|
YoGrandmaYo
|
read my profile
sign my guestbook
Name: Chris
Country: United States
Gender: Female
Interests: Spending time with the Lord and my family, going out to eat with my husband of 36 years, reading my Bible, Max Lucado books, and Christian fiction novels, and writing in my prayer journal
Expertise: being a grandma!
Message: message me
Member Since:
3/25/2006
|
|
| "Bless the Lord, . . . Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases." (Psalm 103:2-3). Jesus came into the world to save all kinds of people; rich or poor, black or white, educated or illiterate, sophisticated or ordinary - or anyone in between. Only two groups of people gathered at God's invitation to pay Him homage when He was born. One was the shepherds - lowly, at the bottom of the social ladder, uneducated, unsophisticated. The other was the wise men - intellectuals, from another race and country, wealthy, respected. The two groups could hardly have been more different! God brought both groups to Bethlehem - one by an angelic announcement, one by the appearance of a miraculous star. And by bringing both, God was telling us that Jesus is the Savior for everyone. Every person stands in need of His forgiveness and new life - and every person can know it, if he or she only repents and makes that journey to the Christ of Christmas. No matter who you are in the eyes of others, you need Christ. And no matter what you have done, He loves you and stands ready to welcome you. (Billy Graham) | | |
| "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (I John 3:1). Mary and Joseph deeply loved the Child God gave them, even becoming refugees to spare His life when King Herod tried to kill Him (Matthew 2:13). But their love was almost nothing compared with the infinite love of God for His Son. The Bible declares, "The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand" (John 3:35). Can you even begin to imagine the Father's emotions that first Christmas as His dearly loved Son left Heaven for earth, knowing He would one day go to the Cross, "despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3)? We rightly focus on God's love for us. But don't lose sight of what it cost the Father to send His beloved Son into the world. Why did He do it? Because "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). God loves the Son - and He loves you as well. (Billy Graham) | | |
| "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy." (Matthew 2:10). Every year people write me saying how much they dread Christmas. Often their complaint stems from how busy they will be, or how much money they will spend. Did those wise men who journeyed hundreds of miles across the desert to seek out the infant Jesus ever feel that way? After all, it took months to make the arduous trip, and they had gone to great expense to provide gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the new Child. I doubt it. In fact, as their journey neared its end we read they had "exceedingly great joy." What made the difference? Their focus was totally on Jesus, the One who would be called "Immanuel, . . . God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Don't let this Christmas season overwhelm you. Don't feel you have to do everything, or go into debt just to impress other people. Focus instead on Jesus. Take time every day to read the prophecies of His coming, and the wonderful story of His birth. Make this Christmas one of "exceedingly great joy!" (Billy Graham) | | |
| "A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom." (Psalm 45:6). From His very birth Christ was recognized as King. Something about Him inspired allegiance, loyalty and homage. Wise men brought Him gifts. Shepherds fell down and worshiped Him. Herod, realizing that there is never room for two thrones in one kingdom, sought His life. As Jesus began His ministry, His claims upon people's lives were total and absolute. He allowed no divided loyalty. He demanded and received complete adoration and devotion. Mature men and women left their businesses and gave themselves in complete obedience to Him. Many of them gave their lives, pouring out the last full measure of devotion. His words caused even His most avowed enemies to say, "No man ever spoke like this Man!" (John 7:46). And yet He was more than a poet, more than a statesman, more than a physician. We cannot understand Christ until we understand that He was the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Like Thomas, our only response must be to bow down and confess, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). (Billy Graham) | | |
| "I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness." (John 8:12). This month the birthday of Jesus Christ will be celebrated all over the world. It will be celebrated in various ways, in many languages, by people of all races. For a few hours many in the world will stop talking of satellites, rockets, and war. For a few hours they will talk of peace on earth and good will toward men. People will exchange their gifts and talk about the Prince of Peace. Imagine the scene in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. It was the night of nights, and yet it had begun as every other night had before it. But it was to become the greatest, most significant night of history. This was the night that would conquer darkness and bring in the day when there would be no more night. This was the night when those who sat in darkness would see a great light. This was the night God brought into the world the One who is "the Light of the world." May His light shine in your life this Christmas season! (Billy Graham) | | |
|
