Out with the Old: Embracing Transformation Through God

In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it is common to hear the saying “out with the old, in with the new.” This phrase often evokes a sense of relief as we discard what no longer serves us, ushering in newness and opportunities. However, in the pursuit of leaving our past behind, it is crucial to understand that our history, with all its complexities, is what shapes us into who we are today. As believers, we have the comforting assurance that nothing in life is wasted when we trust in God's purpose. 

Reflecting on Our Past

The journey of life is inevitably laden with experiences that mold our character, beliefs, and choices. Each high and low contributes to the tapestry of our existence, teaching us lessons that propel us forward. Scripture reinforces this notion in Romans 8:28, where it states, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 

This powerful verse reassures us that even the darkest moments or the most painful mistakes can be transformed into instruments of good when viewed through the lens of faith. Our past is not merely a collection of bygone memories; it is the foundation upon which God constructs our testimony. 

God’s Sovereignty in Our Lives

Understanding that God is sovereign—not only in our present but in our past—can be a liberating revelation. It means that nothing is beyond His reach or ability to redeem. While we may struggle with feelings of regret or shame due to missteps we’ve made, God offers a way to reconcile those experiences. He desires for us to come to Him in true repentance, recognizing our need for His grace and forgiveness. 

Think of the biblical figure David. His life is a portrait of highs and lows, triumphs and failures. Despite committing grave sins, including adultery and murder, David’s heart remained attuned to God. In Psalm 51, he pours out his soul, seeking mercy and restoration. This illustrates an essential principle: while our past may be littered with mistakes, our response to those mistakes defines our trajectory moving forward. 

The Power of True Repentance

True repentance is transformational. It involves not just feeling sorry for what we’ve done but also turning away from those actions and towards God. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, we read, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

This scripture encapsulates the heart of repentance. It calls for humility, a willingness to pray, and a commitment to seek God's presence. When we genuinely seek God and turn from our past transgressions, we allow Him to work within us, transforming our anguish into hope and our failures into future successes. 

What the Devil Meant for Evil

A profound truth found within the narrative of Joseph in the book of Genesis illustrates this concept beautifully. Joseph, betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, endured tremendous suffering. Yet, when he ultimately rose to power in Egypt, he reflected on his trials with clarity, stating, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20). This biblical account demonstrates that even what the devil meant for evil can be rearranged and redeemed by God for good.

In similar fashion, our trials, hardships, and past mistakes may seem like burdens we cannot shake. Yet, they have the potential to become a testimony of God's grace and redemptive power in our lives. By surrendering our past to God, we can allow Him to rewrite our stories and transform them into narratives of triumph.

God Makes All Things New

One of the most encouraging aspects of our faith is the promise of renewal. Revelation 21:5 proclaims, "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'" This declaration from God serves as a reminder that He is not limited by our past but rather desires to redefine our future. 

When we come to God, acknowledging our past and desiring change, He provides abundant grace and fresh beginnings. It doesn't mean that the consequences of our past actions will always vanish; rather, it highlights God’s ability to work through those very consequences to create something beautiful. 

The Invitation to New Beginnings

The invitation to embrace new beginnings is extended to all of us. As we navigate through life’s transitions, let us not hastily dismiss our past nor allow guilt to chain us to it. Instead, we must recognize the constructing power of our experiences as we lean on God’s strength. He provides wisdom, guidance, and—the most extraordinary gift of all—redemption.

Take a moment to reflect on elements of your life that cause you pain or regret. Perhaps it is a relationship that ended poorly, a career misstep, or choices that led to undesirable consequences. In your reflection, understand that these experiences do not define you. Rather, they provide a valuable lesson and an opportunity for growth.

Finding Hope in Transformation

As we seek to move forward, it is important to remain hopeful. Embrace the promise that God brings into our lives an opportunity for transformation. All who seek Him with honest hearts can expect His guidance as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." 

With this promise in mind, everything we’ve experienced—good and bad—can be molded into something purposeful. Our previous struggles can become pathways that guide others, offering hope and encouragement because we have lived through challenges ourselves.

Conclusion: Embracing a New Horizon

In conclusion, while it is tempting to sweep away our past with the notion of "out with the old," we must remember that God uses every experience to weave a narrative of resilience, growth, and ultimately, hope. Our mistakes, struggles, and challenges do not disqualify us from His love; rather, they position us for His incredible grace.

