There is no other time of the year quite like Christmas time. The old song sung by Andy Williams, says “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I would agree, Christmastime is truly wonderful. It is estimated to be celebrated by up to 2.3 billion people each year. Here in the United States, data shows that 93% of the population celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is also the most celebrated holiday in which people have established and follow traditions. One on the traditions that I grew up with and continue with each year, is the reading from the Gospel of Luke Chapter 2 in the Bible. Typically read prior to opening our gifts from under the Christmas tree.
This same manger scene, or nativity, as described in the Bible is often seen on Christmas cards, displayed with glowing colorful lights on snow covered lawns. It is reenacted in church programs and in homes where children often play-out the characters before their families. Most often there is a baby doll lying in a manger, or beside the manger lovingly held in Mary’s arms.
We know this as The Incarnation. Were God, through His divine plan came into the World in the form of the man. Thereby making baby Jesus the most precious gift to all mankind. His birth, life, death, and resurrection, made a way for all (absolutely anyone) to believe in Him as their savior. If you don’t know the story beyond his miraculous birth, Jesus grew-up and lived a life as an example for us as one (who like we) can connect personally with God the Father.
Sadly, many people today still picture Jesus as a baby in the manger scene. They have not taken the time to consider why Jesus came, nor do they ponder the rest of His earthly life. Jesus is no longer baby Jesus! You see, not only did God come to us through the incarnation…not only did Jesus live a life as an example for us…but at 33 years old, He willingly died at the hands of self-righteous people and evil rulers. Why? This too was all a part of Gods plan. Jesus died as a once and for all sacrifice, allowing us unmerited grace and personal access to God.
Perhaps you have read this Bible verse or even seen it pop-up on your TV screen as you were watching a professional sporting event. It’s John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”
The Bible also tells us that after Jesus died, He rose again and ascended to heaven, where He is now continuing to serve as our intercessor (see Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, and 1 John 2:1).
God’s love came down for us…for you friend. If you have not invited Him into your heart or maybe it’s been a long time since you have considered opening your heart to Jesus, why not do that today…this Christmas. Salvation and a life through Jesus is a gift, and all you have to do is receive it. It truly is the best decision and gift you could receive!
Also, I would challenge you… Don’t stop at the Christmas story. I remember receiving my first Bible when I was about 13. That Bible (which I still have today) had the words of Jesus printed in red. Although, I did not truly heed to these words until I was 21 years old, my heart opened up when I actually started to read the Bible for myself. So, I encourage you, read Gods Word. Whether through electronic Bibles or paper Bibles, I encourage you to pay particular attention to the red-letter-words of Jesus; they truly give us a pathway to follow in life. Read through the Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke & John). These are foundational to understanding and seeing Jesus as so much more than a baby in a manger 😊 READ THE RED-LETTER WORDS 😊
To our family and friends: We continue to be blessed this year with a loving family and God’s incredible faithfulness. We (Mark, Tracy, John & Jan) traveled to Cheyenne Wy over Thanksgiving and had a great time with Rick, Teri and family. In November we were able to get the Stuberg Fam all together for the first hockey tourney of the season (see Pic below). Celebrations start tonight with John & Jan. Followed by Christmas Eve at our house with John, Jan, Eric, Jess, Roman, Kingston & Lachlan. Then Tracy & I will be in Bismarck on Christmas Day with Alisha, Brandon, Skylee, Harlow, Cash, Pike & Honey. Returning to Oak Grove for Jana’s visit, who is coming on the 29th.
Pictured are (left to right), Skylee (17), Alisha (X), Tracy (XX), Mark (XX), Jess (X), Eric (X), Roman (14), Brandon (X). Top row: Harlow (14), Cash (13) Kingston (13), and Lachlan (10).
From our home to yours…Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Blessed by The Best,
Mark & Tracy
P.S. Please feel free to pass along this message or any one of the messages on seeyouintheriver.com They are written to encourage others, and this past year alone has been viewed by people in 69 different countries.
How would you describe the word PEACE? Many of our words are associated with our life experiences. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s when “peace” was top news as people in our country were protesting the Vietnam War. The peace sign was everywhere you looked. As a kid, this made a lasting impact on me. Maybe peace paints a different picture to you. What comes to your mind?
The word PEACE can be used as either a noun or a verb. In either case, it clearly describes something that is desirable by all, but something that one would hope to have both now and for all of eternity. So, what exactly brings or gives peace?
Life in our modern world is becoming harder and harder. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Things were so much simpler back in the good ole’ days?” This is very true. Depression and anxiety disorders continue to grow in our world in alarming numbers. They are clearly the most commonly treated symptoms by doctors. Termed as “states of negative expectation,” there are over 301 million people being treated, particularly in young adults and children where it has increased over 92% in the past 10 years (ref, WHO). Clearly…people are in need of and searching for PEACE.
What does God’s Word say about peace? Some say that the Bible is “outdated,” and “no longer relevant.” I maintain that these people clearly don’t “study” the Bible—but that’s a whole other topic—I will continue to use it as my source reference for a successful life. The Bible references “peace” over 400 times. Jesus said it this way, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27). Jesus is clearly pointing out that the peace He offers is one of hope and reassurance that goes far beyond anything that the world can offer (see Phil 4:7). It is permanent, guaranteed, and eternal. But it also requires ongoing action on our part as we are encouraged to “hold fast to this hope that is set before us.” (see Heb 6:18-19).
