Psalm 8 ~ what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings^{[than God and the angels]}
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!


This is the time of year things begin to slow down again. The loved ones and loved guests depart. The house grows quieter. The Christmas lights sparkle. The gratitude in our Church tradition, 12 days of Christmas remain, until The Visit of the Magi - Epiphany, January 6th. And I am not ready for the Christmas lights to be taken down. Tonight we traveled to the country to sit with friends and watch a bonfire. The sparks made a better glow than any firework display. God gives us majesty in small glimpses. This is a time of year life and routine will arrive. As we get older, cold, even in the subtropics, seeps into our bodies with little appreciation.

And yet this is a wonderful time to to enjoy home and hearth. The blessing of dominion, not being in the iron age as David was. The work of God's hand enjoying the blessings of light on an early dark, winter evening. The appreciation for His works under our feet in the warmth of the house. Not the kerchief of "Night Before Christmas", nor the night cap.

What is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

So many blessings to be grateful for.

1 John 1:5
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Psalm 16:9
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure

Hebrews 12:28
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe

Psalm 122:8
For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”





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Malachi 3 ~ Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

Photo by Jannelle Loewen, Fireworks Oaks Park



Malachi 3

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.^{[and they will belong to the Lord in bringing their offers of righteousness]} 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.


6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ 8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer^{[Probably a name for some crop-destroying pest]} for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.

13 “Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ 14 You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? 15 And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”


16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. 17 “They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 18 Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.


Behold, to be a land of delight, to be called blessed by the Lord of Hosts, to what shall we aspire?

We rely upon the Lord's gracious favor. His willingness to be forgiveness. His Steadfast Love and Mercy. As we stand on New Year's Eve, we willingly ask for the windows of heaven to open and pour down a blessing until there is no more need.

What kind of offering shall we give HIM? May the words of my lips and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to You, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.


Luke 18:13
The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

2 Kings 22:19
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD.

1 Peter 3:4
Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.


How shall we approach the LORD. Isaiah wondered.

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."


Micah 6:7-8
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

1 Corinthians 7:35
I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

Hebrews 10:23-25
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Acts 16:1-40
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. ...

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.


“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him."


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Revelation 22 ~ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Revelation 22

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes,^{[do his commandments]} so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus bewith all.^{[the saints]} Amen.


Trustworthy and true, in Jesus Christ, we have begun eternity today. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. And still, the best is yet to unfold. We shall see again those we love, who live in Him, on the shores of the crystal water.

The Tree of Life began in the beginning of Heaven.  This particular Tree exists today in His Kingdom. The leaves of the tree heal the nations.

The saints enter the city by the gates. There are 12 gates each made from a single pearl.

Matthew 13:45
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

Jesus knew and spoke of His Kingdom. The Lord God will be their light.

Revelation 21:21
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.

John heard and saw these things. When he heard and saw them, he fell down to worship. Jesus testified to you about these things for His Churches. Let us participate in His Church. The grace of the Lord Jesus says Come.

Let us fall down and worship You, Lord Jesus in the Spirit of Truth.

Come, Lord Jesus!



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Psalm 34 ~ Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

"The objective of all dedicated employees is thoroughly analyze all situations, anticipate all problems, obtain answers, and swiftly move into solutions. However, when you are up to your rear in alligators, it is difficult to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp."

Psalm 34

Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.

I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
21 Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.


Who is Abimelech? This particular King was David's ~ Employer. A Philistine King. So we would be absolutely correct in saying this Psalm is David singing about escaping a bad boss.

This particular Abimelech referred to is a King of the Philistines. Achish, referred to as Abimelech or Achimelech in the title of Psalm 34 "father/leader of a king; my father/leader, a king" was a common name of the Philistine kings.

Pressed to the wall? Bad day? The Scriptures record David was given Ziglak. Which more or less sounds like a name for some terrible sci-fi space outpost. And you would not be far from wrong. David lived, just about in a ditch, with the 400 men who would follow him for one year and four months. Who said being a Christian, a follower of God, is easy?



Pilgrimage, hiking Ziklag, part of the Negev desert and semi-desert region of southern Israel.
Archaeological explorations reveal some of the earliest presence in Ziklag is early Israel.


This is the Christmas season and in the Christmas Event we have a priest confronting God and rather than grab the horns of the altar he was standing beside for protection (a God thing in the Temple), John the Baptist's father grabs so-to-speak the horns of Gabriel, not to blow in celebration, but to demand details and scoffs at an Angel of GOD, who stands in HIS Presence. Well, back to David. David is confronted with all types of pressures. Governmental issues becoming criminal issues, marital issues, neighbor issues, wrong crowd issues, housing issues, transportation issues and self-management issues and macromanagement issues. David looked for God to provide the opportunity for a solution. We determine our hopefulness and hostility levels in our humble willingness to examine God's direction our lives. David was always willing to examine the options God was willing to provide.

David is being pursued by Saul back and forth, Saul is even killing priests. No one in Israel is particularly thrilled with Saul. Just about all of Israel is waiting for David. And David understands not to kill Saul,  an anointed King of Israel. What he does to Saul, will be done to himself.