As we journey into the new year and new beginnings, let's embrace the truth that God makes all things new. Let's acknowledge our past, find grace in our experiences, and press forward into the future He has prepared for us. No matter the weight of our history, through repentance and faith, we can experience radical transformation and empowerment in our walk with God. So may we shed the burden of guilt and rise anew, allowing God to turn our stories from ashes into beauty, for with Him, nothing is ever wasted.

These ideas are not original but do come from my personal thoughts and what I journal. Nevertheless, I did use AI/ChatGPT to assist me in the format and layout as well as spelling corrections needed for this article.

Good Word for 2026

Let the countdown begin! Or, would you rather hit the reset button? 

As you countdown or ramp-up to 2026, let me challenge you to a new tradition this year. 

Some set priorities while others make the list of things yet to do. Some will get rid of things and others will start a new collection.

I once knew someone that collected over 1,000 salt and pepper shakers. Wow, that was an impressive collection representing many styles and countries. Yet again, there are those that will make new commitments to goals they wish to complete.

Resolutions are typically made this time of year and usually broken within the first few days of the new year. While it is virtuous to set high goals many join new memberships like reading clubs, trips to make, and fitness goals; paying fees that we think will help us maintain the goals we wish to keep. 

Acts 1:6-7 is helpful here because it reminds us that though we are human and we question everything, it is the Holy Spirit that we need to gain understanding of God plan. 

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

In this article and the coming weeks, I want to share with you four truths that will help you succeed spiritually into 2026. It is essential that we find healthy spiritual HABITS that drive your HUNGER and through HUMILITY you will grow in understanding the importance of the Word of God. Then, you will grow in understanding how to discover HARMONY with others and through church involvement. 

John Wesley is known for the foundation of the Methodist Church. His ideas create a movement that motivated men and saved souls. It saved a generation who were complacent in their beliefs and weary in their worry. It was at a time when the Anglican Church (as well as Catholics) were complacent about Church-going and apathetic about rituals and religion. 

John Wesley preached many sermons and travelled many miles (by horseback) to deliver a new excitement for the things of God. He (alone with his brother, Charles) met crowds of people, not in the church but in the open fields. They heard a new word. The Bible became more practical. Their faith was more meaningful. Their lives were more enriched and empowered by the Word of God (in messages and songs). 

Remarking, John Wesley once said, "Let your words be a genuine picture of your heart." This maxim is helpful to understanding that your heart is at the center of all you are motivated to do and think. From your heart is the seat of what can define you. What is your heart’s desire? 

As we enter a New Year, it causes us to think a-new!  I would like to suggest another New Year’s tradition. It is not a resolution and you don’t have to pay a membership fee. You don’t have to worry about feeling guilty when your new habits don’t stick. It is painless and you can catch up when you get behind. In fact, you don’t have to journal or make any commitments. 

So, what’s the catch? 

For Christian’s, we strive to make improvements. We seek to grow in our faith. In face, it is a new plan that is aided by the work of God in our lives! Many are led to start a collection for the needs of others like First Responders! 

Collecting for First Responders.

I often tell people that if they want to be successful there are three ideas that can help them discover how to succeed. Into this New Year I have developed a series of articles that speak to these ideas. These words are Hunger - Humility - Harmony. (I will get to those words in the coming weeks in my blog entries.) 

Let me share, for now, the New Year’s plan I have discovered over the last few years. 

I encourage you to seek a word that you will give focus on all year long. It needs to be a word that is both challenging for you as well as causing you to be contemplative. Consider choosing a word that will guide you all year long! 

I like to choose a word study that I will research and look to each week. I typically choose a word that can be defined throughout my reading in The Bible. I use the word as a guide through Bible verses that incorporate the word I feel led to focus on. 

There is a way to choose your word.

1. What do you plan to work on both emotionally and spiritually? 

2. How can this one word choose help you maintain a positive and upbeat attitude. 

3. How will your choice word help you discover new Truth for your life? 

After writing down several “good words” simply narrow down your final choice that will help you maintain a simple commitment to remember, research, and find new ideas that help you grow professionally and spiritually. 

