Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Christmas carols are heard everywhere. The twinkling lights that remind us of the Light of Christ are dancing on homes. Little children are getting more excited every day for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve. Kitchens are filled with the heavenly aromas of Christmas goodies. Whether you’re a minimalist and decorate your home with simple, yet beautiful touches of red, green and silver, or you deck your home out like a Christmas store – with lots of gold and glitter and more Santas than you could shake a Christmas tree at, it is still all about the blessing of our Lord’s birth that we express in our hearts and our homes.

While Christmas is full of joy and celebration, it can still be very somber and painful for many. I know that feeling. My daddy passed away on December 17th when I was just 15-years-old. I remember my mother’s tears as she unwrapped his presents from under the tree. My own precious husband passed away on November 16th, and Christmas would never be the same again because Papa wouldn’t be here to read his hilarious version of “A Christmas Story” to the grandkids, who adored when he changed his accents for the characters and the animals. Just last week, dear friends who are pastors in Galveston, were stunned when they received the call that their 41-year-old son had suddenly died from heart failure, while they were still reeling from their home being devastated from Hurricane Harvey, just months before. How can we have yuletide cheer when we are hurting so much?

Hope is the answer. God didn’t have to send His Son, but He did. Jesus didn’t have to take on human flesh, but He did. He didn't have to heal, serve and forgive, but He did. He didn’t have to humble Himself or accept rejection and torment or take on our sin, but He did! He did all this from birth to resurrection—so that, in our darkest and brightest times, we might have hope, so that we might experience peace, so that we might know His love, His grace and His joy.

Don’t give up, dear ones, who are hurting. You may not want to sing about decked halls or jingling bells, but there is greater news worth singing about. Don’t let your sorrow steal you away from Him who brings tidings of comfort and joy. The same little Lord Jesus away in the manger is the mighty King Jesus and Savior who came to give you abundant life. (John 10:10).

This pain won’t last forever if our hope is in the ONE who holds our todays and tomorrows. May we remember the angel's words on the night when Christ was born. “Fear not for I bring you GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY which shall be for all people." Luke 2:10. During this beautiful time of the year…we can still sing the words “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, let NOTHING you dismay, remember Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas Day, Oh tidings of comfort and joy!”

If we are among those who are on the side of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", maybe it's time for us to to add some of that cheer to those around us who could use a smile, a hug, a warm embrace of Jesus in the flesh -- Jesus as Emmanuel -- God with us -- God in us -- reaching out and loving others -- to help bring them GOOD TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY.

"Fear Not! I Bring You Good News of Great Joy!"

Those are the words the angels spoke to the shepherds when they were announcing the birth of our Savior. This was also the scripture that I referenced in my message to a room filled with beautiful women at Christ the King Church last night. When I was asked to speak for this event several months ago, I was asked to speak on JOY. This scripture immediately resonated within me. I found it so timely with the recent tragedies in our country, the loss of lives not only here but abroad, the pain and suffering that seems so abundant, and the grief and sadness that so many are facing.

Yesterday, I planned on spending the day in meditation and preparing for last night's message. Just as I was about to sit down in my comfy chair, I looked out my back window and saw two fire trucks going through the neighborhood. Though I'm inquisitive, I thought "Just maybe one of my neighbors is in trouble", so I hastened out my door and a neighbor waved me down to tell me that one of our neighbors, only 63 years old, had been found, deceased, that morning by his parents. My heart went out to them, but initially thought "I didn't know him well so I'll go home back to my studies." As I drove into my garage, I heard God's "still small voice" say "You can help his parents. Take them the 'good news of great joy that lives in you.'" I went there and this precious mother and father were having to take the unspeakable role of seeing after their boy and having to make hard decisions that no parent would ever want to have to make for their child. Immediately, I knew why I, and a couple of other of my girl friends from the neighborhood were "on call" this day. It was more than obvious that this precious mother and father were Christians because, even though they were hurting, their faith gave them so much strength. We talked a lot about the peace of God while waiting hours for the police, the doctor's opinion, the medical examiner and the vehicle that eventually took the son away. I wasn't aware that when someone dies alone in a home that it's seen as a crime scene until certain procedures were carried out. Once again, that scripture verse was timely as I shared God's Word and the angel's word "Fear Not; I bring you good news of great joy" to this couple.

