Doug’s Columns

By Doug Creamer

            Last weekend’s cold weather gave us a low-key weekend. It was nice to slow down. After all the running around from the holiday season, a slow weekend felt good. We got some things done, but it was at a much slower pace. There was no pressure. I spent some extra time reading and catching up with some friends.

            Going slow is not a pace I want all the time, but it is one I can appreciate. I like having things to do. I like checking things off a list. That sense of accomplishing something was drilled into me as a kid. “What did you get done today?” There is nothing like looking around and seeing all that you got accomplished. I love that feeling in early spring when I have worked hard outside all day and I can see a big difference.

            As I age, I am enjoying a balance between getting lots done and having a nice slow day. There are always times when we have to work hard on our jobs and around the house, but it is also nice to move at a slower pace. It’s like getting a snow day in the middle of winter. You can go play in the snow and then come in and watch a movie by a warm fire. Then the next day you can get back to working at full-throttle.

            Most people like getting a snow day. I have studied all the weather models and there doesn’t appear to be any snow on the horizon. You know how things work around here. We had a really cold weekend, then we warmed up, then…maybe snow…well, we can hope.

            If and when that winter weather decides to head our way, we will all have to prepare and get ourselves ready. You know the routine…head to the store and get bread and milk. Then we look out our windows and watch it…rain! You knew that was coming, right?

            Preparing for winter weather and hurricanes is similar. We prepare for the possibility that we might lose power and hope for the best. If we lose power we are back to the basics. No one likes the experience, but we find a way to get through.

            Winter’s slow days give us the opportunity to make sure our foundations are solid. I think it’s important to examine our spiritual foundations, as well. Winter gives us time to do any necessary repairs. We want to be prepared for the new growing season. We want to make sure we are building on a solid base.

            I believe good spiritual health starts with an intake of God’s Word. Some people might think that you can read the Bible like you read a novel. We need to meditate on it, search for promises that relate to problems we are facing, and learn God’s ways, which are not our ways. God’s Word is a love letter to us and a handbook on how to live life.

            A cornerstone to our relationship with God is communication. We have to talk with God. Communication is a two way process. We have to listen for His voice. He will speak to us but we have to get quiet and listen. I think we are all good at listing our requests to Him in prayer; it’s the listening part that probably needs some work.

            A third critical element to keeping our foundation strong is being in fellowship with other believers. The pandemic has caused so many to get out of the habit of gathering. No one can stay strong spiritually without connecting with our brothers and sisters in Christ. I need you and you need me. We need to connect with our fellow believers through our local church. I know it is cold and flu season so we need to be careful and respectful of each other so we don’t share some nasty bug, but we have to find ways to connect in order to strengthen and encourage each other.

            I want to encourage you to look over your foundation and see how you are doing in the areas of reading His word, talking with Him, and being in fellowship with other believers. God wants you to be strong and ready for any storms or challenges you might face. When life gets rough we need to remind ourselves that God is with us and that we can depend on His promises. It’s also nice to know we can depend on each other. God will see you through the storms ahead. In the meantime, I am watching for our next chance of snow!

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            It is hard to believe that we are halfway through January. I guess that means that most people are halfway through their New Year’s resolutions. Many of us make resolutions, but by the beginning of February they are long-forgotten and we have all returned to acting as we did before. It is hard to change and to make that change permanent.

            Resolutions come in all shapes and sizes. We promise ourselves to lose weight. We are going to join a gym and exercise. We are going to eat healthy food. We are going to get to bed earlier. We are going to read more. We are going to give up drinking and/or smoking. These are all great things we resolve to change.

            Some people through sheer willpower will carry on for several months, or maybe even half a year. But eventually the good habits we are diligently trying to instill in our lives wane. Willpower alone does not have the staying power to bring about change in our lives. We are creatures of habit and we will return to our old ways. The old ways are easy.

            Sometimes our doctors can motivate us to make some changes that will last. When we get a bad report from our doctor and we are told that the only way to improve the situation is that we must change, then we can discover something within ourselves that will motivate that needed change. If we make the change in our lives and we see the benefits, that will reinforce and strengthen our resolve to keep the change.