We are in great need of spiritual guidance, daily! We are prone to wander off and become distracted. Life has a way of taking over! What is it that defines you. What motivates you? What keeps you spiritually growing?

We like sheep tend to follow rather than lead. We tend to go stray. We also tend to follow blindly. The heart is deceptive. We are left defenseless. 

Today we’re looking at a variety of scriptures that help us. For you, it may be that you have already selected your life verse, but any of these verses can instill eternal value for you. They are a game changer. They are transformational.

Acts 1:6-7 reminds us the importance of God’s timing of things: .

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The word also tells us the importance of Truth that comes from the Bible. Consider Hebrews 4:12. 

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

So too, we must remain faithful to the commitments we make into the new Year. Do you make resolutions? Commit to collect something new or even to remove something that isn’t healthy for you? 

I once had a co-worker that chose to try a certain food or collection that is tied to weekly habits or new discoveries. 

My former colleague chose to try anything with ginger root included in the recipe. She asked for Christmas gifts from friends to help in her discovery of new tastes. I gave her my favorite soft drink, Vernors Ginger Ale. 

What good words help you know God better? What words encourage excellence? What words help you improve professionally? What good words motivate you? 

A single word paints a picture of your heart and it many deceptive ways. We are needing to create a roadmap for our spiritual lives. We must remain committed to simplicity! 

I am suggesting making a list of words to choose from. Words like: TRY, HOPE, TRUST, FAITH, etc….

Good words are the key to personal growth in Christ! Consider the passage in Psalm 25:4-5. 

Show me the right path, O LORD;

point out the road for me to follow.

Lead me by your truth and teach me,

for you are the God who saves me.

All day long I put my hope in you.

God is faithful. He will keep you in the right path and in course to grow in grace and Truth. We put our hip in Christ because He is faithful. 

The last few years, after choosing my one good word, I found  key Bible verses that helps me remain focused on reading g something related to that word either in printed articles, google search, book subjects, or writing personal thoughts in my private journal.

Good words will be what defines you! It is what will defend you and well. It is where we discover the value of our Calling and cause! Watch for more related to this New Year search as well as the three ideas I suggested prior that are needed to be successful. 

In 2026, start a new habit! Begin with reading the Word. Grow in your craving for The Word of God. Circle or highlight a word in your reading that helps deepen your walk. Choose the nouns and related verbs of the text to discover (and remember) what you are reading. Also, notice the action steps you are being called to take. What gifts are you needing to employ to better your walk with God and with others. 

There is plenty of ammunition for the battles we face. There is plenty of supplies available in the storehouse. You will never run out of the provisions the are available for you. The Word of God will quench your thirst, satisfy your appetite, and fill you with every good work need for spiritual success. 

2 Timothy 3:16 also is a reminder that the Word of God is necessary for our lives. It is powerful and inspired:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Have you noticed? There are over 700,000 words in the Bible that will inspire you, instruct you, and even bring indictment as needed to keep you on track. There are 66 books of the Bible that tell one story. It is a story of love that God longs to lead you into everlasting joy! God is calling you to more than a lifestyle. There are over 31,000 verses in the Bible. The well will never run dry! The Word of alive! 

As we turn to consider the importance of Communion, I am reminded that it is in community that we can grow in favor with God as well as with each other. Communion offers a caution in 1 Corinthians 11:27-28. 

So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.

Communion and community are relational terms!  When we take part in Communion, our lives must be in right relationship with God as well as one another! 

As part of your New Year, strive to be right relationship with God and mankind! 

I am suggesting that you too choose a word that will guide you, guard you, give you just what you need! I used to make more pastoral hospital calls. I created at one time a personal “prayer prescription” card that promoted a promise of God for them. 

To keep me focused I would post that special Bible verse posted somewhere I can see every day. I put it as my Facebook profile image to keep me focused. 

Happy hunting! It is like a word search puzzle, find that one word and discover the lessons learned throughout the year. 

Weekly Devo: The Journey to Bethlehem - To Those Far Away

Read Matthew 2:1-12. Listen to audio here.

We don’t send letters and cards much anymore. We have instant communication tools. We save money, but are we losing the personal touch? Many who are “far away” have to pay attention to see the news coming across our social media feeds.

As we gaze into the manger scene once again, we see that the figurines that have now found their way to the display are the Wise Men, those from far away!

