Gaylon and I set out on our trip to Baton Rouge to visit my son’s family. We are mostly around grandsons, but now we would be spending the next few days with giggly, energetic, jewelry-loving, makeup-loving girls. Quite different from the young guys we see more often.

We stopped in Meridian, Mississippi to refuel our car and get coffee to sip along the way. Glorious coffee! Can I get an amen!

While preparing my coffee, I began to hear loud shouting which soon elevated to ear-piercing levels. I turned to see what was happening. A customer stood at the counter telling the worker how to prepare the sandwich she was ordering. Let’s call the worker Bev.  Bev explained to the woman that in order to get certain items on the sandwich, there would be an upcharge. This made the customer livid.

Within a matter of seconds, the customer began to scream at Bev in an extremely loud voice. The people in the store stopped in their tracks and placed their attention on the episode happening at the sandwich counter. The customer got so loud and so angry that, like others, I wondered if it would become a physical altercation. The language being used by the customer was so vulgar, so demeaning, and so hurtful.

After a couple of minutes of rage, the customer stormed off, leaving Bev quite shaken. There were others waiting for food and no one said a word. Though I was not getting food myself, I stepped up to the counter and said to Bev, “I am so sorry she spoke to you that way. You did not deserve that. Thanks for trying to do your job.”  Bev, who was still shaken, looked at me and said, “Thank you.”  She then burst into tears. No one else said a word to Bev.

The customer wanted what she wanted, and did not care how she treated Bev or how uncomfortable she made the rest of the people. Kindness was nowhere to be found.

Life is full of situations where we have to interact with other people, and we are presented with a choice: how are we going to treat them? Even as believers, kindness may not be the response we care to give to someone, and at times, kindness might require a sacrifice of our own instinct to tell it like it is. I don’t know about you, but I can testify that words laced with grace and kindness are not always the first things that come to my mind! Sometimes, kindness requires a little extra energy from us, however kindness is worth whatever it costs.

Kindness is something for which our world is desperate. With growing fears and anxieties, everyone could use a kind word or gesture. As Christians, God calls us to be the light in the world. The scripture has many verses dealing with how we treat others.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32. “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. – Proverbs 11:17.

Unfortunately, not everyone will treat us with the kindness and consideration for which we hope. In fact, dealing with difficult people is a part of life. Even though we cannot control how they act or treat us, we get to choose how we treat them.

Today, when that customer treats you rudely, be kind. (Bev never lost her cool. I was impressed!) When that store clerk is moving a little too slowly for you, be kind. When your spouse does something that gets on your last nerve, be kind. When someone aggravates you on a social media post, be kind.

I do not know what situation you will face in life today that makes you want to scream or talk down to someone. What I do know is that the Holy Spirit is willing to help us use grace-filled words instead of the first ones that pop into our brains.

May we all pre-decide that because of the lavish great kindness that Jesus has shown to us, we will abundantly pour out kindness to others. We can choose words that will not leave the bitter taste of regret in our mouths, and deep wounds in the hearts of others. Let’s be a rainbow to someone else’s cloud.

Prayer: Lord, I ask you to cultivate the fruit of kindness in my life. Teach me to see others through your eyes and to respond to their needs with compassion and grace. Let my words be uplifting and my actions reflect your love. Help me to be a light in a world that often feels cold and unkind. I want to point others to your goodness through the kindness I show! Please help my life bring honor to you as I strive to follow your example. Amen

Don’t we all love a happy ending in a story? Remember as children when we would read about the prince rescuing the damsel in distress? The story would always end, “…and they lived happily ever after.”  Hallmark movies are a great example. In those movies, generally the couple who were destined to be together find each other, and they live happily ever after.

Wouldn’t it be nice if life were always “happily ever after?” I have turned to my husband more than once and said, “We need our life to be a Hallmark movie, then everything would work out perfectly!”

