Trials of This Life

The Good News Today Is...I am back. After battling with a tooth I ended up triumphant - at least for this battle, yet I think there is a whole war going on in my mouth. It has been a trial to be sure, and I think I am only part way through. However I found this wonderful prayer that says it all.

Father God, Today I am afraid. I look around me at this world that is changing so fast and I feel lost like a small boat in the midst of a storm. I am not built to weather the battering waves or the howling wind. So I wait now in your presence. You spoke the oceans and the four winds into being. You threw the stars in the sky and separated the sea from dry land. You took the hand of Peter who was sinking into the depths of the water and walked him to safety. I choose now to fix my eyes on you and not on the storm. I settle my heart on your love and not on the current that threatens to pull me under. Thank you that you are my firm anchor even through the darkest night, Amen

Source: Written by Sheila Walsh author of "Let it Go"

There is nothing our Father can not handle if we fix our eyes upon Him!

Family Together Again

The Good News Today Is...soon my family will be together for the holidays. My son comes home from college tonight and my daughter will arrive next week-end. I am looking forward to having them here. Sometimes life gets a little crazy when they are all around - but it's a good kind of crazy. I am thankful that my children will all be able to be together with us for Christmas. There are so many that can't travel to be with their families, or soldiers that are stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan that can't come home - I am very blessed to have my family near me. I pray for all of those that will be alone on Christmas Day, may they realize the Spirit of Christ is always with them and they are never truly alone. I pray for those missing their family on Christmas Day, may they find a way to celebrate Christ's birth that is new and meaningful to them. The holidays are not always happy for everyone, I pray for those who find them difficult, may they find peace within their suffering. Once again, I give thanks for the family I have and that I will be able to share the holidays with.

Merry Christmas

The Good News Today Is...we can make a difference. This week I am taking into serious consideration an e-mail I received that begs for a call to action. Instead of complaining that stores and public services only say, "Happy Holidays," take every opportunity to wish all that you meet a "Merry Christmas." Instead of complaining that nativity scenes and religious decorations are prohibited from public places, put a nativity scene up at your house to declare you believe. Instead of complaining about the decisions at the White House to remove all signs of Christ from their Christmas, write them a letter telling them you are praying for them, and then really PRAY for them. Actions speak louder than words and if our actions are geared toward putting Christ back into Christmas, we will make a difference. Somewhere around 80% of the U.S. professes Christianity to some degree. Don't let the actions of the 20% ruin what we believe in! Say Merry Christmas to everyone you meet.

What Should We Do?

The Good News Today Is...we all know what to do. "What should we do then? the crowd asked." (Luke 3:10) John the baptist didn't hesitate - he told the crowd to share with those who have none, to be fair when they are dealing with others, and to be content with all you have. In this way God will sift us and find us worthy. It really isn't so hard to do what you are meant to do. The first thing I would suggest you do is to stop listening to the television advertisements that try to convince you how much more you need to be happy, and open your eyes and ears to those around you. Those who are truly happy are not those who have the most toys - really they aren't. If you wish to find fulfillment and happiness take John's advice. It will be the best Christmas gift you ever give yourself.

Inspiration

The Good News Today Is...inspiration is just around the corner. I have been researching how some of the great hymns and praise music have been written. In almost every case, the most popular and the most sung music was written on a whim of inspiration (from the Holy Spirit I would say!) Many times I have read how the words and the music flowed from the heart. Over and over I have read; "the words came quickly to me", "awakened from sleep the melody came to me", "the inspiration came to me one day". I love to read these stories because I'm certainly not led to write great music or great words, so it fascinates me that people have such profound experiences that cause them to write these beautiful songs for us to sing. When we are singing in church or anywhere, these wonderful hymns and praise songs, we should be mindful of the words and the wonderful melodies. When we sing them from the heart we are engaging in a special worship of our Lord and Savior. Inspiration could be just around the corner for us if we are listening for it!

Opportunity

The Good News Today Is...each day is an opportunity. Today it is raining and there is a chill in the air. I would rather snuggle back into bed and read a good book all day long, but I am committed to a job. I need to get myself going and live up to the commitment I have made. Today I have an opportunity to share God's amazing love and grace with someone I will encounter. If I stayed in bed, that opportunity would go by and I would miss that chance. Each day we meet people at work, in the store, on the street who are starving for love and affection. Today you have an opportunity to fill that void. Let the Holy Spirit guide you to make the most of your opportunities during the day so that you may end your day knowing that you have missed nothing. Today is a good day!

Worship

The Good News Today Is...we were created to worship God!

Hanging of the Greens

The Good News Today Is...we have so many reminders of why Christ is the center of Christmas. As anyone who has been to a traditional Hanging of the Greens service knows, the decorations we place in our homes and our churches are all reminders that Jesus truly is the reason for the season. The Tannenbaum is a symbol of peace and eternal life. A Christian Christmas Tree, represents the Cross on which hung the light of the world, who, when He died, completed His union in love with His church. The Cross reunited earth and sky, God and humanity in love. The lights of the tree represent Jesus, the light of the world; the ornaments represent us, the fruits - the offspring of the union between Jesus and His church. And thus did the Tannenbaum become the Christian Christmas tree. To see more Christian Christmas traditions visit the website of Moore's Chapel where they explain the significance of our traditional decorations in the light of the church.