I like what was written by Daniel McCoy:

“The wise men have been a source of inspirational sayings (“Wise men still seek Him”), narrative fiction (e.g., Martin Sheen’s The Fourth Wise Man), and even jokes: 'Why did the wise men smell like smoke? It’s because they came from afar.' A wise guy even suggested that the wise men should have been replaced by the wise women: they would have arrived on time, spruced up the nativity scene, and brought sensible gifts for an infant, including diapers.” (Renew)

Who are these Wisemen anyway?

According to Got Questions, “Tradition says that there were three and that their names were Gaspar/Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar/Balthazar, but since the Bible does not say, we have no way of knowing whether the tradition is perfectly accurate.”

Nevertheless, we know that they came from a great distance. How many were there? We really don’t know, but we assume three because there were three gifts given. The Christmas hymn, though not inappropriate, does give us a clue as to where they’re from. It indicates from the Orient. It being a very distant journey for them, likely 500 miles.

It would’ve taken them a long time to come and pay their respects and allegiance to a king.

We can also gain understanding that they were a community, not just three individuals. They would’ve traveled with all of their goods and servants, and likely wives and children. Somewhat nomadic, yet they represented many nationalities.

I like what was noted in some of my research this week because their presence “...emphasized that God's redemptive plan was not limited to a particular community or ethnicity but extended to all nations.” - Britt Mooney

We can also draw from our understanding of history and that time period that they were likely traders who would come to a new king and establish a new deal for their spices and gold in particular. Gold would not have been found naturally in the region of Galilee, nor would it have been found in Persia. It would’ve been much more distant than a neighboring region.

We can also assume that they would’ve had some context of understanding Rome and their form of government and their ruling over the province that included Galilee.

Their journey would’ve been not only a great distance but of significant danger. Warring parties who would’ve fought diligently for their goods and people their servants put them at risk. Herod, the tyrannical dictator, would’ve also presented a significant risk for them.

These nomadic people were certainly known throughout history and era. Early writers on church history would’ve given us a clue as to who these people truly were, but tradition seems to take over and accurate information may be hard to find today. Thus, we have them appearing in the manger… Helping to blur our knowledge and understanding.

Certainly, they are connected to Jesus’ birth, but they would’ve come at a later time and likely not to a major, but to a home. It could’ve been a year or more after Jesus was born that you would find these powerful, influential, and wealthy people coming to give gifts to welcome a king!

It is interesting to think about all that has been written about these nomadic people. Their introduction into the major scene presents a considerable challenge, and we have to depend upon tradition and early writers to help us understand.

What led them to Bethlehem? Likely, they were families with Jewish teachings as well as many other religious groups. They were also familiar with the mapping of stars. The Star of Bethlehem would have been most interesting because it appears as a new star (note what they said to Herod: “noticed the star and came to welcome a new king.”)

“It’s been difficult figuring out exactly what it was in the sky that led the Magi to Judea. Some proposals: the concurrence of Saturn and Jupiter, Halley’s Comet, a Nova (exploding star), an angel (for the association of angels and stars, see Job 38:7; Dan. 8:10; Rev. 8:10-11). Whatever it was they saw in the East got them to Judea, and when they set out from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, it guided them, moving and stopping over where Jesus and his family stayed.” (Renew.org)

These Wisemen would have also sought Truth! They were very knowledgeable and yet were seeking TRUTH!

These Wise Men would have also known the price for seeking the King. They counted the cost! They made provisions to travel once the star appeared in the sky!

Their worship was authentic and genuine. They were humble enough to realize that something GREAT had happened! They were looking for a royal king—thus traveling to the center of power first and visiting with Herod.

Again we turn to the article from the Renew website:

As for the gifts, “All three gifts are ordinary offerings and gifts gift for a king. Myrrh is commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable.”

“The symbolism tied into the three gifts (e.g., ‘Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb’) can be exaggerated. For example, although myrrh was used at Jesus’ death (Mark 15:23) and burial (John 19:39), in the Old Testament, myrrh had a romantic connotation (Pr. 7:17).”

They took great risks—knowing the dangers that lay ahead for them.

Yet, we can learn something from their travels and from their gifts. In general, we learn about beliefs. These Wisemen would have known many beliefs and systems of religion yet, they sought after this king, Jesus. 

