Patti Wolf

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Matthew 6:31-33

As another year comes to a close, some people may be thankful for God’s provisions. While others, with disappointment, may still be waiting for their prayers to be answered. “Is God really there? Has He forgotten me?”

There is assurance that God is there and loves those who love Him dearly.

Waiting is a hard thing. It’s those exaggerated moments where the battle is being played out. Can you place your trust in God or will the devil have the final victory?

I saw a dozen or more robins a few weeks ago. It was an early cold morning. Frost hugged frozen branches. The air was crisp and my fingers numb. Suddenly my dog stopped. He studied a small knoll just a few feet away. It was then I heard the rustling of dried leaves. There was a flutter and pecking everywhere in the woodsy spot.

“Squirrels,” I thought.

It took awhile for my eyes to adjust to the earthy camouflage. Then I saw them. There were dozens of robins tossing debris everywhere. These humble birds had gathered in a sheltered area collecting their morning grub. The ground was too frozen for worms, so they searched for other eatable delights.

God promised to provide for the needs of those who love Him. Do you love God? Really love Him? If so, prayerfully continue to wait on God. He has a special purpose for your life. You might not get the worms you desire, but He will make sure your needs are taken care of.

P. Wolf

I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 8:12

As the darkest day of the year approaches, I think of the Light. Jesus’s words, in the book of John, are reassuring to those who have traveled a difficult year. Even to those who have battled with sin and have lost.

There is no doubt sin brings elements of darkness to life. It is so easy to point out the sins of other people. Let’s read the verse a little earlier in this chapter, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” That line alone puts things in perspective.

We aren’t much different than the religious leaders and godly men who walked the dusty, crowded street with Jesus. In ways, we challenge Jesus by ignoring His words and turning to our own righteous ways. Unfortunately, everyone cannot be correct.

As darker days of December veil each new day, remember God brought “Light” into the world on Christmas Day, Jesus. He was sent to consume the darkness of sin so we could live in His light.

Merry Christmas, P. Wolf

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begottenSon, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Matthew 3:16-17

What holy Child lays to rest
upon upon the cold, brittle hay;
I’m told he is the One that’s blest
and will cleanse the world of sin.

What of the light in darken sky?
What will the anxious magi say;
when long years of travel pass by?
What does one hold carefully in tin?

‘Tis Baby Jesus who lays to rest,
as shepherds first made their way;
those willing to believe are blest.
Magi will wait for another day;

with their treasured gift to give
for soon this Little One will pay.
For all eternity, in heaven, I will live
May you accept His gift, I pray.

P. Wolf

I will be a guest on “Journey with Jenny’s private Facebook site tomorrow, December 8th. Sign up and stop in if you wish. I will be introducing myself and the books I’ve published this last year. Jenny is also a published author. Her group is up-lifting and engaging.

P. Wolf

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Isaiah 11:1

I know not why spicy bouquet of bough
or gentle greenery against white snow;
stirs my Christmas memories long ago.

Perhaps, the off-shoot of holidays past
brings delights unknown of simpler day;
with tree and gifts neatly tucked away.

What of the blessed branch of Jesse?
A little star in Bethlehem did shine;
this gift God made man could be mine.

Come forth gentry, gather closely in to
gaze upon tender shoot and hope for man.
Humble Babe in swaddling was God’s plan.

King of Kings!

P. Wolf; poet & author

After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him.

Luke 2:17

Recently, I’ve slowly have been reading through the events around Christ’s birth in the books of Matthew and Luke. As I revisited this event, I was surprised to learn a few new things.

Bethlehem, which is just southeast of Jerusalem, is near a mountainous area. It is there we find the shepherds tending sheep. Sheep were used during the events of sacrifice in Jerusalem. The animals were of great importance.

As the shepherds watched for any prey which could attack their sheep, a great sight occurred in the dark skies above them. A multitude of angels praising God brought the message, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

The shepherds’ response, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

They left their valuable sheep behind, journeyed the rough terrain ahead and humbled themselves before a newborn Babe. It appears they had no second thoughts to their actions of abandoning their sheep. They hurried down the dark streets of Bethlehem to see the newborn Messiah. Then after their visit with the new born King, they ran to tell all the people of the great news which had been known to them.

What stood out to me was despite the difficulties being at work, in the middle of the night, they followed the angels instructions. Also knowing they were disliked by the culture around them, they did not think twice about sharing the message with everyone. They just went.

I know it’s a busy time of the year for most people. Perhaps, the joy of Christmas has faded due to difficult circumstances this last year. Yet, even today we can be filled with the same excitement the shepherds had on that first Christmas Day. How? Send Christmas cards to unknowing family and friends to announce the great news of Jesus, Christ the risen Savior. Or by telling a loved one of the true Christmas meaning and the greatest gift of all, salvation through Jesus. Perhaps, just opening your Bible and rejoicing in the fact that the promised Messiah has been born!

Share the Good News of Christmas.

P. Wolf