HOW TO LIVE CONFIDENTLY IN A CHAOTIC WORLD- DAY 3

This is a reprint of a former Series... HOW TO LIVE CONFIDENTLY

As we pick up on our theme of our 5-part narrative of “HOW TO LIVE CONFIDENTLY IN A CHAOTIC WORLD,” I am reminded of the story of the disciples and their trip across the lake.

It seems that Jesus and his disciples had been very busy in the performance of traveling throughout the countryside teaching, preaching and conducting healing in the towns and synagogues of the region. One calm day, Jesus approached his disciples and said, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” Now, this seemed to be a reasonable request, well within the expertise of this band of former fisherman…so they all hopped in the boat and set sail for the far side of the lake. Jesus, who was certainly tired and needed some rest, found a comfortable spot in the boat and went to sleep.

Well, as is the custom of the lake, the winds began to blow and in no short time, these rugged, experienced fishermen found themselves in the midst of a terrific storm…so fierce that they feared for their lives….all the while, Jesus continued to sleep. As the danger seemed to mount and the disciples feared that the boat would be swamped and capsize, they hurried to the Master... Luke 8:24-25 continues the story; “The disciples went and woke him saying, “Master, Master, we are going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided and ALL WAS CALM.”

In today’s world, if we are to live confidently in these chaotic times, we must learn the lesson that Jesus taught his disciples on the tempest tossed waters; in the midst of the raging wind and storm….we can be calm for HE IS CALM.

Yes, the third “C” in our list of the five “C’s” of confident living is we can live confidently for GOD IS CALM!!!!!

In the book of Psalms 107:28-30, we find confidence when we read, “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm and he guided them to their desired haven.” Yes, our God is never anxious or unsettled; in fact, there are five words that do not exist in God’s vocabulary ….

“I DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING!!!!”  Our Heavenly Father has never been surprised or caught “off guard”. He has never been mystified or uttered the words “oops” or “uh-oohhh”  or "My bad"…He has seldom been early and he has never been late…but he has ALWAYS been right on time to provide us with our every need and to surround us with his unfailing love in times of distress and discomfort. Yes, if you want to live confidently in this day and age, you need to do one thing….MIMIC GOD AND REMAIN CALM. He alone is ALL we need to make it through every situation that the devil and his minions’ may put in our path. If we will only take our eyes off of our circumstances and re- focus them on Jesus and his calming nature, then we will bring comfort and a blessed assurance to all those that we encounter in the midst of turbulent times.

As a disciple of Christ, we can watch as he rebukes the circumstances that bring about fear and trepidation in our lives ….or if we should succumb to that fear, we will be faced with the same question that Jesus posed to his disciples that night, on that stormy lake, when he asked, “WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?’

If you, as a child of the King, can remain calm when all others about you are in panic mode, then that speaks volumes about you; but more importantly, it speaks volumes about you and your relationship with Jesus. So start living today as though nothing in this world matters…  except your relationship with Jesus and you will be surprised by the calmness that will envelope your life.

Riding out Life’s storms….Confidently Calm in His presence,

WPQ

Poem for the day...

When life’s storm clouds gather

And you see the threat of the coming rain;

Just place you hope in Jesus

And He’ll take away your pain.

 

He will lead you through the tempest

By His power and His might;

He will guide you through the darkness

To His bright and glorious light.

 

So just put your trust in Jesus

For He holds you in His palm.

Then your heart will be at peace

And your life will know His calm.

 

WPQ©2010

 

 

 

 

Living Confidently in a Chaotic World - Day 2

Updated repost of Living Confidently in a Chaotic World - Day 2

To live confidently in a chaotic world would be impossible if not for the gracious nature of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It would prove too great a task for each of us to endure the slings and arrows of our adversary, the Devil, if not for the compassion of God. Yes, we can live confidently in this chaotic world because our GOD is a GOD OF COMPASSION!

In Psalms 116:5 we read, “The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.” Or we would find the following in Romans 5:8 that reads, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Even in the book of Lamentations (which signifies “to cry out with a loud voice”) in the 3^rd chapter we read these words: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fails. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

But what does all that really mean and how does that help us live confidently in this day and age? Simply put, we can find great comfort and courage for whatever lies ahead of us because of God’s promises to us….

