The blessing of Christmas

     

     The Christmas Season has once again come to my city! How do I know? The decorated shops are filled with gift-seekers; there is an overcrowding hustle and bustle happening throughout the malls; long line-up of cars patiently, or not, searching for a parking space. 
     I would call it a Santa–Claustrophobia. 

     I am glad most of my shopping happened in November. But why Christmas? At Christmas we celebrate the birthday of the most important person who has ever lived.

     After all, He is the centrepiece of our civilization — as we name what happened before His birth, B.C. and what happened after, A.D. 

     The blessing of Christmas is first and foremost, the birth of Jesus Christ in a Bethlehem stable. 

     In a 1929 Saturday Evening Post interview, Albert Einstein said, “As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene…. No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.” 

     

     The Bible, as one continuous story, reveals at Christmastime, He is “God with us.”

     I love hearing the name, Immanuel. Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him 'Immanuel' which means, 'God with us.'” 

     I’m amazed that the all powerful God became a human being. Jesus lived on earth as a man, but was never less than God. 

     The story continues, for at Easter time, God becomes “God for us.” 1 Peter 3:18 reminds us, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God.” 

     I believe we will not truly appreciate the significance of Christmas without remembering Easter and the cross. Then, after returning to heaven, Jesus sent His Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, making possible “God in us.” 

     This is why Christmas is not just a festival. 

     Understanding the blessing of that first Christmas, “God with us,” then His stepping into our place that first Easter, “God for us,” we now can experience an even greater blessing of “God in us” by His indwelling Spirit. What a wonderful “true story!” 

     Why should we hesitate to accept this gracious gift offered again this Christmas — the gift of Himself? 

     How would you feel if someone refused a gift you graciously and lovingly offered? 

     Such rejection must pain our Creator and Heavenly Father’s heart.  Our world needs to hear the “good news” announced by a host of angels that first Christmas. 

     I recently read these statistics: “Today more than 60 per cent of Canadians rarely or never attend church. Among the young people who do, half think that many religions can lead to eternal life. And since 1960, the number of people who say they have no religious affiliation has increased 400 per cent."

     Canada needs the Jesus who is “the Reason for the Season!”     

     A father wanted to read a magazine but was bothered by his little girl, Shelby. 
Finally, he tore a sheet out of his magazine on which was printed the map of the world. 
Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby and said, “Go into the other room and see if you can put this together." 
After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map correctly fitted together. 
The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. 
“Oh,” she said, “on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then the world came together.”  

     

A powerful thought!  

     In the spirit of Tiny Tim — “May God Bless Us Everyone!"    




— beulah 

Cafe comrades; my breakfast surprise!

     

     

     Wonder of wonders! I never know what blessing I may encounter as I approach each new day. 

     Such was my experience last Saturday morning when I was asked to meet some family members at our local Rickey’s Restaurant. 

     Daughter Debi and son-in-law Mark, knowing my favourite meal of the day is breakfast and that I especially enjoy eating out, occasionally arrange for me to meet them at a local cafe. 

     Though I expected grandson Nathan to join us, I was not prepared for the “lovely surprise” he brought with him. 

     

Image stolen from Nathan Harvey's Facebook page — without apologies.

None other than a special friend, with the lovely name — Shea. 

     Nathan, soon to be graduating with a degree in civil engineering, has faithfully dedicated himself to the books. 


     As I kept hearing of his involvement in several weddings of his friends, I would tease him, suggesting it was time for him to 'fess up and confess to his grandma who he has been secretly admiring. 

   

     It’s been said, “Some people radiate beauty simply by living.” I’m sure who ever said that, must have had Shea in mind. 

     What a charming, friendly, gracious, youthful and loving persona! She stole my heart immediately. A great choice, Nathan! 

     We all need to be blanketed in the warmth of someone’s love and encouragement. Friendships are gifts to be treasured. Many true loves began with ardent friendships. 

     As life unfolds, I believe it is the desire of you both to have Jesus as the centre of your developing relationship. You both already know that the greatest need of your hearts is having a personal connection with Him.   

     Isn’t it awesome that we are the only form of life God created in His image, which includes the capacity to love and be loved? 

     Each year, replaying in my mind the beautiful Christmas story, I try to take time to meditate on the part Mary played in all of it. Seeing the youthful and wholesome beauty of a young lady such as Shea, reminds me how similar Mary might have been. 

     I believe God looked upon her heart and loved what he saw. She loved God, had a servant attitude and was humble in her faith. 

     Luke 1:28 says, "The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favoured!'" 

     

     To be favoured is to be blessed. Mary had already learned to trust God, and along with other women, had anticipated and wondered about the Messiah’s birth. She now had to trust God for things unseen. 

