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Morning Devotional...



Where Is The Awe
by Judy B

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Luke 2:8–18 (KJV)

I have spent a lot of time this Christmas thinking about the birth of the Christ.  What has happened to Christmas?  Yes it has become commercialized, with Santa as the focus, but that has never taken the joy of Christ's birth from me before.  The Christ was always my focus, but the spark that made this a favourite celebration was gone.

Yes there has been the celebrations, at church and school pageants, but the joy had gone in watching these performances.   They were reduced to cutsie and repetitious.  

Is that what Christmas has become?  Cutsie and repetitious?  Why was this, was it just in my soul or did I see it in the eyes of others.  Christmas concerts should be about the birth of Christ, but the programmers of one concert said, "The people don't want all that 'Christmas stuff in a concert.'"  Is this the same as I had been feeling?

Where is the awe that is reflected in the shepherds visit to the manger?  They fell on their knees in front of him...This is a celebration of the Christ! The Son of the I Am!  Have our senses become so dulled and eroded that we don't see His Gift and the awesomeness of it?   This is THE Christ, the One and only Christ, our Saviour and our Lord.  

Let us reflect on the message of the shepherds, renew that sense of awe, and go and do likewise.


And when they had seen it ( the Baby), they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Thank you  Pat.

What a wonderful devotional this week, Judy!  Wonderful message.

Oh, that we might all keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ, who came into this world with one main purpose and that was to die--for my sins--and for yours!

Judy, I didn't know you were such a polished writer! That was beautiful and well spoken.

The shepherds that you referred to and their awesome journey is a wonderful lesson for us all. Your devotional reminds me of my favorite Christmas Carol! May the reason for the season draw us all to Jesus Himself.

Yes, we got to the Stevenson Christmas dinner and had a wonderful time!  There were 25 of us.  The food was great with turkey and ham and all the extras.  The kids exchange gifts.  The men exchange gifts and the women exchange homemade gifts...that's why I made two calenders for Ivalou and I to exchange with the other women.  The two women loved the calenders.  I got a reed diffuser that Angie made 'jackets' for for the different seasons...spring, fall, Christmas and winter.  Neat idea! 

It is one of those nights.  I got up for the bathroom and tossed and turned for an hour.  Got up and here I am.  I think I can go back to sleep now!  The alarm will go off at 7am!

I have to run the overhead projector system tomorrow at church so will be going in early.  Neighbor Jane is taking Ivalou and I will bring her home...if she doesn't think it will be too slick to go! 

Then if Ivalou goes, I will bring her back home after Sunday School and I will have fast food somewhere and go swimming.  Kitty may meet me...may not! 

No Makena Grace yet.  Labor is to be induced at 8am today!

Have a great Lord's Day!!

Lovely devotional today, Judy.  Thanks.  If only we could recapture that feeling of awe at the holy season once again.  I want to become as a little child again, and experience the wonder of hearing the beautiful story as if for the very first time.

Marilyn, I'm so sorry about Gilbert treating you this way.  Just pray for him, that his own kids won't do him this way some day in the future.  These generational curses have to be broken, and let's stop them with US.  You have the Lord as your Savior, and even though painful, you can bear this; whereas, someone who doesn't know Him might resort to "pay back" sometime.  I have spent many hours crying over hurts inflicted by family members, so I'm not making light of the situation.  But we never go wrong when we respond in love.  {{{hugs}}} and blessings to you.

I have especially been enjoying the blessed songs of Christmas this year.  Thanks for posting What Child is This? Pat.  I guess I finally did something right, because it played this time!  

I have run out of Christmas cards, so think I will go hunting for left-over ones from previous years, as I need to send a few more.  I got 40 with photos on them, but they didn't go very far.  Hmmmm........  When I am up to it, I will go and adress Beth's for her, too.  I did get John's gift (a GPS) wrapped and addressed yesterday, and Darrel went to the P.O. and mailed it, so that's one item off my to do list!  

Hello there, Paul!  Good to see your face again, hope you aren't fighting too much snow.  We don't have any snow at all here in our corner of Kansas just now.

Pat, Hope you are feeling good again.

