'Tis the day after Christmas and all through the house … is a mess, and, we didn't even have Christmas here!

Everywhere I look I see signs of love … let me explain!

The mess in the kitchen reminds me of all the food I cooked over the past few days to share with children and grandchildren and friends. The dirty dishes, empty trays, and leftovers remind me of the love we shared sitting at a table enjoying the seasonal delicacies.

The mess in the living room reminds me of the gifts I wrapped … scraps of wrapping paper, scotch tape, gift tags, scissors, bags of ribbon, empty rolls of paper. What a delight! I look at them and can envision the looks on the children's faces as they opened their gifts and jumped up to throw their arms around us with hugs and kisses. "Thank you, Nana! Thank you, Papa!"

The mess in the bathroom reminds me of our hurried frenzy to get ready and on the road so we could spend every minute possible with our family. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are special to this family because of exactly that … family!

The mess in the bedroom reminds me that I've gained weight and can't comfortably wear what I'd planned. Oops, that's not one of the better memories, except that it's a sign of being blessed when I consider our friends and ministry partners overseas who live with so little. It's humbling to even consider why God chose to allow us the privilege of living in these United States—a country of abundant blessing!

The mess in the hallway reminds me of how tired we are after two full days of travel and family and friends and food and fellowship and fun. We came through the door late last night, kicked off our shoes, dropped our coats on the nearest chair and came in to sit down with a bowl of popcorn (like we really needed it!!!) and a movie one of the kids bought for us. While enjoying each other in the quietness of our home, we realized how blessed we are!

Yes, love messes. But there's nothing better than love messes. They're what makes family so worth it all. And, it gives me an excuse not to clean it up since every thing out of place is a reminder of the love we share this Christmas.

Maybe I'll just let the love messes linger one more day!

©Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

"Silent Night" has become an anchor for Christmas celebrations throughout the world. Its lullaby-like melody and simple message of heavenly peace can be heard from small town street corners in mid-America to magnificent cathedrals in Europe and from outdoor candlelight concerts in Australia to palm thatched huts in northern Peru. "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" can easily be called the world's best-loved Christmas carol. It has been translated into nearly 300 languages and dialects. Its message of heavenly peace sets the theme for Christmas celebrations around the globe.

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face.
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend thy light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is here,
Jesus the Savior is here!

[Alternate Verses]

Silent night, holiest night!
Darkness flies, all is light!
Shepherds hear the angels sing;
"Alleluia! Hail the King!
Jesus, the Savior is here,
Jesus, the Savior is here."

Holy light, perfect light,
Christ of God, Oh, how bright
Doth Thy Spirit shine always!
Healing, blessing man each day
With Thy heavenly love,
With Thy heavenly love.

Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend your light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!

There was really nothing "silent" about this night. There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift possible. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior.

It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the visitor to their humble stable.

Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the "Reason" for the season truly is, what He has done for you, Make one more list before you leave your house or office today . . . count your blessings . . . and begin to Praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend . . . tell them about the precious King of Kings and Lord of Lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever . . . give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the "Reason for the Season"!

Father, my heart cannot be silent any longer! Glory to God! Your Gift of Love wrapped in flesh that memorable night is cause for JOY! Your Gift of Love so freely given, so fully sufficient, so awesomely presented to this world still brings me to my knees in awe and thankfulness! Your Gift of Love so perfectly planned fulfilled every purpose You had in mind, bringing glory to Your Sovereign Reign over all! Lord, the song may use the word "silent", but if I am silent I fear that even the rocks would cry out in my stead . . . may it never be so! I give You glory and honor for that night not so silent when Salvation touched this earth conquering death, hell, and the grave! Silent? Never! I'll shout it from the rooftops . . . Jesus Christ is Lord of All! Alleluia to the King! Amen and Amen!

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

Probably one of the first songs little children are taught during this season is "Away in a Manger". I can remember as a little girl singing this with my class in front of the entire church, each of us stepping out of the choir to say our verse while we recited the entire account of the birth of the Lord Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. It was something we looked forward to each year, singing the sweet lullaby about Baby Jesus and saying our memory verses.

