It is Christmas Eve, 2012, a magical time of year, isn’t it. I read recently of a small child, a recent refugee, being shown the wonders of a large toy department store by his foster parents. His eyes grew wide with wonderment at first, but gradually an expression of disappointment clouded his face. He began to search up and down the aisles. At last he burst out “But where is the child?” Then an alert and sensitive store official ordered a Christmas crib, complete with a replica of the Christ Child. It was set up in a prominent place. Seeing it, the young boy smiled with delight. In his childish way, he was saying, Jesus is indeed the reason for the season. Whether he knew it or not, he was reminding elders of the words spoken by the angel at Jesus’ birth, “behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For there is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Merry Christmas.

In just a few days it will be Christmas 2012. I am confident that each gift will be accepted. Under the tree in most homes, there will be some gifts. Hopefully nobody will be left out. It is unlikely that many of the gifts will be unclaimed. I am reminded that on the first Christmas, about 2,000 years ago, there was a gift for each of us left by Him whose birthday we celebrate. The gift was withheld from none. Sadly, some have left it unclaimed, while others have accepted it and even carry it around but never remove the wrappings. They do not look inside to discover the hidden splendor. The packages are all alike: In each is a scroll on which is written the words, “The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Have you accepted the greatest gift you could possibly receive? It is the gift of God’s Son, presented to you by the Heavenly Father wrapped up in His love. Or is that gift still waiting for you?

It is almost Christmas, 2012 and you don’t have all your gifts for your loved ones yet? What to get her? Him? Them? Author Charles Swindoll, in his book “Seasons of Life” has some different but interesting suggestions. Here are a few – Encouragement to an older person. Write a long overdue love note to someone dear. Release someone from a grudge. Share a smile. Find the time to keep a promise. Forgive an enemy. Give an apology if you were wrong. Offer to babysit for a tired mother. Turn the television off and talk to someone. Seek out a forgotten friend. Gladden the heart of some child. Yes, Christmas is a time for giving. Remember, however, that it’s possible to give without loving, but it’s not possible to love without giving. Often the greatest gifts cannot be bought, as they involve giving yourself. God so loved that He gave His Son, because he loved the people of this old world. And Jesus, God’s gift, gave Himself on the cross to open the door to heaven for you and me. What a gift! Have you accepted it?

A valuable 500 year old painting is back in the hands of its rightful owners. U.S. Authorities have returned a 16th century Baroque painting of Christ carrying the cross to the Guiseppe family, after they proved it was sold illegally during the Second World War. Now the family plans to sell the painting, expecting to get up to $3.5 million for it. Without a doubt, this painting has great monetary value. But the event it depicts is of much greater worth to millions who have lived since that day. Our Savior carried His cross, and then died on it, as our substitute. George Bennard wrote of that cross in 1912 in his famous and ever popular hymn, The Old Rugged Cross. The first verse says, “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame.” And Millions have since sung, “And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain.” Do you love the cross? The One who died on it for you?

The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake in British Columbia has resulted in the hot springs of Gwai Haanas (Gwy-Hah- nas) National Park going completely dry. For generations, locals and tourists have enjoyed the comfort of the hot springs. But now, “There’s no water. It’s gone.” Sometimes life is like that. One day we enjoy the comforts of good health, financial security, successful career and more. But then a cataclysmic happening occurs, and the “good life” we thought would go on forever disappears. But when our life springs dry up, there is one place we can turn. Jesus once said, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again (referring to water from a well), but whoever drinks of the water I shall give him will never thirst. But the water I shall give him will become a fountain…springing up into everlasting life.” If today the well water of your life has dried up, Jesus offers something much better to replace it – when you come to Him with a broken contrite spirit. He heals broken hearts and fills our lives with His love.

37 year old Paul Morrison of Pleasant Grove PEI has been legally blind for six years, as a result of a severe eye infection. There seemed to be no help. Then he learned of the Boston Foundation for Sight. Many Islanders helped raise funds to make a trip to the renowned facility possible. On his first day in the clinic a prosthetic device was popped in and the blink of an eye, he could see with 20/20 vision. Morrison called it “the greatest gift in my life so far.” What a beautiful story. And we all wish Mr. Morrison the very best. The Bible tells us of an even greater gift. Paul the Apostle wrote of those “whose mind the god of this world has blinded, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ ….should shine on them.” Until we have Christ in our lives, we are spiritually blind. And Christ Himself said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” And the best part is that this spiritual vision restoration is absolutely free. All we need do is sincerely ask for it.

December 10, 2012 Lost Syrian Boy Found

“Father, father…” Those were the words of little two year old Bushr Tawashi, when he was found wandering in the rubble of his home in Syria, and returned to his parents. The Bible tells a similar story with a happy ending, about a lost son who wandered away against his family’s wishes. Unlike this innocent little boy, the prodigal son symbolizes and speaks for all of us who have wandered away from the Heavenly Father. Destitute and alone, we are told, the son “came to himself”, suggestive of repentance, and made a decision. Recognizing his need to return, he said, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.”” I am glad that our Heavenly Father will also respond, saying, “this my son, (or daughter) was dead and is alive again, was lost and is found.” Jesus later said, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

The estate of the late Elvis Presley has recently gone on the market for a cool 12.9 million dollars. In spite of Elvis’ success, popularity and wealth in this world, death claimed him at the relatively young age of 42. And although most do not to think about it, death awaits us all. It is the common denominator of mankind. And when that happens, all our striving for success, money, acclaim is left behind. Have you ever considered, what if the Bible really is true when it states, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment”? Have you considered the possibility that death does not end all, and that each of us will give account to our Maker? Preparing for the next life by admitting our spiritual need, and entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by faith is the best life insurance possible. When we take that step, we lay up treasures in heaven. And that is an eternal investment.

A report in the Archives of Internal Medicine has found that 13% of the research articles published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine in 2009 reported reversals in medical findings involving drugs, screening tests and invasive procedures. So yes – sometimes even the experts don’t get it right. For centuries, supposedly learned people were sure the earth was flat. But Christopher Columbus didn’t sail off earth’s edge. And centuries ago, Isaiah wrote “God sits above the circle of the earth …” In the original language, the word translated “circle” means “spherical,” which we now know to be the true shape of this earth. The Bible is not a book of history, medicine or science. But whenever it does touch on those subjects, it is always accurate. The Bible tells the story of Jesus. It explains how to be forgiven and receive eternal life. It is truth, 100% accurate and completely reliable. Don’t believe those who deny the truthfulness of God’s Word. They don’t know what they’re talking about.

Be happy – it seems to be good for your heart. A Harvard University review, published by the Psychological Bulletin concludes that being upbeat and optimistic just might help protect against heart disease. “A number of studies found the most optimistic people had half the risk of a first heart attack as compared to the least optimistic”, said Julie Boehm of Harvard School of Public Health. Interestingly, the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, wrote in Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart does good like a medicine.” Again in the New Testament of the Bible we are given this good advice. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Be anxious for nothing” and “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, pure, lovely, of good report – think on these things.” It is amazing how up to date the Bible really is! Please read it – believe it – because in it are the words leading to a good life here, and an eternal life in the hereafter.