Christmas gifts are for many of us the real joy of Christmas. Some folks cannot wait until Christmas morning to open their gifts. Children cannot wait to run down the stairs and see the toys. Even we adults find Christmas presents very exciting. The excitement and anticipation become overwhelming, and we cannot wait any longer. Perhaps the most exciting moment in the life of many families is that moment when everybody comes together to share gifts, one with the other.

Yes, Christmas gifts are exciting — but the joy is only temporary. In too many instances, the newness and excitement wear off very quickly, and we hear the infamous words, "Is that all there is?" Sometimes the joy of Christmas is taken away from us because we do not receive the gift that we anticipated receiving. Too often we build our Christmas joy around Christmas gifts and not the real reason which is stated in our text today.

This Christmas, let us remember that God so loved us that He gave us the most perfect present we could ever receive. There is no gift anywhere in the world that can compare to what God has given us through His Son, Who came and died for our sins. His Son is a gift that will last, not for a moment, but for eternity.

Prayer: O God, grant that each one receiving a gift this Christmas may find Christ and may share in true joy forevermore. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Christmas story is one of the greatest stories ever told. Each year we look forward to hearing it told one more time. One thing we often overlook as we read the story of our Lord's birth is the tremendous role that was played by angels. Throughout the Christmas story angels were very active.

Angels played a very important part in the birth of Christ. They share with the reader of Luke chapter two, inside information on God's plan concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. They had all the details. Many folks believe in angels, but too often they are overlooked or their role in the plan of God is forgotten.

Throughout the life of Christ they were his constant companions.
Mark 1:13 – He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. (NRSV)
Matthew 25:31 – When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. (NRSV)
Matthew 26:53 – Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? (NRSV)

Let 's not forget the angels this Christmas.
Luke 2:13-14 – And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!" (NRSV)
Truly their praise was "music from heaven."

Angels, according to the Bible, are servants of God. Their ministry is external and physical. They protect us and give us help in time of need. There is no need to research them, name them, pray to them or recite incantations to get their attention. They work at the command and bidding of God. The Lord hears our prayers, and sends his angels to be our guides and helpers.

Angels are found throughout the Bible. To believe in the Bible is to believe in the angels of God.

Peace, love and joy to all this holiday.

Prayer: How grateful we are, O Lord, for angels. We give you thanks for all that you do for us through them. Grant us peace, hope and love as we celebrate another Christmas. Fill us with your holy and heavenly presence that we too may be used by you to brighten the lives of others during this Christmas season. We love and adore you. We give you thanks. Amen.

One of the most popular stories in the Bible is the story of the Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42). It is a beautiful story filled with excitement as Jesus slowly reveals to this stranger her unholy lifestyle. The woman is amazed at Jesus' knowledge of her past. What makes this story so interesting is the fact that, throughout the conversation, Jesus is constantly offering her support, love and forgiveness. We all know Jesus as a Master Teacher, and perhaps it is here where he teaches us how to communicate in a positive, challenging and yet supportive manner. Perhaps we all could learn from this encounter. Just maybe, if we were more aware of the need to give more support, love and forgiveness, we too could become more effective as witnesses for Jesus Christ.

This story reminds us that evangelism challenges are all around us. We encounter people daily who need our help, support, love and a word from God. But why do we not take advantage of these opportunities to show the way to a lost soul? Have we lost our desire to reach out and touch the lives of others? Do we feel that evangelism and witnessing should be left up to trained professionals and the cults? The story of the Woman at the Well, reminds us that we should all be about our Lord's business. The reward for sharing the good news is greater than you and I can imagine. The Bible says: "Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 'Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?'"(John 4:28-29 NRSV)

The time is now for us to reclaim and proclaim the message of Christ to a dying world. The fourth chapter of John is a reminder to us all that we must not separate our selves from the world but embrace the world with God's love, kindness and forgiveness.

Prayer: O God, our help in ages past and our hope for ages to come, be our companion as we face the challenge of outreach. Through your Holy Spirit, enable us to let the sun of your love shine in the hearts of those who have lost their way. Help us to rekindle the flame of your love. We adore you; we love you. Amen. Amen.

It was an ordinary Sunday morning worship celebration. People had come from all around to praise the Lord. Many a Sunday, I had prayed that God would reveal himself to this congregation in a special way. But nothing seemed to happen. On this Sunday, after the sermon had been preached and the invitation to Christian discipleship had been extended, no one came forward to join the church. As tradition would have it, I asked if anyone would like to come for a special prayer. Before the request was over, a lady from the rear of the church had come down with tears flowing from her eyes. She was ill and had an appointment to have a medical procedure done the following week. Being guided by the Spirit, the congregation was asked to believe that God was going to bring healing to this mother and grandmother. We prayed that all would be well.

Two weeks passed by, and I could not take it any longer, so I called her home to say hello. It was then that she informed me that God had done a special thing in her life. She was completely healed. I was very happy. In response to what the good Lord had done, I asked her if she wanted to give a testimony to the congregation, she said, "No, but I would like to donate some flowers." The next Sunday, I announced that a miracle had taken place in the life of this dear soul and the beautiful flowers on the alter were her way of saying thanks.

Paul says in everything we ought to give thanks to God for what he does for us.

Prayer: O God, how grateful we are for the many blessings you so generously bestow upon us. We thank you for the revelation of your Holy Spirit at special times in our lives. Grant us faith that we might continue to serve you, glorify you and lift up your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

It was an ordinary day. I sat at my desk doing those things that all pastors do, checking reports, writing reports, making phone calls and receiving calls. The phone rang, and at the other end was the voice of a former member of a church I pastored. "Pastor"', she said, "I want you to come and visit with me, I am in the hospital." On my way home, I stopped to visit with this dear soul. We recalled the past, and prayed for the future. She informed me that her surgery was scheduled for the following morning. After the prayer, I wished her well and went home.

The following day she didn't cross my mind until I passed the hospital on my way home. I had to stop. Standing at the foot of the bed, I asked her how the surgery went. "Surgery," she said, "What surgery? Have you forgotten that you prayed for me?" "Oh, yes," I said, feeling somewhat embarrassed. I smiled, talked for a few more moments and left the room.

How often in life do we forget the power of prayer? God is with us; too often we seem to forget that that is a fact. Too often we forget the real power of prayer. Indeed, I am guilty. Jesus said, "Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matthew 7:7)

Prayer: Thank you, heavenly Father, for the special blessing of healing. We praise and glorify your Holy Name. Grant us your continued presence this day and all the days to come. Strengthen our faith that we may remain open to your will in our lives. In Your Son's Name. Amen.