Happy Birthday Jesus!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

It is always a miracle when a child is born.  There is great celebration around the birth of a baby.  And that celebration continues throughout the life of the child with the celebration of birthdays.  I mention this, because today is my birthday.  I am looking forward to celebrating with my family that day soooooo many years ago when I was born.

There is also another birthday that we will be celebrating in a few days.  It is a birth that was a greater miracle and much more important than mine.  It is the birthday of the child that is spoken of in Isaiah.  It is the birthday of our King!  As Christians we will celebrate that day when we were given God’s Son as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.  I am looking forward to that celebration too!!!

Prayer:  Thank you God for sending us your Son to be our King.  Thank you for Christmas to help us remember and celebrate that wonderful gift!  Amen.

Faith Tip:  We invite you to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Grace on Christmas Eve at 6:00PM and/or Christmas morning at 10:00AM.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Do Not Be Afraid

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” – Luke 2:10

In the Christmas story there are four recorded angelic appearances.  The first angelic visit is to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist.  The following visits are to Mary, Joseph and the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus.  It is interesting to note that in all four announcements the angel says, “Do not be afraid.”

Fear is an ever constant emotion in this world of sin.  We live in fear of losing a job, being alone, losing a loved one, disappointment, rejection, embarrassment, shame, separation, illness, sorrow, dying, an the list goes on and on.  That is why God sent us his son Jesus Christ, so that we would no longer need to live in fear.  The good news that the angels announced is that we do not need to be afraid.  Jesus Christ was given to us as our Lord and Savior to conquer our fears so that we can live in great joy.  And as the angel said this is not just for a few, but this is good news for all people.  So this Christmas, throw away your fears and accept the good news of great joy in Jesus Christ!

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for coming to conquer my fears.  Help me not to be afraid but to fully trust in you and find joy and contentment in the good news of Jesus.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  What fears are you holding onto today?  Remember the angels command, “Do not be afraid” and find ways to live instead in the joy of Jesus Christ.   

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Love of Christmas

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. – 1 John 4:9

The foundation of Christmas is love.  We gather with family and friends because of love.  We fight the crowds at the mall to buy a Christmas present because of love.  We spent hours baking, cooking, cleaning and preparing because of love.  We give to those in need because of love.  We gather for candlelight services to worship and praise the Lord because of love.  Without love there would be no Christmas.

It is because of God’s great love for us that we celebrate Christmas.  God showed us his love by sending his one and only Son into the world as a little infant born in a cattle stall.  What a wonderful gift!  This Christmas season let us share God’s wonderful love with others.

Prayer:  Thank you Father for your love for me and showing your love by sending me the most wonderful gift in Jesus Christ.  Help me to remember your love for me and share that love with those around me.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Don’t let the busyness of the Christmas season overwhelm you, instead find ways to share God’s love with others today.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Light of Jesus

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. – Isaiah 9:2

Yesterday, around mid-afternoon, a large bank of dark clouds covered the sky.  I mentioned to my daughter how dark it was for the middle of the day.  However, the darkness did not last.  Before long the clouds had gone away and bright sunlight had broken through the darkness.  Here in western Michigan any amount of sun is a welcomed sight in the midst of what is usually a dark and dreary winter.  Imagine what it would be like to live in a land of darkness without any light.

Because of our sins we do live in the midst of darkness.  Our life is covered with a dreary, cold darkness.  However, we no longer have to live in the midst of the darkness of sin, because God has given us a “great light” in Jesus Christ.   That is the good news that we celebrate on Christmas; the wonderful gift of the light of Jesus.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the light of Jesus that shines in my life.  May His light always shine in my heart and break through the darkness of sin.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Are you struggling with the darkness of sin in your life?  If so let the light of Jesus shine in your heart and celebrate that Jesus light dawned for all on Christmas.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

God's Extravagant Work in You

I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! – Ephesians 1:17-19 The Message

In interviewing a client yesterday, it was such a joy to listen and watch them express the work God has done in them. They feel so confident that they are going in the right direction of God’s calling even though they don’t know exactly how it will all turn out. To know the challenges they have experienced over the last couple of years and to see them now smiling, laughing and just feeling positive about their future is such a blessing. They are trust God with their all.

