christianity

every day is new year’s day

Posted on by Grace Day

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us (I will) rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

While today is officially New Year’s Day for me and for you, according to our calendars, it occurs to me that every day is new year’s day with God, because every day He gives me a clean slate, a new beginning, a do-over, another second chance. These words in Lamentations assure me of this truth saying –

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I love that God’s mercies to me are “new every morning”, just like the manna in the dessert was for the Israelites. They didn’t need to store it up, every morning God provided what they needed for that day regardless of what had happened the day before. No matter how badly they had behaved, had missed the mark or fallen short, God still came through for them with the provision of the manna “new every morning.” Just an example of how faithful God is in spite of our own human inconsistencies. His word tells us as much –

“if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)

I am grateful for the clean slate of each and every new day God gives me. As today is drawing to a close, I realize with some disappointment that I may have already failed to live up to all the good intentions I had in mind for today, but tomorrow is a new day – another new year’s day, so to speak, allowing me to start fresh again tomorrow with the sunrise. Every day is a gift from my Heavenly Father. Each new day is as full of promise, potential and purpose as the day we set aside as being that special day once a year. Every day really is New Year’s Day for me - a day that God has given to me, a day I can make the most of if I so choose, a day I can choose to live to the full.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) 

Today I am grateful for all the opportunities and challenges that this day brought me. There were some doors I did not open, some things I left undone BUT – tomorrow is a new day, a day the Lord has made. I will make this Psalm my prayer this New Year’s Day –

“Teach me to number my days aright, that I may gain a heart of wisdom. . . . Satisfy me in the morning with Your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days.” (Psalm 90:12 & 14)

happy new year world! today, tomorrow and every day, every day a new day, every day a new opportunity to know God better, every day another chance to do something good in His name, every day a gift from God –

sincerely,  Grace Day  

 

  

the Communion table – a Christmas table

Posted on by Grace Day

The Communion table is a table of commemoration and a table of celebration. It is a table at which we are each invited to dine. Known for being a “Last Supper” kind of a table – the Communion table is a Christmas or an Advent table among the many other things that it also is. It is a Christmas table because we celebrate that Christ came, even as we simultaneously acknowledge that we are looking forward to His return.

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6)

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

The Communion table is a Thanksgiving table.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1)

The Communion table is an Independence Day table.

“for we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” (Romans 6:6-7)

Isaiah said he was sent to “proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners.” (Isaiah 61:1)

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

“it is for freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

The Communion table is a family table.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) 

The Communion table is a table of acceptance.

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me, I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)

The Communion table is a table of provision.

“Abraham answered, ‘God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ “ (Genesis 22:8)

“and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

The Communion table is a table of plenty.

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.’ “ (John 6:35)

“They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.” (Mark 6:42-43)

The Communion table is a table of promise.

” ‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ’Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’ “ (Isaiah 1:18)

The Communion table is a table of healing.

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) 

The Communion table is a table of hope.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.’ “ (John 11:25-26)

The Communion table is a table of infinite mercy. 

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him, as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103: 10-13)

The Communion table is a table of sacrifice.

“Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, . . . But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,” (Isaiah 53:4-5)

“Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

The Communion table is a table of redemption.

“and with Your blood You purchased men for God.” (Revelation 5:9)

The Communion table is a table of miracles.

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” (Matthew 28:6-7)

The Communion table is a table of victory.

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where O death is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? . . . thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

The Communion table is a table of life.

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12)

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

The Communion table is a table of love.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

“I am the Good Shepherd . . . and I lay down My life for the sheep. . . . No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” (John 10:14-18)

When we come to the Communion table, we are invited into Christmas, Thanksgiving, freedom, family, and acceptance. The Communion table is a place of provision, of plenty, of promise, of healing, of hope, of mercy, and of redemption. Communion is a meal made possible by sacrifice, specifically by the sacrificial gift God gave to us at Christmas, the gift of His only Son, Jesus, who became the perfect sacrifice for my sins and for your sins, who gave His life that you and I might live. 