Belief will GUIDE YOUR WORSHIP.

What do you pay attention to? What keeps you from getting close to the Savior?

It is our belief that keeps us from knowing greater Truth. We remain distant from true worship because of what we believe.

Belief will GUARD YOUR WAY.

What distracts you from knowing God fully? What do you depend upon for knowledge to help you discern the direction and choices you make?

It is our belief that keeps us out of danger! Belief is a guard to your heart! It is a guard to your actions!

Belief will GROW YOUR WONDER.

Do you look for miracles? Do you let your mind wander? What keeps you from that childlike wonder?

It is in our belief that we find curiosity. It is in our belief that we hold to the incredible and live out our potential in faith through Christ. We become stalled and forget to look up to the stars for wonder and curiosity!

The journey to Bethlehem was a long trip for the Wisemen. They came from far away. Yet, the Wise Men we read about in Matthew 2 had to travel a great distance to see Jesus. They carried everything they needed for the journey—there were no Starbucks for coffee and muffins or the local coffee shop like J&J’s where I get gas fill-ups. 

They would have protected their treasures most! Why? They were meant to be given away to a worthy cause—a king!

While Herod said he wanted to come and worship, he actually was jealous and wanted to kill his competition. A baby threatened a powerful empire! Yet the Wisemen kept their secret from him and travel east from Bethlehem another way! 

What do we bring with us to church what will we leave behind?

We bring our selfishness….

We bring our troubles….

We bring our gifts….

We bring our vulnerabilities….

We bring our sufferings….

What do we need yo surrender?

I cannot visit this theme without helping us to look ahead! The new year is days away. It is a time when we hit reset or halt bad habits. It is a time when we make resolutions.

In Matthew 24 & 25, we know of the teachings of Jesus that offered us signs to look for the coming Messiah. Jesus will come again! This time to judge the world!

These signs are:

“... widespread deception, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, and the global preaching of the Gospel, culminating in cosmic disturbances (darkening sun/moon, falling stars) and the visible 'Sign of the Son of Man' in the sky, followed by His glorious return and judgment, illustrated through parables like the ten virgins, talents, and sheep/goats, all emphasizing watchful readiness, faithful stewardship, and compassionate living.” (Footnoted by AI Google, summarized by prompt - “the signs from Matthew 24 and 25”)

There are signs that the Wise should be looking for today!

I was thinking and writing this week, and this thought came to me about the Wise Men: “Although their (Wise Men) timing was off and voices out of tune, yet,  their heart was pure and their worship was authentic.” (Personal thought journaled.)

What roads have you traveled that were rough and steep? What threats have you faced? What destinations have you traveled that were worth the trouble?

Christmas Letter 2025 - Abundant Opportunities and Blessings!

I like what Dwight L. Moody once wrote, “When I pray, I talk to God, but when I read the Bible, God talks to me.” 

2025 certainly has been filled with too many details that are hard to describe, except to say that it has been one of abundance in our opportunities filled with many blessings! This entry is at least an attempt to show the world that God is one of abundance through His outpouring of blessings!

Time moves too fast. It’s hard to believe that another year is coming to a close. 

For me, the year began with one word that the Lord gave me. It was a word to guide me throughout 2025. That word is watch. Psalm 34:15 reminds me that the “eyes of the Lord watch.” Indeed, we are  experiencing this in both tangible ways as well as the intangible.

Let me start with some of those tangible ways and conclude with one note in my e-log that may count as the intangible.

The year began fairly routine with Cindi nearing her 19th year of ministry of Taylor University and my serving Youth for Christ, into my 3rd year. Realizing our opportunities to serve in ministry is a tremendous blessing. I continued to speak in a variety of churches during the first portion of the year.

We had many enriching experiences with Jase and Ellie. They are now 10 and 11 years old with 100% of the energy keeping us swirling with joy and laughs. Overnighters, family gatherings, baseball games, and lots of trips to Dairy Queen kept us hopping. 

In May, I received a phone call asking if I would serve as Pastor of Lancaster Wesleyan Church. This would be a part-time role. Cindi had already been serving there for several months as their children’s ministry director. Again, a reminder that the eyes of the Lord watch! After much prayer, we decided that God was indeed calling us to this wonderful community and assist in ways that would help further the growth both spiritually as well as draw new people in. 