            For a number of years my doctor encouraged me to walk. After my annual physical I would start walking for a while, but eventually I would stop. But one year I began to discover mental, physical, and spiritual benefits to walking, and now I will go to great lengths to make sure I get a walk in. I want to walk because I feel so much better.

            I believe the best way to bring about lasting change in our lives is that we have to ask God for wisdom and guidance. We know that God loves us unconditionally just the way we are, but God wants to mold and shape us into the image of His Son. He wants to change us into a vessel that He can use for His glory. He sees our destiny and wants to get us ready. Think about Joseph, David, and Esther and the preparation God put them through to get them ready to fulfill their purpose.

            When we seek God and ask for His guidance we might be surprised at what He chooses to work on. He might show us an area we didn’t even know needed attention. The key is that when He shows us an area He is committed to helping us make the changes. Our job at that point is to cooperate with Him. Imagine that, you are working side-by-side with God to bring about a change in your life. That is the definition of success.

            God’s always desires our best. God is a good Father. The trouble is God’s training plan and path to our success is not always an easy road. David fought lions and bears long before he fought Goliath. He was also chased by Saul long before he became king. Esther had to put her complete trust and faith in God before she went to the king because if he didn’t extend the royal scepter to her she would have lost her life. God is preparing us for our moment, our purpose; we have to learn to trust Him in the process. 

            When we seek Him and ask Him for His guidance we will be shown what we need to do. It might be challenging and feel impossible, but we need to have faith that He will see us through. God will never point out an area that needs change and then leave us to our own ability to make those changes. He will strengthen us and encourage us through the process. We will feel His presence as we work with Him.

            I want to encourage you to seek God’s guidance before you try to make any changes in your life. He knows the best path. He will send help and support. He will walk with you through the process. In the end, you will experience His goodness and favor. God has a plan for your life that includes a training plan. Trust Him with the process. Put your hand in His; He will guide you to success.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            I wrote last week about spending time with my sister and her family over the holidays. We spent New Year’s weekend with my wife’s mother and sister. It was a good trip home and we had a nice visit. It was nice to have the opportunity to spend time with family while we were home.

            It was also good to come home to our house. It’s nice to sleep in your own bed after being away. It’s also nice to be around your own stuff in your own home. It’s been busy since we got home, getting Christmas taken down and put away for another year. There were also other tasks that needed our attention.

            I have been thinking a lot about the word home since we got back. I told people we went home for Christmas. Then I told some other people that we were really glad to be back home again after our trip. Then the word home comes up in that famous song that is sung around the holidays, “I’ll be home for Christmas.”

            Where is home? I referred to my mother-in-law’s house as home. I referred to our house as home. There is also the spiritual idea that someday I am looking forward to going home to be with the Lord. All these places can’t be home for me, can they?

            Naturally, I wanted to find the definition of home. We commonly define home as the place where one lives permanently. It’s where the family resides. There is another definition that says home is where one is put who needs professional care or supervision. Thankfully, I am not at that stage in life. So the place where I reside is my home. Then why do we call our parents’ house home? I think our parents’ house is where our childhood memories reside. It’s home.  

            So we have the place where we currently reside, the place where we grew up, and then we have our eternal home. I believe our eternal home trumps our current residence and our childhood home. Our eternal home is our destination. We live this life in hope that we will spend eternity with our Savior in our eternal home.

            There is so much speculation about our heavenly home. What will it look like? How big will it be? Will it be a castle? Will it be more like an apartment? I believe we don’t know because each of our homes will be unique to our personality. Also, we don’t know because the marketing department hasn’t produced their promotional campaign. I really believe if we knew how nice and wonderful our heavenly home is going to be many of us would want to “pop off,” as my grandmother used to say, to our heavenly home.

