Another View of Christmas Written by Kimberly Chastain
Christmas is a blessed time and one when we honor birth of our Savior. We often have warm fuzzy feelings when we look at nativity scene. I think we need to take a closer look. Mary, mother of Jesus, gave birth in a cave with animals all around her and really no privacy. Can you imagine smell in cave? She certainly did not have any drugs to relieve pain of childbirth. Some Bible scholars believe Mary was 14 years old. Picture being 14 and giving birth in a cave. All she had was Joseph to be with her, no mother or sisters to comfort her. She was very alone. Yet, she was not alone – God was with her.Mary was trying to recover from childbirth and had to worry about clothes to wrap Son of God in and keep him warm. Mary was exhausted, but greeted by shepherds and angels. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart – Luke 2:19. When Jesus was 8 days old he was circumcised and taken to temple. Listen to what Simeon said to a very young mother still recovering from childbirth “This child is destined to cause falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:34-35. Wow, a sword will pierce your soul. We are not told how Mary reacted, but can only imagine. Often when our children are born it is a very happy time, but Mary was already hearing and knowing what would happen to her son.
| | Are You Hooked to the Power Source?Written by Kimberly Chastain
As Christian’s we are often very independent. We try to do everything and often feel we do everything. Are there times when you are frustrated, tired, irritable, and have no energy? I am not selling you a vitamin supplement, so don’t worry. I have recently realized this past week how little I turn things over to ultimate Power Source - God. Lord, I cannot do this in my own strength. If children argue one more time - I will scream. God, help me to know what to say without screaming. Lord, what is your agenda for me today - you know I all ready have one figured out. Do we see many requests of our children as divine interruptions or just another thing to do on our list?I know often I grow weary and God needs to fill my tank. We fill our tanks with junk food or junk TV for that matter, but do we go to Ultimate Power Source? Do you feel some of things that bother you are really to small to talk with God about or not a big deal? I am convinced that God wants to hear smallest details of our lives. I have found when I share my frustrations with Him I take a deep breath and calm down. I have more patience with my children, spouse, or work situation.
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