Today marks thirteen years that we got a call that took our breath away, an almost paralyzing call. Our son Bryan had suddenly died. No warning. No time for a hug. No time to say goodbye. Just a call to say that Bryan was gone. “Can I have a different story, Lord? Can we rewrite the ending so that it says, and Bryan lived happily ever after?”

Here is the thing about “happily ever after” stories. They are fiction. We might see the couple get together, or someone gets the exact job they wanted. What we do not see is that happily ever after will include broken dreams, unexpected turns in the road, and even the death of loved ones.

The reality is we do not live happily ever after….in this life. Life has trials and heartaches along the way. Sometimes in our story, divorces happen, bankruptcy comes, natural disasters occur, friends walk away.

Thank God for the joys we get to experience on earth. It is normal that as people we want to be happy, and that we hope for happily ever after. We will experience times of happiness while living on earth. I am grateful that I have experienced a good marriage, having children and grandchildren, traveling the nation as a speaker, having many wonderful friends. Thank God for times of earthly happiness, but the older I get, the more I long for “happily ever after.”  That will come one day when I cross over into eternal life, leaving behind the broken life of earth.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we must always be mindful that we are simply pilgrims walking through this earth. This is not our final home. Hebrews 11:13 and First Peter 2:11 remind us that we are sojourners, people who live in a place temporarily.

The story of Barbara is still being written, but I am confident of the ending. The end of my story will be, “She lived happily ever after.” I will be spending eternity with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because I trusted Jesus as my Savior, when I leave this temporary home on earth, my address will change to the streets of gold in heaven where I will live happily ever after!

I wish I could promise you that everything will work out like you desire. Of course, I cannot! What I can promise you is that if you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you will live happily ever after.

It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase,
So, bravely run the race, till we see Christ!“

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them, He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” – Revelation 21:1-4

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites. – Judges 6:15-16

Let me begin with a joke about the man who went to his psychiatrist, and when the doctor asked him what had prompted his visit, the man said, “I am suffering from an inferiority complex.”  During the subsequent few visits, the psychiatrist put his new patient through a battery of tests and finally came the long-awaited diagnosis. 

The doctor called the man and asked him to return to the clinic for a consultation. Upon arrival at the clinic, the doctor seated the patient before him and said, “I have some interesting news for you.”  The patient eagerly waited and asked, “What is it?”  The doctor said, “It is not a complex. You are inferior.”

For way too many years of my life, I had an inferiority complex that was off the charts. My self-doubt thwarted most things I wanted to do or tried to do. My vision of life was very skewed. I genuinely thought I was inferior to other people.

At the ripe old age of seventy-three, I throw up my hands to the God who helped me overcome self-doubt and a deep-seeded inferiority complex that began when I started elementary school. Up until that point, I did not realize I was poor, a bit unclean, and in a highly dysfunctional home.

I literally can still picture my first day in the first grade. When my name was called and the teacher asked me to come to the front of the room, I proudly walked the aisle. I thought I was like everyone else. It did not take long to realize that I was not like most of the other kids. I did not dress as well, smell as good, or have kindergarten under my belt like so many others did. (In those days, kindergarten was only for those whose parents could afford to send them.)

Through elementary school, my classmates would talk about going to the dentist or going on vacation. I had nothing to say. I had never done either of those things. When class officers were chosen, I was never on the list. Safety patrol was a coveted position, and I so wanted to wear the sash adorned with a big silver badge. Nope, more popular kids were appointed to the position. I watched my classmates get invited to the prom, but never was I invited. In high school, I did get up the nerve to audition to be a class speaker for senior chapel. I was not chosen. A girl I knew was on the committee, and she said something like this to me, “We thought you did okay, but some thought you didn’t look the part.” Without a doubt, I was definitely second class.

Even into my adult years, I looked at other pastors’ wives, and I felt inferior. I could not play the piano like they could, well, actually I could not play at all. A church was interested in my husband being their pastor, but when they found out I could not play the piano, they were no longer interested. I was an inferior wife for a pastor. Gaylon surely married the wrong person.

Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever felt like an afterthought? Have you ever felt like others have so much on the ball, but not you? If so, you are not alone!

