Author: Scott Heitshusen (Page 1 of 85)

Christmas Eve or Day can be chaotic – especially with little children!
They get the run of the house. It’s loud, messy, and bonkers!

But there is something about kids and Christmas that brings out the joy of the season.

They have no fear. They have no worries (except wondering if what they really want is under the tree!). They have no concerns.

It is just unbridled joy (and madness)!

The “Peace” of Christmas is often lost during those moments. Rather, it’s the clacking cacophony of kids, compelled to kill all calm and quietness with uncontrolled chaos!

Yet when there is unmitigated joy, there is also peace. When there is a lack of concern, there is a sense of calm. When there is no fear, there exists contentment!

Would that adults experience the Gift of the “Good News of great joy” of the birth of “the Savior, Christ the Lord” with the same enthusiasm that kids experience their gifts!

If we did, we would have no fear, but “a peace that surpasses all understanding;” a joy that reaches to the heavens; a hope that expels all anxiety.

Look forward to the coming birth of Jesus with the enthusiasm and life-altering consequences it deserves! In and through Him you will see, there is no fear. Of anything.

Ever.

Scriptures

• Psalm 46:1-3; Psalm 46:7-10
• I John 4:7-11; I John 4:18-19

The Christmas season, probably more than any other time of the year, can cause us to wonder if there will “be enough” to get us through. Not just in buying things for others, but the reflection about our own financial situation; will I have enough?
Most people I know don’t worry about this on a day-today basis, but that’s not to say there isn’t a small voice in the back of our minds, itching with the wonderment about being able to provide for ourselves and loved ones in the future.

That’s a real fear.

The amount some say should be in saving to be able to retire is beyond laughable and comprehension to me. How can I ever retire, continue to take care of my family, provide for my parents, continue to care for my differently-abled son, leave anything for my other son and his family, and on and on?.?.

And some have the real fear of being able to eat today; at all!

In Luke 12, Jesus gives the command to not to be anxious lives; what we eat, drink, or wear. He reminds us that He knows all our needs and provides.

God’s provisions are real! He provides; not always what we want, but what we need – physically and spiritually. (And He gets to decide what we need. It’s His definition, not ours.)

That doesn’t mean there are no concerns for us, but to look at the manger and see His provision – in this life and eternally in the next! We can rejoice that regardless of what we do or don’t have, the coming of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, means we look forward to wanting for nothing; forever!

“Do not be afraid,” the Kingdom of God is yours in Jesus! What more do you need?!

Scriptures

• Luke 12:22-34