“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4”

How should we view the trials that we go through?  First we should reflect on the reasons why we are facing them. Unfortunately, for most of us, our questioning comes from our human form of questioning of the—‘why me?’ aspect.  This is of course is just questioning God. Often this type of thinking easily moves into anger. This is the exact opposite of how we are directed to respond.

We are told to “consider it pure joy.” Now that’s seems a strange statement. If someone were to teach me to do that when facing trials, I would be tempted to call him an idiot. This would of course reveal only an immaturity and the unbiblical nature of my biblical and spiritual thinking.

We should view our trials with joyfulness, knowing what is really happening. That is, when we are being tried, our faith is being tested. What does that mean? When we face a challenge, do we respond by what we see and feel—or by what we believe to be true? If we are being tested it should increase our stability, our steadfastness and our faith.

Father, help me to count all thing as pure joy, whatever we face today. Give me the faith that is unwavering in all trials and let me found tested and true. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the NIV Bible

I remember as a young child, Christmas was the most favourite time of year. As soon as it was December, I asked my parents every day, “Is tomorrow Christmas?” It was so much fun to wake up on Christmas morning. I loved watching the lights twinkle on the tree and stare in wonder at the star that sat at the very top and the gifts beneath the tree.

On Christmas morning my dad would read the story of the birth of Jesus from the big family Bible. Dad would then say a prayer of thanks to God for sending his son, Jesus. We would all be patiently waiting for Dad to say “Amen” so he could start giving out the presents. I never grew tired of the Christmas story, but it was hard to wait just the same.

Most times the presents were just what we kids wanted. Other times, especially when money was scarce, I would try very hard not to be disappointed. I was always thankful for what I did receive, and the day was so much fun that Christmas would still always be my favourite day of the year. I always picked my favourite gift and keep it with me all day and sometimes the whole week, because I never wanted Christmas to be over.

The best gift we can receive is Jesus. God gave his only Son, Jesus, to us as his gift. Jesus was the one God promised to send us a long time ago. God loved us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to the earth to be born as a baby. Jesus loved us so much too, that when he grew up, He was willing to suffer and die for us. He died on the cross to pay for all the wrong things we do. I’m really glad that Jesus didn’t stay dead. He came back to show that he was the Son of God before he went up into the clouds to be with his Father in heaven.

Sometimes we had friends come to visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some friends were a big surprise. Others were like – boring. It was always good to hear the excitement in the house though, no matter who came to visit.

To have Jesus visit, I mean ACTUALLY visit, would be awesome. In truth, it always seemed that Jesus was our special guest at Christmas. And do you know when I was six years old, I found out that Jesus could not only visit, but he would come to stay. All I had to was to ask Him.

You see, we all do wrong things. This is called ‘sin’. God never sins, and he hates sin but Jesus loves us and wants to stay with us every day. God gave us his Son, Jesus, as a special gift. When Jesus grew to be a man, he died for us on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. Now we can always have Jesus with us. Jesus is the only way that we can ever be right with God.

When Jesus went back to his Father in heaven, he sent us a helper, the Holy Spirit, to help us do what is right.

When I asked Jesus to forgive me for my sin, and to be with me always, I started to understand all this really makes Christmas every day of the year – Jesus is the best gift.

Jesus is always there for you, waiting for you to talk to him. He wants to be close to you and nothing will stand in the way between you and God. You can enjoy his friendship everyday forever. Isn’t that the best Christmas present ever?

A prayer you can pray with your Mum or Dad:

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as a little baby. Thank you for Christmas so we can celebrate your birth. Thank you for growing up just like I’m growing, and thank you especially for dying on the cross for my sin to take the punishment for me. Let me know your love in my life every day. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to help me live the way I should. Thank you, Jesus, for being the best gift of all. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Twinkling high above the earth
Ascending for a royal birth
Encircled by an angel’s choir,
Proclaiming God’s desire.

Shepherds knelt to the binding light
Attending their sheep that blessed night…
It lured wise men from afar,
They vowed to follow that guiding star.