            It really doesn’t matter what any of us thinks about our heavenly home because I am convinced of this one thing: it will be far better than any of us could ever imagine. The main reason I believe our heavenly home will far outdo anything we can imagine is that Jesus will be there. In fact, we will get to be with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and our Heavenly Father. I am not worried about what home will be like or look like as long as I get to be with Them.

            Where will your home be? Are you ready to be with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? We don’t have to wish or even hope that we will be there. We can know beyond a shadow of doubt that we will be with Them. When we ask Jesus to be our personal Savior, to forgive us from all our sins, and to wash us clean through His blood, we can be assured that our eternal home will be in heaven. It’s not up to God, it’s up to you. You determine where you will spend eternity. If you have made that decision, you can rest in peace, but if you haven’t you are choosing to live away from God’s love, Jesus’ forgiveness, and the amazing Holy Spirit.

            I encourage you to make this vital choice while you have time. When you stand before God it will be too late. Accept God’s invitation now so you can know that you have a reserved home in heaven. I want to meet you and see you there. Heaven will be far more wonderful than your mind can conceive. I am hoping for a home with a nice garden spot and maybe close to some water. What about you?

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

                We did it! We stepped into a new year. Does it feel different to you? The New Year came in quietly for us, so I believe that we are in for a nice quiet year. I know that there will be ups and downs; every year has them. I am hopeful that we will all have more ups this year, that we will see God working to bring about good things.

                 If the New Year is anything like the way I got to spend the last day of the previous year, then I am in for a treat. I got to spend the day with my younger sister and her family. Her two sons were home, but her daughter had left because she had some New Year’s plans. Ah, to be young again… One of her sons is in high school and he told me about what life is like for a freshman. Her other son is a junior at VMI and he had recently received his class ring. It was beautiful, and he told me about the meaning behind the symbols on the ring. I enjoyed hearing about the adventures in their young lives.

                Later, my sister and I took her dog for a walk. We walked and walked. Every time I thought we were heading for home, the dog took another turn. It was a great walk on a beautiful day. The walk culminated in a few peeks at the beach. We didn’t walk on the beach but we stopped to take in the beauty. The sky was crystal clear and the water was calm and twinkled as the sun reflected off it. We took some pictures, but they don’t capture the beauty and peacefulness. To have the privilege to stand there and take in a few deep breaths brought a sense of refreshment to my spirit.

                The New Year arrived in some different ways for me. I missed a few of the traditional things. But I began with a hunger for God. I quieted myself and listened for His voice. I want to know His heart for me and for the year ahead. God has already seen this year. I wonder what wonderful things He has planned for this year.

                I read the Sermon on the Mount and something jumped off the page to me. Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. Jesus says that if we ask it will be given to us. Jesus did not mean that we should ask for vacation homes or expensive cars. I think it means that we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for things that we need. Maybe you are struggling financially or you need a physical touch for healing, you should ask. God is our Father who really cares about our needs. Ask Him.

                Jesus tells us plainly that we need to seek. We aren’t supposed to seek fame and fortune. He wants us to seek Him. He wants us to know Him more each day of our lives. If we learned something new about God every day we will still be learning long into eternity. No one knows everything about God. There is always more we need to seek. The good news is that He promises that if we seek Him we will find Him. God is planning to reveal more of Himself to you if you will take on the mission of seeking Him. Seek Him and you will find Him.

                I think when God says we should knock He is implying in two specific ways. If we knock on the door of God’s heart we are going to discover an open door and an open invitation to come in. As I said, He wants us to know Him and His heart for us more and more. I believe the second invitation to knock is related to our hopes and dreams. These are the heavenly dreams God wants you to fulfill in your lifetime. It’s never too late to pursue the things God has placed on your heart. I believe God wants us to knock on the door and allow Him to guide us as we seek to fulfill His purposes. The only way doors will ever open is if we knock.

                I encourage you to ask, seek, and knock this year. You don’t know what kinds of wonderful things God has planned for you this year. The mystery and wonder are waiting just ahead for you. I strongly believe that God has some good things hidden for us that He wants us to seek out. Let’s go; it’s going to be a great adventure.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            The packages have been unwrapped. The paper is lying around. The bows and ribbons are tossed here and there. The delicious food has been consumed. The beautiful music still wafts from the speakers. The baby Jesus has finally landed in the manger.

