Last Sunday while I was lighting the second Advent candle of PEACE in my Bible Study class in Mississippi, my grandson and his family were loading up from a Cub Scout camp-out in Louisiana. Our grandson, Dane and some boys were playing with hot sticks from a campfire when Dane was struck in the face near his eye. Thankfully not in his eye but there were second-degree burns. We learned about the accident Sunday afternoon. Here’s his black-eye.
Scripture came to mind: “God keeps us in perfect peace when our mind stays on Him and we trust Him!” ~Isaiah 26:3
On Tuesday Dane’s Daddy’s beloved chocolate lab of 15-years died. Pet lovers will understand how they miss and mourn Jade!
Scripture came to mind:
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27
Christmas PEACE!
Some of you regular readers of Charlie’s Blog may remember an Easter Notes from Nana when I wrote about traveling to Bible lands. Our guide took us to a reputable shop in Bethlehem where I selected a small hand-carved olive-wood manger set for our family. My first trip abroad, thus I had no experience about shipping packages home. We were going to Jordan and Egypt so I couldn’t carry the manger. I trusted our guide and believed the package I had purchased for my family would eventually get to the United States.
Back at home after weeks passed we wondered about the small manger from Israel. Our children, excited with anticipation, asked daily: “Did it come?”
Finally, just before Easter, the manger arrived. The family gathered round, excited to open the package from Israel. All were delighted with the beautiful hand-carved olive wood figures. A stable with a star carved into the top, a cow, a donkey, a shepherd carrying a sheep, a few more sheep, three camels, and three wise men carrying gifts, Joseph holding a lantern, lovely Mary, and baby Jesus in a manger. The children arranged and re-arranged the pieces on our den coffee table as I had done as a child with a simple dime- store manger set.
Jesus Is the Hope and Peace of Christmas!
This Christmas season many visited our home on a history tour of Magee to raise money for missions. I hope you noticed the small olive wood baby in the manger on our den mantle. Here’s a photo:
I remember the Christian shopkeeper excited as he pointed to the head of the Christ-child. Rather than a baby’s head was the man-sized head, which shows who He is. The baby Jesus is ‘God With Us!’
Scripture says: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son and they will call Him Immanuel which means ‘God with us’.” ~ Matthew 1:23
Jesus is your Immanuel in whatever experience of life you are having! He became your Savior and mine on the cross and by His Resurrection conquered death! Praise Him for “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world!” ~1 John 4:14
Christmas 2012
Peace, Peace? This week on Friday, grim news. Sheer terror! Anguish! Tragic senseless deaths in a Connecticut Elementary School. A national tragedy as twenty young children and six adults were killed. The magnitude of deep painful grief continues. Hearts ache! The nation mourns with the parents, families, and the community!
Remember, Scripture says: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” ~Psalm 23:4
Peace? Yes, God is with us! The Prince of Peace has come. I pray you will receive Him into your heart. Light the candle of PEACE and let the Prince of Peace illuminate and soothe your hurting heart this Christmas! Pray for those who mourn. And as my sweet Daddy used to pray: “Bless those less fortunate than we!” In Jesus name. Amen.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace said (red words in my Bible J):
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33