Is Your Heart Ready For Christmas?

We are just a couple of days away from Christmas. There’s been lots of things happening to prepare for this special time with family & friends. Over the past month, Beverly & I have been decorating the house, buying gifts, sending cards, etc. Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year. There’s nothing like the joy that comes by sharing our love & what we have with family & friends in our own special ways.

Although this past year has been different & even difficult, God has kept us! Today, we reflect on God’s goodness in spite of the circumstances! This Christmas, we encourage you to remember that the true Christmas spirit is wrapped up in John 3:16 – “God loved us so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, so that we can have eternal life.”

Beyond the great food, beyond the lights, beyond the music & beyond the gifts…God reminds us of the most wonderful gift that has ever been given…this gift is Jesus. The babe in the manger. The Savior of the world, who brought the promise of unconditional love, unending hope & eternal life to every person who believes in Him!

As we reflect on the goodness of The Lord, I was reminded of Paul’s writing in 2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”

I feel like that many times. I run out of words to describe His incredible gift!

As we’ve made our homes ready for Christmas, we need to make sure our hearts are also ready…both to receive & to share God’s love with others. Allow your ARMS to be the arms of Jesus, “reaching in love!” Allow your VOICE to be His voice as you share words of encouragement & hope with others. Allow your HANDS to be His hands that bring healing & comfort to others.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Russell & Beverly Hylton

Santa's Workshop

As a child, I remember buying cheap Christmas gifts for my family at Santa’s Workshop, when I was in elementary school. (1970’s)

I wrapped every gift & had a warm feeling in my heart to see my family open them up on Christmas morning.

I still have that warm feeling of giving gifts to my family & friends...especially at Christmas.

Over the years, Beverly & I have had seasons where we had much to give as well as seasons where we had little to give. But we always gave something...even if it was a handwritten note or a homemade card that expressed our love to those dear to us. I guess that’s where the phrase, “It’s the thought that counts” matters most.

This Christmas, whether you have a lot or a little, give yourself completely to your family & friends. A smile, a warm hug, a conversation, laughter, something homemade or store bought...your presence is what matters most.

When we are intentional with our giving, we reflect our Heavenly Father, Who was intentional in giving us His only begotten Son. Salvation is FREE to us but rest assured it cost Jesus His life. He gave His best.

The warm feeling of gift giving may feel different, from year to year, but it helps to remember The One Who gave first.

Christmas, to me, is more than presents under a tree, name brands or trends, it’s about JESUS coming to restore what was lost...to redeem mankind & ultimately reconcile us through His death, burial & resurrection.

I love this time of year. The memories, traditions, food, travel, family, togetherness...it still gives me that warm feeling. I pray you are surrounded by family & friends this week & that your heart is filled with peace.

Merry Christmas! Be someone’s gift!

#Room

A 3 Gift Christmas

The GIFTS the “wise men” gave to Jesus represented:

1) Gold = VALUE (Kingship)
2) Frankincense = SPIRITUAL (Deity)
3) Myrrh = PRACTICAL (‬Death)

At Christmas, we find ourselves expressing our continual LOVE for family & friends through the giving of tangible gifts. Like the “wise men”, we give much CONSIDERATION to the purpose of each gift as well as to the COST.

While it’s always with good intentions to “bless” our family & friends with gifts, we have a tendency to buy more than what’s really needed or necessary.

What if we held to a THREE GIFT CHRISTMAS for our kids (even our adult family & friends) that modeled the gifts the “wise men” gave Jesus?

1) GOLD - something our kids “value” or desire. Depending on their age, it can be a toy, etc.; something that is precious to them. (Have fun with this gift, but don’t go overboard.)

2. FRANKINCENSE - something that aids in their “spiritual” development. As parents, it is our job to teach our children the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6). A 5 yr old probably won’t enjoy a commentary on the book of Revelation... but, perhaps this kind of gift can be: a nativity of their own, a worship CD, devotional, Bible, etc. (Be creative.)

3. MYRRH - something that is “practical”. Things they will use everyday (i.e.: clothes, perfume, cologne, shoes, etc.) Myrrh was used as a medicinal item. This gift symbolizes something for the body. It is believed that the “wise men” brought this gift to Jesus in preparation for His death.