Hi everyone.  I really slept in this morning and Pat is still sleeping.  Sunday is the one day I don't get out early and go to coffee with the retired men.  I am ready for church.  We will have the choir this morning to help with hymns and the choral response at the send but we have a soloist in the anthem spot. 

We are chilly down here but have seen no snow, which is just as I like it.  I see the news about the heavy snow and feel fortunate to have ended up here in Georgia.  We can get some snow but it never stays on very long.  Our big thing is ice storms that knock out the power but haven't had one of those for several years.

Judy, thanks for the fine devotional for this week.  I sometimes wonder why people who have no belief in our Saviour even celebrate the Christmas holiday.  If the schools won't even let the name of God be mentioned then why the Christmas vacation period?  Anyway, very good comments you gave us for the coming week.

Paul, nice to see you post today.  If you can post you must have heat and that is good.  Did you get a lot of snow in Falls Church?

Janet, sorry to read that you haven't been feeling well and sure hope you are on the path to recovery. 

Etta Sue, that is a beautiful graphic of the wreath. 

Marilyn, sorry that your plans are not pleasing to your son.  Please remember that anger just hurts the person feeling it and does nothing to change the situation.  We cannot know the other person's mind.  I find that if I stay in today and protect my peace of mind my life goes a lot smoother.

Pat, nice to see you posting.

Carol, so sorry to read of the cancer that your cousin has.  It sure doesn't sound very good.  It sure seems as the height of irresponsibility to refuse to follow specific instructions that the roads are not safe and insist on continuing.  If they were to get caught in a drift they would expect someone else to risk their lives to come and help them. 

Jeanne, North Carolina has snow but it doesn't stay on as long as it does up North.  However, I would think in the Asheville area they would get quite a bit of snow since they are in the mountains. 

Judy, thank you for that beautiful devotional! 

Great devotional Judy I had no Idea you could express  the subject so eloquently, but then you are so full of the Lord that it is no surprise to me.

Janet I feel better this morning and that   revenge thing kinda interrupted my prayers
for  them. I thought about  taking their gifts and dropping them off outside their gate then calling them  and telling them where they were. But that was a crazy thought that I kicked out immediately.

My DIL has MS so I know all this cooking and stress  is going to effect her too.  I could drive down on Christmas morning and probably come back on Saturday. But the point my son was making is that they wanted to have their own Christmas just themselves on Christmas morning.

In previous years while I was still living down there, my son and the kids would come to my house for about an hour on Christmas eve sometimes Sarah would come if she wasn't busy cooking or resting. Then I wouldn't see them again until we were all together at her parent's house.

Christmas  is chaos at her parents, with the 4 grands and the rest of the extended family there. The kids are tearing into the presents and can't wait for the next present to tear open. I  like to give them  what is from me, while it is just us, that way they can appreciate what I have given them.

They hand out all the presents at once so   the kids don't know who gave what to them. This year I am giving Savannah a necklace and earring set that was mine but is her birthstone. I think that is kinda special. Forest is getting a book of paper airplanes that  was here at Keith's house. Both are getting a tub of 3 kinds of fudge and a mini Banana bread.

Anyway  I called my friend Willa, and  I feel like I am intruding on her Christmas with her family,. But she said  I can stay there if there is room, it depends on how many of her family show up. I would still drive down on Thursday afternoon. I have been part of some of her family functions since 2003. She and I  went to Curves every day for 2½ years and I first met her  my first day attending the church right after I moved  to McKinleyville. She is going to let me know on Wednesday.

Good Morning ...
Judy, you have expressed exactly what I have been feeling lately.  It astounds me to see the focus of so many on material things, and what they can get, rather than on the true meaning of Christmas.  In fact, it makes my heart hurt.  All the fuss and frenzy of shopping, cooking, gift giving ... and disappointment at not getting something "expected."  I also hear, so often, that this is the time of year for most unhappiness, depression, and family fueds to blossom.  I don't understand. 

Well, anyway, what I meant to write was how much I appreciate your devotional thoughts for this week.  I wish pray each one of us will recognize the true reason for the season this year.