Jesus was born in a cattle stall,
Then wrapped in a tattered shawl—
Beneath a Bethlehem’s sky,
Our Saviour’s mother sat nearby.

No matter where we are
You can see the Christmas star—
Look within your heart He called,
It’s the brightest star of all.

© Chrissy Siggee

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Christmas is approaching fast and stores are filled with decorations and gifts for all ages. Christmas trees, real and fake, dazzle us with lights and baubles. Let’s face it; it gives us all a feeling of excitement that Christmas is just around the corner.

As Christians, our celebrations of the birth of Christ vary from family to family, from church to church, from tradition to tradition. In reality it doesn’t matter how we celebrate as long as the true message of Christmas is our main focus.

If your family is like ours, we have some relations who are Christians and some who are not. When family get-togethers are a must at this time of year our beliefs can sometimes clash. This can only cause stress and unhappiness when JOY should be among us.

As a child, my favourite Christmas decoration was the Christmas Star. We placed the star on the top of our tree year after year. One Christmas we visited cousins who used a fairy. A star was nowhere to be seen. I could not comprehend how a fairy could replace the precious tree-topper. Later in life when I had my own family, the idea of a fairy tree-topper never entered my mind. Our own children were brought up knowing the true meaning of Christmas: The birth of Jesus. The brightness of that Christmas Star reflected the announcement of royalty birth, Jesus—the light of the world and guided the shepherds and the wise men to Jesus.

In the same way, our hearts need to reflect the love of Jesus who resides in us. Our lives need to reveal the light that burns just like the Christmas Star. We can let our light so shine before men—and our families who don’t always see eye-to-eye of Christmas is about. Live as Jesus would live. Speak as Jesus would speak; with love in our hearts that shine like the Christmas Star that can lead others to Jesus.

Let’s show love and grace to those who see things differently to us this Christmas. Let your light shine so we glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Father, let our light shine from within that we may lead others to Jesus and the true message of Christmas be seen by your love within us. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

Luke 2:6
And Mary, brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:12
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:15-16
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

I’ve often heard of women not making it in time to a hospital. Even a well prepared home birth can be messed up if the expecting mother is caught across town in the supermarket. Taxi births are common, so are babies born in elevators. But what would be more degrading for a mother in the “modern” world than to give birth in a tiny barn full of smelly animals?

It’s true that the birth itself is often quickly forgotten when the joy of holding your newborn baby in your arms follows. Your baby is the most beautiful princess, or little prince, you have ever laid eyes on. It’s then time to show your precious new family member the nursery that you have so lovingly put together during the months of waiting. The cradle that took you forever to choose is almost fit for royalty, and don’t forget the bunny rugs.

But hold on a moment. I don’t remember reading that part in the Christmas story. The shepherds found the babe lying in a manger. A manger is kept in stable! It’s use as the feeding trough for donkeys and milking cows! There would probably even be hens and a goat or two sharing the small space around the manger. Here is where the King of the Jews was sleeping? And, sitting close by with watchful eyes, were Mary and Joseph; a humble pair who had travelled many miles to find no room in the inn.

Quote: “The term swaddling clothes is based on a 2,000 year old Middle Eastern culture. They developed a way to deal with in-journey deaths. Each person would take a long, thin, gauze-like cloth and wrap it around their waist many times. This would be one of the bottom layers of clothing. This cloth would be reserved for death. If someone died during the journey, their friends or family would remove the “swaddling cloth” and wrap them from head to toe so they could complete the journey. Baby Jesus was wrapped in Joseph’s death cloth—the unusual sign the angels would have referred to. – www.wiki.answers.com

So what is the relevance of the Jesus being wrapped in a death cloth? John 9:38 says “And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.”

This cradle was made for royalty. Jesus was born in a manger because He was, and is, and will always be “Lord of Lords and King of Kings”.

