Monday Morning Musings ...

Yesterday was an outstanding day. There was a good spirit in worship yesterday morning. There was good engagement by the congregation as we sang. The weather was outstanding for the last Sunday in November. The attendance was the highest it has been in quite a while. Personally, it was a real joy to have my son and his family worship with us yesterday. Since he is a minister as well, we rarely get the opportunity to be in worship together. I began my Christmas series of messages yesterday.

This year the Christmas series is entitled the "Songs of Christmas". I am taking a secular and spiritual Christmas song each week and contrast the messages and look at where they connect, or don't connect, with the Biblical account of the Christmas story. This week we looked at Luke 1:26-38, 2:6-8 and used the songs "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and "Mary Did You Know". I asked the question "What do you know about the Christmas story?" Do you know more about Santa or Jesus? The difference is the difference between myth and miracle. Do you know that you are personally known by Jesus? Not just a name on a list, but you have someone who knows your hopes and fears, your dreams and doubts and everything in between. Do you know that you are forgiven? It has been offered to you. You are not under scrutiny by truly cared about. No fear of a lump of coal if you don't perform up to some vague expectations. Do you know that Jesus can change lives? A present give a moment of joy, or even a period of satisfaction, but with Jesus there is a changed life that can endure for eternity. This is from a Savior that was born to you. A phenomenal personal gift.

What do you know? Who are you depending on this Christmas season, the myth or the miracle? What will you do with what you know?

Went home after church and ate lunch with my son, daughter in law and 4 of my grandkids. That was a special blessing on a Sunday. Then I got in a nap, not always possible. Last night was an encouraging and enjoyable night. There was a good group of teens in their group. A large group of children and they are nearly ready for their Christmas program for next Sunday. Then a good group of adults who decorated the church for the Christmas season and had a good time of fellowship with each other.

I went home last night encouraged, partially because I chose not to allow some negative things to break through my joy.

Here's hoping you will depend on the miracle this Christmas season rather than the myth.