The Real Christmas Message in the Story of Rudolph

At the heart of the real Christmas message, we find the longing to be loved and chosen, spiritual misfits who need a rescuer.

I love stories—heart-felt stories, Christmas stories, both make-believe and real. Storylines stirring our long-awaited dreams.

Surprisingly, the real Christmas message is seen in a childhood favorite.

I’m a fan of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Because in the core message we find rescued misfits.

The book and movie’s storyline melts the heart of every boy and girl. And adults escape the real world of heartache for moments of happy endings and “Hoorays!”

Misfits Wanted, Therefore Chosen: Real Christmas Message

You see, Rudolph’s the poster-child for reindeer misfits.

The other reindeer called him names. Being different seemed alright until words spoken out loud preached “different” is not acceptable.

I understand misfits and their dilemma. Perhaps you relate to a misfit story.

In the same manner as placing Christmas presents on a wish-list, we often hope for heart-wishes to come true. Rudolph wished for acceptance, for someone to want and choose him.

A Child is Born: His First Breath of Grace

He took His first breath. The first breath of grace.

Wrapped in a swaddling cloth, though adorned with royal titles.

Wonderful. Counselor. Prince of Peace. Holy King. Immanuel: God with us. The Ancient of Days.

The Lamb of God created the star placed in the heavens to announce His arrival. The light of the world.

I held Him in my arms, so overjoyed.

Barely minutes old and seemingly fragile. But this baby embodied the fullness of the Godhead. Such power demonstrated when He cast out evil spirits and even raised the dead to life again.

I studied every feature as mothers do when handed a newborn. Gazing intently at Him, I saw the goodness and greatness of God.

First Breath of Grace

Looking into His eyes, they would see into the hearts of men. I watched His mouth when He yawned or cried. Wonderful, powerful, and life-giving words He later spoke. He commanded even the winds and waves to obey Him.

Placing my hand on His chest to sense a strong heartbeat. The day was coming when His heart—broken and betrayed by many—offered forgiveness to all.

7 Christmas Gifts We Need Most

What gifts do you need most this Christmas? 

Maybe we really need some items, but want other things. 

When we think of Christmastime, our thoughts ponder what to buy the family member who has everything. Or, the person who is particular in their taste. 

Perhaps we wonder what treasures lay under the tree for us.

So imagine someone asks you to make a list of the top presents money cannot buy, but you enjoy receiving and need most.

Because these gifts are intangible, yet they gift us with the most important and glorious things in life. 

Let’s look at 7 priceless gifts we need most. 

(1.)  Peace: Gifts We Need Most

Peace isn’t a commodity we purchase, but Jesus purchased peace for us on the cross.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV)

(2.)  Love

We come into this world needing love. And the Lord is not only the author of true love, He’s the lover of our soul.

Seek the King of Glory this Christmas

Christmas has become so commercialized with the focus away from the real meaning. What if we seek the King of glory this Christmas?

I enjoy the Christmas season and celebrating the birth of Jesus.

But I always find it troubling to see the unbelief behind the real reason for the holiday—Holy-day. 

Still, the birth of Jesus unveiled the Savior to the world. The One promised to rescue us from sin, other gods, the enemy, and even ourselves.

And as always, the heavenly Father kept His promise. God’s Son came to bring the light of heaven to earth. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was born to die.

Denied earthly glory and fame, Jesus bears a name above every name.

Jesus is the King of glory.

Yet, we only find the phrase, “The King of glory” once in the Bible, in Psalm 24. It’s one of my favorite passages. 

So, let’s look at the 10 verses in Psalm 24 for how we see and seek the King of glory.

And not only unveil Him in a more meaningful way in our own heart, but also to present Jesus more fully to those around us and to the world. 

Creation shows us how to seek the King of glory

10 Scriptures to Pray Thanking God

It’s the time of year we are reminded to be thankful. And I desire to possess thankfulness all year long.

But who we thank is most important. Since I enjoy praying specific Bible verses, I’m sharing 10 Scriptures to pray.

Because sometimes we need reminding to say,

“Thank you, God.”

Give Thanks: Scriptures to Pray

(1.) “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Psalm 100:4 (ESV)

Prayer: Lord, I bless your holy name. You are matchless and deserve all the glory arnd honor due your name. I praise you, Lord, with thanksgiving for who you are, my God, and for all your wonderful attributes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(2.) “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 (ESV)

Prayer: Father, thank you for your goodness to me. You’re a good, good Father. Thank you for your love toward me that lasts forever! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(3.) “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.” Isaiah 12:4b (ESV)

Prayer: Lord, I’m thankful for your wondrous works in my life. Help me exalt your name and share my testimony of salvation and Jesus to everyone who knows me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thank You, God

(4.) “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV)

God’s Truth: The Answer to the World’s Chaos

So much of the chaos surrounding America and the world stems from the absence of truth. God is Truth and His Word is Truth.

When it comes to what the world says versus God’s Word, I’m going with God every time.

Why? Because truth is not up for debate. God’s holy Word wins hands down.

Let’s look at 4 things that make God’s Word the truth we need. Especially in the current state of our world.

(1.) God-breathed and Useful: God’s Truth

God’s Word comes from Him, the Creator, and sets the standards for how to live the Christian life.

The Bible is alive, the living Word of God.

But how do we go about living God’s Word? And how does the Bible show through in our lives? 

Living Scripture in our daily lives equates to a life of no compromise. Because our goals, desires, values, morals, and decisions are affected by Scripture. Also, our relationships, lifestyle, worldview, heart, mind, and so on, stay bent toward scriptural truths. 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV, emphasis added)

Notice this verse doesn’t say some Scripture is good for you to live a pleasing life to the Lord. No, “all” Scripture, the whole counsel of God from Genesis to Revelation. And it’s breathed out (living), and profitable in living the Christian faith. Because it trains us in righteousness. 

