One of my favorite books is Max Lucado’s little book, Cosmic Christmas. I have used these quotes from that book before, but some things are just worth repeating. Hope you enjoy them as we near the Christmas Season
And she will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
The two stood facing each other. Neither spoke. The extremes of the universe were before me (Gabriel). God robed in Light, each thread glowing. Satan canopied in evil, the very fabric of his robe seeming to crawl. Peace contrasting panic. Wisdom confronting foolishness. One able to rescue, the other anxious to condemn.
I have reflected much on what happened next. Though I have relived the moment countless times, I'm as stunned as I was at the first. Never in my wildest thoughts did I think my King would do what He did. Had He demanded Satan's departure, who would have questioned? Had He taken Satan's life, who would have grieved? Had He called me to attack, I would have been willing. But God did none of these.
From the circle of Light came His extended hand. From His throne came an honest invitation. Will you surrender? Will you return to me?
I do not know the thoughts of Satan. But I believe that for a fleeting second the evil heart softened. The head cocked slightly, as if amazed that such an offer would be made. But then it yanked itself erect.
Where will we battle? he challenged.
The Father sighed at the dark angel's resistance. On a hill called
If you make it that far. Satan smirked, spinning and marching out the entryway. I watched as his spiny wings extended, and he soared into the heavenlies. The Father stood motionless for a moment, then turned back to the book. Opening to the final chapter, He slowly read words I had never heard. No sentences. Just words. Saying each, then pausing:
Jesus,
Nail,
Cross,
Blood,
Tomb,
Life.
He motioned toward me, and I responded, kneeling again before Him. Handing me the necklace, He explained, This vial will contain the essence of Myself; a Seed to be placed in the womb of a young girl. Her name is Mary. She lives among My chosen people. The fruit of the Seed is the Son of God. Take it to her.
But how will I know her? I asked
Don't worry. You will.
I could not comprehend God's plan, but my understanding was not essential. My obedience was. I lowered my head, and He draped the chain around my neck. Amazingly, the vial was no longer empty. It glowed with Light.
Jesus. Tell her to call My Son, Jesus.
Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado, pages 26-30
Thought for the week: "Resurrection life is certainly not a grave situation. Try it sometime."
Funny for the week: "Florist Problem"
Some monks were running low on funds, but didn't want to close up their monastery. After much consideration, they decided to start selling the flowers they grew. Soon after opening up shop, business boomed, much to their delight. They had plenty of cash now for burlap and oatmeal and everything else good monks need.
Unfortunately, the town already HAD a flower shop. The disgruntled owner of the rival store tried everything -- having discount sales, spreading slander about the monks, and even poisoning the monks' flower beds. Unfortunately, they'd been blessed and nothing could stop their little business.
Finally, the rival shop owner sought out a much-rumored-of man: Hugh. No one knew his last name, just that he got the job done, no questions asked. After the appropriate amount of money had changed hands, Hugh went over to the friars' place, thoroughly beat them silly, and then destroyed their flower beds.
The next day, the monks promptly boarded up the windows and closed shop permanently, thus proving that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.
I just love puns……….. Chaplain Barnes
Last week’s answer:
13. The wise men stopped in
a. To inform Herod about Jesus
b. To find out where Jesus was See Matthew 1-20
c. To ask about the star they saw
d. For gas
e. To buy presents for Jesus
This week’s question:
14. The wise men found Jesus in a
a. Manger
b. Stable
c. House
d. Holiday Inn
e. Good Mood
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