Scripture:

"Today a Savior has been born to you;
He is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).

At Christmas time, a school teacher in England
supervised the construction of a manger scene
in a corner of the classroom. It delighted her
pupils to set up the model barn and cover the
floor with real straw and then arrange the clay
figures of Mary and Joseph and the shepherds
and the Wise Men and the animals, all facing
a little crib in which a tiny doll represented the
Infant Jesus. One lad simply could not tear
himself away from it. He kept returning to it,
and each time stood there completely
engrossed and wearing a puzzled expression
on his face. The teacher noticed him and asked,
"Is anything bothering you? Do you have a
question to ask? What would you like to know?"
With his eyes still glued to the manger scene,
the boy said slowly, "What I'd like to know is,
where does God fit in?"

Reflection:

Are you asking that question? I know I am.
Where does God fit in all this?  I look around
and I am amazed at what I see.  I see Christmas
starting in October, I am saddened by Xmas.
Christ has been eliminated from His own birthday.
There is very little celebration, only sellabration.
We are expected to buy, buy, and buy some
more. I don't want to be cynical only happy.
Where does Jesus Christ fit in all of this.
Well if you got just a minute I like to tell you
where I think Christ fits in all this.  First I
would remind myself and you that we are
celebrating "A Savior has been born to us,
He is Christ the Lord".  That's right Almighty
God became one of us, in all His perfection
He was still one of us.  He didn't come here to
rule, He didn't come here to conquer.  He came
on this earth to serve, to sacrifice, and to save.
He served us through His teachings of love and
peace, His miracles, and all His deeds. He came
here to sacrifice, as matter of fact He gave the
ultimate sacrifice, He died on the cross for you
and me. Through His service and sacrifice, He was
resurrected and is alive, and through the Holy
Spirit He is with us now.  He is here for me and He
is here for you.  You see Christ doesn't fit in,
He is in, He is right here. He is in my mind,
He is in my heart and He is in my soul. That's
what I'm celebrating, the birth of all of this,
and much much more is still to come. IS JESUS
CHRIST IN YOU LIFE?

Prayer:

Thank you God for Your Son Jesus Christ.
Thank your service, thank You for Your
sacrifice, thank You for Your salvation.
I LOVE YOU GOD!

Scripture:

Psalm 27 Of David.
 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
       whom shall I fear?
       The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
       of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV)

Reflection:

During the Holidays there is a great deal
of joy but also a great deal of sadness.
Remember that Jesus Christ is your light
and salvation.  He is always there for you.
In times of trouble and need, you can
freely turn to Him for there is no one else
who cares so much for you. That's right
JESUS CHRIST CARES FOR YOU!
HE IS THERE FOR YOU!  He hears
you when you cry.  Fix your eyes on
Jesus and just throw doubt to the
wind. 

Prayer:

Oh Lord be my light and my salvation,
I need you, be my strength I know
You care.
 

Scripture:

And she brought
forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger; (Luke 2: 7a) KJV

Reflection:

Stop and think for a minute, what was
in store for Christ when He became man
and was born on Christmas Day.
First, being born in not the greatest of
surroundings and conditions. The knowledge
of being a king and treated as a lowly
servant.  Ridiculed in His Father's house
of worship. Seen by many, not as a
miracle worker but as a worker of evil.
Ridiculed and denigrated in almost
every town He visited. Constantly being
called upon to defend His beliefs.  Put
down by current rulers as an enemy of
the state and a traitor.  Put down by
church leaders as an enemy of the faith.
Being forced to always be on the move.
Never having the means to make a living.
Constantly living with death threats.  On
"Good Friday," Jesus was a swollen,
bloody mess. Most of his friends had
hightailed it hours before, leaving him
alone to face the physical agony of crucifixion,
the emotional anguish of a jeering crowd,
and the spiritual horror of separation from God the Father.

Christ was born into all of this yet look how He
responded: On the way to his execution,
he paused to console a group of
grief-stricken women. He used what little
breath he was able to catch to pray for those
who were so merciless to him. He demonstrated
compassion and forgiveness to a criminal dying
at his side. And he took pains, literally, to see
that his grief-stricken mother below him would
be cared for by a friend.

Christ had the ultimate
"tough time," in life Yet He oozed kindness and goodness.
And because his Spirit lives in us, we also have the
capacity to take our lives, often filled with
tragedy, as an opportunity to care for others.

Prayer:

Cause your kindness and goodness to flow
through me, Lord. It is not natural for me to
think of others or to think of glorifying you,
especially when my own life is filled with pain.
Teach me to live supernaturally. I want to be
selfless like you, Jesus, always looking for
opportunities to bless others.

Scripture:

Luke 21:25-36 (New International Version)

25"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars.
On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity
at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26Men will
faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming
on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming
in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these
things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your
heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree
and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves,
you can see for yourselves and know that summer
is near. 31Even so, when you see these things
happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32"I tell you the truth, this generation[a] will certainly
not pass away until all these things have happened.
33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words
will never pass away. 34"Be careful, or your hearts
will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness
and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on
you unexpectedly like a trap. 35For it will come
upon all those who live on the face of the whole
earth. 36Be always on the watch, and pray that
you may be able to escape all that is about to
happen, and that you may be able to stand
before the Son of Man."

