Christmas Eve LiveStream Service!

 Hi Folks,

Below is a link for a livestream Christmas Eve service tonight at 6PM (my family and I will be tuning in!).  Christmas has never seemed like Christmas without a Christmas Eve service for me...It helps me to focus on the True Reason for the season...

LiveStream Christmas Eve Service- Friday 12/24 at 6PM: 

https://opendoorchurch.org/Streaming

Blessings, Grace

The Chosen's Christmas Special!

 Hi Folks,

Below is a Christmas link that I promised to give you all last week.  This is where I got my 'wonder moment'-the moment where the enormity of what Christmas is all about, hit me like a ton of bricks.

  "The Chosen" is a new tv series that has literally taken the world by storm the last 2 years!  It focuses on Jesus' ministry while on earth and their Christmas special this year has been #5 in the box offices in theaters this month.  I've had people go to see it in theaters and they said that it impacted and touched their lives in the most unexpected ways...

Below is a youtube link for their Christmas special: "The Messengers''.  

This would be beautiful to watch as a family tonight! (FYI, If parts do not make sense, they are having some flashbacks to key characters of "The Chosen" series as Mary the mother of Jesus and Mary of Magdalene .)

Merry CHRISTmas!

The Chosen Christmas Special-The Messengers: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QeZnmCEeto

Devot. Let All the Earth Rejoice!

 HI Folks,

Merry Christmas!!! I hope each of you have a very blessed Christmas remembering and celebrating our Savior's birthday.

I have a conglomeration of a number of things below.....

I'm aware that Christmas is not always an easy time for everyone..

Below is a devot. for you if this Christmas is a difficult one and I pray the Lord will give you His peace as you read it.

Below is a second devot. on remembering to rejoice in this season! We have a more tangible reason to rejoice than most-Jesus came in  the humble, human form of a helpful baby-for US.  And for those of us who have trusted Him as Savior, that adds a much more tangible and eternal reason to celebrate behind gifts and lights.  He is the Greatest gift of All!

I have included a song link that has been a favorite since last year "Make Room" as a reminder to make room in your heart for the Savior of the world this Christmas. I found a quote the other day that said, "Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus (Luke 2:7)", referring to the fact that there was no room in Bethlehem's local inn for Mary to birth Jesus. 

Lastly I've included a link for Luke 2 if you are working on reading the Christmas story and if you are still getting Christmas cards and do not have enough time to get extra cards into the mail, a link to send Christmas ecards:) 

I pray that you have a very blessed and Merry CHRISTmas!

Hope For a Difficult Christmas Season:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/hope-for-a-difficult-christmas-season?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20211128HopeForADifficultChristmasSeasonArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

Let All the Earth Rejoice: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/let-all-the-earth-rejoice

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

Make Room-Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUFSxt7qkNw

LUKE 2: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2&version=KJV

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.biblegateway.com/)

Ecards: https://www.dayspring.com/ecards/category/view/category/103

THIS IS CHRISTMAS: Not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, THE CHRIST." (Frank Mckibben)

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:11

Devot. Justified-by Faith or Works?

Used by permission.  Taken from  https://www.icr.org/)

December 20, 2021 Justified--by Faith or Works? “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16) Some have argued that James contradicts Paul at this point, since James emphasized that both Abraham and Rahab, among others, were justified by works (James 2:21, 25). In fact, this seeming conflict between Paul and James has often been cited as one of the “contradictions” of the Bible. There is no contradiction, however. Neither Abraham nor Rahab could have been justified by the “works of the law,” and James never said they were. Abraham lived before God even gave the law to Moses, and Rahab lived in a pagan culture that knew nothing about it. Furthermore, James himself knew that no one could really be saved by the law, for he said that “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). Actually, both Abraham and Rahab were “justified”—which means “seen as righteous”—by faith in God and His provision of salvation (James 2:23; Hebrews 11:31). The righteousness of Christ, who perfectly kept the law of God, is imputed to believers by faith (Romans 4:3-5). God sees him or her as “in Christ,” and so they are justified (recognized as righteous) solely through faith. However, other men cannot see our faith, and therefore we must be justified in their sight by our works. True saving faith inevitably will manifest itself in works of righteousness. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:...For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8, 10). HMM