(2.) Nourishing and Sustaining

The God Who Mends Our Broken Heart

My heart aches and feels shattered into a thousand pieces. 

Yesterday, our sweet 15 year old pug, Big-T, passed away. We’ve cried and cried. While we feel blessed to have had him this long, it’s never, ever easy to lose a pet.

No cute smushed face welcoming me home at the screen door. No Big-T to snuggle and take care of.

He was a mama’s boy through and through. 

And no furry companion to go on our YouTube Adventures with us. He even had his own doggy stroller for the last year because walking a long way became hard for him. 

While our channel’s named, Friday’s Forever, any subscriber and viewer will tell you that Big-T’s the star.

Everybody loved him and wanted to meet him. 

Oh, I suppose they like us too, but comments include: 

“Big-T is the favorite at our house. Mike and Karen are ok, someone has to hold the camera. LOL.” 

“If I could, I would make the long drive just to meet Big-T.” 

“I love me some Big-T.” 

“Big-T is so precious, love him!” 

“Hug Big-T for me.” 

On and on they go, there are hundreds, maybe thousands more comments like these. So you see, Big-T was loved by more than just our family and friends. 

No Stranger to a Broken Heart

We will miss him beyond what words can express. Tears are flowing as I type these words.

Still, I’m no stranger to a broken heart and I’m guessing neither are you. Perhaps your broken heart came from losing a pet, a loved one, a relationship, or a marriage. 

Even though I’m not a stranger to heart break, I’m also not a stranger to the One who mends broken hearts. The One who has healed and mended my broken heart many times over. 

Sure, life itself may never be the same again, but God never changes and He wants to mend our broken hearts as only He can.

4 ways God helps our heart M.E.N.D.

M – Mourn authentically and fully for our heart.

What If We Lived the Christian Life in 3D?

Have you experienced a 3D movie, ride, or game? Three dimensional creates an up close, interactive, and sensory experience in width, height, and depth. So why not apply this to the Christian life?

Because there are numerous Bible studies and devotionals on the subject of how to live the Christian life.

And there’s no better time in the current state of our world to live up close and personal with God and interactive in our faith.

3D Christian Life Up Close and Personal

3D aspects of width, height, and depth bring the spiritual realm up close and personal with God Himself.

So let’s put on our 3D glasses and look at the story in chapter 3 of Joshua.

After the death of Moses, Joshua’s commissioned as leader. The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years. Time came to enter the Promised Land.

God’s people set out and arrived at the Jordan river where they lodged for three days. They needed to get to the other side but not take the long way home. 

The Lord gave specific instructions. The priests were to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord (His presence) to the brink of the water. The people were commanded to follow at a distance in order to “know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.” Joshua 3:4 (ESV)

Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves for the Lord would do wonders among them (Joshua 3:5). When the soles of the priests’ feet rested in the waters, the waters, at flood stage, would stop flowing and stand in a heap. (Joshua 3:13)

Living the Christian Life in 3D

Dimension 1: Obedience to God’s commands, plan, and way.

5 God Declarations for Whatever Happens

Whatever happens.

These two words put together and in this order stirs questions deep in my soul. And the phrase makes me a bit apprehensive.

Because if you’re anything like me, the phrase conjures up a lot of unknowns.

Perhaps you’ve already learned along with me that the unknowns are a part of this world, it’s not “if” but “when” they happen.

So how do we live a life in Christ, trusting God in the whatever-happens moments?

It’s not easy. Yet, God gives us the ability to live knowing whatever happens, He is with us, loves us, sustains us, and brings us to a place of hope.

Consider the current state of our world. Chaos. Uncertainty. Fear.

There’s no better time to really know who God is and what God does—especially in the whatever moments—than right now.

Still, “whatever happens” can also be good things.

Let’s look at 5 God declarations to keep us standing firm and grounded in the truth for whatever happens.

(1.) Whatever today brings, claim God’s promises.

None of us know what any day may bring. But we know God’s promises prove true. And He will fulfill every promise He makes. Because God is the ultimate Promise-Keeper.

Faith is the firm ground where we stand waiting on the Lord to fulfill His promises.

Do we know what the Lord has promised to us in His Word? Let’s stay in the Word to learn and meditate on His promises.

“The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” Psalm 145:13b (NIV)

Every morning, let’s invite Jesus to come along with us throughout our day.

5 Reminders God Has Our Best Interest in Mind

Have you ever questioned what God’s doing or if He has your best interest in mind? 

I used to flat out question God in a particular situation. Because I couldn’t fathom the end result and even wondered if the Lord really had my best interest at heart.  

Like when I lost a job and lost a baby in utero. And the times I didn’t get the job or the award or the “thing” I wanted. 

Or, when my young friend Jane died at just 28 leaving behind 3 kids and a newborn she never met.

Also, when my father died and the ache never seemed to go away. 

Oh, there’s more lost hopes and dreams along the way. And I imagine for you, too.

Even now, I still have to remind my heart to go to God’s Word, since the truth of Scripture reminds us of 5 areas where we see God’s best interest at work in our lives. 

I pray each reminder encourages you of God’s never ending love and care and affection.

(1.) God loves us with a sunup to sundown, 24/7 kind of love: Our Best Interest.

God’s love is a sure love…never lost, only found. And it gives us hope in a guaranteed pledge of love that’s never eliminated from our lives.

“This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.” Lamentations 3:21-22 (ESV)

Look at how this love is described in Ephesians 3:18-19 when the Apostle Paul noted how he prayed for the church:

“..may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV, emphasis added)

(2.) The Lord always works behind the scenes on our behalf.