I began this blog with verses telling the story of a man named Gideon who thought of himself as inferior to everyone, even members of his own family. When God first called Gideon, Gideon was fearful and felt totally inadequate. Yet, Gideon became a mighty warrior who rescued God’s people. What a great story to remind us that God understands our doubts and fears. He uses our weaknesses to lead us to depend on Him, and then we experience His strength.

There are quite a few stories in scripture of people who felt inadequate. Moses. Jeremiah. Esther. The woman with the issue of blood. Yet, God gave each of them the power to overcome a negative self-image, change their lives, and to be mightily used by Him.

I can be listed among those who felt unloved, not gifted, an afterthought.

BUT GOD!!!!!! That is my testimony, BUT GOD! At the ripe age of seventy-three, I can testify of God’s overcoming power. I am His child. I am gifted by Him. He has used me. He does love me.

Today, I feel a bit like the disciple named John. Read his gospel. He constantly referred to himself as “the one Jesus loved.”  That is a bit humorous to me that John would refer to himself that way. Some say he would not use his own name out of humility. Maybe, but not much humility in calling yourself the one Jesus loved! Instead, in his writing, John showed us that he was confident of the Savior’s love for him.

Often, our mind starts playing a reel about how we are not enough. All of us face that from time to time. May I tell you something life-changing? When the negative self-image begins to weigh on you, quickly counter it by saying your name followed by the words “the one Jesus loves.” Do that all through the day. It is life-changing.

Yep, like many of you, I have had quite a few rough spots in life, quite a bit of rejection. I can let those moments become my identity, but I refuse to do that. But, let me tell you who I am today, let me tell you my true identity. I am Barbara Benton, the one Jesus loves. Who are you?

Recently, I walked into the gym wearing a sweatshirt with the words “even if” Daniel 3:18.  I began pumping away on the elliptical, only to feel a tap on my shoulder. I removed my ear pods, so I could hear what the gentleman wanted to say to me.

He asked, “Can you tell me what that shirt means?”

I proceeded to explain that it is a story in the Bible about three men who lived their Godly values and refused to bow when asked to compromise. The men were about to be thrown to sure death in a fiery furnace. The actual event is recorded in Daniel chapter three.

^“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver usfrom Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18

The man nodded his head, thanked me, and walked away.

I have no idea what impact the story had on the man’s life, but I was happy to share the Word of God. I was also happy to demonstrate the story by openly sharing my faith even if the man did not like the story.

The shirt is also a reminder to me, that even when walking with God, I will find myself in challenging circumstances. I want to live an “even if” Christian life. I want to be a woman who trusts God no matter what and walks in His peace and not in my panic.

On this earth, we are prone to worry, and prone to ask “what if” this happens? “What if” things do not turn around? “What if” nothing changes? God invites us to a life of supernatural peace that changes “what if” to “even if.” Remember that if your “what if” happens, God will bring you through it.

Join me in being an “even if” child of God. Stand with God “even if” you do not see healing manifested on this side of heaven. Stand with God “even if” you did not receive the job for which you applied. Stand with God “even if” persecuted for His sake. Stand with God “even if” that child is still living a wayward lifestyle. Stand with God “even if”.

Prayer: “Father, I know that in this life there will be times of testing. I ask You for miracles, but today I declare, “Even if” things do not happen as I desire, I will trust You. Thank You for Your presence that guides me through everything I face. I will not surrender to the fear of “what if” but I stand in the faith of “even if.”  Amen.

If you have read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you will find many stories of the life and ministry of Jesus. Other than the resurrection, there is only one miracle that all the Gospel writers record, and that is the feeding of the five thousand.

In reading the account of the feeding of the five thousand in John’s record, there is a verse that stands out to me. “Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. ‘There is a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is it anyway with this huge crowd?’” – John 6:8-9

When Andrew saw what could be offered for Jesus to use, he pretty much asked, “What good are these anyway? Have you ever asked that question or thought that question?