            Sometimes I like the days after Christmas about as much as I like the day itself. It’s peaceful and quiet. We have some instrumental Christmas CDs that I enjoy listening to after it all winds down. The music lifts my soul and I find myself softly humming the words I know so well. There is no hustle and bustle, no rushing here or there. There is no list to get done. There is time for a few quiet moments sitting by the Christmas tree, time to reflect and be thankful for all the new memories that Christmas brought.  

            I really didn’t want to get up from my recliner even though there were some things to do. Eventually, I got up, only to be pulled back later in the day. The house was quiet, other than the music playing softly. I love so much about the Christmas season. I want to allow myself to soak in the wonder and joy of the season for more than just one day.

            When I finally moved from the recliner it was well after noon. I looked out my window and saw it was raining. I wanted to grab a book and return to my recliner and read by the light of the Christmas tree. That needed to wait until lunchtime. I needed to get going. There was laundry, dishes, and the Christmas wrappings that needed to be cleaned up.

            I enjoyed seeing the Christmas cards that are neatly displayed. I read a Christmas letter from a relative that I missed. The house was humming. It was the sound of the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer all working in the background. Their hum couldn’t squash the hum in my heart. I headed back to the computer to write my column. I was still in my sweats, humming some Christmas tune.

            I looked out the window and saw our humble manger sitting in the rain. I knew I needed to get focused on my column, but the quietness of the day kept calling me. Two snowmen sit on my desk, smiling at me in spite of the warm rain that was falling outside, mocking them. I chuckled at their cheeriness and wondered if I might be able to build them a friend. The weathermen are predicting snow for this winter; I hope they are right.

            My calendar hangs beside my desk, informing me that we only have a few more days left in 2023. The tasks of the day were calling to me and yet I found myself wanting to linger here quietly with you on this damp and cloudy day. I swear it’s not laziness that kept me here; it’s the peacefulness that was stirring within me. I was afraid if I “got busy” that this refreshing peace would ooze away.

            I received a new calendar for Christmas and soon I will have to get it out. While a part of me longs to stay right where I am, I know we must move forward to whatever adventure lies ahead. We know that God has good things planned for our future. But we also know that there will be challenges that we must all work through. The good news is that we don’t have to do any of those things alone. God will be with us.

            As we turn the page and begin a new chapter called 2024, we can know that God has gone before us and is preparing us for the wonders that lie ahead. There is no fear for 2024. There is only hope and excitement for all the good treasures that God has hidden for us. He is a good Father who loves us more than we can imagine. We know He gives good gifts because we have just celebrated the most wonderful gift of all, Jesus born in a stall.

            So, as we prepare for what is ahead, I want to encourage you to put your faith and trust in God. He knows our future because He sees our future. We don’t have to worry because our lives are in His hands. We can have confident faith in God, and expectant, pregnant hope for the future, and His perfect peace that will guard our hearts and minds as we enter 2024. I bid you a Happy, Joyful, Faith-filled, Peaceful, and Magical 2024!

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

By Doug Creamer

            It’s almost Christmas…are you ready? We have been working on some last-minute details around here. I have a few errands to do and one final run to the grocery store. I always leave the wrapping until the end. Now, where is the baby Jesus? He has to be around here somewhere.

            It is hard to get everything ready on time. I think it takes me longer to do things as I get a little older. I am semi-retired; I should have more time. It seems like there is more to do than there is time to get it all done. Sometimes I sit down by the Christmas tree to catch my breath.

            I have attended a few gatherings this year and I determined ahead of time that I was going to be present in the moment. Sometimes we allow our schedules to drive us and the clock to determine where we need to be. I have purposefully slowed down to be with friends and family. I want to enjoy and remember the moment. I want to live and be present in the moment.

