in history didn’t even get 24 hours of recognition.

I wanted to yell wait, stop, holdup dude. I’ve been preparing for months, 22 hours a day. I’ve cooked, cleaned, wrapped, scheduled, partied, and decorated and it’s over – just like that! Say it ain’t so! Christmas can’t be over already.

Well, if truth be told, I’m a little glad Christmas is over too. Sigh. Why so, you ask? To be frank, it’s exhausting. No, I’m not a Grinch – I love, love, love buying gifts for others, I love, love, love my tree and my house being decorated for the Season. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Christmas Season – reflections on the Reason, Sunday worships, time with family. But it starts in JULY!!!! Come on, people. You know, it used to be that Christmas preparations didn’t start until Thanksgiving. A few years ago, they (whoever they are) moved it up to Halloween – costumes and Christmas trees coexisting. Now Christmas is advertised alongside swimwear – the manger beside the patio furniture. What will it be next? July 4 – Uncle Sam and Jesus? Before long Christmas and the Resurrection Cross of Christ will be on the same shelf side-by-side. Then guess what, it will be Christmas alongside Christmas. I’m exaggerating, just a little, maybe.

But wait, just think about that for a minute. The Christmas Season year round. What would that look like? Not the tree, the decorations, the gifts, the celebrations. But the Christmas Reason year round, daily. Celebrating the birth of the Messiah our Savior, 365, every single day of our life – December to December!!

The Savior of the world has come, and I don’t know about you, but I need a saving. By the way, you do too. Shouldn’t we be proclaiming with great enthusiasm and with great emotion that the Savior of the world has come and that He is available to all? Shouldn’t that be the announcement – it’s not over, it’s only just begun! Shouldn’t we be saying look what He has done for me – for you – sent His Son, and He’s yours for the asking? Afterall…

He forgives all my sins (too many to count)
and heals all my diseases (my spiritual, mental and physical ailments – too many to count)
He ransoms me from death (He died so that I would not – in my stead!)
and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. (Morning by morning new mercies I see.)
He fills my life with good things, (too many to count – blessings abound!)
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s (He gives me strength and power to rise above!)
The Lord gives righteousness and justice to those who are treated unfairly.
(The Lord protects His children!)
He revealed His character to Moses and His deeds to the people of Israel.
(He shows us who He is!)
The Lord is merciful and gracious;
(He doesn’t give us what we do deserve; but He does gives us what we don’t deserve.)
He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love.
(His patience and love toward me is unbelievable!)
He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. (With Him, forgiven is forgotten.)
He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does He deal with us as we deserve.
(too many to count)
For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.  (This wondrous love cannot be measured – His love for us is too great!)
He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
(He forgives our defiance and makes us willing to obey Him.)
The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
(He loves us so much that He sent His Only Son to Save us!)
Psalm 103:3-13

The Bible is full of the Reason to celebrate the Christmas Season, year round. Check it out. Commit this year to finding the Reason, to living the Reason, to announcing the Reason. Shouldn’t Christmas be celebrated every single day of our lives? How will we do that this year? How will we keep Christ in our hearts every moment of everyday? Impossible, you say? Not!  He shows up for every celebration, He always accepts the invitation.

Check it out. The picture. Do you see what I see? What do I see, you ask? I see Jesus on the cross on my deck. I know what you’re thinking. She’s lost it. Would you expect anything less from me? Some might look at this picture and see just a stick or a twig blown in by the wind. But, if people can see Mary in a grilled cheese on a plate, I can most certainly see Jesus in a stick on my deck. They say, Jesus is where you look for Him, right?

Have we seen Him? Who, you say? Jesus. Hasn’t this Advent Season been about anticipation, preparation, expectation, on the lookout? Remember, the Baby? Did we miss the Reason for the Season? Have we been looking for the Baby? Well, He’s here! Glory to God!

