Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Preparing Hearts

Luke 1:26-38



23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” 


In the verses of Luke I posted yesterday, Luke told us of Zechariah, the priest that saw an angel.  I focused on how God had been quiet for around 400 years.    The Israelites were ready for a Savior, but God had more groundwork to lay.  So he told Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth would have a baby in her old age.  He did not believe the angel Gabriel, and for that his tongue was silent.  When he came out of the temple, he came out and the people realized he saw a vision, but had no idea what it was, even though he tried to tell them. 

The impact this had on Elizabeth, being barren for so many years must have been shocking.  For her, after so long of watching all her family and friends celebrate the births of children, being pregnant couldn't have made her any happier.  She probably was concerned for her health and that of her child, but she seemed calm and accepting.  This child, we find out is John, aka John the Baptist.  He also was related to Jesus.  John became the announcer of Jesus.  He made the people see their wicked ways and turn to God, preparing their hearts for Jesus.  Who prepared your heart for God?   During this time of year, it's easy to talk and see God's goodness.  But is that how you came to God?  Did a Sunday School teacher, a parent, or a mentor give you the advice you needed to make your decision for Christ?  Thank them for preparing your heart to accept God.

Christmas Shoes
Written by Eddie Carr and Leonard Ahlstrom


The Christmas Shoes lyrics

It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes

His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say

Chorus:
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
( From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/n/newsong-lyrics/the-christmas-shoes-lyrics.html )
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes

So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out 
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

Bridge:
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

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