Good morning,

Christmas is Saturday, December 25. This week we will look at the birth of Christ and the praise of the heavenly host, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today let us look at the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

THE BIRTH

Luke 2:1-7

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.⁷ 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.

Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.²⁰ 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.²¹ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.²² Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,²³ 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.²⁴ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:²⁵ And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea…

Jesus is born just as the announcements prophesied. Virgin born, born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, alone. From the perspective of man, this was all logical. Mary and Joseph were poor, from a non-descript village, questionable parents, among thousands of other pilgrims coming in for the taxation. Why would anyone care about them? We will see tomorrow that many did care. They were not alone. And this baby was destined to change the world!

Jesus birth also pictured His life. The swaddling clothes picture His death. The manger pictures His ministry where He had no place to lay His head. The travel Jesus parents made was indicative of His ministry of preaching from city to city.

God had a plan. The babe in the manger is the Savior of the world and more importantly of you and I. Do you know Him? If not, today would be a perfect time to repent of your sins and by faith accept Jesus offer of salvation.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christmas is Saturday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. This week we will look at the announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today let us look at the announcement the Lord made to the shepherds.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God. That first sin is passed down to all men. Jesus Christ willingly gave up His heavenly home to come to earth to pay the debt for sin that mankind could not pay.

Luke 2 8-12 The angel of the Lord’s announcement to the shepherds

 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.⁹ 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.¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Shepherds were not the elite of Israelite society. They were the lowest of classes. Yet God announces Jesus birth to them first! When the angel of the Lord announced the birth of Jesus, they were afraid. The angel brought good news. The angel tells them that in the city of David a child is born who is the Savior, Christ the Lord. Further, they are given a sign, the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.So what do the shepherds do? “…the shepherds said one to another, Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass…And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:15,16)

They went in obedience. They knew where to go and what they were looking for. They found Jesus.

These passages tell God’s plan. A virgin will conceive, bear a son, who will rule forever, named Jesus, to save the people from their sins. The first people God presented our Savior was to lowly shepherds.

Next week, we will explore the birth of Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christmas is Saturday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. This week we will look at the announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today let us look at the announcements the Lord made to Joseph.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God. That first sin is passed down to all men. Jesus Christ willingly gave up His heavenly home to come to earth to pay the debt for sin that mankind could not pay.

Matthew 1:18-25 The angel of the Lord’s announcement to Joseph

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.²⁰ 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.²¹ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.²² Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,²³ 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.²⁴ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:²⁵ And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Joseph was a Godly man. When Mary becomes pregnant, He devises a plan to put her away privately. BUT GOD sends the angel of the Lord to explain the situation. He explains that the child is conceived by the Holy Ghost, His name shall be called Jesus, and He shall save his people from their sins. Joseph does not argue, question, or reject the angel of the Lord. “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:”

Joseph obeyed without wavering.

When God tells us to do something, how obedient are we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christmas is Saturday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. This week we will look at the announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today let us look at the announcements the Lord made to Isaiah and Micah, the Angel to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God. That first sin is passed down to all men. Jesus Christ willingly gave up His heavenly home to come to earth to pay the debt for sin that mankind could not pay.

Isaiah 7:14 The virgin birth

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.    

Isaiah 9:6 The birth of Jesus

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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Micah 5:2 The place of Jesus birth

 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Luke 1:26-35 The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,²⁷ To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.²⁸ 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.²⁹ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.³⁰ And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.³¹ And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.³² 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:³³ And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.³⁴ Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?³⁵ And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Matthew 1:18-25 The angel of the Lord’s announcement to Joseph

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.²⁰ 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.²¹ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.²² Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,²³ 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.²⁴ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:²⁵ And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Luke 2 8-12 The angel of the Lord’s announcement to the shepherds

 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.⁹ 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.¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

These passages tell God’s plan. A virgin will conceive, bear a son, who will rule forever, named Jesus, to save the people from their sins. The first people God presented our Savior was to lowly shepherds.