God has a perfect plan for all of us. Some of that plan will be played out today. As we come closer to God seeking him, he is faithful in revealing our next step in the plan. As we obediently follow him, we will experience his lavish work in our lives and know it is from him. This will give us more reason to praise and worship him and the endless energy to do it.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you for the wonderful works you do in my life and the lives around me. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that enables me to see with open eyes your work more clearly and give you the praise you so deserve. Amen

Faith Tip: Seek God today in prayer and in his Word. There’s a message for you today. Pray for enlightenment and be ready to receive.

 

Written by Kathy Bruins

Joy to the World

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life—and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. – John 1:1-4

I saw on the news this morning a report on medical breakthroughs that will possibly extend our life on earth by reversing the aging effects on our bodies. While I think this is interesting, I wonder if people who fight to live so long have missed the message of eternal life. I can’t help to think once a person is in the presence of Jesus that they wonder why they fought so hard to keep from this moment. The Scriptures tell us that everything is perfect in heaven and we get to live there for eternity. No more tears, no more hurts, no more political phone calls … sorry, to those who enjoy receiving them.

Our joy comes from knowing the fact that we are God’s and we will be with him forever. There is a place being prepared especially for us. That’s how special we are to Jesus. The fellowship there will be grand.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the provision of eternal life you made for me. I have joy knowing that I will be with you forever, and nothing can take that away from me. I pray that I share this joy with others so that we can fellowship together for eternity. Amen

Faith Tip: Focus today on the gift of eternal life and wonder about what that will be like. The gift started with a little baby in the stable.

 

Written by Kathy Bruins

This Little Light of Mine

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16

I saw a flicker by the Christmas tree and looked up. The top portion of lights was burning brighter than the bottom. I wasn’t sure why that was happening until a few moments later when that whole section of lights went dark. It is disappointing to have half of a Christmas tree lit up. The dark area doesn’t allow the beauty of the tree to be seen.

Our Christian walk is like that. The light of Christ that we embody needs to be shone brightly in a dark world. The beauty of Jesus cannot be seen and experienced if we choose not to shine. Like those lights on the tree that went out, we are to shine God’s light the brightest we can until our time on earth is done. The light will carry us to our new home in heaven never leaving its home in us.

Prayer: Jesus, your light that shines is the most beautiful. I pray that I confidently shine it to all I see today. Amen

Faith Tip: Don’t hide the beauty of God’s light. Brighten up dark places today with it.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Magnifying the Christmas Story

And Mary said:   “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47

This morning the snow is falling and covering the land in a blanket of white.  It is beautiful to wake up in the morning and look out the window at a landscape covered in fresh fallen snow (That is if you don’t have to go out in it).  But in order to appreciate the real beauty of snow you would need a magnifying glass to see the intricate unique details of each small snow flake.

Mary’s song is often called the Magnificat because this is the first word of the song in the Latin translation.  Mary sang her song in order to magnify the Lord.  She did this by magnifying the details of what God had done for her and for others.  Her song reminds us of the greatness of the Lord by revealing to us the small details.

Often times when we think about the Christmas story we remember the “big picture”, but we often miss the details.  Like snow, the beauty of the Christmas story is found in the unique small details; small details like a little baby born in a stable and laid in a manger.  When God came to earth he didn’t come in grandeur, but he came in small wonders.  This Christmas let us reveal God to others by magnifying the small details about what God has done for us.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord that you can be found even in the smallest details.  Forgive me when I overlook these details and forget to magnify you.  In this Advent season help me to notice the small details and magnify them in order to reveal you to others.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  As you watch the snow think about how it comes down to earth as small little snow flakes and then remember that God came to earth as a small little baby.            

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Prepare The Way For The Lord

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’” – Luke 3:4-6

The Advent season is a time of preparation.  We busy ourselves preparing for the celebration of Christmas.  We decorate our homes, prepare for family visits, shop for gifts, plan for Christmas parties, practice for Christmas programs, etc…  Preparation is hard work.