Eight days after birth, Mary and Joseph took their baby to the Temple for the ceremonial circumcision and naming. They named Him Jesus. While at the Temple, they met up with a man named Simeon. You see, Simeon was a righteous and devout man who lived in Jerusalem. The Spirit lived in him, and he was anxiously anticipating, preparing, expecting the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. In fact, the Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had actually seen the Messiah. Simeon was on the lookout. On that eighth day, the Spirit led Simeon to the Temple . There he met Mary and Joseph. He took the Baby into his arms, held Him close and softly spoke:

“Lord, now I can die in peace!
As you promised me,
I have seen the Savior
you have given to all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
And he is the glory of your people Israel!”
Luke 2:29-32

Simeon was looking for the light that would reveal God to the nations. The One that would come to console, comfort, help, rescue, not just Israel, but all mankind. The Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. The One John had foretold. Upon picking up that baby, he exclaimed: “Lord, now I can die in peace! As you promised me, I have seen the Savior you have given to all people.” Can we say the same? Have we seen Him? Can we die in peace?

When we think about it, it’s so hard to fathom. A Baby is such a strange way to save the World. Isn’t it? Simeon didn’t think that though. He instantly recognized the Savior because he had been looking for the Savior. You see, he had been waiting, expecting, preparing, on the lookout for Him, the Savior, the Messiah, the Promised One. Simeon followed the nudge of the Holy Spirit and saw Jesus. Do we? Have we followed the nudge? Have we stepped forward when stirred to pick up the Baby, hold Him close, speak in awe – I have seen the Savior?

Moreover, do we tell others we have seen the Savior?

Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, she worshiped night and day with her fastings and prayers. At the very time that Simeon was praying, she showed up, and broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:36-38

Upon hearing Simeon’s words, Anna recognized Jesus. Upon recognizing Jesus, she broke into praise. Anna then told everyone who had been waiting for the promised King – I have seen Jesus! Anna told everyone who needed help, rescued, saved – everyone who needed Jesus – the Savior has come!

Just like the night wind said to the little lamb – Do you see what I see? A star.
Just like the little lamb said to the shepherd boy – Do you hear what I hear? A song.
Just like the shepherd boy said to the mighty king – Do you know what I know? A child.
Just like the king said to the people everywhere – Listen to what I say! The Light.

Simeon and Anna were looking for Jesus. They found Him. We need only look too. We will find Him.

You do know we’re having a baby tomorrow, right? Had you heard that? Are we ready for it? Not Christmas silly, the baby. There’s lots of preparation that takes place before a baby comes, right? Babies change our lives, completely upside down, right? Not only a newborn coming into the world, but in a way when the baby arrives, we too are reborn. Old habits, old routines, chucked right out the window. Right?

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. Luke 2:6-7

So, what are we going to do about this baby? Anything? Remember the story of Lazarus, Jesus’ friend? Lazarus died. Jesus raised him from the dead.

Many of the people were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together to discuss the situation. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. John 11:45-47

See there, the Pharisees and the leading priests were asking the same thing. What are we going to do about this baby?

You know, a baby changes everything. Babies, this Baby, changed the course of the world. A world headed for eternal damnation to a world of eternal restoration.  Will this Baby change us? What will happen if we don’t allow ourselves to be changed, to experience new birth, to be reborn?

So, what are we going to do about this Baby? You know, the one swaddled at birth and placed in a manger. You know, the one swaddled at death and placed in a tomb.

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and He was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn’t make. Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone. This light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1

The light that gives light to all mankind left behind the cloths in the manger and the cloths in the tomb. He was born! He did die! He is risen! Indeed.

So, what are we going to do about this baby?

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky look down where He lay. The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby awakes. But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky. And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay. Close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care. And take us to heaven, to live with thee there.

Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What’s Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call’d,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name which is no part of thee
Take all myself. (2.2.38-49)

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

So what’s in a name? Poor Romeo and Juliet, they had their issues, didn’t they? Romeo had the wrong name. He was born a Montague. He was born an enemy of the Capulets. Remember the feuding families? Kind of like the Hatfields and McCoys, West Virginia style, right?!?! Juliet blurts out, basically, what’s the big deal, it’s just a name, your name doesn’t make you who you are, you are who you are, regardless of what you’re called. A rose, is a rose, is a rose. But the name Montague meant something to the Capulet family. The name had meaning.

About 1500 years before Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, the most meaningful name was mentioned, before His birth. A name from the House of David.

