Giant Santa

Saw this last night at Cheddar's. I must say I was slightly freaked out!



- via iPhone

Shepherds Who Didn't Act Sheepish

Luke 2:8-20

These verses tell us about the encounter the shepherds had in the fields with God's messenger and their visit to see the baby Jesus.  The angel gave them specific instructions about Jesus - who he was and where he was.  The shepherds went out to find him.  Once they did, Scriptures tell us that "the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about his child.  All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished." (vs. 17-18).

There are a few things that stand out to me about the story of the shepherds.

1) when God spoke to the shepherds through the angel, the OBEYED.  Even though they were scared, unsure of where God was leading them, they still had FAITH that God was doing something great.

2) They left everything behind to find Jesus.  They were willing to leave their sheep behind to find the Savior of the world.

3) The Word says that they told EVERYONE what they had experienced.  They wanted everyone to know about their encounter with Jesus.  Their lives were forever changed and they wanted the world to know.

What did Jesus manger look like?

Found this picture today while I was researching for my sermon for this week.  

It's a stone manger that can be found in Bethlehem and its a reminder of Jesus' birth and the manger that served as his cradle.  Not your typical nativity scene manger!

HE leads the way

Sometimes we want to jump the gun when it comes to knowing what is in store for us.  We sometimes try to get ahead of God.  The Word tells us that "I will instruct you...in the way you should go."  Focusing on the "what if's" will only bring fear and dissapointment.  Allow God to lead you where He wants you to go.  He will put you in situations that allow you to share His goodness.  Following God's lead is about trust. 

Are you following Him or trying to lead Him?