Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

Only two days until Christmas (counting today)!  Can you believe we are coming to the end of this history-making year?  Do we even remember what life was like before the pandemic hit?  Can we imagine life returning to normal any time soon? I think we still need to take this plague very seriously.  The more we try to "do" life as normal - gathering for public events, getting together socially - the longer this blasted thing is going to drag on. Celebrating Christmas during a pandemic is still possible!  We put a lot of pressure on Christmas.  The get-togethers, the food, the cookies and candy, the pine trees, the decorations - these are all supposed to make us feel "up" and brighter.  And to some extent, they do. But not this year.  I'm just not "into" the festivities as much.  You?  However, when I get my focus off of what is "missing" this Season, I remind myself what this holiday is really about.  The birth of the Messiah.  He has not gone

We are all familiar with the three Wise Men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus. One brought gold. The other, frankincense. And the other, myrrh. If you want to learn more about the symbolism of these gifts, you can read more  here. But I want to talk specifically about the gift of gold. What is the "gold" that we bring Him?  What is the most valuable thing that we possess?  Are we giving it, or them, to Jesus to show Him honor and respect? I think of worship.  When we worship the Lord, it is truly golden.  It is precious to Jesus.  When we worship with our whole hearts, it is even more priceless.  He is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and worship.  So when we give Him what is due Him, we are bringing our best to Him.  It is costly because in the flesh, we are not prone to worship God at all.  So it costs us our "natural" inclinations.  It costs us time and attention.  It costs us focus.  Time is precious and valuable.  So when we give of our time to worship Christ

Many years ago, I was part of a wonderful, small, and very loving church.  The pastor's wife was not typical in her appearance or personality.  She was artsy, dressed very fashionably, and was forthright in how she spoke to others.  And she had a great sense of humor!   She wasn't quiet and meek.  Nor was she boisterous or unbecoming. When she spoke, I listened.  She was a friend and I trusted her. Now since it was such a small group of us, she had time to meet up with me whenever I'd ask.  It wasn't often, but when I did, she was there for me. I spent three and a half heavenly years with that fellowship before the Lord moved me to another city. When I told my friend, the pastor's wife, that I felt led to move on, I could tell she was saddened to see me go.  It was clear that she preferred that I stay with them - the fellowship - but she wanted what was best for me.  And she knew that following the Lord was best for me.  Then she spoke such loving words that I will