Christmas Day will soon be upon us!  Somehow, the older I get, the quicker the Christmases come!  Maybe it is just me.  I recently reread, for the unknown number of times, Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.  Somehow my Christmas celebration is not complete unless I have either read the book, watched one of a number of movie versions - the 1951 version with Alister Simms as Scrooge - is one of my favorites.  The 1984, made-for-television version with George C. Scott is also very good.  You might remember that one of the last statements made about Ebenezer Scrooge, following his change in attitude toward Christmas because of the visits of the three spirits, is that he kept Christmas all year through.  Perhaps we should reflect that same spirit that graces the Christmas Season throughout 2008. 

I also enjoy rereading the biblical account of the Nativity Story.  I still marvel at the angelic announcement to Mary and to her humble obedience to the will of God, even though she knew that, for the rest of her life, she would be called an "out of wedlock mother."  I am coming to rediscover that there were many consequences to that first Christmas.  There were the consequences visited upon Herod and the Jewish religious leaders because of their refusal to accept the message that the Christ had been born.  Herod was to die a painful death within two years of Jesus' birth - fearful of all those around him.  And the religious leaders died in obscurity.  But there were also the consequences to those who became part of that first Christmas.  The consequence for the magi was of a personal sacrifice to make a long, dangerous journey to Jerusalem and to experience the rejection of the leaders there.  There was also the consequence of personal financial sacrifice with the expensive gifts that they shared with Jesus.  Although we do not know their names, we do know that the presence of God graced them in their return to their native lands.  Perhaps they were among the first evangelists of the New Testament era. 

The consequence to the shepherds was an alarming interruption of their nightly routine.  They, too, came to the place of the Nativity, perhaps with skepticism, but also with a curiosity.  Yet, they became convinced in their hearts that the baby they had seen was indeed the Messiah of God.  And, the Scriptures make it abundantly clear, that they returned to their flocks as different men.  In fact, they told everyone what they had seen and heard.  I am sure that many who heard them thought they were crazy...but, perhaps a few came to believe. 

Our focus during the Christmas Season is usually upon expressions of joy.  But true joy can only come when we are fully surrendered to the will of the Father.  And such a surrender necessitates consequences.  These past few days I have rediscovered that to know Christ and to follow Him involves a cost.  The problem today is that many want Jesus without paying the cost.  That simply will not happen!  Just ask the magi.  Just ask the shepherds.  Just ask Mary and Joseph. 

Just a few thoughts as we look ahead to 2008.  Yes, with the Lord's help, I will continue the Musings, but perhaps not on a weekly basis, but at least twice a month.  I want to continue our dialogue through John.  Wow!  There is so much more to challenge and encourage us.  I also want to continue keeping you informed about what is happening in our world...particularly in the Middle East.  2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel.  So, I am anticipating much to happen. 

Now, as we close another year together, I want to thank those of you who drop me an e-mail from time to time telling me how these Musings have been a blessing in your life.  Those notes are an encouragement to me.  If you would like to discontinue receiving them, please send me an e-mail indicating your desire and I will remove your name from the Musings lists. 

Marlys and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and offer a prayer that God's richest blessings will be upon you during the New Year.

Merry Christmas to you all.