Daily Stop & Thinks

Christmas Eve

Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries. (George W. Truett, late Baptist pastor)

Truett continues, “He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries.” The Bible says that Jesus is to be crowned “King of kings” and “Lord of lords,” a rather astounding pronouncement about this inauspicious birth under unlikely circumstances. In just two days, we’ll celebrate this God-given royal gift.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Worship

Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts. (Max Lucado, pastor and author)

As we begin this Christmas week, our thoughts often go to that wonderful; historic event of the birth of the baby Jesus. What would it have been like to have been the shepherds who heard that first announcement? Or the Magi who followed that star to find the promised Messiah and give him gifts and worship. We are blessed give our worship and gifts this season in the name of the One who came for us.

[The Magi] saw the child . . . bowed down and worshiped . . . opened their treasures and presented him with gifts. (Matthew 2:11)

Giving

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. (Amy Carmichael, late missionary to India)

It’s the giving season, and our mailboxes are full of pleas for financial help for innumerable worthy causes. Jesus said, “It’s better to give than receive,” but giving just to appease our consciences is an unfulfilling gesture. A much higher motivation, of course, is giving out of a heart of love for God, country, and those whom we can help with a timely gift.

Since you excel in so many ways . . . I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7)

Happiness

[Happiness] is not determined by our circumstances but by our responses to them. (Source unknown)

America’s first “First Lady,” Martha Washington put it this way, “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” So, there we have two ideas about being happy. First, determine to respond positively to your circumstances, and work hard at developing an optimistic outlook on life.

For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)

Perspective

It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe. (Muhammad Ali, late boxing champion)

For some older readers, a prospective mountain hike might be intimidating, but Ali’s point is certainly true. It’s like the sensitive princess who was always disturbed by the pea under the mattress. It’s often the little things that can make life miserable. It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it? We can easily remove the pebble and move on to the important path ahead.

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

The Christmas Spirit

The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. (Thomas S. Monson, late American religious leader)

It’s just one week till Christmas! Has the Christmas spirit overtaken you yet? If so, how does it affect you? Monson challenges us to think more about its real significance than the frivolity of the holiday season. “It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things.”

And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. (Philemon 1:6)

Kindness

Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers. (Kahlil Giban, late Lebanese-American writer)

It’s mid-December, so there might be snow where you are. If it’s fresh, as Giban says, it’s very likely to be beautiful. Unlike snow that may not be so pretty after a thaw, kindness always remains beautiful. Kindness is more that something nice; as Publilius Syrus, an ancient writer said, “You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” Purpose to be kind today.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! (Proverbs 3:3)

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. . .  And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:8)

Resilience

Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit. (Bernard Williams, late English philosopher)

During the difficult years of World War II, scientists were developing all kinds of materials that could be produced cheaply and be more resilient than those currently in use. Synthetic rubber, Dacron, nylon—all kinds of things were created that continue in use today. But yet, as Williams wrote, the human spirit is the most resilient of God’s unique creation.

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:3)

Stand

If you won’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. (Quote attributed to numerous sources)

With the pressures of modern-day life, bombarded on all sides with political debates, tempting commercials, and suggestive media, it may be difficult to know when and how to stand. Are all battles worth fighting? Which arguments are so important that we should risk our reputation, maybe even our lives to stand up for? Prepare now to know when and where to stand.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. (Ephesians 6:14)

Commitment

Habit formation in golf [is] enhanced by solid teaching, devotion, commitment, and the encouragement of others. Make sure all these components are part of . . . your game of life. (Jim Sheard and Wally Armstrong, golf writers)

Even in the early months of winter, golf is often not far from the minds of those who can’t wait until spring. As these authors suggest, there is a lot about golf that could teach us something about life. Surely, sound teaching and commitment are necessary components both of the sport and of life. Forming strong habits of devotion will certainly help you live productively.

Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12)

Growing Up

As we grow up, we begin to see life in a different way. (Pastor Mike Lee)

Lee continues: “Hopefully, we’ll learn what the world is really like and move away from childhood impressions. Maturity gives us a more balanced view of life and helps us to see how we can contribute to it.” Childhood can be a lot of fun with its toys and games, fun play times, and stories that spark our imaginations. It’s a time for growing up, too.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. (1 Corinthians 13:11)

Influence

When you are being kicked in the rear, it must mean you’re in the front. (Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, 20^th century TV spokesman)

It hurts to be criticized or have someone put you down, doesn’t it? We’d rather have a little push forward, some helpful advice, or a word of encouragement. But life isn’t always the way we’d want it to be. Perhaps the bishop’s observation will help. Maybe not everyone is for us, but just to be noticed suggests we’re having some influence in someone’s live.

Those who fear the Lord share freely. . . Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. (Psalm 112:1, 9)