            I think about the craziness of my schedule and how I am inching my way through the list of things that I must get done. Then I begin to consider what it must have been like for Mary, the young mother of Jesus. All the craziness that I am enduring does not compare to what this young mother must have gone through to bring Jesus into the world.

            We have to remember she was only a teenager. I taught teenagers for over thirty years. A number of my students had babies through the years. In my mind, they were children having children. It’s challenging to raise a child today. Can you imagine what it must have been like in Nazareth?

            Can you imagine the challenge that Mary and Joseph faced trying to take a four day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem because Caesar ordered a census? I am sure they would have preferred to wait for a more convenient time. Can you imagine their desperation, wanting to find a place to have the baby after the long journey? She had the baby in a dark, damp, and smelly cave where animals were put on cold winter nights.

            I imagine Mary struggled as she dealt with people thinking she was a morally lose girl who couldn’t wait for her wedding night. She knew she was a virgin, but who would believe her story? We know Elizabeth believed her, which had to be comforting. We hope that Joseph trusted and believed her, but he may have struggled with doubts of his own.

            I wonder if Mary and Joseph struggled with feelings of failure for the way they welcomed Jesus into the world. The best they could do was a cave? Yet God wanted them to know that He was more than proud of them by sending shepherds to congratulate and welcome His Son into our world.

            Sometimes we might feel like failures. Sometimes we think that maybe we missed God and His plans for our lives. We look around and think that maybe we didn’t accomplish enough for God. We wonder if maybe God might be just a little disappointed for trading His Son for someone like us.

            I want to be perfectly clear…God is absolutely proud to call you His son or daughter. You please Him just by being yourself. You didn’t miss God! Your heart has been in love with Jesus, His Son. Your desire has been to serve Him. You may wonder if you chose the wrong profession, but God needs representatives in EVERY profession to be lights for Him. He needs people where you are to let those walking in darkness see the light of His love. You are that beacon of light. You are that wellspring of hope. You are God’s love to them.

            I imagine that Joseph and Mary worried about every aspect of Jesus’ birth and upbringing, but God was with them, helping them every step of the way. I believe that God is with you, too. I want to encourage you to open your heart to God’s love this Christmas. He still offers peace on earth for you, if you will accept Him. He has answers for all that you are going through in life. It may not be easy…remember, Mary and Joseph didn’t have it easy bringing Jesus into the world…but I promise you He will help you each step of the way.

            Behold…the Savior of the world has come. Welcome Him. Merry Christmas and may God richly bless you this holiday season.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            Have you ever struggled with doubt? Yeah, I have too. No one wants to struggle with doubt, but it’s a natural human tendency. This struggle began in the Garden of Eden. Satan came to Eve and asked her, “Did God really say…” He created doubt in Eve’s mind. If it worked back in the garden, he will use it on us today.

            There is a big difference between doubting God and struggling with thoughts of doubt. When we doubt God we don’t trust Him or His word. However, when we find ourselves struggling with doubt, that can be a good thing, because that is when our faith is growing. When we wrestle with doubt we are fighting or wrestling with our logical minds to bring us into a greater trust in God.

            If I doubt you and turn my back on you that means I have come into agreement with the doubts. I have decided you are wrong and will not consider another option. That is the kind of doubt that is dangerous. It is especially bad when I allow those kinds of doubts to enter my relationship with God. When we have decided that we are right and God is wrong, we are in serious trouble.

            If you find yourself struggling with doubt you are in some good company. Abraham struggled with doubt. How could God bring forth a child from Sarah and him? Sarah laughed at the thought she would become pregnant at her age. But Abraham chose to trust God even though his logical mind tried to lead him away in doubt. That’s a faith-growing good battle.

            Sometimes we have to pay a price for our struggle with doubt. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah he doubted God’s word that he would become a father at his age. His doubt brought about the consequence that he was deaf and mute until John the Baptist was born. We need to learn to engage faith to fight our doubts and thus grow stronger spiritually.