Well said Judy. Christmas has eroded in the hearts of mankind to the point of commercialism and the real meaning for the season has become second place and sadly to say this has also crept into the Christian circles. Throughout the year churches and the people who attend them to often try to bring Christ to the level of a buddy rather than Lord and King as He is. I often see people give more respect and honour to man than they do to the Lord. I appreciate your devotional this week Judy. I think it is right on target. Stay focused on Him and not the world.

Marilyn, I can't help but believe the Lord is allowing these roadblocks to be put before you in order to prevent you from making that trip.  Please take some quiet time with the Lord and let Him show you what He would have you do. 

Y'know, Jeanne, I believe you have something there.  It really does seem Marilyn has met with many snags in her plans to travel to California. 

Marilyn, this is good advice from Jeanne ....

Now folks, I really am NOT looking for kudos here, but I posted about the program at my kids' church last Sunday, which I considered outstanding in today's commercialized society.  Nobody made a comment on it, so I am wondering if anybody even read it??  I think it is encouraging, so scroll back to a week ago and have a look, if you want.    And if not, then........oh, well.

It is wonderfully warm here today, unbelievable for December!  WOW!   

Grandson Mark is here using our band saw.  He is making a pedal airplane for little Alexis. 

Folks, I believe the post Janet means is HERE.  Just click on that and read about the program Abby took part in. 

Janet, I'm sorry I didn't comment on it before.  It must have been a very moving and touching program and one which hopefully got through to more than just the young people participating, but those watching as well.

Janet  see there are a lot of posts that  don't get commented on, I'm sure they are all ready though, I am guilty of reading that post about Abby's performance and didn't comment either. Forgive me. please.

Jeanne and Jane,  I will definitely take it to the Lord in prayer and  go from there. As it is I left a message on Gilbert's phone that  will see them at Ann's (Sarah's mom) and that I respect  their plans.

Judy:  Our sermon this morning was on the Wonder of Christmas and just what you wrote about - --talk about being on the same wavelength!  The question was asked of do you see the awe, do you see the joy?  After, we were walking out and everyone said "Merry Christmas" to each other - how wonderful to say it - and not hear one "Happy Holiday". 

Don was able to listen to a guitar playing singer and heard every note - pianos are not good for him but this was super.  It is just great.  We had a nice temp of 20* F and it was so refreshing at dawn going into church - it does wake us up. 

My high school friend who fell off a ladder wrote from Oregon - she can't walk for at least 12 weeks.  She is newly widowed and I think financially challenged after husbands long illness - yet filled with praise for life. 

I am reading a Karen Kingsbury audio book, should say listening to it - about Sept. 11th. Twin Towers.  Usually, I don't care for her writing but this is an exceptional story.  We should never forget.

Janet:  We cut up our cardboard and take it to a recycle bin, and put glass, plastic & a ton of so much into a laundry basket that they take every other week.  Newspapers & junk mail - yes, we are careful not to have info in all.     Otherwise, we donate things we no longer use to the nearest Goodwill. 

Janet Abby's program was very similar to the one the children put on at church this morning.  About the real meaning of Christmas.  I'm sorry I didn't comment, I did read and was touched.

We were at our pastors home tonight with 3 other couples.  The food was terrific and we enjoyed getting to know the other couples.

We are just sitting relaxing tonight.  Have a great evening everyone and God Bless.

It's been a very quiet day here in my apartment. Y'all can rest assured that every post is really meaningful to me, even if I don't say anything.

Have a great rest of the day.

Really nice devotional, Judy...I have felt this dilemma. I look at Christmas suspiciously. Christ is the hope and reason we are here and it seems like the world (in general) has passed up this magnificent-most importance of Christmas-Christ above all else...

Good Monday morning to you all!  Thanks for re-reading and commenting on the program we saw and heard.  My only reason for mentioning it again was that we are discussing the meaning of Christmas, and I thought it fit.