The preparations in Advent are there to remind us that as Christians it is our responsibility to prepare the way for the Lord.  When Jesus came to earth as a little baby in a manger it was John the Baptist job to prepare the way for the Lord so that all might see God’s salvation.  Now we must be busy preparing the way for Christ’s second coming in order that all might see the salvation of God.  Preparation is hard work, but the results are worth it.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the promise of you return.  We look forward to that day.  Until that day comes give me strength, courage, faith and passion to daily be preparing for that day.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  What can you do today to prepare the way for the Lord?  Sharing God’s love in word or action is one way to enter into someone’s life to help them make their rough ways smooth, so that they will come to know God’s wonderful gift of salvation.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

A Time to Wonder

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. - Luke 2:19

In the Christmas story I find this verse to be one of the most interesting.  Here was a young woman, who, although she was a virgin, had just given birth, and given birth in a stable filled with smelly animals no less.  To top it off, along came some shepherds to see the baby, telling stories about an angel and heavenly hosts filling the night sky with a message about this baby being the promised Savior.  In the midst of this unbelievable and amazing scene, Mary somehow finds a moment to treasure and ponder all that has happened.

The Advent season can become quite hectic with all the shopping, decorating, baking, party going, Christmas concerts, family get togethers, etc….   In the midst of this busy season we often don’t take time to treasure and ponder like Mary did, but we should.  Advent is a time to remember what God has done for us through the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ.  This Advent season, in the midst of all the busyness, take a moment to treasure and ponder the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Thank you God for giving us your Son to save us from our sins.  In the midst of celebrating His birth, help me to take a moment to remember the reason for this celebration.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Set aside some time to treasure and ponder.  Maybe use that time to read the Christmas Story, listen to some Christmas carols, meditate on a verse from the Christmas story, etc….  

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

All I Want for Christmas

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. – Romans 5:5

This is the time of the year when children are making their Christmas lists and checking them twice, making sure that they haven’t forgotten something that they hope to get for Christmas.  Christmas is a time of great expectation as children anticipate Christmas day when they hope their Christmas lists become more than just words on a page.

The Advent season is a time of expectation.  As Christians we await with great anticipation the second coming of Christ.  But the hope we have in Christ is very different then the worldly hope with which children create their Christmas wishes.  The hope we have in Christ is sure, certain and guaranteed.  This is a hope that will never disappoint us.  When Christmas comes children may not receive everything they have put on their wish list and their worldly hopes will soon fade away.  But with our hope in Christ we can be assured that there will certainly be a day when Christ returns again.  Alleluia!

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the hope that we have in Christ.  Thank you that this hope will never disappoint us.  In this Advent season, help me to hope with great expectation for Christ to come again.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  A child is filled with joy and excitement as they look forward to Christmas.  Does joy and excitement fill your life and soul as you look forward to the coming of Christ?  If not think of ways to give yourself an expectant outlook in each and every day?  How might looking forward to Christ’s return change the way you live your life?

    

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

God is All

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” – Revelation 1:8

Who is God? This question I ask myself many times as I seek to know more. To me, it seems that God’s characteristics are endless. There always seems to be something new to learn about God. For example, how did God come to be? He always was.

This biblical truth is beyond our understanding for we experience a beginning in all things as we also experience an end. Life is all about beginnings and endings, but God is more than that. He is an ongoing, unchanging, full of life foundation that we can steadily stand on for all things. We will never be separated from God once we have committed to a relationship through Jesus Christ. With so many things in this world that are uncertain, God gives us peace knowing that he will never leave us or forsake us.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord that you are always with me. I pray the confidence you give me in that promise will allow me to always come to you first with all that life offers. Amen

Faith Tip: Pray to know God more and open your heart and mind to what he will show you.

Written by Kathy Bruins

What Will Be Left?

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

 

 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives… - 2 Peter 3:10-11

 

The season of overabundant marketing has come. Television, email, newspaper, magazines, mailers and more all stating “Buy Our Stuff!” I realize this employs many copywriters and other marketing staff, so the more savvy they are the more successful in the business. As a consumer, I sometimes feel like a target especially at Christmas time with messages that I need a product to have a merry Christmas.

 

God says all the stuff is going up in smoke. After all the chaff is burned off, what will be left? We will. Who we become in Christ Jesus and what we have done will be the measure of success. The playing field will be leveled where there will be no poor or rich, no popular or unpopular people, just us and God. The relationship is more important than the stuff.

 

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the relationship we have together. I know you initiated it and I had the opportunity to respond. I pray I take advantage of the ways we can build on it. Amen

 

Faith Tip: Attempt to fast from all the media frenzy of the season and focus on the relationship opportunities you have with God.

 

Written by Kathy Bruins