“You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Luke 1:31-33

“For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:20-21

So, what’s in a name? Do you think Mary and Joseph were wondering that too? Why the name Jesus? Why not Joe, Jr.? Why not after Mary’s dad? Why not after Joseph’s great uncle Earl? Did they know what that name meant? Did they know what that name would represent? Maybe. Maybe not. The Bible tells us and shows us so plainly and comprehensibly what the name Jesus means.

Baby Jesus. Savior. Messiah. Almighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Immanuel. Redeemer. Word of God. Light that Shines in Darkness. The Alpha and Omega. Shepherd. Son of Man. First and Last. Creator. Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Lamb of God. Son of Man. Hope of the World. Bread of Life. Christ Jesus. God. Holy Spirit. Father. Abba. Triumphant. Strength. Amen!

So, what’s in your name? What does your name mean? Not your given name, your newborn name, you know, child of the risen King.

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! 1 John 3:1

The Bible tells us and shows us so plainly and comprehensibly what our name means too. Humbled. Christian. Disciple. Heirs. Holy Nation. Lambs. Royal Priesthood. Loved. Forgiven. Redeemed. Righteous. Child of God. Faultless. Sinless. Chosen. Son. Daughter. Gift. Image of God.

Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of the heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

Names really do mean something.

For that name which is ever part of me
Jesus, take all myself.

I learned something recently and I want to share it with you.  One of those things I’m sure I’ve read a thousand times, maybe not that many, but a lot. I’ve read the Book of Luke before. I’m sure you have too.  Look what the Lord said to Zechariah:

For he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. (NLT)

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. (KJV)
Luke 1:15

Oh my goodness! Did the earth just stop rotating? Think about that for a minute. John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit of God – you know, the essence of the Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace – God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity, before birth! The Holy Spirit, the power of God within us, inhabiting one of His chosen before he was born, in the womb, in utero. Frankly, this rocked my world! John was Spirit filled before delivery. Elizabeth carried John. John carried the Spirit. If John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit before he was born, what does that say about the sanctity of life?

I wonder how Elizabeth felt while John was being fearfully and wonderfully made inside her? I wonder if Elizabeth and Zechariah really understood the impact of the angel’s message?  The Holy Spirit had not yet been made available to all believers. Yet the Spirit of God was always active, even in the beginning.

The earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface. Geneses 1:2

You see the Holy Spirit was the power behind John’s life and it is also the power behind our new life in Christ. It powered John’s birth and it powers our rebirth. Now I’m no John the Baptist, but I have been chosen to receive the Spirit, just like you. Look here:

How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:3-6

We were chosen even before creation. Get it? We were created before creation. Not physically created, but made a part of God’s plan. While the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface. Say that a few times and let that sink in. While the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the earth we were in God’s plan.

A plan centered on Christ, designed long ago according to his good pleasure. And this is his plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ – everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago. God’ purpose was that we who were the first to trust in Christ should praise our glorious God. And now you also have heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, who he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us everything he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people.

Ephesians 1:9-14

Here’s the point, John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit to be used by God. Nothing that John the Baptist accomplished could have been accomplished had the Holy Spirit not been living in him. Look what his job was – to prepare the way of the Lord! Just like John the Baptist, nothing we accomplish for God can be accomplished without the power of the Holy Spirit living in us.

For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death…You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. Romans 8:2,9

The power that hovered over the earth before it was formed, that filled the unborn child in Elizabeth’s womb, that rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven so that the Spirit could be available to all started with a baby, born in a manger.

While brushing my teeth the other morning I had a revelation from Jesus the Revealer.  Now I don’t presume to speak for Jesus’ motives, but I’m pretty sure He speaks to me while I’m brushing my teeth because it may be the only time I shut up.  I can’t talk and I can’t talk back.  I love when He teaches me when I least expect it.  I also love how He teaches me right when I need a teachin’.   Anyway.  While brushing my teeth, I was thinking about a party we were going to that tonight.  I love going to parties.  I was looking forward to the fun.  Free meal , no dishes, fun coworkers.  Secretly, well not so secret anymore, I was dreading the party.  Not because I didn’t want to go, but because during this super busy (I’ve done that part to myself) time, it’s just “one more thing.”  Remember, I’m trying to keep my ship upright this season.