• What good is it to keep praying for my child when nothing seems to change?
• What good is it to give food to the hungry when they come back over and over?
• What good is it to put gas in the car of a single mother when her needs are much greater than gasoline?
• What good is it to be honest when I see so many dishonest people prosper?
• What good is it to present the plan of salvation, when so many reject it?
• What good is it to continue to offer a helping hand when the needs are so much greater than I can meet?
• What good is it to stay sexually pure when everyone else seems contented living any way they wish?
• What good is it to pray when nothing seems to change?
• What good is it to be hope-filled when current events show so much hopelessness?

It is so easy to ask, “What good is it anyway?”

BUT…I read to the end of the story. The story ends with Jesus taking the little that was offered to Him, and with it, He did much. No one fathomed that the little would do so much when placed into the hands of Jesus. Everyone was fed and there were even carryout baskets!

God delights in making much out of little. He loves to defy human reasoning, so that when things happen, it is evident that God’s power is the only explanation. The scripture is filled with stories of God’s power using little to make much. As the old song says, “Little is much when God is in it!” Even though we see examples of this truth throughout Scripture, we often fail to trust it personally. 

Perhaps you have the same question as Andrew. What good is this little anyway? We cannot begin to fathom what God will do with the things we entrust to Him. We have just entered a fresh new year. What a great time to pray this prayer. Join me.

Jesus, I do not feel like I have much to offer, but I offer what I do have. I offer a voice of prayer, hands to serve, hope to give, blessings to the needy, and a witness to the lost. I ask You to take the few resources that I do have, as small at they might seem in my eyes. I place myself, my gifts, my resources, and my faithfulness in your hands. Lead me in places for your Name’s sake. Multiply what I offer and let it change lives for Your glory. Let this be a year of multiplication in my life that will enlarge the Kingdom of God. Amen.

My father-in-law was a hard-working man.  Comer Benton was a farmer, and he worked hard at it well into his seventies. He did not expect to wake up one day and see the harvest on his farm. He did not pray for a harvest and hoped it would show up one day, or that someone else would work the fields on his farm while he sat on the sofa. Mr. Benton knew that prayer was essential, but so was arduous work or there would be no harvest. Papa Benton’s work ethic produced many abundant harvests.

Comer Benton knew that passivity would never produce a harvest.

The same principles apply to the life of a Christian. There is no such thing as a healthy passive Christian life. God Himself set a great example of not being passive. He did not sit on His throne in heaven, twiddle His holy thumbs, and hope for the best for mankind. No, God actively sent a Savior to the world, so redemption could take place.

The Bible is full of stories of great men and women who did not sit on their blessed assurance but heeded the call of God to action.

• Jericho did not fall without action from Joshua.
• The countries of the world would not have heard the message of the Gospel had Paul decided it was someone else’s job. Even while sitting in prison, Paul asked the Ephesian church to pray that he would have boldness to preach the word.
• Abram would never have become Abraham had he been passive when God called him to action.
• Esther moved into action so that the Jewish people could be saved from destruction.

There is much talk about the condition of the United States of America. We pray for God to move in the nation and the Church. I, too, pray for these things every day. We should pray; however, that does not mean we are to be passive when God has called us to action.

Scripture rarely requires passivity. God has called us to be an army who acts. These are just a few of the active things we can and must do to have an effect on the nation, the Church, and our families.

1. First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. When your church calls a prayer meeting, go and participate. Prayer meetings are one of the least attended activities of a church.
2. Preach the word – 2 Timothy 4:2. Pastors must preach the word, but as believers we also “preach” the word over a cup of coffee or in the marketplace.
3. Hebrews 3:13 admonishes us to encourage one another. Praying for people is powerful, but when we see someone down, hurting, or discouraged, speak a word of encouragement. Take a casserole to a person who is in a difficult place. Be an encourager.
4. First Corinthians 6:18 instructs us to flee from sexual immorality. The Church must lead the way on holy living in this area and others. Actively live a Christian life that reflects the scripture. Colossian 3:5 teaches us to put to death our earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed which is idolatry.
5. When we see those in need and we can help, then we rise to action. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” – Luke 13:10.

