Christmas Eve…A Silent Night

December 24, 2018December 23, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
‘Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, oh, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

Kelly Clarkson – Silent Night ft. Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire

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“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Luke 2:6-7

(This photo was taken last night on Paradise Island in the Bahamas)

Mary, Did You Know?

December 23, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

When we read in God’s word about the miracles of God and Jesus there is always some involvement of people on earth contributing to the miracle in some way. The little boy who had the original fish and bread, the people who are sick and need healing and many more. Mary, the Mother of God, may be the second greatest contributor to saving the world, after Jesus. This song of the season helps us think about the questions many of us would have for her…as she was willing to surrender her life to God’s will. Thanks be to God for Mary the Mother of Jesus. Amen.

Mary, Did You Know? – Pentatonix

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“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

Luke 1:30-31

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota)

The Season To Celebrate Jesus

December 22, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

As I have said in the past music has a way of touching my soul and the hymns of Christmas, the traditional spiritual hymns that tell the story of the birth of Christ are the most powerful source of peace for me. The Savior will be born and He is coming to save all people. This morning as I woke up the hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” was playing in my mind with the phrase ‘O come let us adore him’, it gets me thinking about what Jesus did for me and for you…being born as a baby, what He gave up and what He went through to save me and to save you. I encourage you to find your favorite Christmas place wherever you are put on some of the hymns of Christmas and give thanks to Jesus Christ this Christmas Season. Amen.

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“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.”

Psalm 95:6-7

(This photo was taken in February of 2013 while on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

God’s Presence Is All Around Us

December 21, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

One of the most difficult things for us to accomplish is change. A change that will last, is sustainable and makes a difference in us and how we interact with others. One of the greatest changes in human history occurred when Jesus Christ changed Saul into Paul, His disciple. We read about this is the Book of Acts, chapter 9. What Jesus did to create and sustain this change was to illuminate His Presence to Saul. To show His Presence and then to give instructions to Saul as to what he must do. God is present in creation and in each of our lives everyday…we just need to do a better job of looking for Him. His Presence exists in nature, the change of the seasons and in the Fruits of the Spirit that we give and receive in our interactions with others. God is with you, He loves you and His Presence is what gives you strength. Thanks be to God. Amen.

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Begin With Jesus

December 20, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

How can we start or restart focusing on our Faith journey. We can grow up going to church or not, we can be someone who attended Sunday school or catechism classes or not. We can be someone who has very little exposure or experience to organized religious practices…none of this matters when it comes to your Faith. Faith is bigger than religion…religious practices, worship services and activities at church are things we do as a part of our Faith journey. They can contribute to our learning and our spiritual growth along the way. Our Faith journey is more, it is everything, everyday and every interaction with others…and it begins with Jesus Christ and your relationship with Him. No matter what is happening, where you are or how you feel, turn to the One that God sends to save you, to strengthen you and hold you up…begin again with Jesus. Amen.

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“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he provided purification of sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven.”

Hebrews 1:3

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii)

The Gift Of The Holy Spirit

December 19, 2018December 19, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

If we are willing to the surrender our self-serving desires and seek out God’s will for us and our lives we should begin by turning towards Jesus in prayer and open ourselves up to Him. When we do that we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is our guide, this is that small voice telling us the right thing to do, especially when the right thing goes against the way of the world. Listening and then doing what God has intended for us will not be the easy route in many situations. Over time it can become more natural, it is at the beginning when change will be the most difficult…be persistent, be patient and trust the Lord. He is right there with you, every step of the way, every single day. Trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is a gift from God that we may receive this spirit. Amen.

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“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the north shore of the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Serving Others

December 18, 2018December 17, 2018 / mcalcagno / 1 Comment

We have been saved by the grace of God our Father and the sacrifice of His One and Only Son…Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. We have been blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. As you reflect on your life or this past year…how has God blessed you? What are you thankful for? What gift, talent or skill has God given to you and how can you use that gift to help and serve others? Seek the blessings you have been given, give thanks and pursue the ways you can be a blessing to others. Amen.

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“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

1 Peter 4:10

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at sunrise on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

To Be Different

December 17, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

As we move along on our faith journey we notice that the ways of the world that focus on money, time and other self oriented goals are not what we are learning from the Word of God or the example that Jesus has given us. Spiritual growth means change, change to do better, change in perspective and change in attitude. Many of my readings in the last week or so have been focused around this one verse. “He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30 These are words spoken by John the Baptist, who’s primary purpose was to point toward the One who was coming…Jesus. This Christmas prepare the way for the coming of our Savior into your heart and life. Amen.

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“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Romans 12:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling near Henry, South Dakota)

Faith

December 16, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Commitment…belief…trust…relationship…communication…courage…strength…mercy…grace…worship…praise…thankfulness…love. It is a powerful thing. Give thanks to God for all He has done for you and trust in Him to carry you through, wherever you are, no matter what struggle you are facing. Believe in Jesus Christ and the power of Faith. Amen.

Here is some music about Faith…

What Faith Can Do – by Kutless

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“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Comfort And Peace

December 15, 2018 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

It is astonishing to discover the comfort and peace that God can provide with His presence when we surrender control and strive to not only listen to the Word of God but actually do what it says. The process of surrender takes time and I have only sensed this amazing comfort and peace on few occasions because…well old habits die hard. The self is stubborn. One occasion most recently was when my Dad went home to the Lord, unexpectedly. I clung more tightly to the words in my bible and prayed more passionately…and as promised, God carried me through and is still carrying me and my family onward. The hardest part is trying to avoid slipping back into old habits or old ways of thinking, especially after sensing such a closeness with the Lord. The comfort and peace we seek and that God offers every single person is available to us today and everyday…if we are willing to put aside our selfish ways and desires and put our hope in God. Amen.

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