As soon as I had the “one more thing” thought, Jesus slapped me with the revelation.   I’m getting quite a few slaps lately.  You see, just that morning I had read a devotional by C.H. Spurgeon called Passion to Save Souls. Here’s an excerpt:

Paul’s great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he desired to see men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact saved.  Have our Christian efforts been aimed at anything below this great objective?  Then let us correct our ways, for what good will it be at the last great day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved?  If through life we have sought inferior objects and forgotten that men needed to be saved, then we will be held accountable.

Ouch, ouch, and double ouch!  Doesn’t that just tweak you?  Telling us what we ought to be doing…

Are we satisfied with anything short of saving? For ourselves, for others?  Do we have a desire to see men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified.  Paul wasn’t the only one who had this type of passion, the Bible is full of those who did.  Remember, Jesus?  There was another chap who had this same kind of passion.  John the Baptist.  Remember, he was the subject of one of God’s big reveals.  He came to prepare the way for the Ultimate Big Reveal.  John the Baptist, a straight shooter.

“I am not the Messiah,” he said.

“Well then, who are you?” they asked.  “Are you Elijah?”

“No,” he replied.

“Are you a prophet?”

“No.”

“Then who are you?  Tell us, so we can give an answer to those who sent us.  What do you have to say about yourself?

John replied in the words of Isaiah:

“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,

‘Prepare a straight pathway for the Lord’s coming!’”

Then those who were sent by the Pharisees asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?”

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not know, who will soon begin his ministry.  I am not even worthy to be his slave.”  John 1:19-27

John’s purpose was to prepare the way for the One who can save.  John’s purpose was to encourage folks with hearts that were hard and cold to have hearts that were open to receive.  Open to receive Jesus, the Ultimate Big Reveal.

“Look!  There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  He is the one I was talking about…John 1:29

 The skinny is that instead of dreading our “one more thing,” regardless of what they are, instead of talking about the “have tos” and the “musts,” I should be talking about the “one more opportunities” the “get tos” and “want tos.”  I should look at my “one more things” as “one more chances” to tell folks to prepare the way of the Lord.  Who knows who God may put in our path.  A vendor, a caterer, a checkout clerk, a coworker. A Christmas tree farmer.  A packager wrapper.  Any number of folks.  We are going to have those “one more things” in life.  Thank goodness, because they are opportunities to say: “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”  We say that through our words, our attitudes, our actions, our lives, every chance we get.   Those “one more things” may just be moments when we can prepare the way for someone else for the One to Come.

Okay. Here it is, Thursday, December 6, and I’m a hot mess, or at least I was this morning. I mean I guess December 6 is not so bad. Monday’s Blog predicted I’d start the gritted teeth thing on December 5, so I’ve exceeded my goal, right?

What goal you ask? Don’t you remember? It’s all about Jesus! It’s all about Jesus! It’s all about Jesus! After three hours on the phone with the computer folks last night, I mean, who’s got three hours to just give away, planning Christmas festivities, parties, gifts, wrapping, you know the franticness we talked about December 3, this morning while walking the worst-best dog ever, I came unglued. It’s only December 6 you say. I know that, please don’t point out my inadequacies, I see them quite clearly. Anyway, while walking, I was spewing. On this absolutely glorious morning, in the quiet of the predawn, I’m walking, in my bathrobe, up and down the road, to the rhythm of my swiveling neck. No wonder my poor neck hurts. All my anxieties, my tension, my frustration came out through my neck. I was head banging up and down, up and down, up and down the road, but there was no music.

What happened you say? As I continue to spew (that’s a cool word), the breeze stirred, sent a chill, and slapped me back into sensefullness. My spewing was filthy frustration. I was working myself up to a good old meltdown. What’s that you say? I was whining. Remember, whining makes it all about me. I’m so busy…I’m so tired…I’m so frustrated… When the revelation hit me, all the wind escaped from my frustrated sails. Oh, Lord above, please blow this filth of frustration from me.

That’s exactly what it was. Frustration that caused filth. Frustration that made me angry, anxious, self-absorbed, God-less. You know, I could use a heaping dose of my own medicine. Watch and Pray. Exactly what I wasn’t doing. The Evil One took advantage of the crack I gave him and the crack became a gapping hole. Don’t be so hard on yourself, you say. But I must. But we must. The filthy frustration is a slippery slope. Once we start down that path, it’s very hard to turn back. It’s easier to wallow, but not wise.

