Standing Around the Tree

We stand around this tree of evergreen,
A family tradition, a wonderful scene.
Pulling out the garland and orbs so bright,
The tree is trimmed and topped with a star of light.

We recall the time long ago,
We rejoice in what we know.
Jesus came down in manger of low estate,
He came on a cold and bitter night, so late.

The tree is a symbol of His undying love,
And He came down from Heaven above.
Faithful He will be forever more,
By His cradle we will come and adore.

We stand and look upon the cross,
Knowing what He did came at great cost.
The tree, where precious was the flow,
Take me there, so that I may know.

No Room For Him

Joseph and Mary seek shelter from the cold and dark,

After on this long journey they did embark.

From inn to inn, they sought shelter that night,

But no innkeeper could this king invite.

Are you like the innkeeper that had no room?

Are you unaware of your impending doom?

Our Lord and King came to us in a stable,

Will you choose to let Him in, if you are able?

The time has passed and He seeks shelter in our hearts,

That is where His salvation power starts.

He came from the stable and traveled to the cross,

He came so that we would not suffer eternal loss.

He knocks upon your heart’s door,

He wants to know you forever more.

Come to the door and let Him enter in,

And cleanse your heart from sin.

Know Your Stress Signals

K.Y.S.S. is how my pastor put it today. Sometimes we ignore what our bodies are telling us. We constantly need to recharge our physical and spiritual batteries. If we constantly ignore this integral part of our lives, we will crash and burn. We cannot help others if we don't help ourselves. It is like going into battle without any preparation or rest. We are liable to get ourselves wounded or even killed. Prepare yourselves and be vigilant about it. Be like David and dwell on the precepts that are in Psalms and Proverbs. The text for today's sermon was John 20:19-23.

Come Forth

Arise, My Son, come forth,
King of Kings, Man of great worth.
Death did not keep You down,
Savior, resurrected with great renown.

The stone rolled away,
Resurrection, this is the day.
For once was dead,
Now on the throne, Creation's head.

Seeking Him, here He did lay,
But now He is risen, no dismay.
Alive and well, 
Power over death and Hell.

Prepare the Way

Christ came down the road,
Knowing the heavy load.
For had He not made a way,
We would forever be astray.

Rejoice, for He has come,
He brought to life the numb.
For the King of Life is here,
And He will always be near.

We have rejoiced then,
But have we forgotten our sin?
Who would pay the price?
Who would make the sacrifice?

My Savior, paid the debt,
Have you recognized that yet?
His life upon that cross,
New life came, when His was lost.

We cannot forget the life given,
Because we have been forgiven.
For a life lost, eternal life to gain,
Would you suffer that pain?

Know You More

I have only scratched the surface,
This gift of great purchase.
Your words offer so much more,
Than I have seen before.

The mystery of Your vast glory,
And in Your Word, Your great story.
For I long to know You more,
And see what You have in store.

Knowing You more, I do believe,
When I ask I shall receive.
Knowing everything amounts to nothing,
Giving everything, You gave me something.

What Is It Going Take?

Tragedy is a part of life,
So is the pain and the strife.
We can't let those things hold us down,
And cause us to be consumed and drown.

For the storms of life may come strong,
And we may be hurt and feel wronged.
Christ felt the hurt and the pain,
And He died our eternal life to gain.

Your hurt may be deep and lasting,
And the rain pours and the winds blasting.
He sees the hurt and know your need,
Because He endured the pain and did bleed.

I am calling out to the hurting and lost,
I proclaim a message and a gift at no cost.
He loved the sinners and knew their need,
So I ask in earnest and pray that you heed.