Monday Morning Musings ...

Yesterday was a very good day. There was a great spirit of anticipation as we gathered for worship. The music flowed well, the congregation participated and the energy was great. I had the privilege of dedicating a baby to the Lord. Baby deciations are one of my favorite things to do. I love giving a challenge to the parents, something personal and different for each family. To see the commitment, and some fear, on the face of the parents as they commit to raising their child according to God's Word and will is always a special moment. Lifting the child up for all to see and then praying a prayer of dedication over the child is so humbling. As an added bonus I did not get spit up on or pooped on (it has happened more than once in my years of dedicating babies).

I concluded my series on Songs of Christmas yesterday. This time the contrasting songs were "Up on the Rooftop" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". In contrasting the arrival of Santa and the temporary toys he is supposed to bring with the message the shepherds heard we realized that because of Christmas everything can be different now. At the time of the announcement the shepherds were outcasts, not trusted and lived a less than desirable life. Then they hear that a Savior has been born to them, this is good news of great joy. They meet Jesus and now everything can be different. Not just for a little while until the toy breaks or the style changes, but lasting change is possible.

What can be ... is that you can be forgiven, it is already offered you just need to accept it for yourself. What can be ... is that you can become a child of the King, no matter what your earthly family heritage is you can be a child of the King. What can be ... is you can move beyond your past. Your past is your past, but it does not need to define your future. How awesome is that?!? What can be ... is that you can live a life of joy, not just existing, but true joyful living.

So what will you do with what is possible?