There are many posts which aren't commented on, and that's fine; that wasn't my motivation at all.  Most of the time I don't expect any comments, after all, we are just sharing our ordinary (and extraordinary!) lives here; no comment necessary,  It was just so refresghing to hear a children's program putting the whole emphasis on the true story and meaning of Christmas, including the plan of salvation.  Praise God! (And thanks, Jeanne for putting in the link._  

Ruth Ann, how I wish I were there (or you here) to just give you a big hug, then sit for a cuppa and a nice visit.  Bless you, my friend.  This reminds me of that book A Cup of Christmas Tea.  Remember that?  I liked it.

Carol, wonderful news that Don could hear and enjoy the guitar music!  God is good.

I am hoping to be able to get out and finish up a few things by tomorrow.  I'll soon be out of time for getting more done for Christmas!  But I keep saying, "What I don't get done just won't get done."  And in the grand scheme of things, will it really matter?

Beth has such a generous heart, but very limited monetary rescources.  She wants to give gifts to the family, so that is a puzzle for her.  As I was working on cleaning out her house, I set aside things I know her sisters, nephews, etc. will enjoy, and asked her if she would like me to wrap them as Christmas gifts.  She agreed happily!  So her lovely collection of cookbooks are going to bless other homes, some of the toys she was given (she has so many stuffed animals and Noah's Ark things) are going to bless babies and children of her friends.  This has been a labor of love, as I know these things will be treasured, being given out of Beth's need.  I am about finished with this now.  

Now to get those cards I found (and made) addressed and ready to mail.........

Our Christmas plans have changed.  Doug's family cannot attend on Christmas Day, so we are looking at changing all future plans with family.  We are discussing having everyone over on Christmas Eve with a buffet table instead of a big dinner.  That frees everyone up to do as whey want on Christmas day.  There will be no hurt feelings or upset.  As far as this year goes, we are so thankful that Doug is in our lives that we are not fretting about the change. 

Today will be a broken up day.  John has a doctor's appointment, so into North Bay yet again.  I am hoping to stay home for the balance of the week.....we'll see if that happens.  Kids have a way of changing your plans.  Thing is it costs 1/4 tank of gas every trip into the bay, and even though the cost is somewhat down it still is a $60 fillup.

Kassie is at her brothers.  Doug picked her up at about 8:00, she stayed for a couple of songs and because we don't agree with dances, she called to go home.  She is showing some integrity I think.

I have to run everyone is up and we have things to do.

Have a great day everyone.

Hi everyone.  It is a truly beautiful day here in Georgia.  A bit chilly but the sky is clear.  The housekeeper is here today so things will be ready for Christmas when our children are here. 

Today I have to take Pat clear across Atlanta to see the eye specialists regarding taking care of her cataracts.  Her vision has become very distorted so she has decided it is time to have them taken care of.  It is Interstate most of the way so shouldn't be too bad.

Janet, I assure you I read all of the postings but often don't try to comment on specific things or I would have extremely long postings, not that they aren't anyway.  That was a wonderful idea as to Christmas gifts from Beth. 

Judy, it is nice that you all can be flexible on your Christmas plans.

Carol, our Cantata this year was called the Wonder of the Season.  Our director is very careful to select very meaningful cantatas and anthem that we sing all year.  The Cantata had reading of the Christmas story integrated in it between the number.  Sure glad that Don was able to enjoy the service.

Marilyn, I am happy to see you have reconciled your situation.  I would doubt that your son was trying to hurt you but rather deal with some other issues and pressures he may have been feeling.  It will be as it is intended to be.  Enjoy whatever time you will have with your family.  This is what we have had to do for many years.

Jane, I liked your comments on Christmas and I agree with you. 
   

I, so very much, enjoy reading the posts from all!
My husband, Everett, and I were one of the couples who enjoyed the dinner and fellowship, with JudyB and her husband , John. Yes we had a wonderful time and learned more about our pastor's time in Liberia and the joys of seeing God work out the many difficulties they encountered.
My son, Rhett is due, by train from Toronto, at twelve thirty-five, to spend Christmas with us, so I have to run in a few minutes.
Here is a little poem I put in our Christmas letter, this year. It conveys so much of what everyone here has been saying!


God's blessing to you all this Christmas season.

Thank you Ruth, We need to get together more often.