He has promised that he will not allow us to be burdened with more than we can bear as long as we look to Him as our source of strength. Paul said it best, " For when I am weak, then I am made strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10

He has promised that he is with us and that NOTHING can EVER separated us from him and the power of his everlasting love. We find that promise in Romans 8:35-39

He has promised that nothing can ever come against us that we cannot cast off through his power and his love. Not sure that is true...just read Romans 8:31

He has promised that he has gone to prepare a place for us and that one day soon he is coming back for us. You will find that assurance in John 14:3

He has promised that He that is in us is FAR GREATER than he that is in the world. Yes, you never stand alone because of the compassion of our God...He confirms that in His Word in 1 John 4:4

He has promised that he is a compassionate heavenly Father who will never leave us nor forsake us….Jesus' parting words to his disciples (and us who love and follow Him)...

"And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age." International Standard Version

But most of all, He has promised us Himself….through His Son, Jesus Christ. His Holy Word tells us of His great love and the sacrifice He made so that we might truly become sons and daughters of the Living God.

Yes, our God is a God of Compassion and he will never let the things of this chaotic world overwhelm us if we only TRUST and OBEY. But, in order for us to live confidently, we must learn to see the tapestry of our lives as a completed and magnificent picture and not as a mere collection of random brushstrokes. God is the master artist and He alone sees the mural of your life…complete and resplendent with both the good and happy times as well as those times of turmoil and tribulation. Trust the God of compassion to complete the good and perfect work that He has begun in you, just one day at a time...for if you do, this world will seem a lot less chaotic.

Don't believe me, then put God to the test and see Him prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is A GOD OF COMPASSION and His love is never ending...And that's a promise I cling to every day!!!

Trusting the Artist of Eternity…….I'm a Masterpiece in the Making,

WPQ

Poem for the Day:

When life’s storm clouds gather

And you see the threat of coming rain;

Just place you hope in Jesus

And He’ll take away your pain.

 

He's there to guard your heart

If you will but trust and obey;

Just know He walks beside you

As  you let Him have His way...

 

 For He never will forsake you;

Yes,  His promises are true…

His love is never ending and

His compassions forever new !!!!

WPQ © MAY 2018

 

 

 

 

 

A reprint of the series....HOW TO LIVE CONFIDENTLY IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

As we begin a new year, I pause to ask this question….What does it take to live CONFIDENTLY in a CHAOTIC WORLD? Can you do this or is this an impossible task that cannot be done? Let's examine....As I mentioned in my last writing, I am now comfortably re-established at home with my list of “honey-do’s” well within my reach of completion; therefore, I would like to embark on a 5-part series that I hope will help us answer the questions I posed above.

If you are like so many of the people in this world, it is hard some days to put your feet on the floor and get out of bed…I mean, why bother with the state of world affairs. And unfortunately, this same attitude seems to be held by many of us who call ourselves Christians. For the next few days, I want us to search the Scriptures and hear from our Heavenly Father as to how we can live confidently in these chaotic days.

First and foremost, we can live confidently for GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!!

In Genesis 1:1-3a, 4a, 6a, we read, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and darkness was over the surface of the deep and Spirit of God was hovering above the waters. AND GOD SAID, Let there be light……AND GOD SAID, let there be an expanse….AND GOD SAID, Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky….”

Scripture makes no bones about it...GOD WAS (and still is) IN CONTROL!!!! He spoke EVERYTHING into existence….GOD SAID IT …and IT WAS SO!!!!!!!!

The entirety of God’s Word tells us in no uncertain terms that God is in control. It speaks with great authority concerning God’s omniscience and his omnipresence and it tells us time and time again that nothing in this world happens without our Heavenly Father’s knowledge….that fact alone should bring us solace in times of distress. However, though God is in control, He must also be IN CHARGE if He is to produce a calm spirit within us when we stand on the precipice of being swallowed up in the chaos of a sinful world. Since the beginning of time our great, awesome and all-powerful God has never forced His will on us; rather He has waited for us to invite him into our lives and he has patiently courted us to give him our hearts.

Jesus said it best in Luke 9:23, “Then he said to them all, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  Jesus told us that if we want our lives to have meaning so that we might live in accordance with His will, then we must surrender our will to His, take up HIS cross (do for Him what He has ordained for us to do) and follow Him where HE leads, not necessarily where we would want to go. And more than that... THIS MUST BE OUR DAILY PRACTICE...For when it comes to surrender, NONE of us do that well nor often!!!

If you want to know that the creator of the universe is in control and that NOTHING that happens in your life is beyond His control…then, YOU MUST SURRENDER YOUR WILL TO HIM….and YOU MUST SEEK TO MAKE HIS WILL, YOURS!!!

It’s really just that simple…Let God be in control because He is in charge in your life. If you will just do that today, your will experience a peace you have never known….FOR WHEN GOD IS FOR US…

WHO CAN POSSIBLY STAND AGAINST US?

Surrendering to Him…One Moment at a Time,

WPQ

Poem for the Day:

If the trials of life should weigh you down

And your burdens seem too great to bear.

Just carry them to your Father’s throne

And prayerfully leave them there.

 

Just seek to follow where He will lead

And be not led astray;

For nothing can defeat you

When you let your Father have His way.

 

For God is always on your side,

In Him, you will find rest.

When you seek to do the Father’s will…

With His peace, you will be blest!

 

WPQ © Nov. 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Intro to... How to Live Confidently in a Chaotic World

The following is a reprint of the Series....

Living in the Throes of Fear...or Trusting in the God of the Universe!

What Scares You?

In just a few short days, my seasonal job as the lead assistant golf professional at the Cullasaja Club in Highlands, NC will come to an end and I will be returning home ….and to unemployment.

Now, part of me wants to rejoice since I will get to see my beautiful wife each day and sleep in my own bed each night; however, part of me is remorseful as I leave new friends and a caring membership behind…and did I mention, UNEMPLOYMENT!!!!!

During the entire year of 2009, I was unemployed and I got to spend time taking care of my family, writing my blog and other special pieces and preparing to teach my Sunday School class each week. It was indeed a blessing that I did not take for granted. But, now that I have been gainfully employed for the past seven months and receiving a steady, albeit, small paycheck, I will admit to being a little “frightened” with the possibilities that lie ahead. Maybe, you find yourself in a similar predicament and might admit to the same feelings that have been aroused in me. So, in the spirit of honesty, I am drawn to ask this simple question…..WHAT SCARES YOU?

Now, I don’t mean ghosts and goblins and ghouls…rather, what is happening in this world and in your world that has you feeling inadequate and possibly frightened with what lies ahead in the days to come?

Is it unemployment….stock market crash…terrorists….war….famine….nuclear weapons that fall into the hands of Islamic extremists……divorce….broken family ties…..death and the life after…..I could go on and on; but, you get my point.

There is much that can upset us and frighten us …..Much that can make us want to lock ourselves behind strong doors and wait for the Lord’s return; but Scripture tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

This week, I will be sharing a series of devotions based on the best-selling book of Dr. David Jeremiah entitled, “How to Live Confidently in a Chaotic World.” In this 5 part series, we will look at the things in life that might cause us consternation and then see what God’s word has to say regarding our ability to move out and into this world as confident Christians….I hope you will join me as we begin to refute those things that would scare us and replace that fear with power that comes from knowing the God of the Universe….

Looking confidently forward …forgetting the forgiven past,

WPQ

 

Poem for the day...

What is it in this life

That makes your stomach queasy;

Leaves you feeling timid and afraid,

Rattled and uneasy?

 

Maybe it's the sounds of war

And the strife between all men,

That has us all questioning

Is this world coming to an end?

 

But I am here to tell you

If your faith's on solid ground

And you're holding tight to Jesus...

Then nothing can take you down.

 

Just keep your focus on our Lord

In these dark and troubling days...

And know that we can confidently live

If we just follow in His Way!!!!

 

WPQ © May 2018

 

 

The Secret to a Happy New Year…

Just about everyone starts off the New Year by making a few, well-thought out New Year’s resolutions. In fact, I would venture to guess that most of us reason that if we will remain true to our vision of a better “you” and will commit ourselves to the fulfillment of our resolutions…we will enjoy a truly HAPPY New Year. The sad fact of the matter is that RARELY EVER HAPPENS.

So, in order to insure that you and my other faithful reader enjoy a blissful and extremely HAPPY New Year, I have decided to share my secret with you; although in truth, it really belongs to the apostle Paul. He wrote in Philippians 4:11-12 the following, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and EVERY circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”

And there it is, my friend….in a few simple sentences, the great apostle Paul tells us the secret to happiness….for life, health, wealth and everything else. We need to learn contentment….whether in good times or bad, whether happy or sad, in want or abundance; we need the following mindset...LEARN TO BE CONTENT AND YOU WILL BE HAPPY! Now, I know that sounds almost too simplistic and as you stand there scratching your head, think on this….We learn contentment when we abandon comparison….It is the constant use of comparison that leads to discontentment. If we buy a new car that meets our needs, we have reason to be happy…. until we compare our ride to that of our boss or neighbor or anyone else who has a newer, sleeker model. The bloom of comparison leads to the seeds of discontent and there goes the joy and happiness that was once ours.

Time after time after time, when we compare what others have with what we don’t have, we tear down our foundation to happiness. We need to see what we have as sufficient for our needs…as God’s measured blessing to insure our happiness and to keep us focused on doing His will; however, whenever you trade your contentment for discontentment, you become myopic in your vision for the Lord’s work and in His will for your life. You become so self-centered in looking at what you don’t have that you are rarely thankful for what God has given….this is more than just seeing the glass as half-empty or half-full….it is a greater truth that speaks to the heart of who you are and who you want to be in Jesus Christ.

Contentment is a learned response to the actions of a loving God….you can choose to be happy with little or with much…with great wealth or abject poverty….with exceptional wellness or poor health….the list is inexhaustible ….but the choice is always yours ….and the correct choice will lead to contentment and happiness that is often inexplicable to those who view your life from outside the faith.

 So, learn this invaluable lesson that Paul sought to teach each of us….in EVERY SITUATION, in EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE….don’t look around to see if others have more or less than you…learn to be content in your situation….then you will be able to live in the fullness of verse 13 in Philippians 4 that says, “I can do all things through Him that gives me strength.” Choose today to be a person that lives with a flexible cup that is always ready to expand or contract  based on the Lord’s provisions…it is a mindset that will lead to contentment and one step closer to living a life that will honor your Heavenly Father….get started today; and oh, by the way, this is a secret that is okay to share with those you love….I know that’s what I intend to do.

Go On…..Make it a Happy New Year,

WPQ

 

Poem for the day:

Every year about this time,

The calendar begins to shrink...

And we are left to wonder,

To ponder and to think.

 

Am I happy with what I have

Or am I a discontent...

That squanders all my blessings

Wondering where my money went?

 

For when I trust in the things I have

I'm left feeling empty and wanting more.

My joy and happiness come and go

Like living life in a revolving door.

 

But when I give my all to my Master;

My Savior...My Lord...My King!!!!

My heart is overflowing and

My soul will shout and sing...

 

Hosannas to HIM in the highest

I'm thankful for whatever comes my way.

I'm always blessed beyond measure

And thankful for each new day!

 

Make this new year your BEST ever...and give your Heavenly

Father the praise and adoration that He is due!

 

 

WPQ © Dec 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS....

I had a VERY illuminating experience early this morning. While lying in bed, I realized the bedroom was VERY cold, especially with the temperature hovering around 0 degrees; so, I grabbed the little remote to my portable heater, hit the "ON" switch and listened for the sound of upcoming warmth...NOTHING HAPPENED; SO, I rose from my bed to see what was the matter and what to my eyes should suddenly appear....TOTAL DARKNESS...THE POWER TO OUR ALL ELECTRIC HOME WAS OUT!!!! So as not to awaken my beautiful wife from her restful sleep, I grabbed my trusty flashlight (that is always next to my side of the bed), went into the family room and lit some candles. This allowed me to better determine that indeed the power was out and THE HEAT WAS NOT RUNNING.

So, I returned to the bedroom, pulled on some heavy sweats and turtleneck and climbed back in bed. While lying there in the darkness, with just the hint of light coming from the candles in the adjacent room, it was at that moment, when I asked the Lord to get the lights back on, I came to fully realize how much I have for which I should give thanks...SO THAT'S WHAT I DID!!!

As I gazed into the shroud of darkness that filled my bedroom, I began to thank God that there was a roof over my head; that I had warm clothes to put on; that I was in a warm bed, with quilts and blankets covering me from my bald head to my socked feet below. I had a heater (waiting on the power to come back on) that would begin to warm my room and a HVAC system that would once again bring warmth to our home....and most of all, there was a tireless, well-trained power company employee, just outside our house, that was at work to restore our power and all the things that fill our house with joy when the power is on!!!!

So what else did God teach this old man this morning in the darkness? He taught me that it was not that long ago, when this world was plunged into darkness; when there in the perfect garden that He had created for His most wonderful creations, Adam and Eve willingly chose to disobey the one simple thing God told them not to do...and that first bite of that apple plunged this world into the darkness of sin and evil....and it remained that way for thousands of years...but as time rolled on through the ages, God's plan to redeem His creations came into being "at just the right time."

The Holy Scriptures tell us in Luke 2:1, "At the right time in those days, Caesar Augustus sent out word that the name of every person in the Roman nation must be written in the books of the nation."  (New Life Version).... and thus began the story that we all know as "The Christmas Story." In this decree by Caesar Augustus, Joseph took Mary, who was "great with child" and they began their journey to Bethlehem. Upon arrival and finding no place in the inn in which to rest, they made their way to the barn where THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD...THE BABY JESUS....THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD WAS BORN!

And that light is still ALIVE AND WELL in the hearts, minds and souls of those who know this Christ-child as the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS...who upon leaving His royal throne, laying down His crown and taking on the mortal being of man; came to earth in human form and debased himself, so that we might see GOD, face-to-face...

 EMMANUAEL...GOD WITH US!!! And that story is still true in every heart and mind of every believer that knows without a shadow of doubt that Christ came as a babe; died as a spotless lamb on a cruel cross to pay our sin debt; and then on the third day, through the miraculous power of our Almighty God, rose again and is now once again, at the right hand of the Father, just waiting for God's command to "go get my children and bring them HOME to me!"

So this Christmas season, please don't stumble around in the darkness, looking in all the wrong places for something or someone to fill that empty hole in your life....that hole belongs to Jesus! For only He can save the "sin-sick soul" and fill it with love, joy and peace everlasting....and that all will happen when you allow the baby Jesus to become the LIGHT OF YOUR LIFE....

THE KING OF KING WHO IS COMING BACK TO TAKE US HOME TO THE FATHER!!!!

Thankful for all....Living in the LIGHT...Shining for HIM,

 WPQ

 

 

NO ROOM IN THE INN

I was tired, weary; it had been a long, long day

When came the knock at the door; I turned to walk away,

But peering out the window, there on the dusty street

A young man, his pregnant wife…stood shuffling their feet.

 

He knocked again upon my door and pleaded to let him in.

I opened the door just a crack and said, “There’s no room in this Inn.”

“Please, dear sir,” I heard him beg, “don’t turn us away,

We’ve been traveling for so long; my wife needs a place to lay.”

 

“Be gone,” was my curt reply, “there’s no room in this place;

You should have made better plans; your steps you should retrace.

Go back to your home, for this small town is filled to its brim.

There’s not a room to be found in this little village of Bethlehem.”

 

“I can’t go back” was his reply, “I must follow Caesar’s decree,

I’ve returned to my ancestral home…my wife and our child to be.”

I closed the door and turned to go for there was much that must be done;

 What with guests to feed and beds to make before the setting of the sun.

 

But walking down the hallway of my busy, bustling inn

I thought of that young family and how I spoken then;

Sorrow filled my heavy heart …Oh, how I wish that I was able

To give them shelter for the night. Wait! What about the stable?

 

So turning on my heel, I raced to open the closed door

To catch a fleeting glimpse of this young family once more.

“Come my son,” I said to him, “I think I might have some room;

Away from the dirty streets; away from the despair and gloom.”

 

“It isn’t what I would want for you; but, maybe it will meet your need.

It’s warm, dry and quiet…it’s where the cattle feed.”

So there Joseph and sweet Mary, safe from the city’s danger

Began to prepare their baby’s bed …a lowly cattle’s manger.

 

The time came late that night that she would deliver

In swaddling clothes she wrapped her son so he wouldn’t shiver.

The sky had such a wondrous glow…darkness gave way to light

I knew not why, but my heart was warmed on that special, glorious night.

 

For in my haste and weariness, I almost missed His birth

The night the Holy Son of God came down to live on earth

My life was full; my heart was cold…there was no room for Him then

I turned away God’s most precious gift for there was no room in the Inn.

 

Oh, don’t be too busy…too filled with life’s chores

To turn away the Savior from behind a closed door

Just let his love envelop you and know beyond all reason

To celebrate His birth each year is the greatest gift of this season.

 

W. Patrick Queen

December 14, 2007

 

The Innkeeper....Turning Away

One of the great joys of each Christmas season is spending time with friends and family…being close to the ones you love. But, often that joy is pushed to the limits due to the hassle of getting to our separate and often distant locations….on time and in good spirits.

What if you traveled for days and when you finally reached your destination, you were told there was no place for you to stay…not a single room to be found….ANYWHERE! You would be highly bummed out and probably a little on the cranky side…but what if you were the bearer of those bad tidings …and what if the couple you turned away were expecting a child and were in desperate need of shelter and warmth….how would you feel? Just think for a moment of that very first trip of the very first Christmas family …
Our next character of Christmas is not officially listed in the program, but in every child-like play of the Christmas story, he has the toughest part, even though he speaks but one line…."I’m sorry but I have no room in the inn."

Here’s the rest of his story…and please, if you identify with the innkeeper, then

May God Bless You as You Open Your Heart to the Babe in the Straw…..


NO ROOM IN THE INN

I was tired, weary; it had been a long, long day
When came the knock at the door; I turned to walk away,
But peering out the window, there on the dusty street
A young man, his pregnant wife…stood shuffling their feet.

He knocked again upon my door and pleaded to let him in.
I opened the door to tell him, “There’s no room in this Inn.”
“Please, dear sir,” I heard him beg, “don’t turn us away,
We’ve been traveling for so long; my wife needs a place to lay.”

“Be gone,” was my curt reply, “there’s no room in this place;
You should have made better plans; your steps you should retrace.
Go back to where you come from; this small town is filled to its brim.
There’s not a room to be found in this little village of Bethlehem.”

“I can’t go back” came the reply, “I must follow Caesar’s decree,
I’ve returned to my ancestral home…my wife and our child to be.”
I closed the door and turned to go; there was much that must be done,
With guests to feed and beds to make before the setting of the sun.

But walking down the hallway of my busy, bustling inn
I thought of that young family and how I spoken then;
Sorrow filled my heavy heart … how I wished that I was able
To give them shelter for the night. Wait! What about the stable?

So turning on my heel, I raced to open the closed door
To catch a fleeting glimpse of this young family once more.
“Come my son,” I said to him, “I think I have some room
Out of the dust and dirt; away from the despair and gloom.”

“It isn’t what I would want for you; but, maybe it will meet your need.
It’s warm, dry and quiet…it’s where the cattle feed.”
So there Joseph and sweet Mary, safe from the city’s danger
Began to prepare their baby’s bed …a lowly cattle’s manger.

The time grew late but this was the night that she would deliver
In swaddling clothes she wrapped her son so he wouldn’t shiver.
The sky had such a wondrous glow…darkness gave way to light
I knew not why, but my heart was warmed on that special, glorious night.

For in my haste and weariness, I almost missed His birth
The night the Holy Son of God came down to live on earth.
My life was full; my heart was cold…there was no room for Him then
I turned away God’s most precious gift for there was no room in the Inn.

Oh, don’t be too busy…too filled with life’s chores
To turn away the Savior from behind a closed door
Just let his love envelop you and know beyond all reason
To celebrate His birth each year is the greatest gift of this season.


W. Patrick Queen
December 2007