Christmas » PWOC International Blog

Merry Christmas

Dec 302011

I pray that you are all having a great Holiday season.

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a child is born, to us a child is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Nighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 7:14 says, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him, Emmanuel.”

These are words of promise out of the Old Testament. How much of that promise do we really hear and pay attention to? At Christmas we seem to concentrate on the child, the baby, the promise of a son and king who will take charge and run the world the way it should be run. This we see as the promise of the Messiah.

I think the more important part of the prophecy is the verse from Isaiah 7, that Matthew takes up as he introduces the Messiah. Matthew 1:22 says, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet; ‘the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Ennanuel, which means, God with us.’”

The key word in all this is “Emmanuel.” God WITH us! Not just for the little while that Jesus was alive, but it is there in the promise and in the birth of the child, the Son of God. The promise is there at the crufifixion. The promise is there at the resurrection and a Pentecost. Most importantly the promise is here today with each and every one of us. It is the greatest promise we could ever imagine. God is with us in good and bad times, trials and tribulations, pain and pleasure, in everything that happens. GOD IS WITH US!

In prayer, we need to always remember that we are stretched at times to stand on faith to remember that God is with us no matter what is happening around us. He says that we are to seek Him and we shall find Him. He came to us in the flesh so that we could have His presence with us at all times. This Christmas season, I pray that you will know and remember that Christ our Lord is with us and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

I pray that the Lord will shine upon you during this Season of Joy in knowing His love for you and that He will always be with you.

Merry Christmas!
Jane Ahl

Christmas Prayer

Prayer Points

Dec 232011

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord Is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:26-33 NIV)

Nazareth was a quiet town where men attended to their daily work and women their households. If you were looking for excitement you would have to travel on down the road. No one really boasted about being from Nazareth. Remember Nathanael saying, ”Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Of course later Nathanael was a follower. Mary being from Nazareth did live a quiet life in a quiet town. Little did she know all of that was about to change. God had a plan, a perfect plan, and she was chosen to play a vital role in fulfilling God’s plan for our salvation.

Why Mary? Mary herself must have wondered, Why am I a “favored woman”? Why me? Of course the reasons she was chosen are known only to God, but it is clear that she was no random selection. Mary was an ordinary, small-town girl, obedient and courageous. From her song recorded in Luke 1:46-55, we know that she was a woman of Scripture, definitely a woman of faith. She was a virgin so that the glory of God might be miraculously demonstrated. Mary was also a peasant girl, in keeping with the humble nature of the Lord’s birth.

Yes, Mary was all these things. She honored and obeyed the will of her Father, providing his only Son a home from which he would grow up to become the savior of the world. The Child toddled behind her in his infancy. Then, in time, she followed behind him all the way to the cross and the tomb.

God sent the ultimate Christmas gift not just to Mary but to all of us and it was Mary who delivered the package.

Dear Lord,

We praise you for your gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ, who came to us as a baby many years ago. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Christmas Morning in La Verne

Devotions

Dec 272010

by Laura Firtko

Each Christmas morning at approximately 7:30 I heard sirens in the distance. As the minutes ticked by the sound got louder. Did we have major emergencies every Christmas in La Verne? Not exactly.

I waited until the sound grew intense. Then I’d bolt out of bed, slide into my slippers, throw on my robe, run down the stairs, and fly out the door to the sidewalk in front of our house. Mom, Dad, Judy my sister, and nieces Heather and Holly all stood there in the cool morning air, dressed in PJs, goose bumps rising. We waved at neighbors and wished them Merry Christmas but rarely had time to chat.

Jumping up and down partly to stay warm and partly out of excitement I’d lean into the street to see if they were coming. Finally they appeared — firefighters carrying white lunch-sized bags flanking a spit-shined, bright red fire engine inching down the street emitting the occasional horn blast and siren scream. Following after, decked out in full costume, riding in a red sleigh (it really was a decorated jeep) came a member of the La Verne Fire Department playing the role of Santa. He waved and hollered “Ho, Ho, Ho, and Merry Christmas!”

I grew up in La Verne, California. Every Christmas for as long as I can remember we greeted Santa and received goody bags from the adorable firemen. It didn’t seem to matter that I was 28 years old the last time I stood there on the sidewalk eagerly anticipating my treat. They probably thought I was cute. I’d peek inside my bag to find an assortment of candy, an orange or an apple, and a greeting from the City of La Verne.

There was something special about a community where the fire department, and hundreds of citizen volunteers, would gather to assemble goody bags, get up extra early on Christmas morning, and create an atmosphere of joy for the whole city. I didn’t know how good I had it as a kid.

