Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by Max Lucado from his book, B ecause of Bethlehem (with Bonus Content): Love Is Born, Hope Is Here (p. 73). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) I love to travel.   My son, Brett and his family are on the road today headed to Colorado.   I love that drive.   Next week, Margaret and I will be headed from California to Nevada to be with our daughter, Stefanie and her family for Christmas.   Holiday time is highway time. Max says, “Ever since the magi packed their bags for Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus has caused people to hit the road.” Matthew 2: 1– 2 (NLT) says, “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?’” Matthew 2: 2 (NKJV), “We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” They went to the King thinking he should know but he didn’t so

A thought by Max Lucado from his book, Because of Bethlehem (with Bonus Content): Love Is Born, Hope Is Here (p. 61). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) This is such a fun time of the year and gift giving is such a wonderful part of it.  I wonder what Jesus really wants? Max says, “The magi gave Jesus the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The shepherds gave Jesus the gift of their time and belief. Mary gave Jesus the gift of her womb. The offerings seem practical. The wise men’s treasures could be used to fund the family’s escape to Egypt. The shepherds’ visitation would keep the family company. Mary’s womb would protect the growing child. But there is one gift that might appear a bit curious.  The angels’ gift of worship. “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others— the armies of heaven— praising God: “‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,’ they sang, ‘and peace on earth for

A thought by Max Lucado from his book, Because of Bethlehem (with Bonus Content): Love Is Born, Hope Is Here (pp. 52-53). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) We are in the midst of the Christmas Season.   It is such a special time of the year.   So much to do, so much to get, so much to give.   But it all started with a knock on the door of an inn in Bethlehem and it was late at night. Max says, “A knock at the door . . . by a common couple . . . at a late hour . . . when the inn was crowded. So, the innkeeper missed the opportunity.” Max goes on, “Many still do. They miss the chance to open the door. They let the birth of Jesus pass them by. The miracle of Bethlehem still happens. God enters the hamlets of our lives and speaks to us. He speaks through scriptures, sunsets, the kindness of a friend, or the warning of a medical report. He sings to us through Christmas carols. He calls to us through Christmas sermon