Luke 6:31
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Now one of the things interesting about Scripture, when we are learning from Scripture there is a very bright LIGHT. This particular light is a Mirror. Had David killed Saul, he had set up an empire of coup. And he has displayed a need of Self over peace. Which brings us to the other time David brings up Abimelech. Scripture after all is Prophesy. And prophecy moves back and forth across the millenniums. Abimilech was the Judge, in the Book of Judges, killed in battle & not recorded as being a good Judge of Israel. David uses the example, later, of Abimilech in the decision to kill Uriah in battle. Nathan tells David he has brought violence into his own family. 

David is used as an example to us, not just of one who is loved by GOD. But to not grow tired of  SEEKING PEACE and PURSUIT of  PEACE.

This beautiful poetic Psalm is written by a youngish, victorious David. He absolutely rejoices in Victory over being a fugitive, a cave and ditch dweller, and becomes soft. He tells himself God might not comment, David puts Self over Peace. David is also a supreme example of Peace being sought - in rapid currents of the waves life throws at us. He is the epitome of innocent as a dove, wise as a serpent. How can anyone ever say the Scriptures are not excellent examples of the curves, the hairpin turns life delivers. For example, the disciples of Jesus in the boat swamped by waves.

For us the Sciptures again remind us - David has great joy getting out of being a Philistine employee!

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Ecclesiastes 11:1
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
(We used to say this a lot in my childhood, Cast your bread upon the waters, it will come back to you.)

Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.


I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.




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Hebrews 2:5-18 ~ and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery

 Here am I and the children the Lord has given me





Hebrews 2:5-18


For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere,

“What is man, that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned him with glory and honor,^{[and set Him over the works of your hands]}
8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.”

Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,^{[brothers and sisters]} 12 saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”

And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Parenting.
This job is not for the feint at heart.
Feint regards to the discipline of swordsmanship & fencing. Feints are maneuvers designed to distract or mislead, done by stealth.

What do Christians want to give their children?

~ bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect

We would, of course, like our children to perfectly love Him.

~ left nothing outside his control.

We want very strongly for Jesus not to be ashamed to call them brothers


And when we look at His Story we see, in the line of Jesus Christ, faith weaves in and out of the generations. Very fortunately for us, we are part of the living and eternal promises Jesus gives us. Remembering this passage is about Jesus and His Salvation.


John 1:16-18
16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.


Luke 18:1,7, 9, 16
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt


What in life is iffy about Christianity? Not much. Tell your children. Preach the Gospel!  And if you have to, use words. 


16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God."

~ For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come

2 Samuel 23:2

"The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.

John 16:33
"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."

A drunken man gets on the bus late one night, staggers up the aisle, and sits next to an elderly woman. She looks the man up and down and says, "I've got news for you. You're going straight to hell!" The man jumps up out of his seat and shouts, "Man, I'm on the wrong bus!"

Parenting was never easy. God chose to take the most important burden upon Himself. Remember to pray daily and bless your children. God loves them.


Romans 5
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.


Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.





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Psalm 57 ~ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

Angels found painted in the Cathedral of Seville, Spain

Shepherds in the Field, painted by Nicolaes Berchem. Detail of the angels.

Jesus with the Angels, Artist Unknown. Beautiful.

Shepherds in the Field, painted by Nicolaes Berchem.

The Nativity, painted by Gerard van Honthorst

Psalm 57


Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!

4 My soul is in the midst of lions;
I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!

6 They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way,
but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
8 Awake, my my glory!^{[my whole being]}
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!


God is exalted in the Shepherds hearing His Good News and saying:

The shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us!”

The shepherds shook off fear and wanted more of HIM and His glory.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.



for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.

Matthew 2:12-14
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt




He will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!

Luke 13:32
He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'




He will send from heaven and save me

Matthew 26:42
He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."




Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!

Matthew 27:45-54
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”


Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.




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John 20 :1-8 ~ Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb..

John 20:1-8

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”

 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.

 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed

Christmas, like this passage, is about an event seemingly over.

The real gift of Christmas is Jesus willing to join us in our human condition. Jesus willing to wade into the fray. To experience the death of friends. To feel the pain. We always think of Elijah and the gentle soft whisper.

1 Kings 19:9-15
There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.

And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way."

And I wondered why wasn't the LORD in the great, strong wind. The earthquake. And wasn't the voice of the LORD a continuation.

The way of the Lord is this:

Mark 7:31-37
31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”


And astonished beyond measure, John writes in the Twentieth Chapter - John believes. NOW, THAT IS ASTONISHING. John believed when all was literally lost. An event influencing every waking moment of his life and writings.

Elijah was so shaken, he had lived in that day a huge wind of fire, an earthquake of events. He needed a gentle voice. The deaf man had, all of his days, seen events as confused and veiled to him. Jesus drew him aside to spend time making this man's healing completely tailored him. GOD takes time for us.