This same Jesus was found by the shepherds wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger—a cradle made for royalty.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

Luke 2:8-21 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

At the time of Jesus birth, people who attended sheep were the least significance to the human race by other people. They lived quiet and humble lives, often spending their days, and nights, with their flocks. The sheep that they tended were probably bred as sacrifice animals for the temple in near-by Jerusalem. These shepherds were probably just doing their usual job when the angel appeared to them—and with a multitude behind him. I think I would be shaking in my sandals too. The news the angel gave the shepherds would have surprised them too. Babies would have been plentiful during the census and specific descriptions were to help the shepherds find Jesus among the crowded town.

Quote: The song of the hosts of angels is very similar to the words sung during a sacrifice service in the temple when there were three blasts of the temple trumpets. This is only the second time in the whole Bible that a group of angels rather than one angel had appeared to people, so this proved that they had a very important message to give to them. We don’t know the names of the angels or how many there were of them, but in the Bible it says that there are millions of angels – whychristmas?com’s sister site whyangels?com.

They went down into Bethlehem, maybe they left a shepherd behind to keep guard on the sheep. When they had found Mary and Joseph the shepherds told them what had happened to them in the fields. They worshipped the newborn king before returning to their flocks glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen. It had been just as the angel had told them.

I can imagine the shepherds telling their friends and families for weeks after the event. This incident would have made a significant change in their tedious lives. History tells how shepherds became accepted and probably even admired by many.

Jesus is related himself as the “good Shepherd”

John 10:11“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”

The next time you sing the Christmas carol “While Shepherds watched Their Flocks by Night” take notice of the words and remember their significant place in the Christmas Story.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated.

Luke 1:26-28
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

The New Testament begins its account of Mary’s life with the visit of Gabriel the angel who was sent by God as His messenger. The Lord God had selected Mary to be mother of Jesus. The Bible records Mary’s role in key events of the life of Jesus from his virgin birth to his crucifixion.

Quote: There are a number of significant doctrines concerning Mary that are held by some churches. The most well known doctrines are that Mary lived a sinless life, and that as mother of Jesus, she became Theotokos, literally the “God-bearer”, or “Mother of God”. This doctrine was established by the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in the year 431. Christians of the major ancient traditions, namely the Catholic and the Orthodox, offer prayers to God through Mary and venerate her as intercessor and mother of the church. Many Protestants, however, do not follow these devotions. Mary is also honoured in Islam as the virgin mother of Jesus. In Jewish Toledot Yeshu Jesus was recorded as the son of Mary. – www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Christians acknowledge that Mary is “blessed among women” (Luke 1:42) but we do not all agree that Mary is to be venerated. She is considered to be an outstanding example of a life dedicated to God.

Luke 1:38 say’s “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

Mary used the word “handmaid” which is usually translated as “bond-servant” or “slave”, which refers to someone whose will is consumed by the will of another—in this case Mary’s will is consumed by God’s. From this I see her attitude being parallel with what John the Baptist said in John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease” (KJV) or, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (NIV).

Whichever argument you choose, or doctrine you follow, Mary had to have been one special lady for God to choose her to be the mother of Jesus. She was a handmaiden of the Lord.

This Christmas, let us remember that we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who came to earth as human child. It was Jesus who died for our sake and took our sins upon himself. He is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.

He was born of Mary—a servant of the Lord.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated.

ISAIAH 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

We who have had children know just how precious babies are. They are a delight, cute, soft and cuddly. They’re innocence is as pure as pure gets. Babies fill us with hope and anticipation for the future. We count their fingers and toes and memorize their unique and delicate features. We ponder on how they will change our lives, and what wonderful things they will do when they’re all grown up. I think babies are one of the most precious gifts given to us from God.

Mary would have experienced these things too. In addition, Mary’s thoughts would be on the promises the angel Gabriel her:

Luke 1:26-33 “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

No doubt Joseph recalled his dream and his visit by an angel:

Matthew 1:19-25 “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

This baby Jesus grew to live a life that would set the standard for every Christian in every generation—until his return. This baby is our one and only, all powerful God, and King of all ages. He is the counselor to all mankind and he rules with justice and righteousness:

For unto us a child is born,
To us a son is giv’n;
The government shall rest on him,
Th’ anointed one from heav’n.
His name is Wonderful Counselor,
The Mighty God is he,
The Everlasting Father,
The humble Prince of Peace.