While I cherish my Christmas memories, and long to relive them at times, my recent celebrations have become simpler and more meaningful. Without Christ, I wouldn’t have Christmas at all. So I relish in the entire season, listening to old Christmas songs, sipping hot cider, resting in the warmth of a glowing fire, driving through decorated neighborhoods, and topping it off with a Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Then on Christmas Day I focus on what matters most to me: Christ’s birth, family, friends, good health, life, love, and freedom. These are gifts that cannot be bought, sold, or traded. They are priceless blessings that make life worth living.

What matters most to you? Take some time to reflect on the priceless blessings in your life. As you do, may the joy of Christ’s birth resonate in your hearts this Christmas and beyond.

Merry Christmas!!

President's Pen, Seasonal teaching

Dec 242010

Wishing a Merry Christmas 2010 to the Women of PWOC International!

The Mills family is moving this Christmas…again. This will be our fourth move during the Christmas season; our fourth Christmas without a place to call home. When I get tempted to be whiney about it, God whispers to my spirit, “You’re not the only one, you know.” A quick look out my kitchen window and all the moving vans and cartons stacked in yards shows me that’s true. Many of us military families are on the winter rotation, facing a Christmas PCS (Permanent Change of Station) and the unknowns of what it will be like where we’re going to live next.

I went to Matthew chapter 2 and Luke chapter 2 this morning and read the story of Jesus’ arrival on the earth. And it occurred to me, Mary and Joseph were actually “PCSing” when Jesus was born! Bethlehem was Joseph’s hometown and after Jesus was born, they set up house there. That’s where the wise men came to visit and they worshiped Jesus in Mary and Joseph’s house (see Matthew 2:11).

Think about it. On their move, Mary was carrying within her womb the Greatest Gift, Jesus, the Light of the World! And if we’ve received God’s gift of salvation in Jesus, we’re carrying the Light of the World in us. It’s a mystery, but Paul tells us in Colossians 1:26-27 that the mystery has been revealed–Christ in us, the hope of glory. What an opportunity we have as we pack up our household goods to share God’s gift of love and hope with our packers and our movers. We can shine with His light and joy as we greet convenience store attendants, eat in restaurants, and visit with family and friends along the journey.

So many people in the military are looking for hope, a light in the darkness, and we—women involved with PWOC on continents around the world—carry God’s light and hope within us. I’m looking forward to seeing not only what God will do in us individually, but hearing what God does among us corporately this holy season.

Beth Mills, PWOCI President

Joy to the World

Seasonal teaching

Dec 222010

Submitted by: Donna Castle

Fumbling in the dark to find a light, I grasp my travel alarm and hold it up to the glow from a nearby desk. It’s 3:30 am and my heart is singing “Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!” Why am I filled with joy at 3:30 am? My Savior REIGNS and I have much for which to be thankful during this Advent season .

At the top of my “Be Thankful” list is that our entire family will be “home” for Christmas. During the fall of 2008, one son and my husband deployed. As we waited expectantly for their return, the Lord used Isaiah 41:31 to encourage us. It reads, “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” There were times when I had to let God carry me high above the situation and give me His perspective. By God’s grace and mercy both have returned safely, yet I am very mindful of those who will not be celebrating Christ’s birth with their loved ones. My heart goes out to you as I pray that you may be comforted by the love and strength of our Lord in this season.

We have a Christmas tradition of hanging twenty-five “count-down” stockings filled with treats. As each day passes by, the stockings are a reminder that there are only a few days left before the children and grandchildren arrive. As I busily prepare for their coming, the season of Advent reminds me that it is more important to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ child. We can look to the lyrics of the carol “Joy to the World” and receive some guidance. “Let every heart prepare Him room.” Make time daily, personally and as a family, with Jesus. Search your heart and “No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground.” Make your heart clean before the Lord and each other so that nothing would interfere as “He comes to make His blessings flow.” Take heart. ”He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.”

With your hearts prepared, may you loudly sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King.”

Wavering or Worshipping?

Devotions

Dec 062010

Submitted By Andrea Plotner

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2

In November, while I was at the PWOC International Conference in Dallas, my parents came to stay and watch our boys. I left of list of possible activities to fill the time, one of which was to teach our 6 year old how to ride a bike. Victory!

It turns out that my dad, who is very clever, has a “fool-proof method” for teaching little ones to ride. Instead of simply giving a push and running alongside (which I had tried unsuccessfully), two adults assist, one giving the push off, and the other standing at a point in the distance. The child is instructed to watch the adult toward whom they are riding…and snap! He’s riding. But without the focal point, he wavers.