The Communion table truly is a table of miracles, of victory over sin and death. It is a table full of life and of love. And miracle of miracles, you and I, and each and every person, have a seat at this table. We are invited to participate in the Communion that is the Lord’s Supper. The choice is ours. The Communion Table is open to all.

“The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; (which is poured out for you – Luke 22:20) do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

I am so grateful to be invited to participate in this Communion meal, a meal full of hope and of promise – the hope and promise I so long for as I enter into this new year –

sincerely,  Grace Day 

    

 

Advent’s answer

Posted on by Grace Day

Who is this baby in the manger, that He makes the angels sing?

Who is this baby in the manger, that He makes the heavens ring?

Who is this baby in the manger, that wise men leave their homes?

That shepherds shout hosana, the King is on His throne!

Who is this baby in the manger, that the world should rejoice His birth?

Who is this baby in the manger, that He brings such joy to earth?

Who is this baby in the manger, so filled with truth and grace,

that Wise Men traveled long and far, just to behold His face? 

Who is this baby in the manger, that He fills our darkness with His light?

this baby who will one day heal the sick, and give the blind their sight?

Who is this baby in the manger, that He brings the world such love?

He’s the Holy King, the Prince of Peace, He’s the Son of God above!

His reign shall be forever, His kingdom know no end,

He will come in power and glory, when He comes to earth again.

Now I know the baby in the manger, I know why the angels sing,

They sing for the babe in the manger, who is Jesus, the Heavenly King! 

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12)

sincerely,  Grace Day 

happy birthday Baby!

Posted on by Grace Day

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us.’ “ (Matthew 1:23)

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ “ (Luke 2:10-12)

Happy Birthday, Baby and welcome to our world –

angels announced Your arrival, the stars in the heavens unfurled

to welcome You on that Silent Night when all creation sang –

across the hills of Bethlehem such good tidings rang!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.”

bearing witness to the long-awaited miracle of Your birth –

Immanuel, God with us, our Redeemer come to earth.

You left Your home in glory, to make Your home with men,

We were not worthy, still You came, to take away our sin.

God’s gift to me in the manger lay, over two-thousand years ago –

this same gift is offered me still today, I dare not let it go

unacknowledged, unwrapped, ungratefully unreceived,

this gift of God will change my life, if only I believed.

in the power of the Baby in the manger to bring a dying world life,

to bring His light into our darkness and His peace into our strife. 

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.’ “ (Luke 2:14) 

Oh, Immanuel, Immanuel! You have come to rescue and redeem the lost.

How glad I am that you came for me, Your love overcoming all cost.

“He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:8)

Oh, happy birthday, Baby – I’m so glad you came!

I will celebrate Your birthday and forever praise Your name!

“Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

Your birth changed the world forever, bringing us hope and truth and grace,

So we celebrate Your birthday, the day true love found its face.

“We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

sincerely,  Grace Day 

Advent – has the lead been buried?

Posted on by Grace Day

Birthday parties are really fun celebrations. I think back on my own children’s birthday parties and they were always important events that we celebrated with much planning, preparation and anticipation. My children were also guests at numerous birthday parties during those years. These birthdays were celebrated in a variety of ways. Roller skating or bowling were both popular activities with which to celebrate the birthday, as were Build a Bear and Chuck E Cheese as venues. The birthday was celebrated with food and gifts before the final activity of singing to the birthday child, whereafter he or she would blow out the candles on their birthday cake and every guest got to eat some of the coveted cake. Not only did the guests partake of the cake, they were also sent home with goodie bags, containing gifts for themselves even though it wasn’t their birthday. 

Now depending upon how big these parties were and whether it was one where the whole class was invited, the party guests had varying degrees of relationship with the person who had issued the invitation, the person whose birthday was actually being celebrated. But even if a particular guest did not know the person well whose birthday was being celebrated, they could still participate fully in all the activities surrounding the event, such as skating, enjoying the food, singing and eating cake and hanging out with friends at the same party doing the same thing. They didn’t really have to know who they were celebrating in order to enjoy all the various aspects of the party. Maybe it was more about the party than the person anyway?