Christmas is not about the world we live in It isn’t how many presents we can receive, or how much we can spend on our credit card. It’s about this child that has been born for us. The birth of Jesus is the true reason we celebrate today. Jesus came because we needed him to save us from eternal destruction. He came for you and for me, and that is the best reason to rejoice and celebrate.

The increase of his government
And peace shall never end;
He’ll reign on David’s ancient throne
As ruler of all men.
Upheld with justice and righteousness,
Forever his kingdom will last;
The zeal of the Lord God Most High
Will bring these things to pass.

Let’s remember the full meaning of Christmas this year—The birth of Jesus Christ. Honor him with worship and praise. Give Jesus that place in your life that he was born for.

“Lord Jesus, come now and reign in me,
Be Lord of my life this hour.
Come be my Counselor and my God,
My source of wisdom and power.
Watch o’er me with your Father care,
My heart and my mind, fill with peace.
I worship you, my Lord and King,
My praise will never cease.” Amen

For unto us a child is born to save the world

May you find the peace that only Christ can give.

© Chrissy Siggee

Psalm 72:12-13
For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.

Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

It’s sad to think that for many of people Christmas means nothing more than shopping, parties, decorations, holidays and time off work. As Christians we see more to this time of year; it’s a blessed reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ. Our hope is founded in this baby; a baby that was born to save mankind. Our hope in him is real.

In reality though, it’s difficult for many people to find hope. We live in a misplaced world of social injustice, crime, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disease, pain and loneliness. Jesus means hope to all mankind, but we have to grasp the promises of God and take them to the world – whether it be across the road or a across the ocean.

When you find Jesus, you find hope, and there’s no false hope in Jesus. It’s not a fanciful fairy tale wishing for a happy ending. We as Christians need to spread hope; not just by preaching The Word but by doing The Word. Millions of people do not even know Christmas is just around the corner, or what the fuss is about. Many people don’t know where their next meal will come from, and wouldn’t know what turkey and Christmas pudding is. They don’t see any hope. They see nothing but despair.

As Christians, we are supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As His hands and feet we are to serve Him by serving others. Christmas is a renewal of hope. It reconfirms for us the revelation that Jesus is the reason for this season. It was settled long ago, so we don’t have to doubt. Jesus is the fulfilment of our hope, our deepest longings come true.

Lord, Let your hope and joy radiate through us. Help us to embrace the hope we have in you and share it with the those less fortunate than ourselves, whether it be spiritually, emotionally or by using our hands and feet for your glory. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

Jubilance radiates tranquil moments
Young lovers pursue tender embraces
Neighbourhood children join in games
Sweet aromas saturate festive appetites
Families share in a united harmony

Midnight services fill the churches
Choirs sing in joyous proclamation
Nativity scenes and dramas unfold
Ascending praises announce His birth
Jesus Christ, Saviour and Lord

Silence falls before the dawn
Christmas excitement awakes the birds
Gifts exchanged and children squeal
Doorbells ring to kith and kin
Celebrations unfold with festive feast

Church bells echo through the town
God’s people gather near and far
Scripture is read of our Saviours birth
Mankind raise their voices with carols sung
Christians celebrate the birth of Christ

***
Homeless wander deserted streets
For some it’s cold and wet, no heat to find
Others seek relief from the heat filled day
All over the world they suffer and die
Christmas Eve, it’s just another lonely night

Children salvage what they can
They live as refugees in a dying slum
No shelter, no food, no sanitation
They huddle beside smouldering fires
Siblings share their meagre rations

Families left without possessions
Homes destroyed from fire or storm
Sadness fills their hearts and lives
A loved one’s life ended in a moment
Everything they own, gone forever

Royal birth graces a humble stable
His mother lays him in a bed of straw
Angels sing in realms of glory
Shepherds view their newborn king
This weary family rests at last

© Chrissy Siggee