Next week, we will explore the birth of Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christmas is Saturday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. This week we will look at the announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today let us look at the announcements the Lord made to the Angel to Mary.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God. That first sin is passed down to all men. Jesus Christ willingly gave up His heavenly home to come to earth to pay the debt for sin that mankind could not pay.

Luke 1:26-35 The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,²⁷ To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.²⁸ 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.²⁹ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.³⁰ And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.³¹ And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.³² 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:³³ And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.³⁴ Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?³⁵ And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Mary was going to bring forth the Messiah of Israel.

She was frightened when the angel began talking with her. She was confused how she was going to become pregnant without a man. She accepts the angel’s announcement.

Mary must have had mixed emotions as she pondered what the angel said. Excitement that she would be birthing the Son of God, trepidation, knowing she would be pregnant without a man. She was betrothed to Joseph. He and the rest of the community would think her unfaithful. Yet she said,”…Behold the handmaid of the Lord:be it unto me according to thy word…” (Luke 1:38)

She was faithful and God blessed her. Are we willing to take God at His word? Mary was.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christmas is Saturday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. This week we will look at the announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today let us look at the announcements the Lord made to Isaiah and Micah.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God. That first sin is passed down to all men. Jesus Christ willingly gave up His heavenly home to come to earth to pay the debt for sin that mankind could not pay.

Isaiah 7:14 The virgin birth

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.  

Immanuel means God with us. God has performed many miraculous births. Sarah and Elisabeth were way past child bearing age. Hannah was barren. Yet each had a child. Each was a supernatural birth.

Everyone knows that it is impossible for a woman to conceive without a man.   

Only God could give a child to a virgin. This child was God’s Son, who came to live with us.

Immanuel, God with us.

Isaiah 9:6 The birth of Jesus

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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

God tells us who this child will be. The people of Jesus time were looking for a leader who would defeat the Romans and give them back their land.

However, Jesus was born for a much greater purpose. He came to be the Lamb of God. To pay the sin debt for all mankind through the shedding of His pure, sinless, undefiled blood. To die, be buried, and be resurrected the third day.

When comes again, Jesus will fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6.

Micah 5:2 The place of Jesus birth

 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

God is so precise. Of all the countries of the world, God chose Israel. Of all the cities of Israel, He chose the small, obscure, city of Bethlehem-Ephratah. There was more than one Bethlehem. God was very specific.

God has given us a book of specifics. He began with the creation and takes us through to judgement of wicked unbelievers. He shows us the fall of man and the fall of Satan. He gives us a Savior, who redeems us of our sins, and a serpent who temps us with sin.

We know the beginning and the ending. God tells us specifically what will happen.

What a wonderful God we serve.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Hanukkah are done. Now comes the push to Christmas and Kwanza.  There will be stress coming from gifts to buy, food to prepare, parties to attend, decorations to display, and maybe some time for our families.

If we are not prepared to deal with the stress Biblically, we will have a miserable holiday season.

God has given us a battle plan not only to survive but to thrive. This week we will look at who is our enemy, our need for a spiritual mindset, spiritual conversation, spiritual fruit, spiritual conduct, spiritual trust, and spiritual cleansing.

SPIRITUAL TRUST (PROVERBS 3:5-6)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

(Trust in God, His plan, and His way. He promises to direct our paths.)

SPIRITUAL CLEANSING (1 JOHN 1:9)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(We will fail. We must repent of our sins and allow God to cleanse us.)

Applying these truths will give us contentment, joy, and peace.

How do we know what gifts to give, food to prepare, decorations to display, parties to go to, or time to spend with family? God says trust Me. Allow God to tell you. It says we are not to lean on our own understanding. He says He will direct our paths. That is practical and takes the stress off us.

Unfortunately, even the most spiritual of us will not completely follow through with God’s battle plan for the holidays. So when we fail, and we will, we need to be spiritually cleansed. Repent of our sin and move on. If we believe 1 John 1:9, God “…is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Only God could do that for us!

Enjoy the holidays!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907715-4001

Good morning,

The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Hanukkah are done. Now comes the push to Christmas and Kwanza.  There will be stress coming from gifts to buy, food to prepare, parties to attend, decorations to display, and maybe some time for our families.

