A perfect Christmas

"This very day in David's town your Savior was born-Christ the Lord!" Luke 2:11

Christmas, the celebration of Jesus' birth is beautiful. Do you have a Christmas dream? Do you wish for Christmas to be extra special? Do you have a wish list? If so, perhaps it includes the gifts that you’d like to receive and those you want to give.

How would you describe the perfect Christmas? Snowy? The brightest star and lots of handmade ornaments on your tree? Lots of family gathered 'round the tree singing christmas carols? Gifts of every size, color and shape? A table full of goodies?

Have you considered Jesus' wish list for this Christmas? He has a dream and you and I can help it become true:

I’m dreaming of Christmas

I’m dreaming of a star lit Christmas.
Will Bethlehem’s Star shine bright
in every person’s heart,
embellishing mankind?

I’m dreaming of a warm Christmas.
Will you extend the blanket of love,
and lend a hand to cover
the countless needy souls?

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.
Let peace and understanding
wipe glooms of conflict and hatred.
Let hearts be conquered by caring.

I’m dreaming of a joyful Christmas.
Will you leave resentments behind
and to those who have wronged you,
be instead gentle and kind?

I’m dreaming of a special Christmas.
Let your heart be a manger,
let your soul be a throne
for the child God, the Savior.

I’m dreaming of a beautiful Christmas
like it is meant to be:
Hearts united, rejoicing,
living lives that reflect me!

I’m pleading while dreaming of Christmas.
Will you make my dream come true?

Sincerely,
Jesus,

the reason for the season.

Each of us can make a difference this Christmas season and each day. Let your heart be a vessel, a recipient of heavenly peace, so it overflows to others in blessings of joy and understanding. He's counting on you and me to make his dream come true. Are you up to the challenge?

Let's do our part that he too may have a perfect Christmas. It'll make your Christmas perfect too... the happiest ever, I'm sure!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2005-11-28

The Prayer of Jabez

“Lord, that You would bless me, indeed;
Enlarge my territory,
And that Your hand be with me, Lord,
From all evil keeping me,
So that I may not cause pain.”
(I Chronicles 4:10)

Lord, you see I’m not specific
For You know just what to do.
I pray- bless all my endeavors
That they may glorify you.

Open up new ways to serve You,
As you bless me, Precious Lord;
May I share your loving kindness,
Make your blessings to all known.

Please, use me as your instrument,
Make my life more meaningful
As You bless others that need you
Through my life and love for you.

I believe you have a purpose
For my life and ministry.
Grant me, Father, that I serve you,
Lovingly, whole-heartedly.

Your resources have no limits,
Open heaven’s treasures’ doors.
Pour upon my life Your Spirit,
Let me so reflect your love.

With Your hand guiding me, gently,
In whatever task I face,
This, your servant, humbly follows
For you’ve promised me your grace.

Lead me not into temptation,
Keep me from the wicked path.
Guard my soul for You’re my Savior.
Make me follow You, The Path.

Help me not to cause you sorrow,
Help me heed your voice, indeed.
Help me be a precious blessing
Instead of causing others’ defeat.

Oh, that Your hand be with me, Lord,
In everything that I do.
May my life and its endeavors
Always, Lord, glorify You!
© Rhodi Alers de López 06-17-03

A mother's love

A mother’s love is like a fountain
Which never ceases to give life.
A mother’s love will guide you safely
Through life’s most dark and stormy nights.

A mother’s love is like an ocean
So deep and wide that it can bear
Our joys and sorrows, tears and laughter.
To her love no other’s compare.

A mother’s love is like the sunshine
That casts away our doubts and fears.
It shines so bright that brings new beauty
To simple things, my mother dear!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2002

The Meaning of Christmas Day

“Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased”- Luke 2:14.

It’s the happiest time of the year again: Christmas! But what are we celebrating? What and where is our focus? Are we focusing on ourselves or in those around us? Do we even take time to reflect upon the meaning of Christmas? Are we honoring and glorifying God or ourselves?

Christmas is more than lights, gift-giving, get-togethers and scrumptious meals. On that first Christmas day heaven gave the most precious gift of all. Because of Christmas we now have the blessed hope of eternal life. We now can enjoy real joy and genuine peace.

As we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, let’s not forget its meaning. Let us thank God for loving us so, that he gave his only son for you and me and all who accept his grace and salvation.

Let us spread joy and cheer and help those less fortunate around us. And may the love and good will prevalent in the holiday season prevail in our hearts all year long!

The Meaning of Christmas

The happiness of Christmas lies not in receiving,
but in giving.
The satisfaction of Christmas lies not in self complacency,
but in sharing.
The peace of Christmas lies not in the lack of conflict,
but in forgiveness.
The joy of Christmas lies not in partying, but in helping.
The purpose of Christmas is not separation, but unity.
The motive of Christmas is not the gifts, but “The Best Gift”:
Eternal life.
The Reason of Christmas is Jesus!

© Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

Thanksgiving... Every Day

I Want To Be Grateful


Oh, Lord, I want to be grateful
For great and little things alike:
For morning breeze and yellow daffodils,
For darkness, as well as for light.

Oh, Lord, help me to be mindful
Of all the things that others do
To brighten my life in big and small ways,
For they are blessings from above.

Oh, Lord, I want to be thankful
Regardless of what this day brings.
For I have trusted in your mercies, Lord,
And I know that you are with me.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2002

Why?

Why are you weary and thus, heavy laden
When Jesus has promised to carry your burden?

Why are you saddened and living in sorrow
when Jesus has promised a better tomorrow?

Why are you fearful and walking in darkness
When Jesus is light and in Him you’ll not wander?

Why are you hungry and needy and thirsty
When He provides water and bread, everlasting?

Bring Him your burdens. Believe in His goodness.
Come, walk in His light and you’ll feast in His mercies.

For His Word has promised to those that’ll trust Him
That all things work out for the good of His children.

Sing out your praises for He is trustworthy!
The Lord is your guide-light. Rejoice in your journey!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2002

You called my name

Thou I might never fully comprehend
Your endless love and precious saving grace
I come before you with a thankful heart,
And I adore you Master, Savior, Friend.

When I was bound, in sorrow and despair,
You broke the chains and gave my life new hope.
You gave my life a reason to believe.
You gave me joy and peace from up above.

You called my name, embraced me and restored
My troubled, weary, broken-hearted soul.
You called my name and gave me a new song.
You gave me love, most precious, lasting love.

And you chose me, oh Jesus, precious friend,
To love and cherish and to make me whole.
Make me a vessel of your love and joy,
Vessel of blessings, Lord, vessel of love!

© Copyright, Rhodi Alers de López, 2003