Devot. Faith, Self Defined

Used by permission. Taken from  https://www.icr.org/)

December 19, 2021 Faith, Self Defined “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off and were persuaded of them, and embraced them.” (Hebrews 11:13) Some have struggled with the word “faith,” desiring a succinct definition of it, but nowhere in Scripture does a working definition of faith appear. In places, however, the Bible gives a rather indirect definition of faith. Keeping in mind that the words “belief” and “faith” are translations of the same Greek word, let us look at several such texts. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, said of Mary, “And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45). Paul knew that God intended for him to be brought before Caesar and encouraged his shipmates as they were about to be shipwrecked with the words: “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me” (Acts 27:25). Speaking of Abraham’s faith that God would give him a son, Paul says that “he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Romans 4:20-21). Of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, it is said, “Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11). These verses and the verse in our text give us a working definition of faith. It is, therefore, a firm belief, a conviction, a judgment that God is both capable and faithful to perform what He has promised and that there will be such a performance. This kind of faith brings the future into present reality. JDM

Devot. The Wonder of Christmas

 HI FOLKS!

I hope you are having a good week!!!   I was watching a Christmas special with my mom last weekend and the pastor said something at the end that has stuck with me.  He said "that in the execution of Christmas (getting everything done),  we have lost THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS."  (Dr. David Jeremiah)

We have lost that awe of "Wow, the God of the universe, God Himself came to a smelly stable  in the form of a helpless baby with the express purpose of dying for ME."  Luke 2:11 states, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (You ponder that enough, and it will help to create in your heart that 'wonder of Christmas').  

The pastor encouraged taking a small space of time between now and Christmas and ponder what Jesus did just for you.    He said that when you do, God will give you that moment where it all hits home, the 'wonder' over what He has done for you will stir in your heart and stay with you.    I had my 'wonder' moment on Monday as I watched a new tv release of the telling of the Nativity story (which I will include next week-it was very powerful!). What I just said above hit me like a ton of bricks, and I have had the joy bells ringing in my heart ever since.....

Frank Mckibben said, "THIS IS CHRISTMAS: Not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, THE CHRIST." 

This week I'm going to encourage you to join me in starting to read the Christmas story, either on your own in snippets- (over lunch break on your phone, as bedtime reading etc..) or read to your family in the evenings.   I've included a link for Luke 1 below, the start of the story:).  I also have another streaming event from Sight and Sound Theaters for THIS WEEKEND that looks very neat (Promo says next weekend, but I'm using an old advertisement) and the devot. is below as well. 

Have a very blessed weeknd! 

LUKE 1: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=LUKE+1&version=KJV

Devot.  When Glory was Birthed in a Barn: https://www.dayspring.com/articles/when-glory-was-birthed-in-a-barn

Join Us for a Special Christmas Event Sight & Sound TV is thrilled to be hosting a special Christmas event this holiday season! Next weekend, we invite you to join us for a new virtual cinematic experience — A SILENT NIGHT at the Museum of the Bible, featuring performances by for KING & COUNTRY and scenes from The Chosen. Gather your family and journey with the little drummer boy through national landmarks and into the Museum of the Bible, where the Scriptures come to life. A portion of the proceeds from this holiday special will benefit this incredible ministry. We invite you to join us for this limited engagement event with Sight & Sound TV on December 17th and 18th!

Meet Our Friends Sight & Sound is a ministry on a mission, and we are so grateful for partners who share our passion for creating experiences to engage with Scripture. Museum of the Bible provides guests with an immersive experience through interactive exhibits and innovative technology. Whether you want to explore the Bible more deeply or are discovering it for the first time, Museum of the Bible is an experience that lasts long beyond your visit!

Follow Along with Us As we prepare to celebrate the holidays with you, we have so much more to share! Join us on Facebook for an introduction to our friends from for KING & COUNTRY, a direct connection to Museum of the Bible, and even more sneak peeks of what’s ahead on Sight & Sound TV. We can’t wait to see you there!

© 2021 Sight & Sound Theatres. All Rights Reserved.

