A WORD ABOUT YOUR PROSPERITY:

Over two thousand years ago, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to be born like one of us – to die for all of us. He paid the price for our sin. Our sin is in our nature and our nature is to reject God and His authority; and we cannot pay for that, not even with our own blood. But God, Himself, came to earth, became one of us. He willingly left His splendor in Heaven and suffered death at the hands of men – the hands of men He created, in order to bring us back to God. That is why Jesus said, He came to give us life more abundantly (John 10:10).

This is why birthday parties for Jesus really miss the point: Christmas is not a celebration of Jesus’ birthday. We are not celebrating another year older, nor are we celebrating the date of His birth. We are celebrating God’s greatest gift to man, the gift of Himself and His willing sacrifice – we are celebrating Christ’s triumph over sin and death, so we can live with Him forever; and He gives us freedom on earth, no matter our lot in life.

In the days of old, and Bible times included, it was common to celebrate with song, festivities and the giving of gifts whenever a people received a great victory, military or otherwise. So, too, in our giving of gifts to family and friends, we are celebrating the salvation and redemption God has given freely to man. This is why we give – not to fulfill some materialistic lust, though it appears we have devolved into this as a society. When we give our gifts, let us remember the reason for the giving – Jesus has conquered death, and that is our greatest victory.

The best way to celebrate Christmas is to receive the gift God has given to men (read John chapter one). This gift was God who became man, who died for our sin in our place. Everyone who repents of their sin and receives this gift will have everlasting life. This is true prosperity and the greatest prosperity, indeed.

ANOTHER WORD ABOUT GIFT GIVING:

Solomon and the queen of Sheba demonstrated the best template for gift exchanging: when visiting bring a gift from your wealth – gold, silver, costly spices, jewels and such. Your host, in turn displays his wealth and you choose what you will. It was noted in the account the queen of Sheba left with more than she brought. Visiting trumps hosting.

PLEASE ENJOY THIS VIDEO AND SONG:

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound the carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn, the households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

words and image stolen from http://www.cyberhymnal.org/

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me. [Psa 50:14-15 NIV]

Isn’t it wonderful that no matter the doom and gloom painted by the media, our hope and our provision is in Christ, not in the economy of the world? We still live in a prosperous nation, even if it looks like we are going through some rocky times. And we should always be thankful to God who has blessed us exceedingly.

This is the time of year we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. And what makes this child so special; special, in that we celebrate by giving gifts to others? The answer is that He gave His life for us. Our rebellion against God can only be paid for with blood and even our own blood is insufficient to pay for our own sin. But God willingly left His home and authority in heaven, came to earth and walked as a man. Then, He willingly died, paid for our sin and conquered death and the evil one. Now we are no longer slaves to sin; we can be free just by receiving what God has freely given. Isn’t God good?

Andy and Nichelle are celebrating their second Christmas together. No children yet, but they have a dog, so I guess we have to accept that. The day they picked up the dog, they needed a sitter, and we were available to babysit our new granddog. Andy is still working on internet development and doing some very creative work. Nichelle is manager of a coffee shop downtown and she helps us set up beautiful displays in our store.

Chelsey continues her employment at Hastings. She and her dad braved the wild to cut a Christmas tree at the tree farm. She enjoys having quiet moments with her mom – and shopping.

Robin’s life has taken a dramatic turn, in that, six weeks ago we purchased a home décor and gift store. This has really stretched her as she was quite comfortable staying home. But she has done quite well. Having a natural welcoming personality, she is an encouragement to people who come to visit the store. Her voice is natural for the radio and she is narrating the better part of our commercials. One of these days, we will have to sell the store because she will be a big-time radio voice, doing major commercials.

Dean is still recovering from the shattered pelvis and walking with a cane. Managing the store is fun and a challenge. God is blessing us richly, even though each day seems like a trial.

May God bless all of you this Christmas Season. Let us remember to thank God for His many blessings as we celebrate – and remember the greatest gift was given by Him.

God’s peace be upon you,

Dean and Robin Isaacson