Celebration #281

Luke 2:17-20

17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Have you been to a “Celebration” lately? What did you celebrate? Was it an anniversary, a graduation, a birthday, a retirement, or maybe just an evening at home? Celebration has the meaning of being emotionally, socially and mentally involved in something of excitement. The Shepherds had been startled while watching their sheep by the angel of God. The result was a time of ecstatic celebration. The angel had announced the birth of the long awaited Messiah. They were the first to celebrate what we call Christmas. Outside of Mary and Joseph we know of no one who knew what was happening in the manger in Bethlehem.

The Shepherds, Mary and Joseph and all who heard about the Savior being born give us a beautiful picture of true “Celebration.” What are the elements of celebration? Four words describe the response to the birth of Jesus. The first is Proclamation. The Bible tells us the Shepherds made known what had been told to them. They let others know of this Christ child who was God in human flesh.

The second word is Wondered. The sense of awe at the prospect of the Messiah’s birth brought all who heard to wonder what the Shepherds were talking about. We need a sense of wonder as we consider Jesus.

The third word is Ponder. The Bible tells us that Mary pondered these things in her heart. She thought through all that had been told to her and to the Shepherds and allowed the amazing things to dwell in her mind.

The fourth word is a duel word. The Shepherds went back Glorifying and Praising God. These four words give us a perfect way to Celebrate Christmas. Proclaim, Wonder, Ponder and Praise; all to the Glory of God.

_______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Yes, I did say beautiful. The weather for the next week will see temperatures in the low 70s with bright sunshine everyday. Some of us have to enjoy this beautiful place. Just don't write me back next summer when it is 115 degrees here. Just seems strange to be 72 degrees on Christmas Day. The snow is not very deep. 

I do hope you and your family have a super Christmas together. Sandy and I will have our family at our home on Christmas Day evening. All of us will be present except for Collin. He is visiting his Dad for the first time at Christmas. He lives in California. We will miss him. 

Sunday I will finish preaching the Christmas series at First Baptist Church of Tempe. It has been a five week series on the Christmas story as found in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. 

Sandy is studying for her new Young Mom's class that will start in January. They will be studying Esther. Sandy is eager for the class.    I think most of all because she so enjoys the young Moms. 

I do hope and pray that you and your family, and church have a wonderful Christmas and that God blesses your life with His presence. We all are so blessed. 

Many of you have asked about my medical tests. I am still meeting with doctors, but I am feeling better. The pain has subsided and the prayers and new meds seem to be working. Keep praying. I see a gastroenterologist and a cardiologist during the next week. Thanks for your consistent prayers. 

I so appreciate hearing from you from time to time. Sandy and I have enjoyed reading your Christmas letters, and especially your family photos. 

God bless you this wonderful Christmas Day. 

Don't forget as we enter this new year. GOD IS GOOD!!  ~ DGW