            At this time of year I often think about Joseph and wonder how often he struggled with doubts about the origin of Jesus. Mary knew she was a virgin. Up until that point in history no one had ever experienced a virgin birth. I imagine Satan planted doubts in Joseph’s mind.  

            I believe the shepherds were sent to help Joseph. Their story would silence his doubts and stir up his faith. Later when Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord, there is the respected leader Simeon who takes Jesus and declares that He is the long-awaited Messiah. Then Anna comes along and shares Simeon’s excitement. I believe these events encouraged Joseph’s faith.

            Joseph must have had a strong faith because we know of four specific times that God gave Joseph a dream and in each case he was immediately obedient to the instructions in the dream. Yet this man of great faith, the man who was entrusted with raising the Messiah, probably struggled with doubts. But Joseph raised his shield of faith and overcame the doubts.

            If you meet someone with a strong faith then I can assure you that the individual has fought and overcame many doubts. When we meet doubt in our spiritual journey we have a choice. We can come into agreement with the doubt and walk away from faith in God, or we can choose to fight the doubts and come into agreement with God and trust Him and His word. We have to choose to believe. In spite of what we see, we choose to trust God.

            Each of us is struggling with something in our lives. It’s something that is calling us to believe that God is bigger than our circumstances. Doubts are floating around in our minds about God’s love and faithfulness. God is calling us to choose. He wants us to choose faith in Him, trust in Him, hope in Him in spite of the situation.

            I want to encourage you to stir your faith in God. Believe. In spite of the circumstances believe that God loves you and knows all the details you are facing at this moment. Have faith that He is at work in your situation. Trust that He will do what is best for all that are involved. Pray that God will take your mustard seed of faith and help you overcome. Doubt is not bad if we engage it and grow a stronger faith because of it. I pray God blesses you and helps you as you walk through the trial you are facing.   

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            I have talked with several guys recently who were trying to get a new job. The conversations quickly turned me back into a teacher. I started to pour into these guys all the knowledge I have about the job search process. While there are some basic things that still hold true about the job search process, I have not kept current with all the new methods. So the teacher was doing a little learning in these conversations.

            One thing we can all agree on is that employers are seeking candidates with some character. I would like to clarify here. There are some guys that I know whom I might describe as characters in a fun and joking manner. These are the kind of men you want around you in both good and bad times. They will be right there to help you whatever you might be going through. But you better have some thick skin because they will pick on and tease you and keep you laughing. Some people might call them characters, but I prefer to call them friends.

            In the job search process, character refers to the way you live. A former principal and the faculty I worked with at East Davidson worked tirelessly to instill moral character in our students. It’s doing the right thing regardless of the circumstances. It’s giving your best every day. It’s being an employee that an employer can trust. It’s being faithful to your job and your employer. It’s working hard with a strong work ethic. If you have character you are the employee every employer wants working for them.

            People with strong, moral character make good choices. We all have opportunities every day to make choices. Sometimes we make the good and right choices, and sometimes we make the wrong choices. Why is that? Simply because we live in a fallen world and we are only human. We are going to make the wrong choice sometimes. Someone with good character strives to make the right choices in life.

            Making the right choice affects every area of our lives. How we treat our supervisors and co-workers reflects on us. The way we interact with customers or sales staff says a lot about who we are to the world, which watches us closely. Many people will not go to church, but they will interact with you, and they will base their decision on whether to become a Christ-follower on your interactions with them. I have heard it said that you are the only Bible some people will ever read.

            I gave the sermon at our church on Sunday because our pastor was traveling. In the message I told our congregation that God chose Mary and Joseph based on their character. Joseph was a man of integrity who didn’t cheat his customers. God was looking for a good man who made right choices to raise His Son. Mary was also chosen to help raise Jesus in a loving family. Both Mary and Joseph had to be people of great faith who could be trusted with the highest calling I can imagine, raising Jesus.

            I still believe that God is in the business of looking for people with great character that He can trust to carry out His work on the earth. We are His ambassadors to the world. We are called to carry His message of salvation and hope to a world lost in darkness. You may never know the impact of your warm smile or a simple word of encouragement. God is looking for people who will be light and hope. God is looking for people with integrity of character that He can trust to do His will today.

