Sarah Baughman's Blog, page 9

Make Ready with a favorite Christmas decoration

A favorite Christmas Eve memory was my grandma lighting her pyramid. Through my formative years, she taught me of faith and patience and God’s care by her quiet and humble example. #Advent2016 #graftedheart #ilovemyshepherd

(a decoration not tree-related! We’ll get to that later;-))

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7

God instructs the people of Israel to remember the Words He gave to them. He tells them not only to remember them, but also to talk about them with one another, and also, interestingly, to put them in prominent places, so that we remember to talk about them. How do our Christmas decorations also have a similar purpose to help us make our hearts ready for Him? Each of our knick-knacks and special pillows and any Christmas decor has a special story to share. We see them around us and let them point us to our Emmanuel, our Redeemer, our faithful God who saves us.

Make Ready with a door

Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7

Doors offer passage and protection. They can keep people out or let them come in. When we Make Ready and invite people into our homes to share a meal or activity, or to simply spend time talking, we invite them into our hearts. Christ reached out to us, entered our world, our lives. Let us also with openness reach out to others. We have an amazing Savior to share!

Make Ready with St. Nick

St. Nick is more than fun for kids…an example of God’s love overflowing from the heart into action. #Advent2016 #ilovemyshepherd #graftedheart

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

Before he became known as St. Nick, Nicholas of Myra was a pastor and bishop in the fourth century. He was passionate about his calling and stood up for what he believed in, or rather who He believed in- Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He’s remembered for the care he brought to people. He made use of whatever resources were available to him in an effort to help those in need. When you see the coat or red, the black boots, or the floppy hat remember that you too hold the Spirit of kindness and compassion in your hearts, and you have a firm faith to share, just as St. Nick did so long ago.

Make Ready with a place to worship the Savior

We worship the Savior. #Advent2016 #graftedheart #ilovemyshepherd



And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God… Luke 2:13

The shepherds that first Christmas were given a rare glimpse into what heaven is. They were watching over their flocks that night, making ready for a Messiah, long ago promised and the angels came down in worship and praise. Can you even imagine? Worship, itself, is a small piece of heaven. God with us, for us, joining us together. Voices blending in songs of praise to the One who breaks into the darkness, redeems His people, who walks ever humbly, overflowing grace and truth into our lives. Oh, come, let us worship Him, Christ the Lord!

Make Ready with a candle or lights

He is our Light. #Advent2016 #graftedheart #ilovemyshepherd

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

Christmas lights are wonderful to see. Driving or walking down the street, children call out as soon as they spot lights. I’m a grown-up and I get excited to see them! In a world of darkness, they are visible from far away, bringing cheer and happiness to our hearts. Christ’s light shines brighter and brings more joy than any string of Christmas lights or special Christmas candle ever could. Next time you see Christmas lights, praise Him by proclaiming aloud, “Make Ready for the Light of the World!”

Make Ready with something warm to wear

 

Something warm to wear as we make ready! #Advent2016 #graftedheart #ilovemyshepherd

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.  Isaiah 40:1

The transition from warm to cold to frigid is upon many of us about this time of year. Have you ever been chilled on a winter day, only to have a friend or family member take off their scarf and give it to you? You can feel the warmth, almost before the garment touches your neck. God’s love does the same for our hearts. When He is there, living and active in us, and the thaw sets in — it’s noticeable, for us and for those around us. It’s lovely. It’s different. It was made ready for you and for me. It’s a blanket of grace for a hurting world. Who can you share a tangible touch of warmth with today?

Make Ready with an Advent countdown or wreath

Counting the days. Come, Lord Jesus. #advent2016 #ilovemyshepherd #graftedheart

[Let us look] to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Christmas countdown calendars are fun and Advent Wreaths bring a special feeling to the dinner table (or wherever you keep yours). The best part? They point us where we need to be looking. They help us Make Ready, reminding us that we are counting down to something. We aren’t just in the messy middle of the holiday season.  They point us to Jesus and He’s the One we can always, always “count” on.

 

Make Ready with transportation

[photo; pub Nov 30]

And all went to be registered, each to his own town.  Luke 2:3

At Christmas, we see busy roadways, extra expenses, tired eyes and weary feet. The first Christmas’ wasn’t entirely different for Mary and Joseph. They too were preparing, making ready, for the Savior of the world. They traveled over river and desert and mountain. They walked the road to Bethlehem town, probably feeling anxious and uncertain and weary, but expectant, just as we do. In the midst of our running around, we can remember that journey to Bethlehem and give thanks, because in all the running, God guides our eyes, our hearts, and our feet to Make Ready for Him.

Make Ready with a Christmas story

A story worth telling. #Advent2016 #graftedheart #ilovemyshepherd

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ. Romans 10:17

The Christmas accounts include a great deal of hearing. Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, the Magi, the shepherds…each heard the message of Jesus come and each acted. Mary carried, Joseph honored, Zechariah named, the wise men sought. Luke’s account tells us that the shepherds went to see the baby and more. They didn’t stay, but went out to tell others. Others heard. And we hear the message in many and various ways today. Hear and Make Ready.

Make Ready with something from nature

Pine trees on a cold day always put me in mind of Christmas. #advent2016 #ilovemyshepherd #graftedheart

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Fully aware of what would happen, of how His creation, that was good and working as it should, would be spoiled, God made a plan. Adam’s sin brought death, but Jesus Christ’s coming marks the turning of a page, the brightness of another chapter, of restoration. With all of creation, we cry “Come, Lord Jesus! Make Ready for Him!”