It seems odd to give like this, because we’ve been influenced through marketing & traditions to over spend & be excessive. But, what if?

Whatever you do, keep in mind the meaning & purpose of the GIFTS that the “wise men” gave to Jesus. Share this with your children & family during your memory making moments.

Merry Christmas & much love!

Russell & Beverly Hylton

I Call Him Lord - The Hyltons (Christmas 2017 at BFWC)

Our Greatest Gift

Christmas is such a special time for our family.  We get together and exchange memories, laughter and gifts. Our conversations naturally point to our present day happenings as well as old memories and stories we love to hear told again...and again...and again.  

I'm thankful for a Christian family.

When we come together, there is harmony, love, prayer, encouragement and lots of talk about JESUS. Not just Jesus...the babe in the manger...but JESUS...the Savior of the world.

As I sit here awake, in the early hours of Christmas morning, MY HEART IS FULL as I think about how Jesus brought the promise of unconditional love, hope and eternal life to every person who believes in Him.

I'm just as excited about SHARING Him with people as I am with sharing earthly gifts with my little family on Christmas morning!

Who will you share Jesus with?

Sharing Jesus is a practical part of my life.  I don't have to be caught up into a spiritual frenzy to "feel" the need or the "unction" to witness about my Savior. I merely just have to live my normal everyday life and the JESUS in me will shine through in everything I say, everything I do and everywhere I go.

• Sharing Jesus isn't pouncing on people with religious jargon's and "churchy" language.
• Sharing Jesus isn't trying to impress people with how many Scriptures you have memorized or how many "old testament" feasts and festivals you keep.
• Sharing Jesus isn't accompanied with a list of "do's & dont's."

Sharing Jesus is offering unconditional love to people who have hurt you, wronged you or even offended you.  It's saying, "the same Jesus that loves me...loves you!" 

Sharing Jesus is lending a helping hand to someone who is experiencing loss, lack or has reached their limit.

Sharing Jesus is turning your weakness into worship! It's praising God in the midst of your trials and tests without losing your testimony!  

Sharing Jesus is choosing to be better not bitter! It's taking your broken pieces and allowing God to make something beautiful out of it

Sharing Jesus is letting your life speak. You won't even have to tell people that you follow Christ...they will see Christ in you and begin to follow too.

I challenge you to SHARE JESUS today and every day after.  Look for ways to make a positive impact in someone's life. Perhaps through your smile, a kind gesture, a huge favor, or a pat on the shoulder.  In time, the gift in you will be requested and you'll have the perfect opportunity to give the GREATEST GIFT...JESUS!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Merry Christmas from The Hyltons

What's Your Plan For The Holidays?

Are you ready for the Holidays?  Ready or not...it's that time of the year when we gather with our loved ones and give thanks for the blessings in our lives, overeat, exchange gifts and make memories!

It can also be a time of year when people stress over finances, family drama and the chaos of travel.  Sometimes it can steal your joy and make you wish you could time travel past it all.

I don't know what it will be like around your table and Christmas tree, but I hope it's a wonderful time for you and your family.  After all, it should be "The most wonderful time of the year!"

Consider sticking to this plan...

1. DRAMA FREE - No matter how many crazy relatives try to "pull you" into gossip and family drama...refuse to participate. Choose to rise above. Diffuse it with laughter and joy. A healthy family should always have more comedy than drama.

2. PEACEMAKER - When we come together, it should be to celebrate the birth of "The Prince of Peace!"  Jesus is our example. Seek to promote peace at your family gatherings. Offer love and respect to people even if they don't deserve it. Don't treat your family the way they treat you. Treat them the way God treats you.

3. STAY ON BUDGET - Financial stress is the last thing you need during the Holidays. Sometimes you can feel pressure to "overdue" it on your kids and relatives...however, they really don't need more gadgets and clothes as much as they need you.  Give thoughtful gifts; not expensive gifts. 

4. MAKE MEMORIES - You'll probably want to see everyone, but realistically you'll only be able to spend quality time with a few.  Don't make your schedule based on trying to make everyone happy (which is impossible). Schedule based on maximizing the moments you have with your loved ones. Take pictures and remember the moment.

5. EAT SMART - I love to eat as much as anyone but when ignore myself on cookies and biscuits for a week, I pay the price.  A lack of exercise and a ton of calories ends up making you grumpy and sleepy.  Enjoy the good food, but don't go crazy. Find time to exercise.

6. LAUGH ALOT - Humor is infectious. The sound of people laughing is definitely more contagious than any cough, sniffle or sneeze.  When laughter is shared, it brings people together and increases happiness. Scientifically, laughter can trigger healthy physical changes in your body. Humor and laughter can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy and shield you from the negative effects of stress.  Best of all...it's FREE!

7. FOCUS ON FAITH - The presents and food are awesome, but don't forget to honor God who makes it all possible.  Keeping your focus on Him has a way of bringing everything else into it's proper place. Jesus is the reason for the season.

@RussellHylton (Twitter & Instagram)
@bevhylton 
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www.russellhylton.com
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Grandpa - The Hyltons

Christmas Peace

During the Holidays, many people can get frustrated and just plain aggravated.  We've probably all seen someone at the mall who just just looked like they wanted to scream because things weren't going their way or perhaps because they were frustrated with the crowd, the lines, the prices or even their kids.

We've all felt that way, from time to time.  It IS possible that we live our lives FREE of frustration and aggravation.  At least that's the way God wants us to live.

• John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
  

Jesus said He would leave His PEACE with us.  The PEACE of Jesus has no origination from the world...therefore when you receive it your heart will not be TROUBLED or AFRAID by worldly things.

In fact, Jesus tells us to STOP allowing ourselves to be agitated, disturbed, fearful, intimidated, cowardly or unsettled.

WORLDLY PEACE 

Worldly peace is found ONLY when everything is going our way.  But the peace Jesus gives is a totally different quality of peace than what the world gives.  It's a PEACE that passes our understanding; it makes us PEACEFUL when all natural reasoning says we should be upset.

PEACE IS A CHOICE

We can make the decision to stop allowing ourselves to get upset, aggravated and frustrated.  Although we may think, "I can't help it," according to Jesus, we can help it.  He offers us peace that can KEEP us from getting this way.

It's MY RESPONSIBILITY to not let my heart be troubled or afraid.  We will never break loose from anything we're struggling with until we take personal responsibility for where we are now.

Most people just want to blame someone or something else for their problems - a bad childhood, their lack of education, their nationality, their personality - and make excuses for the way they are.  But we can't let the things from our past, or present, become an excuse to stay there.  

I've met people who grew up in a home full of turmoil.  An environment that was unstable, unpleasant, filled with alcohol, anger and all kinds of abuse.  However, they learned that they had to take responsibility for their actions if their life would ever be different than what they experienced throughout their childhood.

Living with FRUSTRATION, AGGRAVATION and WORRY really does you no good at all. All you'll ever get from being this way is a headache, a back ache, a grouchy attitude and regret for saying things you never should have said.

The moment we cry out to God and say, "HELP ME do something about this," things begin to change.  It's not easy and it might not happen overnight, but as you trust God more and more to help you, make right choices to act like Christ instead of the way you feel like acting when you're upset or don't get your way...YOU WILL CHANGE.  It's then that you learn to live with the PEACE Jesus gives.

GOD'S PEACE

We can have anything God says we can have.  He is no respecter of persons.  The promises of God are for "whoseover will" (see Acts 10:34-35).  We're all "WHOSOEVERS," but not all of us are willing to do what we need to do to inherit the promises of God.  We may be willing to hear the truth, but are we willing to DO what it says?

Today, I challenge you to decide to be DETERMINED and PERSISTENT in seeking God and being obedient to what He's telling you to do.  Our enemy, the devil, is persistent and will do whatever he can to wear us out and keep us from God's will.  But we need to have the same tenacity in Christ to never give up - by God's grace - and make him sorry he ever bothered us.

Remember, as a born-again Christian, you are full of the Spirit of the living God, who makes us more than conquerors.  We should plan ahead to stay peaceful during trials.  Everything is not going to go our way all the time, and when it doesn't, we can be prepared to STAY IN PEACE in the midst of it all.

Our confession should be "WITH GOD'S HELP, I don't have to be aggravated or frustrated.  I can stay CALM and hold my PEACE."

The ability to display STABILITY and remain calm in troubled times can be one of our greatest testimonies to a troubled world.