There are many more action words in scripture. A great study for one to do is to seek out the action words of the Bible. Many people ask God for a word for the year. That is a good thing. I pray that all of us will add the word action to our lives in 2025 and lose the word passivity.

The last words of Jesus to His followers were to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20. If the first disciples had chosen passivity, Christianity would have died quickly and none of us would have heard about Jesus. Passive is NOT my word for 2025.

I love a good hot cup of black coffee. Well, a small bit of sweetener might be needed to take off the edge of any bitterness. One of my favorite things to do, especially on a chilly morning, is to sip my coffee, not devour it but sip it. Sipping coffee means drinking it slowly, taking small mouthfuls, rather than devouring it in large gulps and finishing it fast. When I slowly sip my coffee, I take time to savor the taste.

As we begin 2025, many people start a new Bible reading program. Some like to go through the whole Bible in a year. Some even do an aggressive plan where one can read the entire Bible in ninety days. Others are reading just the New Testament. A few that I know are concentrating on the epistles found in the New Testament.

All the above options are great, as is any option that causes one to consistently read God’s word.

May I share with you what my Bible-reading plan is this year? I plan to “sip” the scriptures. I want to stop, take a mouthful, and take time to savor what is being said. I am not rushing to make sure I get a certain number of chapters read, rather I am taking my time allowing Holy Spirit to speak to me.

As I was sipping on Luke chapter four today, I totally savored what jumped out at me – Jesus does miracles in the home.

^“After leaving the synagogue that day, Jesus went to Simon’s home, where he found Simon’s mother-in-law extremely sick with a high fever. “Please heal her,” everyone begged. Standing at her bedside, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them.” – Luke 4:38-39 (NLT).

Here are a few observations from the story that came as I sipped:

1. When Peter left the synagogue, he did not leave Jesus at church. He took Jesus home with him. May we not be content to attend church services. Let’s take Jesus home. When Jesus is in the house, He shares our burdens and our blessings. Jesus does miracles when invited to stay in our homes.
2. Jesus wants to give miraculous breakthroughs in our homes. In chapter one of Mark’s Gospel, Mark tells us that when Jesus entered Peter’s home, they told Him what they were facing. Jesus intervened and brought healing. What are you facing in your home? What miracle do you need Jesus to do in your home and family? Tell Jesus about it. Invite Him to intervene.
3. Peter’s mother-in-law was healed and began to serve Jesus. Her response to Jesus’s touch was to serve Jesus and His disciples – immediately. She used her recovered health for renewed service. I pray the days where we want God to intervene in miraculous ways and then do nothing for the Kingdom are gone!

These two verses about Jesus going to Peter’s home came to life in my spirit as I sipped my coffee and sipped the Word of God. I gave Holy Spirit time to speak.

I highly encourage each of us to have a plan to read God’s word in 2025, but I also hope there will be times where we sip the Word, savor it, and taste and see that the Lord is good. It is amazing what we taste with a slow sip.

Many of us grew up watching the Beverly Hillbillies. The wildly popular series ran for nine seasons beginning in 1962. Millions have seen it in reruns since the series ended in 1971. 

The Beverly Hillbillies centered around a man named Jed Clampett, played by Buddy Ebsen. Jed was a poor, uneducated hillbilly from the hills of the Ozarks. The song tells us that Jed could barely keep enough food on the table for his family. Jed discovered oil (black gold, Texas tea as the song said) on his land and became a very wealthy man. His family and friends told Jed that he belonged in California where rich people live.  Jed loaded up his family and moved to Beverly Hills. For nine years we watched the story ‘bout a man named Jed.

Let me tell you another story about a man named Jed – well, about Buddy Ebsen who played Jed.