I cried with this precious mama as I remembered those words many times when I needed them the most. My own sweetheart had been very ill for several months, but we weathered the storm because those words: “Fear not. I bring you good news of great joy!” Initially, when we received the diagnosis of Stage 4 Kidney cancer we wrestled with that COMMAND – not a suggestion -- “Do Not Fear”. Why does God COMMAND us not to be afraid when every day there are situations that occur and it seems impossible NOT to fear? We found the answer to that question by focusing on the GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that the angel spoke about. As I think back on those months, without doubt -- we did experience GREAT JOY in the midst of doctor's appointments, treatments, six surgeries, pain, and discomfort. We laughed. We celebrated life. We embraced each other and we embraced our friends and family like never before. It is possible to have peace and joy, like the shepherds had, right in the middle of the darkest night.

I leave this word to YOU today. Who knows what tomorrow may hold for you or a loved one? But, be of good cheer, the GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY will show up for you. After all, He brings with Him "Tidings of comfort AND joy" when we need it most.

An Angel on Assignment

Day 358 of Photo Inspirations -- An Angel on Assignment

We hear a lot about angels at this time of the year -- the angel Gabriel's announcement to old Zechariah announcing that he and his old, barren wife, Elizabeth, were going to have a baby, then Gabriel appears to the virgin Mary and Joseph to announce the coming birth of Jesus, and then at the birth of Christ, angels appeared to the shepherds who were guarding their flock. So with that special awareness of angels at this time of year, to hear this sweet story a couple of nights ago, just compounded my belief that angels are really, for real and they are on assignment, even today, and at times when we least expect them.

At a dinner party on Monday night, precious Whitney Jones shared a story she had held in for fifteen years -- at least to the Wallace Family. She shared...."When I was 11 years old, I was taking care of Payton who was only about one year old. I was feeding him goldfish crackers, when all of a sudden he started choking. I patted him on his back, raised his hands in the air, but nothing seemed to help. He started turning blue. I was crying and so afraid, when all of a sudden someone burst into the room and stuck their finger into his throat and pulled out the cracker. Payton quickly recovered and was just fine. Later, I cried and cried as I told my Mom the story." Whitney went on to share how sorry she had held that story in so long, but as she sees Payton serving God and is such an amazing servant that she knows God's hands are on him. (Payton plays the piano and drums and is part of the stage crew at church. In fact, he'd live at the church if he could. He loves serving God that much.)

Indeed, an angel showed up that night for Whitney and Payton. In reality, did the angel show up for Payton's benefit, or for helping Whitney know, at that young age, that she's not alone and that she was just beginning to see God's hand of blessing on her life, and that, she too, was going to be used mightily by God? Whitney is a gifted vocalist. I heard her sing "Mary Did You Know?" in the church's Christmas program this week. There is no question that she sings from a heart that's being touched by God.

This is Whitney, her precious little one year old daughter, and Payton in my photo inspiration today. God's timing was perfect for her to share this story with us -- not only as a testimony to God's faithfulness then, but, like Mary, to know the significance of angels in her life. What a great Mom she'll be as she raises her little girl to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52. Whitney learned from her experiences, just like all of us do. And those experiences are "those things that work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes". Romans 8:28.

How many times have we encountered angels and we didn't realize it? How many times have they protected us from accidents and harm? How many times did they warn us or make an announcement to us?

The angel speaking to the shepherds said, "FEAR NOT, for I bring you the GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY." (Luke 2:10). And, I believe the angels are declaring those words to you and I today. It is possible to have peace and joy, like the shepherds had, right in the middle of the darkest night.

What is bringing you fear today? Christmas isn't a happy time for everyone. Many people are facing debilitating illness, financial stress, or may be facing this Christmas alone for the first time. Listen once again to the angel's words...."Do not be afraid -- I bring you good news of great joy!" It is the same good news of great joy that the angels declared over 2000 years ago. Picture the God of the universe handing you his Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hear Him say, "Don't be afraid of anything….ever. I give you peace. I give you comfort. I give you hope. I give you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY! I give you JESUS."

Fear Not. I Bring You Good News of JOY

Day 281 of Photo Inspirations - Fear Not. I Bring You Good News of JOY
Yesterday, our Bible Study was about the second characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit -- JOY! Though I had diligently prayed and prepared, there is nothing like stepping aside and watching how Holy Spirit trumps my pre-planned agenda.  His way is the best way.