    

      Because of her love, strong faith and trust, every generation since has been blessed by Jesus’ humble birth. 

     Perhaps one day, I can thank Mary for her amazing faith and willingness to be His servant, and for giving our Lord a home until the beginning of His ministry.  

     Leading up to Christmas, so many lovely events are happening. I recently enjoyed the children’s Solid Rock Choir presentation at my church; a trip to the Penticton Events Centre to see the Cirque Musica’s live performance with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra; and a Scrooge breakfast at nearby Sandalwood Retirement.  

     

     

     I’m so looking forward to precious family times this season, with a probable 20 (family and friends) around my table. Included in our happy gang — we will welcome Shea, Cecilia, a new friend from Kenya, and possibly a next-door neighbour. 

     

Our house motto, “No one, spends Christmas Day alone” still stands, Nels!  

     

Everyone needs someone 

People need people, and friends need friends, 

And we all need love, for a full life depends 

Not on vast riches or great acclaim, 

Not on success or worldly fame, 

But on just knowing that someone cares 

And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers, 

For only the knowledge that we’re understood 

Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good.   

— Helen Steiner Rice        

     

“Of all the music that reaches farthest into heaven, it is the beating of a loving heart.”  

— Henry Ward Beecher

— beulah eagles

Jesus Christ, the original holiday events guide

     

     How much is enough? This perhaps, is a valid question to ponder, as I am writing this on Black Friday weekend.

     Many shoppers with limited resources are devoted to finding deals at a price they can afford. Sadly for others, greed motivates them to search out cut-price deals, often causing fights to erupt as unruly crowds clamour for bargains. 

     The day originally received its name, as police dealt with the mayhem that resulted from multiple traffic accidents and violence. Retailers, at first, did not appreciate the negative connotation associated with a black day of the week. Now it has become a very profitable day for them. 

     Highly promoted, they decided to follow the adage, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” 

     We’re aware accountants use black to signify profit when recording each days' book entries. Red, of course, means loss. 

     Therefore, Black Friday now means “profitable Friday” to retailers and the economy. 

     But, how much is enough, as approaching Christmas, we find ourselves caught in the midst of the consumerism frenzy, not only in the welcoming shops but also— in our hearts? 

     I’m reminded of the wise Old Testament writer who suggested that those who love money, will never have enough and will be ruled by their possessions. How often are we reminded that we “can’t take it with us?” —“As everyone comes, so they depart.” (Ecclesiastes 5:11,15).  

     

     At Christmastime, in a world in which love has, at times, grown cold, we long to see acts of kindness that come from the heart of God — the most helpful and healing gifts we can each offer to others. 

     
     And many of these are already taking place throughout our communities. As I peruse the Holiday Events Guide that accompanies my local newspaper, I’m amazed and pleased to read of the many groups and societies that are reaching out to the lonely and needy — providing gifts, special meals and encouragement. 

     The words of Jesus come to mind, “In as much as you reach out to help one of these, you are reaching out to me,” (my paraphrase). 

     The beautiful carol services, choirs, Handel’s Messiah presentation, concerts, living nativity scenes, and Christmas light-ups, are all helping our city of Kelowna, “to keep Christ in Christmas” as we prepare for “the greatest celebration of them all” — that first Christmas when God came to earth to bring us salvation. 

     

     I’ve been finding myself ready and eager to participate in events, such as: the Tiny Tim Toy breakfast, (a toy for hampers, in exchange for a yummy breakfast at our local Capri Hotel); my first turkey dinner, and being a part of the Christmas program at our Seniors’ Drop In; once more “ringing the bells,” as I help man the Salvation Army kettles, — the list of opportunities goes on and on… I am grateful for the energy and enthusiasm still coming my way!  

     My “in-town family” completed my Christmas decor, inside and out, this week, in time for our Glenmeadows community “lite-up” night. 

     

     The first Christmas lite-up ever, was not created by electrical cables, glitter and neon lights, but — by “the glory of the Lord that shone around," (Luke 2:9), to simple shepherds, followed by an unexpected rendition of "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favour rests"— a peace of mind and soul made possible by the Saviour. 

     How great is the need of peace and acceptance in our today’s world! 

     There has been much violence and unrest throughout our world during and since the U.S. presidential election. Many have expressed fear and anxiety as they look to the future.  

     A recent email I received from a friend, related a conversation she had with someone, that mentioned, “Satan’s world as a scary place.” 

     This was her wise response: 

     “I agreed, then said, 'Although Satan is very busy out there, it is NOT his world. It still belongs to God. Just for the time being, Satan is allowed to be in it, creating havoc and chaos. One day that will change. But we need to remember that God is very much alive and still with us, and is in this world! He didn’t just say, “OK Satan, here’s my world. You can have it for awhile. I’m going on vacation and will be back later.  He is here. He is real. He is alive. He “IS” the God of His world. We are not alone to battle Satan by ourselves. Hold tight to that promise and be encouraged!'”  