That decision meant that I had to give up a few things in my schedule that would allow the attention to details needed to further these efforts.

As the Lord helped me realize that His eyes watch, I received another call asking if I would consider coming on staff with MovieGuide to help serve in a development/pastor role throughout the region. Believe it or not, this new role would make serving the church a lot easier. 

My role with YFC would consequently need to change. I believe that the work and ministry with YFC was very fulfilling and I found it hard to say goodby to the daily ministry that helped provide Campus Life within our regional chapter. Tears were shed and communications were sent. Transitions are never easy!

During the summer months, we had many transitions to make, but at the beginning of August I started a new full-time role with MovieGuide traveling five states to meet with friends of that ministry.

Alongside that transition began a few of incredible news-worthy activities that again reminding us to see the hand of God at work in an accelerated timeframe. Again these are reminders that the eyes of the Lord watch!

Jossy got married to Taylor! This marriage included the additional grandchild to our family with Claire (already 11 years old) created an instant family for Jossy as well as for us. My brother, Bob was involved in the wedding ceremony, making this an incredible experience for us. (I cannot tell you fully how much this blessed us and what an answer to many prayer this was!)

Jon and Staci also gave us the blessing of an additional grandchild, Miller (Kate); we welcomed her into our family in July. What joy to see that Jon’s family now includes three grandkids! Ellie and Jase had no problem making room in their hearts for this new little one and we have been truly blessed!

Jeremiah & Destiny also blessed us with an additional grandchild. In August little Liam (Edward) was welcomed into our family. It was a wonderful celebration to join together with family to welcome this precious little life! 

The year continued with more exciting news. We also were surprised to be told that Jossy is pregnant with her first child. Several weeks into her pregnancy, she is finding joy in her life! 

I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful we are to see the growth in our children in the addition to their family. God has truly used people to influence and bless them!

There are so many tremendous opportunities that God has given to us this year. These are all opportunities to say how grateful we are for his provision in our lives. We realize that we aren’t owed anything, but that we are indebted to God who is the redeemer of our soul who has rescued us from sin and destruction. He has provided for us even in our present suffering. 

Wrapping up this year has reminded us that even though there are present difficulties, God has not abandoned us, The eyes of the Lord watch! 

Most recently, Cindi has had a few injuries resulting from falling. She is recovering well, although she is dealing with two broken ankles and a broken wrist. Though Cindi is frustrated and adjustments are being made, we feel that God has a plan yet to unfold before us a wonderful miracle or two. God is faithful and we are feeling blessed. 

I am reminded that our love extends much more deeply than simply “going about our business” and simply living together. Our love carries responsibilities that demonstrate our love for one another! 

As I close this year's family newsletter, I am reminded that both big and small answers to prayer are in-keeping with the gift of a single word God gave me. That word is WATCH from Psalm 34:25: The eyes of the Lord, Watch! 

The Longest Night & Biggest Victory!

December 21 is considered to be the longest night. It is right at this moment of the calendar year that the days become the shortest. That is just before the dawn when the days begin to get a little longer.

Many gather for a time of mourning and grief stricken find hope and friendship. Churches and similar organizations gather to pray and bring support to those who have lost loved ones. By all accounts, it is the bluest day of the year.

In times of loss and grief, we are told that there is a comforter, the Holy Spirit who will come alongside believers in Christ for the support that they need. 

At the end of the life and ministry of Jesus, recorded in John 14, Jesus, he gathers with his disciples and tells them that he is going away. Their time with him on earth will soon end. They were obviously grief stricken, and like anyone who grieves, they have many questions with very few answers. Thankfully, the Lord gave to them the Holy Spirit as a comforter.

He does the same for us today. Though we will always have an emptiness in the loss of a loved one, our faith is extended beyond this world and through God‘s spirit we are comforted. We find hope and knowing that God is walking with us at our time of grief.

For those who have lost someone they love, your words could never fully express the needs of an individual. I believe it’s most comforting to simply have someone’s presence with them in their time of loss.

If this is you, please look to the Lord, the God of all hope. He will give you comfort that you are looking for. I also encourage you to reach out to someone so that they can join you in your suffering. They could be present in your difficult circumstance. We are words are never enough, but prayer and presence can be helpful.