            I want to encourage you to carefully consider your choices. My pastor often tells our congregation that the way we live our lives matters. Many people are watching your life to see if Jesus makes a difference in your life. How does He affect you? Are you a contagious Christian? Are people hungry for the Jesus they see in you? Do they see Jesus as your Savior and your friend? We are in the season of giving; you have the opportunity of sharing the best gift of “Good News” with the disconnected or disenchanted. You can offer Jesus as Savior, friend, deliverer, healer, forgiver, and life preserver of hope. There are people around you who need to hear this message of love and hope, especially at this time of year with its many challenges. I know God is looking for people like you and me, people of character, to carry His light into the world.  

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            It is always nice to have a few days off, even when one is semi-retired. The holidays are a busy time and there is always more to do than time to get it all done. The couple of days off last week were welcome. The list to get done was longer than I cared to complete. But I was grateful for the time to chip away at the things that needed my attention.

            I am not sure how fall slipped away so quickly. There always seem to be leaves that need to be collected. I hadn’t planted the pansies and violas yet, so I went to the garden center on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and got the best ones I could find so late in the season. They are an interesting mix of colors and over the long weekend I found the time to get them out. We like the joy they offer through the long winter season.

            It was a strange combination of outside activities over the weekend. I planted the flowers and worked on putting up the outside Christmas lights and decorations. Our street is festive; most of my neighbors put out some Christmas decorations. We try to get things up sometime over the Thanksgiving weekend. It felt crazy doing both of those things over the weekend.  

            I spread out the decorating over several afternoons. I don’t have a yard that screams Christmas. I just tend to work on other things at the same time. The afternoons fill up quickly, especially with the shorter days.

            Thanksgiving weekend ended up being busy doing some outside work and getting the outside looking like Christmas. We haven’t started working on setting our tree up or decorating inside the house yet. Preparation can be lots of work.

            There is so much preparation that goes into the holidays. I won’t list all the things that have to get done because that can be overwhelming to see in print. But each of us will chip away at the long list of things that need doing before the big day. The question that floats around in my mind is will we do the preparation necessary to get our hearts ready to receive the Christ child? It is so easy to be distracted by all that HAS to happen that we can sometimes forget or miss the significance of celebrating Christmas.

            Sometimes Jesus can get lost in all the decorating, Christmas shopping, and food preparation. It’s not that we mean to leave Him out of our celebrations. It’s simply that we allow other things to press in. So here we are, finding ourselves at the beginning of the holiday season and the opportunity to prepare our hearts for the real meaning of the season.

            How do you prepare? How do you keep your focus on Him? I think one place to begin is reading. Obviously, it is good to read the various accounts written in scripture about the birth of Jesus. Three of the gospels share different aspects of the story that offer ample opportunity for reflection. Take time to meditate on what Mary and Joseph went through in agreeing to be Jesus’ parents. Reflect on their circumstances and how all the details fell into place.

            These are good places to begin. There are many books and devotionals for this season that can help focus your heart and mind. Go beyond the reading and think about what it was like to live in that day and time. Imagine yourself meeting the family.

            I have already suggested the need for reflection and mediation, now allow your thoughts to lead you into thanksgiving and praise for all that Jesus accomplished coming to earth for us. Allow your heart to express your gratitude for all that He has done. Allow your thanks and praise to guide you as you pray for family and friends during this holiday season.

            I want to encourage you to commit to yourself that you will spend some quiet time with Jesus this holiday season. Allow His presence to fill your heart so you can receive the Christ of Christmas. Preparing yourself as we approach the day will make your heart ready. Truthfully, we all need to work to be ready, not only for Christmas but for His return. Many believe that His return is imminent. Many people missed His first coming in Bethlehem even though there were signs pointing to His arrival. I hope we are all ready for His second coming because there are signs pointing to it. It’s time to prepare for Christmas and the second coming. Are you ready?

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com