     Isaiah 54:5 reminds us… He is called the God of the Whole Earth.  


     

     Our deepest longings are for something more than Hallmark moments and memories. 

     To fill the void — nothing but Jesus will do.     

     “The Son of God became man so that men might become sons of God.”  

— C.S. Lewis

— beulah

You've got mail... or not

     

     Have you ever written an e-mail and then realized you mistakenly sent it to the wrong person, or while experiencing moments of anger, wrote harmful, harsh words suddenly sending them on? 

     You thought, if only I could press a key and stop it. 
Well, now you can. 

     I’ve heard of several companies that offer a feature that gives you a brief time after sending an e-mail, to stop it from leaving your computer. 

     Once on their way, e-mails are like spoken words that cannot be “unsaid.” 

     This “unsend” feature should remind us that it’s extremely important to guard what we say. 

     Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.”  

     

     Our neighbours to the South have just ended a very devisive, political campaign involving two unlikely, “unliked” candidates. 

     Amid angry emotions, hateful words were exchanged, classic campaign talk, along with promises made they knew they can’t or won’t deliver — a ridiculous display of urgency to keep or to acquire power.  

     Many, feeling it was the most critical election in decades, the voting turn-out proved their concern. Unkind, and no doubt in some instances, false stories or gossip became front and centre keeping the various media busy. 

     

     Strange as it may seem, any type of exposure for the candidate is good. It’s been said, “When you’re a celebrity, any noise is good noise.” 

     

     Being ridiculed by the media seemed to help Donald Trump. With Mr. Trump now president-elect, we trust a more conciliatory chapter will unfold. 

     We await Trump’s strategies, aware he has been known to change his mind on important issues. Personal viewpoints aside, may a willingness to work together prevail. 

     Satan loves to divide and conquer, but his efforts fail when, with God’s help, we “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3). 

     I feel strongly, God is involved in the affairs of our world. 

     The human spirit fills with hope at the sound of an encouraging word. I’m anticipating hearing many in the future, as respect is shown between our two great countries. 

     “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” 

— Ephesians 4:29 

     So our on-going prayers must be that good people will make wise choices. Positions of importance will be filled with potential to re-shape the American legal and cultural landscape. Many of the laws they make can affect us as well. 

     Perhaps a wise prayer might be, that the original intent of the Constitution will be honoured. 

     How we long to see those in authority, realize their awesome responsibility they have before God, showing honesty of character and a willingness to stand for what is right. 

     Character is important — in government, the workplace, our homes and our neighbourhood.  

     Consider the following: 

     “A newly-hired administrative assistant announced a phone call to her manager. 
     The manager replied, 'Oh, please tell him I’ve left for the day.' 
     The assistant picked up the receiver, but then set it back down again. 
     She bit her lip and walked into the manager’s office. 'Mr. Jones, you don’t know me very well yet, but I would like to tell you something about me. If I’ll lie for you, then I’ll lie to you.'    
     After a brief pause the manager looked up with a slow smile and said, 'Put the call through.'"     

     

     How are we doing? 

     What kind of character traits are we showing to those we rub shoulders with every day?  

— beulah

Where are our "now" heroes of the faith?

     

     Recently, many of us have been overheard saying, “Thank goodness, the incessant media focus on this crazy, unparalleled U.S. election will soon be over!” 

     The election, to take place in less than a week, has most asking the question, “What will America look like after the dust has settled?” 

     It seems obvious that the results will have huge implications, not only for us as Canadians, but for the world in general. We believe our southern neighbours are in big trouble in many ways. Yet our own confused, insecure generation is looking for solutions to our country’s similar problems. 
   
     

     Franklin Graham, (CEO of the Billy Graham Association of Canada) says, “The only hope for Canada and the United States is Almighty God — and I believe it’s definitely not too late if we, as individuals and as a nation, will turn to Him in repentance. Our countries desperately need God’s healing.” 

     Franklin carried this message of hope, as his Decision America Tour visited each state capital during these last months. 

     Franklin says, “Well over 100,000 people have joined together at lunchtime on Capitol steps and grounds in state after state to intercede for this nation and ask God to heal our troubled land. The proverbial walls are crumbling from the moral rot of abortion, sexual rebellion and the idol of money. “We see our nation in trouble  — spiritually, racially, economically and politically.” 

     Franklin goes on to explain, “America is at a crossroads. The descent into godless immorality and debauchery has accelerated so rapidly that unless God intervenes, our country will never be the same. Our culture is on the verge of a complete rejection of the moral restraining power of the church that has prominently played a role in the nation’s history.” 
    