As adults we may also be guests at events where we don’t know the person being celebrated all that well. It may be a work event honoring a coworker we don’t know personally. But that doesn’t stop us from participating in the festivities, enjoying the food and the fun, even though we have no personal connection to who is being recognized. After all, who doesn’t love a good party? 

I’m thinking this may describe the season and the celebration of Advent we are in today. Christmas is celebrated around the world in many different ways by many different cultures. Christmas is a birthday party – a world wide party celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The name of the holiday literally means “Christ’s mass” or “Christ’s celebration”. That should be a clue right there as to who we are honoring at this party we call Christmas. The guest list for this party is all inclusive. Everyone is invited to come and to celebrate God’s gift to the world of His only Son.

“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. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) 

This is really good news! No wonder the month of December around the world is one big birthday party celebration, observed with different foods and customs in different parts of the world – but celebrated nonetheless. We are celebrating the birth of God’s Son, Jesus, the promised Messiah for all mankind. 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

We may come to this birthday party bearing a gift for the Christ child, like the Wise Men did, when they brought their gifts to Jesus. But if we accept the goodie bag given to us freely at this birthday party, we receive the gift of eternal life. That’s a pretty good gift to take away from this celebration. 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) 

Everyone receives an invitation to this birthday party and everyone is offered a goodie bag prepared just for them. There are no exclusions. 

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

People all over the world fully participate in all the activities surrounding the celebration of Christ’s birth, despite the fact they don’t know Him personally. We decorate, we bake cookies, we put up Christmas trees, we give and receive gifts, we sing the songs of the season – which include everything from “Glory to the newborn King”, to “Santa Clause is coming to town” to “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.” Some of these songs, such as “The First Noel”, remind us of the miraculous event that happened two-thousand twenty-three years ago, the birth of the Savior, which we are still celebrating today.  

As I write this, the global birthday party is in full swing. People are only too happy to be invited to participate in all the festivities, fun and food. But many participate in the party without ever coming into contact with the guest of honor. And when the celebration draws to a close, they leave the party without their goodie bag. They don’t receive the gift that was offered to them, the gift made possible by the coming of the Christ Child. How sad to attend the party, never meet the guest of honor and then leave empty handed. 

In our culture, the lead certainly has become buried in the celebration of Christmas. Oh, there are still some clues for those who have eyes to see. Stars or angels atop Christmas trees are symbols of the night of Jesus’s birth. It was an angel who appeared to the shepherds in the field, giving them the good news that Jesus had been born. And it was a special star that guided the three Wise Men on their long journey to find Jesus and worship Him. 

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ “ (Luke 2:8-12)

This is the lead that has been buried beneath all the festivities of the birthday party of the King. ”Unto us a child is given, unto us a Son is born,” “a Savior has been born to you!” to us, to you and to me! Our promised Redeemer has come, hope has entered into our hopeless world. 

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Immanuel, God with us, this is the lead that today is buried beneath our cultural customs attached to this birthday party. There are so many fun activities for us to do, that we really don’t have any extra time to seek out the guest of honor and get to know Him. It wasn’t any different on that first Christmas – the lead was buried then also. The people were looking for a powerful, political king with a crown to deliver them from Roman oppression. So they overlooked the helpless baby in the manger, except for the shepherds, who listened to the angel and followed his instructions to go and worship the newborn King. The rest of the world went on with business as usual, not realizing the miracle that had taken place in their very midst.

This Advent season I don’t want the lead to be buried. I am celebrating a miracle. God has come and He’s coming again. The angel brought “good news of great joy for All people.” That’s a reason to celebrate. God came here to redeem His people. That includes you and me, dear readers. ”Let every heart prepare Him room.” I want to be ready when He comes. Advent is all about preparing to receive the coming King.

“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:7-10)

sincerely,  Grace Day