I am leaving soon.  We let the fire die last night and it was cleaned out this morning.  Brrrr it is still cold in the house.  I can't wait to get into the car where it will be warm!  but first a HOT shower and take the chill out of these old bones!

One of the cabs that a broker Doug works for had an accident last night.  Doug is to spend time fixing it.  His plans for today have changed to fix the cab,  From what I understand no one was hurt.  He does the extra things for this broker, I just hope the broker appreciates it and doesn't take advantage of him.

Well GTG, I will be back later this evening.  May each of you be kept safely in the palm of His hand.

Our Community is reeling from an accident that killed a horse, demolished the buggy and seriously injured the driver.  The newspaper report makes it sound like the buggy driver was in the wrong, when in reality the car was traveling at such a great speed that he ran into the back of the buggy with such an impact that it killed the horse that was pulling the buggy.

QuotePOWASSAN — A Powassan man has been airlifted to Sudbury hospital after the buggy he was riding collided with a car.

The Ontario Provincial Police say the accident occurred at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday on Memorial Park Drive.

Police say an eastbound 2008 Nissan Altima driven by Robert Gray, 71, of Memorial Park Drive, collided with an eastbound horse and buggy operated by Omar Eicher, 61, of Chiswick Line.

Eicher was taken by ambulance to North Bay and District Hospital but was later airlifted to Sudbury with criticial injuries.

Gray was taken to North Bay and District Hospital with minor injuries.

Memorial Park Drive was closed for five hours following the collision which remains under investigation by the Technical Traffic Collision Investigation Unit.

The car driver has been reported to the police numerous times, and still drives with careless speed and no concern to others.

The Mennonite man who was injured is in Hospital and community members are taking his family to see him on a daily basis.  This is a 2 and a half hour drive from here.

Please be praying for the family.  Also the Mennonite community .  They don't have health insurance either, so there will be a financial burden to be born.

Also the accident was witnessed by a a busload of school children who were traumatized at seeing the dead horse.  Please pray for these children as well.

One of our church members witnessed the accident and was able to help out at the scene.  He has been instrumental in getting volunteers to drive the family to Sudbury.

Makena is here!  Labor was induced yesterday morning at 8am but little Makena still took her time.  Her birthday was yesterday, December 20th at 9:50pm!  She weighed in at 9lbs. 7ozs. and 21½" long.  Mother and baby doing fine!  Makena is my step-great-granddaughter...Charlene's daughter, Audrey's baby.  Charlene is Tony, my son's wife.  Now you got it!

I was going to go swimming after church yesterday but Kitty had a headache so I came home after lunch.  I got lots of things done so it was worthwhile.  We are looking forward to swimming tomorrow afternoon. 

Since Makena made her appearance, I got my calenders all printed this morning.  Kaye Don's is in the mail.  Ivalou has hers.  Tony's is ready and all of Ivalou's family's are in envelopes and under her Christmas tree. 

Now I want to make key rings for Audrey and Charlene with Makena's picture on them.  You use printable Shrinky Dink from Hobby Lobby or other craft stores.  Hope I can do that this afternoon. 

Busy today and lunch is late. 

Kitty has written to me saying what all she has to do yet.  And even questioning..is it worth it?  I asked her to make a list after Christmas of what she did that she thought others appreciated.  An Appreciation List.  Then next year...only do those things.  If someone says, I really missed so and so that you used to do/have, then add it back to the list.  Just because you have always done everything, doesn't mean you still have to do them.  As the families grow, they need to make their own traditions.  If you do everything, then you are not letting them make their own. 

The commercial part of Christmas is so stressful to me.  I don't like the hustle bustle, the card mailing, the gift buying, the wrapping, the family juggling, etc. but I love Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day spending time with family.  Just wish all material gifts were abolished.  We have already received the greatest gift ever...Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, born in a manger in a barn for us.

Quote from: Etta Sue on December 21, 2009, 01:21:50 PM

I don't like the hustle bustle, the card mailing, the gift buying, the wrapping, the family juggling, etc. but I love Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day spending time with family.  Just wish all material gifts were abolished.  We have already received the greatest gift ever...Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, born in a manger in a barn for us.

Etta Sue .... I totally agree!

Congratulations !!