Reflections:

In this Scripture passage, Christ cautions us
not to become to safe or to secure because
at His 2nd coming we cannot be unaware.
We have to stay alert and prepared.
Christ also comforts us so that we will not
be afraid of the signs which will come to
this world prior to judgment day.  We need
to rejoice that our redemption is drawing
near.  
There are 2 things that we need to learn.
Be strong in our faith, and be prepared and
comforted in our anticipation of His coming.
We are surrounded by the world's problems,
and we need to be on guard of those who
follow blindly along.  God's wrath will
suddenly come.  But we can rejoice and
wait for the Lord, Who will come in the
clouds with His angels and deliver us from
all this world's misery.  This is the message
Christ leaves us today.  Rejoice and be
faithful in it.

Prayer

God grant me Your grace so that I can
be prepared and comforted in Your message.
I am waiting for You Lord my heart is filled
with joy.

Scripture:

"This is the confidence we have in
approaching God: that if we ask
anything according to His will, He
hears us."  (1 John 5:14)

Reflection:

It is Christmas morning.  The presents
have all been opened, but eight year
old Bobby sits pouting in the corner,
mad at Santa Clause.
"Why are you mad at Santa Clause?"
his dad asks.  "Because I asked
Santa for a real gun, but I got this
silly old BB gun!"
Didn't Bobby's father love him?
Hadn't he heard his son's request?
Didn't he delight in giving gifts to his
children.
Yes.....yes.....and yes!  The problem
was not an unhearing father but an
immature son.

It seems to me that it's time for us
to recognize that prayer was never
intended to be a wish list for us.
You know our Father in heaven knows
better to give a lethal answer to a
a childish immature request.  You
see God knows what is best for us.
When we pray we should always take
the time to ask the question to God,
"What do you think?" instead of telling
God what I think.  I have discovered that
I have learned to like His replies more
than my requests.

Prayer:

Lord I have a problem, What do You think?

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:23 (New International Version)
23to the church of the firstborn, whose names
are written in heaven. You have come to God,
the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous
men made perfect,

Reflection:

After serving 15 years in prison for his crime,
the convict walks out a free man.  He has paid
his debt to society, he is now a free.  But
now the real question arises: Has he changed
his ways?  Or will he return to a life of crime?
These are two very important questions, not
only for the man but also for society.
Justice may have been served without the
criminal's having been rehabilitated. But
unless both take place, the criminal will only
become hardened in his unrighteous ways.
In our Christian Walk, progress results from
the twofold action of justification and sanctification.
We need to constantly remember that our savior
Jesus Christ took care of God's justice by dying on
the cross.  Jesus accepted that death penalty and
brought it upon Himself that we sinful men and
woman deserved.  And if you believe in Jesus Christ
and believe in His death and resurrection, you, yes
you can walk right out of that prison of sin a free
person.  
But that act of belief of declaring yourself free from the
guilt of sin has to be followed by rehabilitation. You see
like the convict constantly tempted to return to a life of
crime, you are constantly tempted by sin. When you are,
that's when you need to remember that Christ also walked
out of prison with you and He's the best friend a convict
will ever have.   IS HE YOUR FRIEND?

Prayer:

Thank you God for sending Your Son to set me free!!!!!!

My Thanksgiving prayer
to you from me;
Is for love strong and true
that you hold within thee.

A heart that beats steady
and holds love within;
For your brothers and sisters
and all creatures by Him.

A soul that is worthy
of all of His love;
That is given to you
from the Heavens above.

Food on your table
that you thank the Lord for;
Friends to surround you
forever and more.

A house filled with love
and the light how it shines;
Showing all of its beauty
till the end of time.

Kindness towards others
for all of your days;
To be returned I pray
in many a way.

A good job to keep you
and pay all your bills;
That you spend it all wisely
and not on the frills.

A family around you
that is loving and true;
That you all stand together
for there are so few.

Children to bless you
if that is God's will;
To cherish and nourish
so your life is fulfilled.

Dreams of pure beauty
as you lay there and sleep;
Through the peaceful night
when darkness is deep.

An angel to guide you
through morning and night;
To protect you and love you
till the end of your plight.

And last but most important
your love for God will shine through;
To the Heavens above
for He's waiting for you.

Amen and God bless!

~Author~
Judy N. Marquart
© November 2002

The First American Thanksgiving
is attributed to the autumnal feast held by the Pilgrims
and Massasoit in 1621. The Mayflower passengers,
having survived a rather challenging winter in the
"New World" and having managed to harvest their
surviving crops, hosted a feast which was an
English tradition that signaled the end of harvest time.