Christmas is this - the word of the Lord came to me. In our quiet moments, in our earthquake, in our great wind, in confusion - clarity. “He has done all things well."


John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."






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Mark 13:24-27 ~ send out the angels

Mark 13:24-27

²⁴ "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, ²⁵ and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. ²⁶And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷ And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.


Angels - with the return of '80's nostalgia, maybe you remember the Christmas Angel craze of the 80's. I have participated in it in a big way and continue today. I saw photos of the New York Met tree in the 80's and have endeavored to do my best with our Christmas tree.


Met tree photos....

And I've had help with my angel tree project from family, my mom (of course) and friends. Even Church parties where the ornament is wrapped and distributed without anyone knowing what the ornament was - mine turns out to be an angel. My great-aunt Eloise had beautiful lace she collected for decades and my cousin Maxine gave it to my mom and to me. So our store bought angels have additions of beautiful lace and gold trim and acrylic paint applied to their clothes.

Not to mention the baseball angel, the football angel, the '99 Spencer doggy went to heaven photo in angel frame, the paper dinner plate angel, the valentine doily angel, the mother's day out angel, musical and medieval mosaic angels, red and white checked art deco angel, renaissance metal angel, pastel- paper- mache WWII plump Shirley Temple musical angels found in the attic of our second home, and - you get the idea. My sons even to this day look for the two angels repainted to look like them at age 5. They enjoyed placing their angel higher than the sibling's and sometimes the tree began to sway as that angel climbed heaven wards to 'higher' glory.

But in the middle of beautiful art - there is one thing I really long to see - an angel on the tree not looking like she is dressed to have High Tea with Queen Victoria. What about the real angels that the heart- stopping reaction is - O.M.G.


Luke 2:8-14

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"


Christmas is not just a reminder of God choosing to become part of our lives, but Christmas is the joyous reminder - we are going Home. All of the Christmas joy and Christmas hassle - our Alpha and Omega are in Jesus Christ. This life is just part of the plan for eternity - beginning today.


2 Peter 1:17
For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

2 Corinthians 3:10
For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory.

2 Corinthians 1:22
and He has also set His seal upon us, and has put His Spirit into our hearts as a pledge and foretaste of future blessing.

Handel Messiah Hallelujah 1000 Choir Chorus
70th BPMC of Anniversary 7th Church Choir Festival.
John Hong, Organist (Hyun Il Hong : 홍현일)
Graduate Juilliard

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John 1 ~ the Light shines

A country Church Christmas

The Church of the Nativity celebrates Christmas Day in Bethlehem - Link

John 1:1-14,17,29-35 ~ (Today's New International Version)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."

32 Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One."

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"


This is is my favorite chapter of the Bible, John 1. The gospels written by Mark and John are sometimes compared without kindness, at Christmas, to the narrative of Jesus Christ's birth written beautifully in Luke and Matthew. But actually Mark speaks of a wilderness wanting to be tamed and John speaks of light coming out of darkness. Isn't this the deepest desire for Jesus Christ?

Christmas can bring forth all of our deepest longings. Matthew begins with an engagement, the most important choice in life. Luke begins with a barren priest. God addresses all of these concerns by reaching out to hear, to heal, to love and to care. For all of our seasons in life, God is part of them. Just as God watched, with love, each day of Jesus' life on earth, the Light continues to shine for us.

The Peace of God always be with you.

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Psalm 26 ~ O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.

Proverbs 33

Be lighted with the light of life.

Psalm 26

1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.

4 I do not sit with men of falsehood,
nor do I consort with hypocrites.
5 I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O Lord,
7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.

8 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house
and the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 in whose hands are evil devices,
and whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12 My foot stands on level ground;
in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.

I am just old enough to remember when Christmas purchasing, and playing Santa, for my younger brother changed. Used to be when Christmas toys were purchased - someone assembled the toys for free for the buyer. Then times changed - the buyer paid an extra fee to have the bicycle or toy assembled. And finally, no assembly was offered.

Life is always assembly required. We have choices to make for every decision in life. David is asking for Prayer to be answered from the Lord in Palm 26.

One of the most vivid sermons I remember, from my childhood - a sermon on prayer; Father Ted said as a father to a teenager, his son made a request for something just about every time he walked into the house. Sometimes it was for an errand, school related, friend requirement or a particular something to eat. Father Ted knew when something serious was being discussed and attention was required when his son spoke earnestly. Father Ted said he could usually answer his teenager while reading the mail and walking through the room, without a lot of deep thought. Yet Father Ted knew if his son began an earnest petition, he was going to have to sit down, make eye contact and give thought to the request and the conversation.

Father Ted said we should, as Christians, be in prayer conversation with God all the time, and importantly when we really need God’s attention in prayer, we should remember to thank Him for the good gifts we have in life. Be able to point out to Him our endeavor to grow in ways pleasing Him. Psalm 26 is a guide to prayer by David, a man with Scripture calling him the apple of God's eye.

Life is assembly required ~ about choices pleasing God, who Loves. So much.

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