Because of Jesus, 2016 Was a Good Year

Because of Jesus, 2016 Was a Good Year

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Philippians 4:4-8:  “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

In these last days of 2016, the Holy Spirit has led me to meditate on the above passage.  During this past year, I have often struggled to take every thought captive, but the Lord has even more often pulled me up by “my boot straps” and brought to mind those things that are honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praise worthy.  In the past months, Psalm 23 has become deeply ingrained in my spiritual DNA.

Moment by moment, the Lord has shown Himself to be my shepherd. He has richly supplied every need out of His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  In the midst of confusion and chaos, He has taken me to green pastures of rest in Him, to the quiet waters of His restoration so that my soul has found peace and the right direction.  I have literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death three times this year with the passing of my dear husband, one brother-in-law, and, a couple of weeks ago, my older brother.  My younger brother has been seriously ill; my remaining brother-in-law has been injured.  Yet, God has comforted, guided and strengthened me.

In the midst of all, He has taken me to His banqueting table and covered me with His banner of love.  When I look back over this year, I see where my cup of joy has overflowed again and again and again. Because of my journey with Him through this tumultuous year, I know that I know that I know goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell with Him forever.

It has been a good year.

Sharing a Christmas Prayer

Sharing a Christmas Prayer

One of my favorite authors is Robert Lewis Stevenson.  One of my favorite prayers is his Christmas prayer.  It is my joy to share it with you.

Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

-- Robert Louis Stevenson

21st Century Christmas Carol

21^st Century Christmas Carol

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

The Church is arising and

 Beginning, once again, to shine.

We’ve had our fill of passivity.

We are moving in the courage

And the authority of Christ

To greet our neighbors with

“Merry Christmas and God bless you.”

The Christmas tree, again, is

The Tree of Life reflecting His glory,

And filling our homes and our hearts.

We may like Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman,

But we worship, not only the Babe in the Manager,

But the Jesus of the Revelation,

The Omnipotent Warrior,

The King of Kings,

The Lord of Lord,

The Judge,

The Bridegroom.

We see in our hearts the army of heaven surrounding Him in glory

Just as that same army welcomed His birth.

We hear the song of heaven,

The war cry of the victorious

Reverberating through the cosmos

Like the sound of many waters:

“Peace on earth to those who desire goodness.”

You alone are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power.

Holy, holy, holy.  You are the Lord God, the Alpha and the Omega.”

Above the tumult of the world,

Resounds the carol of the ages:

“Joy to the world,

The Lord has come,

Is come

And will come once more.”