So many want to isolate and not be a burden on anyone else. Perhaps they don’t even understand the grief that they’re going through. In each of the stages of grief, we find ourselves emotionally struggling to make sense of our loss.

Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that God knows your suffering. 

Weekly Devo: The Journey to Bethlehem - Angels and Busyness!

How about those angels?

Angels play a significant role in the Christmas story and throughout biblical narratives, serving as messengers and divine agents of God's will. 

Here are several key points about angels and their roles, especially related to the Christmas story:

Today I would love telling the Christmas story from the angel’s perspective. I know that time is in God’s hands yet. I have to imagine that it was a very busy time for the angels. They had a lot to do to carry out the PLAN & all the details. 

Then there came a time when they had to PREPARE for their execution of all that was required of them. They were very much a part of the PROPHECY that needed to be
fulfilled. And then they gathered to PROCLAIM! Their anthem was heard across Bethlehem and especially to the lowly shepherds. Their anthem a song of PRAISE!

Like angels, we too are kept busy this time of year! You have your list - as do I. We rush here and there to get the best deals so that we can bring a smile to the faces of others. We take great joy in planning Christmas. Yet, how many of us miss the true
meeting?

What keeps us to busy?

What the stats  show. 

Feeling Overwhelmed: A majority of adults (around 60%) sometimes feel too busy to enjoy life, with parents feeling it even more acutely.

Exhaustion: About 40% of knowledge workers feel exhausted due to this cycle.

In the article, “7 Hypotheses for Why we are So Busy Today.” 

Busyness as a badge of honor and trendy status symbol — or the glorification of busy — to show our importance, value, or self-worth in our fast-paced
society.

Busyness as job security — an outward sign of productivity and company loyalty.

Busyness as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) — spending is shifting from buying things (“have it all”) to experiences (“do it all”), packing our calendars (and social media feeds with the “highlight reel of life”)

Busyness as a byproduct of the digital age — our 24/7 connected culture is blurring the line between life and work; promoting multitasking and never
turning “off.”

Busyness as a time filler — in the age of abundance of choice, we have infinite ways to fill time (online and off) instead of leaving idle moments as restorative white space

Busyness as necessity — working multiple jobs to make ends meet while also caring for children at home.

Busyness as escapism — from idleness and slowing down to face the tough questions in life (e.g. Maybe past emotional pain or deep questions like, “What
is the meaning of life?” or “What is my purpose?”)

(Provided by Kyle Kowalski : Busyness)

Quote: “We stay so busy that the truth of our lives can’t catch up.” — Brené Brown

Another article I researched reminds us that there are other factors at play as well. Mobile devices allow employees to be
reached anywhere, anytime. “We can’t get away from work anymore,” says Gabe Ignatow, Ph.D., a sociologist at the University of North Texas who studies social change. “Even when we’re relaxing on the weekends, we’re often bombarded with emails, text messages and calls from the office.” (Ray Williams)

The birth of Jesus is what gives PURPOSE to our BUSYNESS & the Christmas celebration. We fuss and the rush fulfill expectations but it is God‘s great PROMISE to each of us! The Bible records such a great reason for the season: For unto us a child is given!

Depictions of Angels in Christmas movies: 

When we see the Christmas movies, angels are depicted in a variety of ways.

Many of these examples are not biblical but yet they make us feel good inside. In the example of, “It’s a Wonderful Life“ we see Clarence (the angel) who jumps in the river to save a man on the brink of suicide. He of course, is trying to get his wings. In the famous depiction, we get the ever familiar ending to the story and from Clarence, “every
time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.” Within that movie there are over 75 times that angels supposedly are getting their wings. Though this is not biblical but it is indeed cute.

In the depiction of a Christmas Carol, Ebeneezer Scrooge is visited by three angels. Each of them deliver a message and causes him to have a change of heart. This too is
extra biblical.

No matter, angels are real. They have a variety of responsibilities and roles that seem to all come together at the time of Jesus‘s birth. God Emmanuel – God incarnate has come to us in the form. I’d like this a man.

We can see almost all of the characters depicted from this story. They are mostly depicted as messengers. Whether it be Gabriel delivering the news or angels in a dream to Joseph or even Gabrielle, who came to Mary.