If we are not prepared to deal with the stress Biblically, we will have a miserable holiday season.

God has given us a battle plan not only to survive but to thrive. This week we will look at who is our enemy, our need for a spiritual mindset, spiritual conversation, spiritual fruit, spiritual conduct, spiritual trust, and spiritual cleansing.

SPIRITUAL FRUIT (GALATIANS 5:22-3)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

(These character traits when applied to our lives will change us and others around us.)

SPIRITUAL CONDUCT (2 PETER 1:1-12) KEY VERSES 3-9

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

(Temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, charity or love, will allow us to live above the discontent of the season.)

When we conduct ourselves with these quality traits, people take notice. When we are in a store and are patient, caring about others, others cannot understand that. They think we should be as frustrated as them.

We are enjoying the holidays. Why? Because our focus is on Jesus. We know that He is the reason for the season. Our minds know that who Jesus is, why He came, and that soon we will see Him face to face in heaven. That is the benefit of studying our Bibles.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Hanukkah are done. Now comes the push to Christmas and Kwanza.  There will be stress coming from gifts to buy, food to prepare, parties to attend, decorations to display, and maybe some time for our families.

If we are not prepared to deal with the stress Biblically, we will have a miserable holiday season.

God has given us a battle plan not only to survive but to thrive. This week we will look at who is our enemy, our need for a spiritual mindset, spiritual conversation, spiritual fruit, spiritual conduct, spiritual trust, and spiritual cleansing.

HOLIDAY PREPARATION

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

INTRODUCTION Holiday preparations through Scripture

Obedience to God and His word

1) SPIRITUAL BATTLE (EPHESIANS 6:10-12)

 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

(The battle is being waged by the forces of evil, Satan himself.)

2) SPIRITUAL MIND (PHILIPPIANS 2:1-3, 4:8-9) KEY VERSES 2 AND 8

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

(Mercy, like mindedness, love, being of one accord, are qualities that will help us handle the stress of the holiday season.)

3) SPIRITUAL CONVERSATION (JAMES 3:1-18) KEY VERSES 10, 17-18

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

(Our tongues can be a blessing or a curse. Let us allow them to be a blessing by practicing the characteristics above.)

4) SPIRITUAL FRUIT (GALATIANS 5:22-3)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

(These character traits when applied to our lives will change us and others around us.)

5) SPIRITUAL CONDUCT (2 PETER 1:1-12) KEY VERSES 3-9

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

(Temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, charity or love, will allow us to live above the discontent of the season.)

6) SPIRITUAL TRUST (PROVERBS 3:5-6)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

(Trust in God, His plan, and His way. He promises to direct our paths.)

7) SPIRITUAL CLEANSING (1 JOHN 1:9)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(We will fail. We must repent of our sins and allow God to cleanse us.)

Applying these truths will give us contentment, joy, and peace.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving and Black Friday are done. Now comes the push to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza.  There will be stress coming from gifts to buy, food to prepare, parties to attend, decorations to display, and maybe some time for our families.

If we are not prepared to deal with the stress Biblically, we will have a miserable holiday season.

God has given us a battle plan not only to survive but to thrive. This week we will look at who is our enemy, our need for a spiritual mindset, spiritual conversation, spiritual fruit, spiritual conduct, spiritual trust, and spiritual cleansing.

SPIRITUAL FRUIT (GALATIANS 5:22-3)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

(These character traits when applied to our lives will change us and others around us.)

SPIRITUAL CONDUCT (2 PETER 1:1-12) KEY VERSES 3-9

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

(Temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, charity or love, will allow us to live above the discontent of the season.)

When we conduct ourselves with these quality traits, people take notice. When we are in a store and are patient, caring about others, others cannot understand that. They think we should be as frustrated as them.

We are enjoying the holidays. Why? Because our focus is on Jesus. We know that He is the reason for the season. Our minds know that who Jesus is, why He came, and that soon we will see Him face to face in heaven. That is the benefit of studying our Bibles.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com