Buddy Ebsen was an actor trying to make his way in 1945. Like others, Ebsen was trying to find his way after World War II, which had interrupted his career. It was a snowy, cold December 31 night. Ebsen was finishing rehearsals for a play in which he was a cast member. It was 11:30 at night, and his wife waited for him by the door.

As the Ebsens began trudging through the snow and the chilly wind, Ebsen felt the churning of the aftermath of war, and wasn’t ready to go home. Buddy said to his wife, “Let’s not go home yet. Let’s get a bite to eat.”  They made their way to a diner only to find the door locked, but there were many people inside. The Ebsens were disappointed. Buddy Ebsen decided to knock on the door, and the owner whose name was Al Green opened the door and invited Buddy and Nancy Ebsen to join their staff party ringing in the new year.

There was much laughter, music, and fun going on at the party, but suddenly a total hush fell over the room just a couple of minutes before midnight. The Ebsens had expected a loud shout of celebration when the clock struck midnight welcoming the new year. Instead, there was total silence.

At midnight the owner of the restaurant Al Green stood in the center of the room as others sat at tables or lined the walls. Someone whispered to Buddy Ebsen, “It’s a tradition he does every year.”  

Al Green began to sing unaccompanied in a rich baritone voice. Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name he sang. Ebsen was transfixed to hear the normally rough-looking New Yorker singing a melody to the Creator of the universe.

Ebsen bowed his head, as Al Green sang every word of the Lord’s Prayer. Al’s voice rose powerfully; his words rang with conviction; and then, as the last firm note drifted away, Al lowered his head and sang the last word as a benediction:

Amen.

Buddy Ebsen then lifted his tear-stained face, looked at his wife and said, “Never let me lose faith in God, myself or others.”  After years of discouragement from war and demanding times, Ebsen’s attention was brought back to the God who is over all.

According to Ebsen, “When it was time for us to leave, Nancy and I put on our coats, and amid hearty good wishes from those at the restaurant we walked out to the street. The snow had stopped. Everything was still frosted with a neon iridescence. Tall buildings soared above us like church spires. The stars were like tiny sapphires winking in the deep blue.”

“Happy New Year,” I said to my wife.

“Yes, Happy New Year!” she said in reply as we stepped out confidently into a new year and and a new world and a new beginning.

Many of us experienced gut-wrenching times in 2024. As a nation we experienced one of the most bitter, divisive elections in the history of the United States. We have continued to watch conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and other nations. Grocery prices soared, putting many in a place of hardship. Gaylon and I, like many of you, saw the deaths of several loved ones. The year 2024 brought difficulty to many. Perhaps your spirit is even heavy.

As we enter 2025, may I suggest that you consider listening to the Lord’s prayer being sung and meditate on that. Yes, do the celebration and the hugs that a new year usually brings, but how about considering starting the New Year remembering “Our Father” who sits on His throne in heaven. For at least the first month of the year, would you read, memorize, and recite the Lord’s prayer every day? I actually plan to say it every day through 2025, starting my day, reminding myself of the One who will be walking with me.

Like Nancy Ebsen, I say to all of you, “Happy New Year!”  Let us step out confidently into a new year and a new world and a new beginning with Our Father at center. Amen.

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.” Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

It’s the most wonderful time of the year,
With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year

It’s the hap- happiest season of all, With those holiday greetings
And gay happy meetings when friends come to call
It’s the hap- happiest season of all

There’ll be parties for hosting, Marshmallows for toasting, And caroling out in the snow
There’ll be scary stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago.

As we celebrate Christmas, Christians stop and remember the birth of the Savior of the world. We stop and sing with our kids, “Away In A Manger.”  That song makes my heart leap! Jesus was more than a baby; He was a way in a manger. He was a way for us to be reconciled to God. He was a way for divine healing of our bodies and souls. He was a way to overcome life in a world filled with challenges. He was more than a babe. He was a way for me and you.

It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year!

What amazes me are the outbursts of arguing that happens on social media. It is like every detail of the Christmas story must line up with the person’s thought. Let me settle two of the arguments.

