Christmas: John 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God....And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1, 14 (NASB)

You have to understand, I love Christmas. And when I say 'love', I mean it. It is my favorite time of year. I love the music. I love the decorations. I love the religious meaning. I. Love. Christmas. (its also the only time of year I get presents because my birthday's the 21st so I'm sure that's also a factor)

On a normal year, I start decorating on Nov 1 because once Halloween is over, it is Christmas time in my world. My record is five trees in a one bedroom apartment (none full size but still).

This year's been different. I just moved. I'm not sure if the move was a good idea. I've been feeling depressed, trying to figure out what to do with my life, I also have little free time and so the Christmas nazi (nickname based on a tv show) has yet to really make an appearance.

So this verse this morning was just what I needed. And now I have a song from an old Christmas children's play in my head that was based on this verse.

Psalm 106:3

This is definitely one of those verses that has completely different connotations in different translations:

My bible is the New American Standard Bible translation:

How blessed are those who keep justice,
Who practice righteousness at all times!

Psalms 106:3 (NASB)

The bible used by my daily devotional is the New Living Translation:

“There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.”

Psalm 106:3 (NLT)

Yes, it basically says the same thing, but it feels different to me. Thoughts?

Psalm 107:13

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
He saved them out of their distresses.

Psalm 107:13 (NASB)

Philippians 2:12-13

Although I rarely look to Paul's writing for inspiration (I should really post about what I view as my own religious texts one of these days, because I have an interesting concept to say the least), today's daily devotional (which was only verse 13 by the way) struck a cord.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now
much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God
who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2: 12-13

And since it's November, a few things I am thankful for: My friend Katie who is one of the few friends I can say "And then God told me..." to who won't think I'm weird or crazy. My friend Bobbie who is always there for me and who has no qualms about setting me straight when I'm being stupid. She also feeds me pretty frequently. My boyfriend who does his best to take care of me even when I don't won't him to and who loves me to the best of his ability. And probably more than anything else, my family who is always there for me, no matter what.