The Massasoit's religion demanded that they
help those who came with empty hands. The
recently landed newcomers had been in such
need during their first year in the territory.
Additionally, the Massasoit were members
of the widespread confederacy of Algonkian-
speaking people known as the League of
Delaware. They were also the most important
and influential sachem of the Wamapanoag.
It was because of the Massasoit's generosity
and in hopes to negotiate a land deal that
they were invited to the harvest celebration
with the Separatists. The most noteworthy
and historically familiar member of the Native
party was Squanto, who was the only non-
Separatist who had been formally educated
and baptized a Christian.

The date of the feast is unknown. However,
it must have occurred previously to December
as that is the month that one of the only
written accounts first is documented. There
are only two known written eyewitness reports
of the event; that of Edward Winslow and
William Bradford who described the details
of the fishing and hunting expeditions and
the fact that the festivities lasted three days.

The Massasoit, ninety individuals in totem,
provided five deer for the feast. Among some
of the other edible items were duck, geese,
turkey, fish, and corn. It is unlikely that the
dishes presented were extravagant because
the colonists weren't aware when the next
ship docking would take place and would
have conserved whatever spices they had.

There are many myths surrounding the
modern day celebration of Thanksgiving.
Although Thanksgiving as a holiday can
be traced to the harvest celebration of 1621,
it was neither a feast held annually or meant
as a celebration of giving thanks. Just two years
later, in 1623, there is no mention of a Thanksgiving
feast.

The Pilgrims were primarily a Separatist group
who arrived in Massachusetts the previous year.
Their visual use in Thanksgiving decorations is
often misconstrued. The familiar black and
white garb with the large buckles that we
see today is incorrect. The appearance is
related to Puritans who arrived in the Americas
later and who only used the black and white garb
occasionally. Buckles weren't in production until
the late 1600's as well.

When a member of the Mayflower party would
die, an inventory of their belongings would be
assessed. Most inventories revealed a tendency
for darker colors, but many people had a wide
range of color in their clothing collections.

The Pilgrims weren't the only ones misrepresented
in latter day artwork and stories. The Massasoit
are typically depicted in costumes that are more
closely related to Plains tribes.

The first national Thanksgiving was declared in
1777 by the Continental Congress. It wasn't yet
an observed holiday and several other "Thanksgiving"
days were proclaimed inconsistently until 1815.
Thanksgiving reverted to being a regional event
until 1863 when two days were declared. The first
being August 6th after the victory at Gettysburg
and the second being the first last-Thursday-in-
November celebration. Abraham Lincoln was the
first American President to proclaim Thanksgiving
a nationally observed holiday as the insistence of
a long-time advocate, Sarah Hale. However, in 1939,
Franklin D. Roosevelt believed the holiday to fall too
close to Christmas
and made a motion for it to be celebrated on the third
Thursday in November. Not every State complied. In
1941, a joint resolution of Congress chose the fourth
Thursday in November, which is not always the last
Thursday in the month.

Today, Thanksgiving isn't considered Thanksgiving
unless there is a bountiful feast of turkey and all the
trimmings, images of Pilgrims and Native Americans,
or the ever popular pumpkin. Through the years, it's
become a religiously affiliated holiday and trips to
local churches as well as providing a banquet for
the less fortunate have become seasonal traditions.
 

"Finally, all of you, love in harmony with one another,
be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate
and humble....that you may inherit a blessing."
(1 Peter 3:8-9)

Reflection:

We have all heard the quote that says, "Two
wrongs don't make a right".  That statement is
quite logical but logic flies out the window when
someone hurts you.  But before you strike
back, stop remember that the love of Christ
in your heart can absorb the hurt and can
enable you to bless you would be adversary.
That's right you can bless him.  Thank God
that His Spirit will give you grace to follow the
example set by Christ Himself.

Prayer For President-Elect:

O Lord God, You are mighty and strong,
unshakable and powerful in all Your ways.
I praise You for calling us to hide in You,
to take refuge in You during times when
we are tempted to fear. When things in
our lives appear to be falling apart, I
thank You that You are immovable
and strong.

Today I pray for the President-Elect,
that You will help and empower him
to place his full trust in You. Make
him fearless, Lord. May he replace
any fear he feels with confidence
and trust in You at every turn. Hold
him firmly in Your hand as he trusts
in You, O mighty God. In Your
wonderful name, amen.

    
Day Eight: November 12, 2008
69 days, 19 hours and 16 minutes
left until inauguration day.
   
For the President- and Vice President-Elect
to be wise and thoughtful as they exercise
their authority, firmly resisting the temptation
to abuse it
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
 when the wicked rule, the people groan.
—Proverbs 29:2

All-knowing God, before You all
things are laid bare and every
detail, whether large or small
is known. All praise and glory goes
to You, O mighty God, for Your
 omniscience and omnipotence
 before the greatest and least of
the rulers of our world.

Lord, we ask You today to help
the new President and Vice President
of our nation to be persons of impeccable
integrity. O God, make this team one
that does not use its authority for
frivolous means or mis-guided intent,
but instead recognizes and reveres
the responsibility that has been given
to them. May they see it as a divine
trust given by You. Cause them to be
wise and proper stewards of their
positions, and keep them from the
evil that could so easily ensnare
them in dishonesty. By the power
of Jesus we pray, amen.