Our legacies are built through daily CHOICES. What if, every day, for the rest of my life, I lived a miracle? (John 10:10) Our choices flow out of our HEARTS. What if, every day, for the rest of my life, my heart is in tune with God’s heart? (Deut. 30:19-20)

If Jesus gave us a "State of Planet Earth” address, what would He say? Syria - two million refugees, Central African Republic - civil war, Ukraine - leadership upheaval, America - Super Bowl hype, Taliban, Al Qaeda, Somali pirates, Mexican drug wars, etc. What would be the Good Shepherd’s message to His sheep? And what is our living response?

Everyday we face choices... lots of them! In our choices, a battle rages for our heart, our future, and our legacy. Oblivious to the battle, we too often will choose selfishly and regret what we find around the corner. Sometimes, past wrong choices haunt us, making today’s choices difficult. God invites us to a better way... for the rest of our lives!

Jesus came to bring eternal life--life to the full. Eternal life is knowing God--and being known by Him. Choosing life means choosing Jesus and obedience to Him.

Each day, each of us is writing OUR story. We live every day with one absolute certainty: someday will be our last day on earth. Does the story end then? Wisdom says: plan for the inevitable. How?

Survival in life demands choices, millions of them in a lifetime, dozens everyday. Life and Legacy are built through “now choices” over a lifetime. What if we could learn the secret of making the right choices, every time, for the rest of our lives? How would that change our lives, our legacies, our world?

Jesus came to save the world, one person at a time. That is the gospel. Once a person has experienced the joy of rebirth -- a fresh start -- they long for each person they know and (those they don't) to experience that same joy. Self focus moves away and joy-filled Gospel focus takes its place.

The focal point of human history, the fulcrum on which balances the entire human race, the defining moment in history separating despair from hope, is the arrival of Jesus, IMMANUEL, God is with us! But the JOY of having God live among us, speak God’s love and truth to us, unleash His miraculous power among us, must be available to ALL people, in ALL places, for ALL generations! How is this possible?

While all those involved served God’s purposes, there are three people who are intentionally described as servants in the telling of the Christmas account. These three are Mary, Simeon, and Jesus. Clearly the true account of how God entered into the world relies upon His sovereignty and the obedience of those who have learned the joy of serving the one true and loving God. We see that truth revealed in the life of Simeon.

Look around… is this “Advent season” the time of year we give ourselves permission to pursue, sometimes with reckless abandon, whatever we adore? Are January/February regrets and heartbreaks often the result of “JOY in Adoration” without wise restraint in December? What can we learn from those who experienced that first extravagant Christmas?