Gift Idea

Are you looking for that last minute gift for someone who is hard to buy for? I just found the perfect gift. Check out this great idea. Who said Christians are stuffy and boring?!

Perfect Timing, Perfect Gift

"But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." Galatians 4:4-5

There is so much packed into this verse. In short, it speaks to the fact that God provided the remedy for sinful mankind at just the precise time. And He did it in a remarkable way. A child born to a poor Jewish girl. In fact, I think we can see shades of Genesis 3:15 in these verses. If you are unfamiliar with that passage you may wish to read the entirety of Genesis chapter 3 for the full context.

Indeed, Messiah has come. God's timing is perfect, and He sent the perfect gift.

Possible Bail-out Source

If the US Government is not able to bail out the 'big three' automotive companies, I suggest they should try seeking help from Major League baseball...possibly one of the NY teams. If the Yanks have $22 million a year to pay a pitcher, surely they have some spare change for the auto industry. Let's get real. After all, what is more important? Winning a World Championship or keeping Fords and Chevys rolling off the lines.

I wonder what kind of car George Steinbrenner drives? Probably a Chevy Malibu. And most likely it's a hybrid. Let's keep all this in the proper perspective shall we?!

Tis the Season

I'm not sure who actually said, "Time flies," but that guy was spot on. It seems that just yesterday I was bemoaning the fact that summer was coming to a close. Now it's 30 degrees outside, Starbucks is serving Christmas Blend and I have a Pumpkin Pie hangover from Thanksgiving. It doesn't help much that I just attended my 25 year high school class reunion. Good times, but where in the world did 25 years go?

Every year Christmas seems to be right on top of me before I even realize it. Our church, like many others, celebrates the season of Advent. As followers of Christ it is helpful for us to focus our hearts on the center-piece of the Christmas season, and do so with joyful anticipation. It sure is easy to just get caught up in presents and parties. What's even worse is when Christians get sucked into a whirlwind of cantatas, dinners, shoebox gifts, church plays and caroling, without spending adequate time thinking about Christ. Not that we only ponder the coming of our Savior during the month of December. But certainly this time of year, more than any other, we ought to deeply consider the purpose for which the Lord Jesus came, why he was born in such a unique way and how mankind was impacted by "Immanuel, God with us."

While I seek to do this every Christmas, this year I hope to get a fresh glimpse of the incarnation of Christ. If time permits, between hanging mistletoe, caroling and sipping eggnog, I'll try to post some thoughts. I trust you will join me in considering the implications of the gracious gift of God.