Excitement Behind a Birth

Last week, I learned that a friend of ours had a baby.  We knew the mom when she was a teen.  She meant a lot to us.  We didn’t even know she was pregnant, so the news of her having a baby was a total shock.

Because of her closeness to us, I gave her a call.  She is not married and lives with her parents.  She’s had ups and downs in her life.  I don’t think she’s been baptized, and has struggled with her faith.  Regardless of her past, the present is that she is now a mommy.  The father of the baby will most likely not be in the picture.  With all that being said, you couldn’t help but to hear the excitement in the mom’s voice, along with the grandma’s voice.  It seems it doesn’t matter how babies arrived on the scene, there is a lot of excitement when someone has a child.

The nice thing about the near-40 week gestation period is that there is plenty of time for excitement to build.  First, comes the news.  Next, comes the “baby bump”.  Thirdly, the palpable kicking/moving.  Finally, the birth.  All can’t wait for the time when that baby is out to hold and nurture.  The news runs wild.  Now, with electronic intervention, the news is spread even quicker. 

Nearly twenty centuries ago, there was an announcement that was made about a birth that would take place.  This announcement would change the world, literally.  This announcement was telling of a Savior.  This Savior was born to a lowly peasant girl who was getting ready to marry.  Her soon-to-be husband almost left her to be a single mother. (Can you imagine how that would have played out?) This birth, like all, was exciting.  He wasn’t born in a hospital or a nice room, but in a “barn”.  He was laid in a manger, but that didn’t stop any of the excitement.  People came and visited and the excitement rang out.

This time of year is a great time to be excited.  People are thinking about the birth of Jesus.  Look around to see how you can join in with their excitement to be able to share with them what He means to you! It is a season of open doors, so don’t be afraid to walk through them!

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Bringing Him Our Gifts - Matthew 2:9-11

Being a father of a young child I have the pleasure of watching kids' shows. Nearly all of them have a good moral message.  One of his favorites is The Backyardigans, which I've made reference to before.  On one episode a spoiled princess looks out at Egypt and notices that things are drying up, specifically the Nile.  She wants it to look green again. She's told she must take three presents to the Sphinx.  The journey begins, and at each stop there is a building of the moral lessons.  As it is a man-made story, it all works out for good in the end. The Sphinx sees that she brought the proper presents and the Sphinx makes it fertile and lush once again.

The journey was long and imagine the dissappointment if came to the end without the proper presents?  How would you feel?  Could you just imagine if we had to take three presents to heaven to be allowed in? What about the dissappointment you'd feel if you found that you brought the wrong things, or maybe not enough of the right thing?

If you knew you were going to heaven (particular month, day, time, etc.) and you were supposed to bring something with you, but then finding out they weren't the right things, wouldn't you be a bit disappointed?  The gifts you were supposed to bring were the gifts you already possessed.  As we reflect back to the sermon, here are some applications to choose from to use this week...

1. Spiritual Gifts Aren't Chotchkies (collectibles) ~ Some people go overboard with collecting things.  They have curio cabinets or shelves full of little things that they will probably have until they pass on.  These items are dust collectors. Don't let the gifts that God has given you to just sit around and collect dust...use them!
2. God Wants Your Gifts ~ You may look at someone else and totally admire them, almost to the point of jealousy.  They may possess something that is a talent that you wish you had.  Don't think that God is more pleased with them because of their gift.  He's given us different gifts to be different and each one, when used properly, is pleasing to Him.  Enjoy the gifts God has given you!
3. Bring It! ~ A phrase used when a challenge has been set, to see who is going to bring "it" to the table, court, field, etc.  As you serve Him, don't leave yur gifts behind, bring them and use them to glorify Him.

In Matthew 2 the Magi (Wise Men) bring three gifts to Jesus, as they welcome the King.  As you come to Jesus bring your gifts to Him and allow those gifts to be used to benefit others.
 
Bringing it...

 

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Monday Mentionings: Oliver Camden Spencer

Just wanted you to have an opportunity to see some pictures of Oliver Camden Spencer. Born January 4, 2008 at 4:04 PM. He was 8.0 lbs. and 21 1/2 inches. Mom and baby are doing great! He’s quite a blessing!!!

This is a link to a slideshow… may take a few minutes to load, depending on your connection speed…

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21270453@N08/sets/72157603656716513/show/

Can’t wait to show you all in person!!!

Proud Dad ~