PEOPLE ARGUE WHETHER JESUS WAS BORN IN A STABLE OR A CAVE

It is more likely than not that Jesus was born in a cave, not a wooden stable. But does it really matter? We know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, there was no room “in the inn,” and that He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. There are no pictures of the baby or of Mary or of Joseph. We don’t know exactly the scene. 

Historically, many homes in the area would have built a dwelling with a cave underneath to house the most valuable animals. The top floor was the primary residence for the family and often included an upper room that would serve as a guest room for visitors.

When Luke 2:7 says, “there was no room for them in the inn,” the Greek word is the word for the guest room of the home, not for a hotel. (That word for a public room would be found in the story of the Good Samaritan.) Because of the census, the upper room was already taken, so Joseph and Mary stayed in the lower level where there was enough room for everything that goes into giving birth to a baby. It was not an ideal place to have a baby.

Here is my question. Does it matter? The Savior was born in less-than-ideal circumstances. What we celebrate is that He was born, not the spot where He was born. The place was not sterile, and it was not a beautiful birthing room with doctors and nurses. Perhaps God wanted to show us that He came for those in lowly places not just high places.

THE SECOND ARGUMENT IS OVER THE ACTUAL DATE OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS

The Bible does not give us the exact date. Some say it was actually October. A few say it was June. Again, my question is, “Does it matter?”

I remember meeting a woman from a foreign country. As a baby, she was brought to America by a family who adopted her. No one knew her exact birth, so a pediatrician examined the child and estimated when her birth took place. Her family then chose a date to celebrate her birth. They were not celebrating the date. They were celebrating the child.

For me, it is unimportant the exact date of the birth of Jesus. I celebrate the birth of the Savior, not the date of His entrance.

Can we just stop arguing about things that do not matter? If you are a believer, I suggest that social media posts and conversations celebrate Emmanuel, God with us. The fact is that He was born; He came into the world to atone for our sins; He was resurrected to eternal life, and He is alive today. As followers of Jesus, let us add to the joy of the most wonderful time of the year. Go tell it on the mountain that Christ the Savior was born.

If you were raised in a Christian home with Judeo-Christian values, you have probably been told not to say certain words because that is taking the Lord’s Name in vain. I was not raised in a Christian home, so no one cared how God’s Name was used. My husband Gaylon, on the other hand, was raised in a strict Christian home. Certain words that were not actual “cuss” words were definitely punishable! They were taking the Lord’s Name in vain.

The third of the ten commandments listed in Exodus 20:7 is, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” Although many people believe taking the Lord’s name in vain refers to using the Lord’s name as a swear word, there is much more involved with a vain use of God’s name.

My personal belief is that Christians should refrain from the use of vulgar profanity which is so widely accepted and used today. Social media posts are shocking to me, at times. “Cussing” someone out would surely fall under the categories listed in Colossians chapter three – anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language (Colossians 3.8). Please, people of God, guard your words, and let them represent Christ. Saying, “Oh my god!” when someone makes us mad is a misuse of God’s Name. Let us remember that “Hallowed is His Name.”

The word “vain” in Exodus 20:7 means empty or hollow. You shall not take the Name of the Lord in a hollow and empty way. In other words, don’t profess the Name of the Lord and live a life that is empty of Christlikeness. If you live a life filled with hatred, immorality, greed, lying, envy, and a host of other things, and continue to profess being a follower, that is taking His Name in vain. It is the issue of living a hypocritical life. Once I become a Christian and take on His Name, I am to live a life worthy of that Name in word and deed.

When I married Gaylon Benton, I took his name. After fifty-three years of marriage, I still try to honor my husband’s name through my actions. I am faithful to him. I show honor to him. I walk together with him. His name caused me to walk a life that reflected our union.

As a professing Christian, I am to walk a life that honors the Name of the Lord. The name of the Lord is holy, as He is holy. The name of the Lord is a representation of His glory, His majesty, and His supreme deity. We are to esteem and honor His name by letting our lives revere and glorify God Himself. To do any less is to take His name in vain.