Now What?

The gift of Jesus birth is unwrapped and rediscovered daily as God’s spoken word gives encouragement and direction.

 Luke 2:11 “for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”. ​​ December 25th​​ is our​​ cultural celebration of Christ’s birth. ​​ That was two days ago. ​​ Now what? ​​​​ For some, it is the end of weeks of preparation to receive family and friends and touch base with those not seen for a while. ​​ After the first of the year, decorations will be packed away for next year and life and schedules will return to ‘normal’.​​ The reason for celebration will​​ be​​ packed away also.​​ 

 For others, the celebration will continue throughout the coming New Year, and in fact, Jesus’ birth will be remembered on a daily basis as hearts of gratitude for this gift received,​​ live in worship to Him. ​​ Celebrating the birth of our Savior and Lord is a powerful reminder of the reason Jesus was born. ​​ Luke 2:14 says, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

 All praise and worship goes to God for giving us His Son and paying the penalty for our sin through His death. ​​ But it doesn’t end there. ​​ Just as packing up the Christmas decorations doesn’t end our worship of Jesus, the death of Jesus isn’t the end of the gift given to those who believe in Him. ​​ It keeps going, Christ’s resurrection from the dead means He is alive and continues to​​ save those who call upon His name. ​​ God’s peace afforded through hope in Christ​​ sustains​​ His​​ children. ​​ 

 The gift of Jesus birth is unwrapped and rediscovered daily as God’s spoken word gives encouragement and direction. ​​ God is supreme, the highest in all the heavens. ​​ Peace – prosperity in Him, quietness and rest in an unsettled world – is a gift to those who trust in Jesus as their Savior. ​​ Good will – delight and purpose found in Him – gives us a heavenward focus as we navigate this earth.

 John​​ 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

 Romans 5:1-2​​ Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

 Isaiah 57:19​​ “I create the fruit of the lips; peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him”. (KJV)

 My prayer is to celebrate Jesus each day, and each moment I have breath;​​ that the season of Christmas is alive all year as Christ’s birth is proclaimed as the greatest gift to mankind. ​​​​ May we live in His peace and good will as we keep this season in our hearts year round.

 Hebrews​​ 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

Author: Sharyn Balogh

You know it's difficult to write about yourself. The most important fact I can disclose is that I'm saved by God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My desire is to live a life honoring to God in response for the gift of salvation I've been given. This is so much easier said than done! I struggle daily with right choices, right words, right thoughts, and right actions. My best and only defense against sin is the power of God in me and for that I am inexpressibly thankful. I have three amazing grown-up children who have responded to God's call in their lives along with their spouses. One of the great joys of my life is knowing my children and their families strive to serve and follow God. My grandchildren are another wonderful joy in my life! My husband and I are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren to date with another expected very soon on September 12th. We also are thankful for the comforting knowledge that an additional three of our grandchildren, a set of twins at three months gestation and a little boy, Isaac, at four and a half months gestation, are in our Savior's presence. I have attended the same church since the day my eyes were opened to Truth over thirty years ago. How fortunate it is to have been led by God’s hand immediately to a church body that follows the Bible, no man-made doctrines, just the Word clear and strong. My husband is my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and I still can't believe how blessed I am by his example of love and generosity towards everyone around him. He is God-fearing, compassionate, and kind and I have learned so much from him. I am a daughter to my almost 92 year-old mother, sister to three brothers, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, neighbor and friend. That means, whomever is reading this, we probably have something in common! I love every unique role I have been placed in. I'm frequently stretched and sometimes feel like silly putty that wants to bounce right back into my comfort zone. My greatest ambition is to be a follower of Jesus; a light that shines for Him at all times, in all circumstances. So, there it is, a bit about me. I guess I was able to write about myself after all! However, my existence cannot be defined without Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. His love has permeated my life to His glory and my eternal thankfulness.