Devot. Finding Rest in the Christmas Rush

 Hi Folks,

I hope you had a great week!!   Countdown to Christmas begins, it's just around the corner!

I'm sure for many of you, the rush of CHristmas will begin....Below are 2 devot.s to hopefully help give you perspective and  practical ways to keep from going crazy and to be able to actually enjoy, contemplate and reflect on the TRUE meaning of the season.

I also found a podcast (linked below, only 25 minutes) to listen to as you are occupied doing other things on how to put Jesus first and forefront in the Christmas season-as He should be, after all, it is HIS Birthday:)

Pray you have a blessed weekend!

Podcast: Putting Christ at the Center of Your Holidays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY8N3t4xjA4

Find Rest in the Christmas Rush: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/finding-rest-in-the-christmas-rush?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20211128HopeForADifficultChristmasSeasonArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

(Used by permission taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

A Prayer to Stop the Rush and Let go of the Stress this Christmastime:

https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-stop-the-rush-and-let-go-of-the-stress-this-christmas-your-daily-prayer-december-18-2017.html?utm_source=Your%20Daily%20Prayer&utm_campaign=Your%20Daily%20Prayer%20-%20Crosswalk.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=5736049&recip=553026050&aps=43ab33d8004313f951deb9fb1e2e7802411b70278e7af96de065b2ae54435d80. Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.crosswalk.com/

"Life is the right of every child. Not a special privilege for the fortunate, the planned and the perfect." 

"You covered me in my mother’s womb. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret....Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed...And in Your book they all were written,...When as yet there were none of them."  Psalm 139

Voices of Christmas! LiveStreamed Christmas Production

 Sight and Sound Theater (Christian theater located in PA and MO) will be livestreamed their "Voices of Christmas" production this Friday, 12/3/21!!!    You can 'pay what you wish" (can afford) for a "ticket" and then livestream and watch from the comfort of your home.

It looks like a super production!   Hope you will check out the below and pass onto friends! 

Traditions Revealed Have you ever wondered about the origins of your favorite Christmas classics? VOICES OF CHRISTMAS takes you on a journey through time to discover the true stories behind some of our most time-honored Christmas traditions. Join us tomorrow at 8 pm ET as we officially open the vault and share this beloved holiday show with all of you.

Experience the Sounds of the Season “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given”. It’s a line we all recognize and love, but do you know the inspiration behind it? Step inside the story and experience a sneak peek of VOICES OF CHRISTMAS showing this Friday on Sight & Sound TV.

Stay Connected to the Stories VOICES OF CHRISTMAS may be our final event of the year, but we’ve had way too much fun to just stop here. From a brand-new First Friday lineup to a live event already in the works, there is so much we have yet to share. Connect with us on Facebook to be the first to hear!

© 2021 Sight & Sound Theatres. All Rights Reserved.

Devot. Begin Today With Thanksgiving!

 Hi Folks,

I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving....Below are 2 devots. to round off our Thanksgiving devots. before we move into Christmas...

I've been thinking lately of how much I have been grousing and complaining lately, rather than giving thanks-even for the simple things like snacks through the day and a warm home...1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."   Ouch...I'm supposed to give thanks for everything because that is what God's will for my life is...... 

There is a verse from an old hymn that says "Tune my heart to sing Your praise" (Come Thou Font of Every Blessing").    When an instrument is out of tune, it does not sound pretty at all... Many times we need to ask God to tune our hearts to His pitch so that our lives, actions, words and attitudes are "acceptable in His sight" and  much more pleasant.. ( "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14).

Would you join me this week/weekend in taking that seriously, using the devots. below to see how our hearts might need a tune up?

Lord bless you this weekend!

"No people on earth have more cause to be thankful than ours, in no spirit of boastfulness in our own strength, but with the gratitude to the Giver of good who has blessed us." Theodore Roosevelt 

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17

Devots. used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/

Begin Today with Thanksgiving: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/begin-today-with-thanksgiving?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20211124InEverythingGiveThanksArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

In Everything Give Thanks:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/in-everything-give-thanks?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20211124InEverythingGiveThanksArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List