We also see them as protectors. There you might find the Seraphim who are guardians and protectors. Some may say that we have guardian angels, but for sure Jesus had those that protected this vulnerable child.

Billy Graham tells a story:

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
On a deserted, narrow mountain road along a steep cliff, three missionaries realized they needed to turn their car around and go back down the mountain. 

But how?

They could barely see in the heavy snow, and there wasn’t much room—they could easily slide off the cliff. They prayed. A car appeared, coming from the opposite
direction. A man stepped out and offered to turn the missionaries’ car for them, and then he told the missionaries to follow him down the mountain, which they gladly did. Near the bottom, the man’s car suddenly disappeared.

Reports like this can only be explained as heavenly help from God’s angels!

As for Christmas …

Without a doubt the angels would have been certainly intrigued by the opportunity to see their God become like human. Born in the flesh would have left them
wandering as it did with Mary who pondered all these things in her heart. We find that the God of glory has stooped to our level so that we may know and experience,
the freedom, and the hope we have of canceled and delivery of sin. We will know of salvation because of the shed blood of the most precious lamb (willingly) given.

Let me focus on the messengers in this particular message. The Angels brought good news. They stated on several occasions to fear not. They even silenced a priest
because he was not believing that with God all things are possible.

Angels are powerful. Every occasion that we see angels, we see of their might. They are not weak. They appear to us in scripture as being able to mute a priest and even
with just one angel can destroy an army of 150,000 Assyrian soldiers to save the people Israel. Now that’s a warrior for you.

Moreover, we will see that they are worshipers. They are not to be worshiped. Feared, yes! Never to be worshiped. They are created beings that serve God’s plan.

So in our passages today, we find that the angels were busy. They had plenty to do.

They were fulfilling the plan that God spoke about through His prophets in their prophecy.

We see their power!
- able to battle evil.
- able to mute the priest, Zachariah.
- able to be in the dreams of Joseph and the Wisemen.

They fulfilled plans.
- waiting many years to announce the birth of The King!

They are fulfilling prophecy.
- the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah…

The angels were giving praise.
- They worshipped for all eternity.
- Yet, this night they were able to praise for the world to see the birth of Jesus!

Imagine, if you could, the angels have never seen God appear in this form of a vulnerable baby. Imagine their surprise and their wonder! The uniqueness of their
busyness was based on the various roles that one of them had to make.

From being GUARDIANS to protect Him or WORSHIPERS as in the Seraphin to the praise-worthy choir on that first Christmas anthem.

We can even see them as dispatched representative who brought MESSAGE of the miraculous.

It was a rather busy time and they were fully dispatched to be of MINISTRY to the savior throughout his lifetime. 

If you want to get something done, ask a busy person!

However, at the time of his death, tens upon thousands of angels were restricted from coming to his rescue. Everything that they were created to be was restricted
from rescuing the Redeemer, who died a cruel death as the supreme sacrifice – once in for all sinners.

Angels have many things to do but one action for all - To Worship for all eternity.

The angels saw in real time God’s plan to save the world! They saw God as Emmanuel — Seeing their creator as a vulnerable child!

… Imagine their surprise!

They saw their creator as royal - eminence!

They could not protect Jesus from humanity! Yet, Jesus was sent to rescue us from sin & death.

The Bible tells us that the angels worked overtime to announce the birth of a King.

The angels PROVIDED for every PLAN God had set. They delivered messages to many, ESPECIALLY Mary and Joseph. Though angels are primary characters in the
story even they needed to be told of the events to come through baby Jesus – like the rest of us, they were filled with anticipation! 

The angels : How many of them are there?

There are 100 Million perhaps according to passages in Revelations. 

The angels were fulfilling the PROPHECY foretold many years before this glorious night!

We are busy with our lives and pay little regard to what Jesus had provided — Hope, Joy, Peace, & Love.

The birth of Jesus is celebrated by decorations and gifts. Christmas is an incredible time of year with calendars filled up with activities.

They followed through on the PLAN that God had set before the very foundation of the world.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” - John 1:5

“We stay so busy that the truth of our lives can’t catch up.” - Brene’ Brown

They assembled as a choir to lift up the birth of Christ and PROCLAIMED it to the

The Priestly couple & especially Zachariah and the young couple of Bethlehem as well as the Shepherds, and to the world!

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven— PRAISING God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:13-14)