See You Next Year!

Just a quick note that this will be our last entry for 2008. We will be doing some traveling to see family and I won't have my computer. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year!

Bloggin' together

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Joyeux Noël

Feliz Navidad to you and your loved ones! I found this website which has Merry Christmas in all these different languages. Looking over the list, I'm partial to the French and Spanish. Regardless of where we are from, it's all about Jesus...

The reason for the season

We tried to attend a Christmas eve service at the Convention Center earlier today but the kid's nap schedule didn't work out. Strangely their sleeping was so unlike any other day. Abigail went to bed at 12:30 am and Isaac past 1:00 am. It was as if they knew the importance of staying up to celebrate the birth of Christ. We wound up having an impromptu candlelight worship in our living room a little before midnight. I took out my guitar and we sang "Silent Night" and "Happy Birthday" both with drum accompaniment courtesy of Isaac. Then Isaac blew out the candles and we did our family hug dance/cheer and thanked God in prayer. It was a good way to start Abigail's first Christmas. I pray your day is filled with joy, peace, and the presence of our loving God!

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

The Spirit of the Season

During this Advent season, we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into this world and expectantly await his return in glory. Many talk about the "Christmas spirit" of joy, giving, peace, hope, goodwill, thankfulness, and love. I believe what people are really identifying is the Holy Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22-23).

The Tabernacle (Temple) in the wilderness

The Bible teaches that Christians are a temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor 3:16). Just as the glory of God made a dwelling in the Tabernacle, the Spirit of God lives in the hearts of believers. Perhaps the greatest challenge for the majority of the church is understanding and getting to know the Holy Spirit. Do we believe that intimacy is even possible with the third person of the Trinity? We must not only believe it, but we must experience it. Of the three persons of God, the Holy Spirit is the only one on earth- God the Father is in heaven and Jesus is seated at His right hand (cf. Col 3:1). This Christmas let us not only bring our gifts to Jesus, let us enjoy and embrace the gift he has given to us- our Comforter. The Holy Spirit is fully God, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, and the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Do you hear his voice?

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you." John 16:13-14

America's Pastor?

President-elect Barack Obama announced that Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church will deliver the invocation at his inauguration. It was a bold decision which was met with harsh criticism from liberals, especially abortion and gay rights activists. Obama defended his decision by reiterating the importance for unity even in the midst of differing viewpoints. You can read more about this story here.

Obama and Warren earlier this year at the
Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion

AP Photo

I am not quite certain how to assess Obama's choice from a political standpoint, but I am very encouraged that a strong ambassador of the faith has the opportunity to serve this nation at the highest level of government. Rick Warren has even been called America's Pastor, seemingly carrying on the mantle of Billy Graham (and his son) in ministering to our country and her leaders. Learn more about Pastor Rick by clicking here. Let us continue to pray for God's grace upon our leaders and a great spiritual awakening of all people in America!

"Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?"
Psalm 85:6

Dadsense

As a follow up to yesterday's post, Anita Renfroe offers a rendition of her "Momsense" song just for dads. It is funny but sadly not far from the truth...

Anita Renfroe

Jenney just learned about a comedian named Anita Renfroe. She is the wife of a Baptist pastor, mother of three, and special guest for the Women of Faith conferences. She became an internet sensation when her "Momsense" song was posted on YouTube. The lyrics consist of what a typical mother says to her children in a day, condensed to less than three minutes and set to operatic music. She is truly gifted and has a sincere mother's heart. Take a look below.

If you want to see the lyrics, click here.

Isaac as a Baby

Yesterday's post reminded me of the days when Isaac was a baby. It really is not just a cliché that kids grow up too fast. I sincerely miss the times we shared watching our son in his first year of life. We used to comfort Isaac down to sleep with David Crowder's "All I Can Say". Crowder saved us from countless hours of crying with this beautiful song. Check it out below.

And the result was...

A baby Isaac relaxed and at peace