Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by Max Lucado from his book, Because of Bethlehem (with Bonus Content): Love Is Born, Hope Is Here (p. 93). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) There is so much looking to be done. Max says, “Looking for snow if it’s cold, mistletoe if he’s dense, instructions if some assembly is required. Looking for red-nose lights if you’re young, headlights if you’re a grandma, insights if you’re a preacher. ’Tis the season to be looking.” We also are looking at the birth of Jesus, looking at that First Advent.  But there is also a Second Advent to be looking for this season. Max says, “We live between the Advents. The Second Advent will include the sudden, personal, visible, bodily return of Christ. Jesus promised, ‘I will come again’ (John 14: 3 RSV). The author of Hebrews declared, ‘Christ . . . will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him’ (9: 28 RSV)...

A thought by Max Lucado from his book, Because of Bethlehem (with Bonus Content): Love Is Born, Hope Is Here (p. 86). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) It really does.   And f or sure it doesn’t lift up people, does it? Max says, “The other day I saw some children at play on a large vacant lot where someone had dumped a mound of dirt. They were playing the greatest of kid games: King of the Mountain. The rules are as simple as they are brutal: fight your way to the top, and shove off anyone who threatens to take your spot. It was a slugfest of crawling, pushing, and falling. “King of the Mountain is not just a kid’s game. Versions are played in every dormitory, classroom, boardroom, and bedroom. And since mountaintop real estate is limited, people get shoved around. Mark it down: if you want to be king, someone is going to suffer. Your uppitiness won’t prompt a Bethlehem massacre, but it might prompt a bro...

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 kno...

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 e...