After confessing to God that I had a bad attitude and that everything during the month of December, or any other month as far as that’s concerned, is an opportunity. An opportunity to shine for Jesus, especially this time of year, especially when all the rest of the world feels the way that I felt. Overwhelmed. The funny thing about it is that December is no busier than any other month around our house. Same as yours. December just has a different focus. As Christians, we need to continue to Watch and Pray – yep, I’m talking to me. Obviously, I need to revisit The Word of God from Monday.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

Watch and call on the name of the Lord!

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:3

It’s all about Jesus! It’s all about Jesus! It’s all about Jesus! Because it really is.

So, it’s started.  It’s December 1^st.  Preparations have begun or will soon be getting underway.  Yep.  We’re revving up.  Getting ready for that all important Christmas day, you know the day well.  Every year it rolls around.  It’s the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, you know, Jesus.  Some dread that day and say AAAAHHHH!!!!! Some look forward to that day and say GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!!  To be honest, we probably all see-saw a bit when we think about Christmas.  When we think about Christmas we can think rationally and with perspective – it’s the celebration of the birth of the Messiah, Immanuel, God With Us, that’s all that matters.  But, when we think about preparing for Christmas, sometimes we just simply lose our minds.

I’m trying to figure out how to keep my wits about me this Christmas.  You too?  You see, I always start off with the greatest intentions.  I tell myself it’s all about Jesus.  Smile.  It’s all about Jesus.  Smile.  It’s all about Jesus.  Smile.  Keeping up that mantra will work until, oh, I don’t know, December 5,  when I look at the calendar and see that in three short weeks, Christmas will be over and I’m not ready.  Then my mantra changes.  Game on man!  It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – I’ve got to get these decorations up!   It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – one more party to attend!  It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – my shopping isn’t done!  It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – my house needs cleaned.  It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – I’ve got to get this food done!   It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth…

Somehow, I’ve lost my way.  I let my guard down.   You see, the words are the same the attitude is different, and, I’m embarrassed to say it’s not at all about Jesus anymore.  You too?   Okay, then.  Let’s figure out a way to make Christmas what it really should be about – Christ the Lord.

O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray to the Lord day and night for the fulfillment of his promises.  Take no rest, all of you who pray.  Give the Lord no rest until he makes Jerusalem the object of praise throughout the earth.  Isaiah 62:6-7

Look at that.  Isaiah says watch and pray.

Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night to protect ourselves.  Nehemiah 4:9

Look at that.  Nehemiah says watch and pray.

I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the Lord will say to me and how he will answer my complaint.  Habakkuk 2:1

Look at that.  Habakkuk says watch and pray.

“Son of  man, I have made you a watch for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.”  Ezekiel 3:17

Look at that.  God told Ezekiel to watch and pray.

Sit ye here, while I shall pray…My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death; tarry ye here, and watch…Simon, sleepest though?  Couldest not though watch one hour?  Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.  The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.    Mark 14:32-34

Look at that.  Jesus told Peter watch and pray.

Be on guard.  Don’t go to sleep.  Be vigilant.  What are we watching for, you say?  Watch for danger.  Watch for temptation.  Watch for the snares, traps.  Those things that make you think you’ve got to have everything perfect, everything done, everything over-the-top, everything just right, every perfect gift, every perfect dinner.  Watch for everything that pulls you away from Christmas.

Okay.  We watch, we guard, but life is a slippery slope.  Sometimes we see the train coming toward us but we just can’t seem to get off the tracks.  What to do?  Check out the verses again.  They don’t say watch and just hang out or watch and let the train run over you.  They say watch and pray!  Communicate with God!  Look what Jesus did in the Garden.  He prayed!  Simon Peter could have used a little more watching and praying that night, couldn’t he?  We are absolutely no different.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10

We watch and we call on the name of the Lord!

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.  Psalm 61:3

The Word of God has the answer for us during this Christmas season and every season.   “Watch ye and pray.”  The solution to our craziness, to our Christmas mania.  Watch and pray.   It’s all about Jesus.  Smile.