Some Assembly Required

I've heard a lot of discussion this Christmas season about "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays!"  In an effort to be politically correct, certain corporations are requiring their employees to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas."  

We were shopping at the mall the other night and received a "Happy Holidays" greetings from the store clerk at the end of the sale.  Kaitlyn responded with "Merry Christmas!"  The store clerks face lit up as she warmly smiled and whispered "Merry Christmas" back to us.  It's almost as if she was afraid her boss would hear her.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We want to place the right emphasis on Christmas...and we want to get it right!  It seems our focus can get distorted REAL QUICK if we're not careful.  We want the tree, the decorations, the lights, the eggnog and the presents.  We want everyone to be happy.  We want to be able to get and give plenty.  We want peace and joy to abound.

In reality, Christmas often turns into a major hassle.  You rush around and are pushed for time...you spend money you don't have for people you don't like to acquire things they don't even want or need. (smile)  In our struggle to get it right, we often get it dead wrong and end up making ourselves and others miserable.

I believe God wants us to get it right!  I believe that He is not so interested in our having a white Christmas as He is interested in our having a RIGHT Christmas.  So, how can we have a right Christmas?  What do we need to understand and change in our lives that will allow Christmas to be a time of blessing and wonder instead of being a time of stress and tension?  Luke 2:1-20 reveals some components of Christmas that are absolutely essential if we are to have a RIGHT Christmas.

These instructions are like a bag of parts that come with that gift you bought your children.  If that gift is going to function in the manner for which it was designed, all of the component parts are going to have to be in the right places.  If anything is missing; if anything is left out, that item will not function properly.  

1. We need the right MASTER - Christmas can be a boom or a bust and you won't care as long as you know WHO is in control of your life.  You can get everything you could possibly want and still be miserable if you don't know Him.  Or, you could get nothing at all and experience true joy just because you know the Lord.  When you are in a faith relationship with God, and you know He is directing your paths, you can rejoice in the face of whatever life throws at you.  When you have the RIGHT MASTER, you are on the road to having a RIGHT CHRISTMAS.  Do you have the right master?

2. We need the right MIRACLE - Christmas isn't about tinsel and trees; gifts or glitter; it's not even about family or friends.  The true essence of Christmas is about the birth of a baby.  Not just any baby, but a baby WHO was and is God in human flesh.  When we get a handle on WHO Jesus is, our whole concept of Christmas changes forever.  It is about God becoming a man to die for sinners.

3. We need the right MESSAGE - Remember when the angel appeared to the shepherds?  The shepherds were afraid, but the angel offered them a message of grace, peace, hope, blessing, joy and salvation.  

• It was a PERSONAL message, "unto you."  
• It was a POWERFUL message, "a Savior!" 
• It was a PROFOUND message, "which is Christ the Lord."  
• It was a POINTED message, "this shall be a sign unto you..."

That ought to be our message all through the year.  God help us to go and tell a lost and dying world about a living, loving Savior WHO can give them grace, peace, hope, blessing, joy and salvation.  Do you know the real meaning of Christmas?  Is that the message others receive as they watch you live your life?  Do you believe the message?  Are you sharing the message?

4. We need the right MOTIVE - What a sight it must have been to see a multitude of angels as far as the eye could see...praising God!  Their only mission and motive that night was to exalt God Almighty for the great work He had accomplished!  When Christmas ceases to be about what you can get or how much you give and it starts being about how you can glorify God, you are on your way to having a right Christmas.  What matters most to you at Christmas?  Bringing glory to God or keeping all the Christmas traditions?  Finding yourself before Him in praise and worship or driving yourself crazy shopping, trying to get it all done?  Rejoicing in what He has done for you, or complaining about how hard things are this year?

5. We need the right MINISTRY - The shepherds heard the message and they heeded it.  They went to Bethlehem and they found Jesus.  They believe what they heard and what they saw and they left Him to share Him with everyone they met.  That is a great way to demonstrate how much you love Him at Christmas.

Are you assembling a RIGHT CHRISTMAS?  If not, get a hold of the things mentioned above and start right now.  Are you saved?  If not, come to Jesus and let Him give you the best Christmas you ever had!

2011 Pastoral Staff Christmas Video

Merry Christmas from BFWC's Pastoral Team!

The Hyltons - Your Presence For Christmas