The peace that Jesus offers us is so absolutely amazing, that it is actually mind blowing. The Bible says, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7) I can personally attest to this. So, when the things of this world come pressing in on us, we must remember to turn to Him and take refuge in Him. I also love this verse and how it worded in the Amplified Bible where the psalmist, who recognizes the turmoil that is going on inside of himself, and he actually speaks to his soul and says, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.” (Psalm 42:5)
Seeing and navigating where and what environments are conducive for our own peace is something we need to be intentional about. We must remember that the enemy of our soul is constantly trying to distract us from having and enjoying Gods peace. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He sent some of His followers out two by two to do His kingdom work and he gave them some very practical advice. He said to them, basically, “Go and find a house and say, “Peace be unto you.” And if your peace settles on that house, then you can stay there. If it doesn’t, shake the dust off your feet and go on” (Matthew 10:12–14; Luke 10:5–11).
Have you ever returned home from a long trip and the minute you stepped in through your front door you felt that fuzzy-warm feeling in your spirit and said, “It’s good to be home.” Regardless of how enjoyable your trip was, nothing compares to the feeling of peace and security from being in your own home. I hope that is true for you. Sadly though, I realize that is not always the case.
Our home most often refers to our private environment. There are a lot of things in life that we cannot control, but our homes are typically the place where we have the most control over what we allow or don’t allow to affect our lives. Be assured of this, both God and satan are aware that our homes are the areas where the majority of life’s choices and decisions are formed. What we are and what we experience in private will most assuredly have an effect on the rest of our lives.
Can I share a personal story with you?
As a child, I grew up with loving parents and 3 older siblings. As I grew older however, I began to understand that my dad had a drinking problem. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my dad was going through some life issues. Into my teenage years my home life was no longer peaceful. My siblings were now mostly gone, and although dad was never an abusive drunk, his addiction was getting worse. Late afternoons he would disappear, which often led to many evenings of hearing my mom calling around town and adjacent small-town bars trying to find out where my dad was. Sometimes she needed to be somewhere (she didn’t drive), or there was a school function or a sports game that I would be playing in, that she wanted them both to attend (with him being sober). Other times, she was just frustrated because she needed grocery money to make supper that night, and she not only wanted him home, but she didn’t want him spending grocery money at the bar. I remember many nights listening to hear my dad’s car coming into the driveway. Would he make it home safely? I’m angry, do I even care? And my mom, I felt so sorry for her, yet she stayed so faithful trusting in Jesus. I was embarrassed to ever have friends over for fear that my dad would come home drunk. He had developed a reputation as a town drunk to them, and I knew it. I even joked about it with them in order to cover up. I felt sorry for my mom but deep inside me I was very bitter and resentful toward my dad. There was no peace and security in my home, and I started to look for it in other things and other places. I couldn’t wait to leave home, and quickly moved-out the day after my high school graduation.
In order for us to serve Him most effectively, we all need a peaceful base of operations, a place from which we can go out and to which we can come back. For most of us, this place is our home. If our homes aren’t peaceful, we need to do whatever we can to gain and maintain a calm, peaceful atmosphere, because strife and confusion adversely affect the anointing of God that rests on our lives. For some, a peaceful home environment may be more difficult because other people refuse to be peaceful, but you can remain peaceful in your heart. Let me encourage you to do all you can do to ensure peace in your “home base.” That way, everyone who lives and works from that place will do so with God’s grace and peace—and they will have success.
Husbands and wives, how do you feel when you come home at the end of the day? Are you truly glad to be home? Are you bringing peace and security with you when you return home, such that your spouse is happy to see you? Do you value each other above all others? Are you each other’s “safe place?” Are you worthy of trust and does your spouse feel that you prioritize and protect your relationship with them above all others?
Moms and dads—do your children see the two of you as a loving team that they can run home to when they are facing tough and hard issues of life? Are you truly there for them? Do your kids know how much you love them? Do you tell them you are proud of them? Do they truly feel valued by you? Do they come or do they run when you come home? Is your home a place of refuge where there is peace and security for them? It’s important to provide for them, but they need you even more than the provision. I have heard so many testimonies where others have said, “my parents and family never had much money, but we always had each other.” Parents, your kids need YOU more than anything, and you have the power and responsibility to create an atmosphere of peace in your home and in your kids’ lives. Is your home and your relationship with them their safe place?
When I was 21 years old, I turned my life over to Jesus Christ. In fact, Tracy and I made that choice together on the very same night. By far…the very best decision in life I have ever made. Also, remember the story about my dad? The night Tracy and I accepted Christ, I told my parents what had taken place and it brought them to tears. Not many months after that, my dad finally turned his life completely over to Jesus. Later, both he and mom hit the road as traveling gospel singers and recorded 3 gospel albums. Dad continued to share his story, “from a drunk to a disciple.”
I would be amiss today and within this context if I did not present an opportunity to receive peace from the very one who created you and knows the very tiniest of details in your life…Jesus Christ. Jesus loves you so much that He died as a living sacrifice for YOU. The Bible teaches us that He was “wounded for OUR transgressions and that He was crushed and bruised for OUR iniquities: the chastisement of our PEACE was upon him; and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).
The Bible also says that “we all like sheep have gone astray as we have turned to our own way.” (Isaiah 53:6). Friend, we ALL are in need of a savior. Jesus said these words, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).
Today you can receive everlasting peace and eternal security if you turn your life over to Jesus Christ. Say this prayer with me and mean it in the depths of your heart: “Jesus, I am tired and sorry for trying to do this life on my own. I recognize today that you willingly laid down your life for ME and I from this day forward, I want to live my life according to your awesome plans for me. Thank you for loving me, teach me your ways so that I may have PEACE. Amen!
If you prayed that prayer today, I would encourage you to reach out someone you know who is also a Christ follower. It’s so important to stay connected with encouraging believers and in an environment where you can grow in your faith. I recommend that you find a good church that will help you in your journey. Tracy and I would love to hear from you, pray for you, and help with these things. Either hit the CONTACT button above or email mandtstuberg@gmail.com All comments are always welcome.
See You in the River 