Although some believe this carol was penned by Martin Luther, German religious reformer and author of a number of beautiful hymns, it is almost certainly of late 19th century American origin. Verses 1 and 2 appeared anonymously in Little Children's Book for Schools and Families, by J. C. File, Philadelphia, 1885, and verse 3 is by John Thomas McFarland (1851-1913). The tune most used is the 'Cradle song' by American Gospel song writer W. J. Kirkpatrick (1838-21).

Away In a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes.
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray!
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

While the song, unlike so many we've highlighted these past few days, does not convey the Gospel in song, it tells of the tender newborn Christ-Child who has captured the love and adoration of generations of children and adults alike. Not because He was a baby born in unfortunate circumstances, but because this Child was God in the flesh come to redeem mankind from the curse of sin and death!

The mere mention of His name, the name of Jesus, works to tenderize even the hardest heart during this season. While we could list the pro's and con's of celebrating Christmas in December or celebrating it at all, the fact remains that during this time of year we are given a freedom to share the blessed truth of our Savior's birth with most anyone and they are more apt to be open to listen!

Let's take advantage of this season. There are so many ways you can express your love and adoration of this Christ-Child by sharing His life and death and everlasting reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Don't be timid! Teach the children the name of Jesus – use simple little songs like "Away in a Manger" and then teach them Who they're singing about. Recount the last two lines of the last verse . . . "Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there." What better way you yourself to be "fit for heaven" than to share the WHOLE story of Jesus and His love. What better way to fit others for heaven than to share openly about the Jesus who they see lying in a manger.

Father, help me to seek out opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ, no longer a baby in a manger, but King and Lord over all creation! Show me ways to use this season to an advantage, more openly proclaiming the love of God and more boldly sharing the Reason for this season. Father, every time I hear a Christmas song, help me remember that it is an invitation from You to speak into the lives of those around me. Father, teach me to be bold and to not hide my love for You regardless of where I am or what I'm doing. If I'm in the store, at work, at home, at a party or get-together . . . wherever it may be, help me to tell the Good News, that You might be glorified! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

". . .and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." (Acts 28:30-31)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15)

During this season, more than all others, the "Reason" can be hard to focus on for even those with the strongest faith. Television floods our homes with commercialized Christmas advertisements and programming. Radio fills the airwaves with seasonal songs, many of which fail to even mention the "Reason for the season". Workplaces are full of hustle and bustle trying to get ahead so everyone can take a few days off without the business losing money. Parties, pageants, cantatas, plays, programs, shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking, baking, greeting . . . and the list goes on. Time is soon snuffed out and there is none left to devote quality time with the "Reason" for the season.

Although rarely recognized as a seasonal song, "We Are the Reason" shares a message pointing to the REASON for this season, a reason for hope, a reason for life, a reason for love!

We Are the Reason
by David Meece

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
And all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find, but we never realized
A baby boy, one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our life

Chorus
We are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by, we learned more of our gifts
And giving of ourselves and what they mean
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung dying in the rain
Because of love, because of love
Because of love

Chorus

Every time I see the cross
I'm reminded that He gave His life
For you and me...

Chorus

We are the reason but
He is the reason we live

There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift of our life. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior. It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the visitor to their humble stable.

Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the "Reason" for the season truly is, what He has done for you. Make one more list . . . count your blessings . . . and begin to Praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend; tell them about the precious King of kings and Lord of lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever—give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the "Reason for the Season"!

Lord, as I consider all that fills every moment of every day, I am alarmingly aware that I often get caught up in the busyness of my days without focusing on the Reason for this and every season. Lord, You are the REASON for my hope …the REASON for this season and EVERY season. Help me to keep my focus on the Word made flesh on that celebrated day so many years ago. I love You Lord! May I never forget Your love toward me through the person of Jesus Christ! Amen and Amen!

"On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord." (John 12:12-13)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved