Christmas Day is here and excitement is in the air!
The Light has come!
The Priceless Gift has entered the world!
The Greatest Gift of eternity has been unwrapped!
Love abounds, for God is Love!
Thanks be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!
Merry Christmas to all my readers!
News travels either fast or slow! Some is good and some is bad. However, this Christmas season, I like to think about the good news of Jesus.
The angels first brought the good news to the shepherds when they proclaimed, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord!”
What wonderful news to acknowledge each and every day! I like to think about it as follows:
Today, I bring you good news!
Jesus was born one Christmas morn.
He came to save from the grave.
This includes both you and I; it was for all He came to die.
To cleanse our sins, came God’s only Son; to do it once and done.
Henceforth, there is given mercy and grace with an eagerness to embrace.
These are free gifts with no associated ifs except to believe and receive.
The good news is of hope, joy, and love; all good to speak of.
The good news is of happy days by living God's words and ways.
The good news is for you and me, and it is free.
The good news is true each day, so don’t keep Jesus at bay;
Let Him stay-accept without delay- and pray!
Mary Crisp Jameson. 12/15/2025
Angels are spoken of often in scripture. I especially am fond of Hebrews 1:13-14, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” This assures me that we do have angels sent forth to minister in various ways.
I do love a good angel movie or a good angel story, and what better time than Christmas to talk about angels! It was an angel who announced the good news of the Christ Child's birth to the shepherds saying, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."( Luke 2:11)
I recently had a friend share her angel stories with me and, she has allowed me to write about them as follows:
This is my friend’s angel story…
My husband and I had been given some heavy pipe from a porch and needed to get it moved. The pipes were still semi-welded together, and we had to roll each section in just the right position onto a trailer for moving. They were much too heavy to be handled by just a few strong men.
At first, we had some helpers who assisted with the loading. All seemed to be going well as the pipe was rolled into the right direction for traveling; however, after our helpers left, we had a heavy one remaining. It had to go on top of the others. We thought the two of us would give it a try. This proved to be a mistake. We had planned well, but when we finally rolled it, it did not land on top but rather rolled over and off the trailer side rail. There was no way this heavy pipe was going to be manually lifted.
As I was walking around the trailer, a van came driving down the road and stopped. A black man wearing a white shirt, white pants, white socks, white shoes, and a head band with white beads hanging around it got out and asked, “Do you all need some help?” I immediately said, “Yes” and proceeded to explain the situation. He walked around to the side of the trailer to access it himself. Without saying anything more, he bent down and physically lifted that pipe up and onto the trailer and proceeded to get back into his van. In disbelief at what I had just seen him do, I excitedly exclaimed, “You are an angel. You are my angel!” He responded, “I am just passing through.” Whereby, I stated, “That’s what we are all doing. Just passing through.” As he was driving away, all I and my husband could do was just look at each other in astonishment.
I believe he was truly an angel! They do exist!
This is my friend’s story about her Mother and Grandmother’s Angel…
The grandmother had already been through two house fires with all their possessions lost. It is true, the houses were not much as there were spaces between the boards and living conditions were not the best but it was a home. Yet, once again a fire was about to consume their third home. Her grandmother had managed to get the children out of the house and across the road with instructions for the oldest child (my friend’s mother) to stay with the youngest children and keep them safe while the grandmother went back inside to try and retrieve a few of their possessions.
Just as the children had gotten settled outside, an old beat-up truck came driving up and three men got out to help. They managed to get most all the furniture out of the house before it was consumed by the fire. Once the possessions were outside, the men returned to the truck and drove away. However, the direction they drove was down a dead-end road with no other way out. The truck never re-appeared.
I end this with Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Christmas is about love!
Love did not just start at Christmas, “for God is love,” (1 John 4:8), and God has always been.
Yet, God showed me His love even more so at Christmas when my Savior was born. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us (me), because that God sent His only begotton Son into the world, that we (I) might live through Him.”
(1 John 4:9)
Again, when Jesus was born God had a loving plan for me. He planned the Cross! “Herein is love, not that we (I) loved God, but that He loved us (me), and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our (my) sins.” (1 John 4:10)
Christmas Hassle
It seems like only yesterday I was storing away my Christmas tree,
And, now putting it back in its place with a happy, cheerful glee.
As I began to decorate, I found some garland had begun to shed.
I used it anyway, for to buy new I would really dread.
Some of my Christmas balls have gotten broken through the years,
But I re-fluffed a spot or two, not letting it bring me to tears.
A Santa pillow had gotten a little frayed,
But it can be patched with just a little aid.
Christmas is a time for joy and delight
Not for struggling with a spending plight
Or making the budget tight.
Christmas is to enjoy the Savior’s birth;
Let the home be filled with laughter and mirth.
It’s not for stressing through the Holiday season,
But for Jesus, who is the reason!
Christmas is a time to reflect upon the Cross;
More so than decking the table with dressing, and cranberry sauce.
Christmas is a time for Jesus;
A time to praise Him for loving us!
It’s not a time for hurry and stress
But, rather, a time to know we are blessed.
It’s a time to envision the wise men seeking the new-born child,
Although it took a while.
Christmas is not, so much, presents under the tree
But worshiping Jesus, who was born to die and set us free.
Mary Crisp Jameson 12/8/2024
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV
I may have put away my Christmas tree for the next 11 months, but I still am enjoying a constant flow of gifts. God sends them daily. It is so exciting to wake up with enthusiasm, waiting to see which gift I will unwrap; gifts wrapped up for me when Jesus died on the cross.
Some of my gifts, to name a few, are:
Acceptance by the Father
Blessings
Cheerfulness within
Desire for God’s Word
Endurance to run the race
Forgiveness
Grace
Hope
Immunity from death
Joy heartfelt
Knowledge of belonging
Love everlasting
Mansion waiting for me
Never-failing Lord by my side
Open-hand of guidance
Peace
Quieting of my soul
Refreshing; a washing away
Salvation
Thankfulness
Understanding
Victory in Jesus
Washing away of sin
X-ray cleansing from within
Yielding to God
Zest for life with Zillions of blessings because God is in it
Since my name is Mary, I found the article by Judy Wallace in the Baptist Trumpet interesting. It was titled, A “Mary” Christmas. She talked about three Marys who had their lives turned around because of Jesus’ birth. The following all comes from Judy Wallace’s article briefly summarized:
“Mary, the mother of Jesus found herself pregnant while she was engaged to be married. Subject to Old Testament law, she should have been stoned. Then there was her fiancée whose trust she had shattered. However, Mary believed in God’s promise, His power, and His purpose, and she lived faithfully.
Mary Magdalene was a woman who had 7 demons and was totally bound, chained, and tormented by these evil oppressors. Jesus saved her, forgave her, and released her. Mary never forgot what she had been and what Jesus had done for her. She lived faithfully. She was with Christ as He ministered to others. She was with Christ when He suffered on the cross. She was with Christ when it came time to anoint His body. She was the first to be with Christ after His glorious resurrection. Her life was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Mary, the sister of Martha had intentional discipline and dedication. Mary was more concerned about how her heart looked than about the cleanliness of her house. Mary had a molded mind, an anointing spirit, a humble attitude, and a responsive heart. She was totally attuned to Jesus and drawn to His teachings. When she is seen in Scripture, she is sitting at the feet of Jesus.”
Because of Jesus’ birth, I (Mary) have had my life turned around and changed. I am looking forward to having a “Mary” Christmas with Jesus as the center of it all. The greatest gift I could give back is to follow the example of the Marys in Scripture who worshiped and followed Him with faithful and devoted hearts.
There are many presents under my tree, but I am sure some will not really be wanted or bring joy to the recipient. In my defense, I had to get something! Some of the gifts were purchased in haste and will end up really be a waste of my cash or an increase of my charges on credit. But, as most would say, it is the thought that counts. When I think about it, it is really the Good News that I should give. This is one that will be treasured and kept forever.
The Gift of Christmas
This Christmas, I expect a gift
Paid for with credit or cash;
Simply bought in hurry and dash
And soon to be tossed in the trash.
Whatever!
It may be worn a time or two
When it is new,
Or it may get broken in a bit;
It may be an original or counterfeit;
Certainly not really made to last.
The gift will be tossed as in the past.
So?
What I want is the gift of Good News;
That’s what I choose.
I want One of value and worth;
The Good News brought to earth.
I want One that will not fade;
One not man-made.
I want One not paid for with silver or gold;
One I can forever hold.
I want the spotless Lamb
Who saved my soul.
Mary Crisp Jameson 12/21/2023
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors , but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1: 18-19
I love to write about Christmas and Jesus. His birth is the wonder of the Season! I like to say there is magic in Christmas; however, the birth of Jesus was not magic; it was planned for you and I.
No Planes, Trains, or Automobiles
There were no planes, trains, or automobiles
with wheels;
No easy way to travel
Across paved roads or gravel.
There were only donkeys or camels;
Rough riding mammals
For Mary, a 9-month pregnant woman.
It would seem almost inhuman
To travel such a distance,
In such a way, today.
But Mary was persistent.
She journeyed, on a donkey, to Bethlehem city;
The trip long, dusty, and gritty.
Luxury motels did not exist.
She had no shelter from the nighty mist.
There was found only an ill-built barn, holding no charm,
But she was soon to hold a babe in her arm.
There was no crib for this new-born child,
But I imagine she smiled
When she spied an animal feeding trough,
Which, by today’s standards, we’d scoff.
But Mary needed a bed
In which to lay her baby’s head.
There were no blankets or quilts;
They were ill-equipped,
But there was hay.
“No way!” people today would say.
I bet Mary didn’t have a physician,
But she was fulfilling God’s mission.
I bet she didn’t have a pain-killer
Or a pillow,
And she was about to deliver.
A King was to be born
That early Christmas morn,
And the angels blew their horn.
Mary Crisp Jameson 12/18/2023
“And she 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 2:7 KJV
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. It is about the Christ child! For that reason, I strive never to shorten the spelling with "Xmas".
During our recent Sunday School Christmas get-together, one of the ladies accidently knocked over a small figurine of the manager scene, When the broken parts of the manger scene were retrieved from the floor, Baby Jesus was missing. This reminded me of how we get so busy with gifts, etc. that we leave Jesus out of Christmas. We all know that without Baby Jesus, Christmas has no meaning. So once again, I renew my pledge never to spell Christmas with the short version of "Xmas". It holds no meaning for the Season in which we celebrate.
Jesus is the center, the wonder, the reason, and the gift of Christmas. Lord, I pray to never leave Christ out and always remember, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV
My devotional this morning was titled, “Every Sunday is a Little Easter,” which shared that “Each time we die to self and live for Christ, we experience anew the gift of the resurrection.”
This got me to thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially when I read John 12:23-24.“And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
What better gift could I give at Christmas than the gift of bearing fruit.
My gifts to celebrate and thank Jesus should be:
The gift of forgiveness
The gift of prayer for others
The gift of sharing
The gift of releasing pride
The gift of letting go of my selfish ways
The gift of love
The gift of embracing God and His Word
I pray that every day will find me bearing gifts in celebration of what Jesus did on the cross for me.
We get excited about Christmas when December rolls around. There is all kinds of glitter, lights, and merriment. However, there would be no Christmas without Jesus. Everyone expected a King, and He is One, but He was born lowly. Not as expected.
Born Holy but Lowly
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NIV
How do people describe the Star that shown brightly announcing the Savior's birth? In Scripture, it brought wise men was afar. They did not come to see a simple star; they came to see the Light-the King-the Son of the Master of the Universe-the Son who chose to leave His Heavenly throne to come and live among a wicked people so He could die for them in order to save their souls and provide eternal life. My description is weak, at best.
The Christmas Star-The Light
The Christmas star,
Shining through the night,
Brought people from afar.
It shone to proclaim new birth upon the earth-
A star, shining bright, announcing the Light.
The Light of the World,
A soft glow, igniting the heart;
Brightly illuminating, never intimidating.
A blazing fire-
A Light that will never expire.
A flame of love which all desire.
The Light of the World,
Drawing, pulling, calling, healing;
Shining around every corner, down every mile-
A delightful joy painting an outward smile.
The Light-
He reigns causing the earth to rejoice;
Out of the brightness rings His voice.
Before Him the mountains tremble;
Darkness crumbles.
New sight is given-
Eyes to gaze in measured ways.
A new hope, restoration, life, preservation;
The Light- leading toward Heaven’s destination.
The Light of the World
For all to see;
Perfect, righteous, glorious;
Always victorious!
Mary Crisp Jameson 12/2021
“Fire goes forth before Him and burns up all His foes. His lightning flashes out across the world. The earth sees and trembles. The heavens declare His perfect righteousness; every nation sees His glory.” Psalm 97:3-4,6 NIV
Christmas is just around the corner. Storefronts host signs of "I Believe". Hopefully we will stop our busy pace and really think about what Jesus did for us and appreciate the life He gave and truly "Believe". In our warm cozy homes with heat, air conditioning, soft beds and ease of transportation we have much to be thankful for, but Jesus "had no place to lay His head."
Luke 8:58 "And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head."
When Jesus left His own Father in Heaven with its streets of gold and became flesh He was laid in a manger for "there was no room for Him in the Inn." I imagine that manger was, more than likely, a carved out stone, not even a wooden trough. It was rough, cold, and hard. There was no heat in the stable. Life as a carpenter's son was probably not easy. I imagine the carpenter did more carving of stone with a chisel than with hammer and nail. I have been to Israel and seen the mountains and stones. We would have much complaining to do should we have to travel those terrains on foot, and in roughly made sandals, at best. However, nowhere in Scripture have I read that Jesus complained over giving up His heavenly comforts. Jesus became flesh for us. He desired it. He came to be sacrificed so we could live and so we could "Believe!"
Here is my 2020 Christmas Gift I am passing on to all who will accept it. However, no one can provide Peace, Love, and Good Will except Jesus who came to give it to us.
There was little time for 2020 Christmas shopping
since we were mostly in a lock down state.
My first thoughts were vintage, yet up-to-date.
This needed to be a special Christmas gift;
something to uplift.
It needed to be fuzzy and warm;
Something to get through any storm.
It was hard being so selective,
but I had an objective.
It still had to be attractive,
yet protective.
I repeated my list
to be sure something wasn't missed:
Fuzzy and warm,
Protective through any storm,
Attractive in every form.
Aha! Suddenly, I knew just the thing;
Something passed on from a King!
I quickly seized upon my precious find.
I was sure this gift would be cherished in heart and mind.
It was certainly warm and cozy, a bundle of delight;
Just what was needed to make the year more bright.
This was a shield of protective covering
through the cold, even in sickness and suffering.
It was attractive in every way
and would stay that way throughout each day.
So, I asked as I finished my task,
"What better gift than one making every dark cloud lift?"
My choice - the gift of Peace, Love, and Good Will
given by the Christ Child born out in the chill.
Mary Crisp Jameson
