Worthy Words

I am a fan of the DIY home renovation TV shows that are out on cable these days. One that is a long time favorite and is the original home makeover show is “This Old House.” Most of their shows deal with homes throughout the New England states where there are big, beautiful old homes that were built in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Thanks to historical committees, the vision of their owners and the hard work of the This Old House crew, many of these homes end up looking virtually the same as they did two hundred years ago but with more efficient materials. The seasons come and go with the summer sun beating down on these homes year after year. Wind, rain, snow and ice batter them winter after winter. The homes have weathered repeated blizzards and hurricanes. Yet, they have stood the test of time. I find it fascinating that these old homes not only retained their value, but often surpassed the value of newer homes. It has been said that imitation is the highest form of fla...

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. - Ezekiel 36:26 In Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch suffers from having a small heart. The source of his heart problem is his lack of understanding the meaning of Christmas. As the story goes, the Grinch tries to put a stop to Christmas, but in the end, he comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes! This heart change makes a big difference in his life. I’m not sure what Dr. Seuss’ intentions were when he wrote the story back in 1957, but it certainly comes across as a Christian parable to me that parallels the change that takes place in a person’s life when he or she comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, who was born to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). When the light of the Good News of Jesus dawns ...

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. - Luke 2:17-20 Having heard the angel’s pronouncement concerning Jesus’ birth, and having heard the heavenly army praising God, the shepherds left their fields and flocks to find Jesus. They wanted to see for themselves. After they had seen Jesus, they didn’t keep the amazing circumstances to themselves. As the Gospel of Luke records, “they spread the word.” Then, they returned to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God. No further description is provided about these shepherds in the Scriptures regarding how their lives were impacted by what they had heard and seen. But, it’s ea...