     Having no hope in either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, Franklin says, "My only hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ and His power to transform hearts and bring revival and moral renewal.” 

     Franklin’s description of his country’s perils sound all too familiar. I believe many bewildered worldlings are asking, “Is there any word from the Lord?” They know there is no intelligent word from any other source. 

     Have we no modern Moses? Where are our “now” heroes of the faith? 

     What is my part in all of this? Am I to just be a “spectator” while Lucifer keeps many in this generation perishing in the camp of moral bondage?  

     2 Chronicles 7:14  implores us with these words,  ..."if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."     

     Regardless of who may triumph in the election, my hope will continue in Almighty God who is still very much in control and knows all!   

     He is Sovereign, Loving, and Not Willing That Anyone Should Perish.  Pray!  Pray! Pray!    

“I question not God’s means or ways, Or how He uses time or days  To answer every call or prayer — I know He will, somehow.”   

— Unknown

— beulah

Thanksgiving: another year of blessings

     

     Thanksgiving has once more come and gone. Many families like mine, I’m sure, gathered around their tables expressing thanks for another year of blessings.

     Meanwhile, coming across the airwaves was the news of the severe storms that caused unbelievable devastation in Haiti and also to our Maritime friends — a stark reminder to us all to stop taking things for granted.

     Expressing gratitude, I believe, is a conscious choice we need to make daily. The more we express gratitude the more aware we become of God’s blessings and His Presence in our lives. 

     Last weekend feels almost like a dream. My family of 18 met together at the lovely Carmel Cove Resort, near Blind Bay. We feasted and played and sang and prayed together in two large, side-by-side lodges. Floor to ceiling windows on one side of the lodge opened up onto large decks facing the lake and Copper Island. 

     

     We were constantly awed by the beautiful display of God’s goodness in creation, especially as we gazed at the autumn splendor on the mountain vistas surrounding  Shuswap Lake. 

     Rising for three mornings in a row to have breakfast with so many of my children was unbelievable. 

     An image I still savour is waking early Monday morning to discover Evie (5 years old) and Melissa (2 years old), my two precious great-grands, chatting together as they sat on stools at the breakfast bar, eating their peanut butter and banana toast. 

     

     I would just blink, it seemed, and a different family would be in the kitchen, efficiently preparing yet another delicious meal.

     The cooking, baking, and buying everyone did made our feast days varied and special. 

     My goal for our family during this weekend away was to provide a retreat-like atmosphere that would encourage family friendship and connections, and also give much needed time for refreshment. 

     

     We met together after breakfast each morning for family worship and focus on special highlights of the day. 

     It was fun hanging out throughout the day, connecting in various ways as we got caught up in each other’s lives and even learned a few things about each other.  

     

     It’s probably the old teacher in Karen and me, but we couldn’t seem to help ourselves. 

     For years, we’d go the extra mile at school, squeezing in just one more creative idea. 

     So, during our planning, James, at times, helped us rein in our thinking. We ended up having plenty to do, but also lots of free time. 

Moments to Remember:

• Sneaking into everyone’s bedroom, before they arrived, to place on pillows a specially selected Bible verse and chocolate for each family member

• Reading the personal gratitudes people hung on our traditional Thanksgiving tree

• Spontaneous singing after Karen presented Family Music-Making Binders she created with words and chords to classics, old and new

• Insta-Gram fun — each family member having shared selfies with Gram

• Seeing guitars, harmonica, jambay, and shakers come out during enthusiastic singing of old favourites like Take It Easy and Take Me Home, Country Roads

• Two-year-old Melissa, who loves her own violin, making music with violinist, Auntie Debi
  

• Observing the camaraderie of kinfolk during KP duties

• Enjoying a spa moment in the hot tub with Tyler and Roger

• Richard walking with his aging mom, my sister Merle, along the lakeside

• Hearing Evie’s squeals of laughter in the pool with Sarah and Tyler

• Challenging Debi and Karen to a pool game at the clubhouse, with coaching from Roger

• Thanksgiving liturgy with readings, singing and prayers

• Puzzle contest between lodges

• Bingo party and other group games

• Down memory lane, sharing stories of Nels and the way we were, (although he left us nine years ago this Thanksgiving, more than his picture was present with us.)  Nels’ legacy of love for family and fun was evident throughout our time together

• Krista led the family in an intergenerational prayer time as different family members led in praying for the special needs of each age group

• We actually remembered to take a family photo, this time, before parting company

• We missed you Ashton, Jonathan, Joey, Jordan, Rebecca, Lily and Zachary!

     

     

     "Even when I am old and gray do not for sake me, oh God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come."

— Psalm 71:18

— beulah

Click on link below to hear audio of the family singing,

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

PHOTO GALLERY