The first part of the Bible Study was given to women sharing their praises and their prayer requests. The tone was more subdued as a couple of the ladies had some major challenges going on in their families and friends' lives.

Once the meeting was turned to me, I shared about a message I heard on Sunday.  Pastor Craig spoke about a woman at the airport that he saw and heard singing, who had the most beautiful voice. She was running a snack kiosk and was singing to travelers that passed her.  Shed sing out "It's a beautiful day!  You're gonna have a beautiful day.  You're wearing a beautiful dress.  You have on a nice shirt!"  And, on and on, she just kept singing and singing. When Pastor asked why she did that, she said, "The atmosphere of an airport can be so negative; so many people are stressed and unhappy and I just figure if I can help give them joy in their day, maybe their attitude will be turned around."  I love that.  There are two kinds of people:  those who become like the atmosphere they're in -- negative, angry, depressed, or sad, or there are those who are atmosphere changers. In her case...she turned the atmosphere to JOY.

I had the ladies turn to Luke 2:10, where the angel said to the shepherds "Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great JOY which shall be to all people."  Immediately one of the ladies said, "OH, I remember when my granddaughter, Emma, said that scripture when she was 5 years old.  She said, "Fear not. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. And you will find a baby wrapped in cloths. Luke 2."  For 4 years this grandmother has carried that video on her phone and has continued to watch it. It brought her so much JOY. She showed us the video and it brought us JOY.

But, here's the best part -- that precious little, now 9-years old girl, when she was just born.....was left on the doorstep of this lady's daughter's home.  The little baby was abandoned, but a note was left with the baby...."Laura, I'm leaving my baby to you because I know you're Catholic."  Apparently, whoever the birth mother was (and they tried desperately to find her but never have), knew who Laura was.   Laura, an attorney, knew the legalities of this little baby's abandonment and she followed the laws of DHS, but Laura's heartstrings were tugged to do what she could to provide that little girl a loving family who would love her. By then, Laura and her husband and all 4 of her children loved this little "heaven sent" angel.  They kept her and adopted her.  As this precious grandmother spoke, the atmosphere in our room changed to utter joy, as she shared that Emma is the most delightful, joy-filled child that they can't even imagine not having her in their lives.  Indeed, Emma brought "good news of great joy" to their world.

Immediately, I understood Holy Spirit's word to us....."And, Emma is like us -- we were abandoned and unwanted and God adopted us into His royal family and now we have reasons for UNSPEAKABLE, INEXPRESSIBLE JOY!   Joy doesn't come from success, circumstances or a lack of adversity (we've ALL known adversity).  It's a gift that comes from spending time with the ONE who created it, the ONE whose grace and love gave us His JOY.    May you know that JOY that comes from KNOWING Him today!

DO NOT Be Afraid

Pre-electricity era – can you imagine the terror the shepherds experienced when the dark skies became brilliant when the angel appeared to them?   But the angel gave them solace when he said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that will be for all the people."(Luke 2:10).  Those terrifying moments  were replaced with good news and great joy. The first words the angel spoke were words of comfort and words of command: "Do not be afraid."

It doesn't sound like a suggestion to me.  "Do NOT be afraid."  Why does God COMMAND us not to be afraid when every day there are situations that occur and it seems impossible NOT to fear? When my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer, we wrestled with this "command." How do you face your greatest fear in life, and not be afraid?  We found the answer to that question by focusing on the GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that the angel spoke about.  As I think back on those few months that we had remaining with my sweetheart, without doubt -- we did experience GREAT JOY in the midst of doctor's appointments, treatments, six surgeries, pain, and discomfort. We laughed. We celebrated life.  We embraced each other and we embraced our friends and family like never before.  It is possible to have peace and joy, like the shepherds had, right in the middle of the darkest night.

What is bringing you fear today? Christmas can't be a happy time for everyone. Many people are facing debilitating illness, financial stress, or may be facing this Christmas alone for the first time. But listen once again to the angel's words...."Do not be afraid -- I bring you good news of great joy!" There is good news. There is great joy. That news is for ALL people -- you and me -- no matter what we may be facing. Whatever your circumstances are this year, focus on the face of God and be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas. It isn't really about all the things the world has made it to be. It is about the good news of great joy. Picture the God of the universe handing you his Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hear him say, "Don't be afraid of anything….ever. I give you joy. I give you peace. I give you comfort. I give you hope. I give you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY!  I give you JESUS."
#GoodNews #GreatJoy #DoNotBeAfraid