With Advent upon us, I am reminded of the Magi, or Wise Men as they’re often called, who fixed their eyes upon a focal point – a star – and came to worship Jesus without wavering. Without exception, when I am not worshipping Christ, I am wavering in one area of my life or another. We are told in Hebrews 12:2 to fix our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

But what does this look like? This Christmas season, consider asking God to strip the pageantry from your eyes to help you see the person of Jesus Christ. In prayer, you might cry out for a greater awareness of God’s presence, or a renewed hunger and thirst for righteousness and desire for His Word. Or perhaps focus on the full meaning of the traditional carols you hear, rather than allowing them to simply become holiday background music. In all things, seek to exalt Christ and give Him the preference, the glory and the honor for which He is so worthy!

Like my little guy learning to ride a bike, I long to be steady and unwavering. Like the wise men, I long to come daily to worship Jesus, the one born king of the Jews. May you increasingly worship, and not waver, this Christmas and always.

Merry Christmas!!!

Friday Fruit

Dec 252009

ChristmasMessage_PWOC

The Beautiful Plan

President's Pen, Seasonal teaching

Dec 242009

As I reflect on this special day, I think about how the birth of Jesus Christ set into motion a beautiful and divine, majestic plan of His kingdom reign, which knows no end.

“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 (NIV)

The birth was the point at which Jesus Christ, fully God in the form of man came to live on earth and be with us.

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means “God with us.” Matt 1:22-23 (NIV)

He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Knowing in the beginning that He would need to come to earth to become the redeemer for all mankind who would accept Him.

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! 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.” Phil 2:6-11 (NIV)

Christmas Day is the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to fully receive His free gift of salvation. If you are unsure of whether or not you have accepted His free gift, visit our web site where you can pray through the steps of salvation at http://www.pwoc.org/Resources/Resources_Downloads/StepsToPeace.pdf

Jesus is our everything, He is our all in all. His birth announced to the world, that His kingdom has come and that His throne will last forever and ever.

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.” Ps. 45:6 (NIV)

May your Christmas day be filled with the fullness of the beauty of His plan for you, His beloved.

Brenda Marlin, PWOCI President

The Heart of Christmas

Devotions

Dec 212009

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me One Who will be ruler over Israel, Whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Micah 5:2

700 years later, Joseph and Mary come to Bethlehem to fulfill that promise. God Incarnate, who chose to make His dwelling among us through this only begotten Son. In Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest, he says “His life is the highest, the Holiest entering in at the lowliest door. His birth was an advent/coming.”

As we enter this last week of Advent, we should be putting the finishing touches of preparation to our hearts and homes for the Lord’s coming. As Chambers so beautifully puts it, “Just as our Lord came into human history from outside/heaven so He must come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a Bethlehem for the Son of God?” Is Jesus in my heart? Do I have a saving faith and if so does the Lord Jesus have His rightful place in my thoughts and affections? Does this love of God loom before me as I see that for which He destined His Son, the redemption of mankind? Do we bask in this unhindered sweet fellowship with the God of heaven and earth? It is He who poured all of His wrath on His Son – towards all the sin committed past, present and future – so we could have the privilege of knowing Him intimately. We were made for God, to know Him and worship Him with all of our hearts. To the degree that we live with an abiding sense of His love for us in Christ, to that degree will we love God with all our heart, soul and mind (2 Cor. 5:14).

As you read the Christmas story, may you be reminded that your heart is a “Bethlehem” for the Son of God. Don’t let anything squeeze this one true pearl, one true bread, one true drink of the Lord Jesus Christ that forever satisfies (Ps 27:40).

10 more days till Christmas!

Seasonal teaching

Dec 152009

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:39-45 (NIV)

Ten more days until Christmas! Have you already been asked at least 10 times this week if you’re ready? It seemed that each time I heard that I’d feel a bit more anxious. I know that it is one of those rhetorical pleasantries, but it really made me think and ask myself, “Am I Ready?” Being a good Army wife, I had to do a little research on readiness. So, I went to my SOP, to come up with a plan and glean some strategies from others getting ready for ‘Christmas.’ I landed at Gabriel’s departure and Mary’s arrival at the door of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

What was Mary’s plan of action? She accepted her special commission, got up and got going to see the first issue of God’s great possibilities!

What was Elizabeth’s readiness response? What was the response of the baby in her womb? Elizabeth received the favor and proclaimed the blessings of the Lord! John leapt for joy!

My Assessment and Readiness Plan: Only through Christ is it possible for me to be shown the favor of being chosen, royal, holy, special and His own – one called out darkness and into His marvelous light! The next time I’m asked if I’m “ready for Christmas” I will say, “Yes, I am blessed!” – and with great joy I’ll leap (with one foot or two, depending on the available space J)!

Oh, I can’t wait to be asked again!

Older Entries

PWOC International Blog

Merry Christmas

Christmas Prayer

Christmas Morning in La Verne

Merry Christmas!!

Joy to the World

Wavering or Worshipping?

Merry Christmas!!!

The Beautiful Plan

The Heart of Christmas

10 more days till Christmas!

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