Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Common English Bible Translation Timeline

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In my continuing participation in the Common English Bible Blog Tour, I am sharing various aspects of this new translation. Today I will be sharing the timeline of this wonderful new translation.



The Common English Bible is unique among Bible translations in that the labor-intensive process was not linear but a matrix, using advances in Internet technology to oversee multiple components, drafts, revisions, and reviews in approximately 400 overlapping and concurrent stages covering the Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha.

Common English Bible Translation Timeline

 2007

o January: Translation needs-assessment begins.

o July: Needs-assessment and translation plan is completed.

o  November: Common English Bible Committee is formed.

o  November: Common English Bible Editorial Board is formed.

 2008

o March: Translators are selected and begin work.

o March: Reading groups are selected.

o August: First drafts begin to be received

 2009

o Half of translation drafts are received.

o Reading groups continue to review translation drafts.

 2010

o March 21: New Testament editing is completed.

o June: Remaining translation drafts received.

o August: New Testament is published in digital and print form.

 2011

o March 22: Final editing of the Common English Bible New Testament, Old 
Testament, and Apocrypha is completed.

o June: Complete Bible is published in digital form.

o July/August: Complete Bible is published in print form.

o August: Bible Map Guide is published in print form.

o November: Bible Dictionary to be published in print form. 

o December: Daily Companion Bible to be published in print form. 

 2012

o January: Reference Bible to be published in print form.

o March: Church/pew Bibles and Gift & Award Bibles to be published.

o August: Children’s Bible to be published in print form.

 2013 and beyond

o Fall 2013: Study Bible to be published in print form. 

o Women’s, Teen, Audio, and Specialty Bibles will release gradually.



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I've never been made aware of all the ins and outs of putting together a new Bible translation; I find it utterly fascinating! I hope you do, too!







Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of the Common English Bible

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WHO: The Common English Bible translation is sponsored by the Common English Bible Committee, an alliance of five publishers: Abingdon Press, Chalice Press, Church Publishing Inc., Pilgrim Press, and Westminster John Knox Press. It’s a denomination-neutral Bible, with translator scholars responsible to each other in peer review.

Board of Editors:

Paul N. Franklyn, Associate Publisher and Project Director for the Common English Bible, Nashville, TN. 

David L. Petersen, Old Testament Editor and convener of the translation board, is Professor of Old Testament at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

Joel B. Green, New Testament Editor, is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA.

Elizabeth Caldwell, Readability Editor, is the Harold Blake Walker Professor of Pastoral Theology at McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL.

David A. deSilva, Apocrypha Editor, is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, OH.

Emerson B. Powery, Associate Editor for Apocrypha and NT, (PhD, Duke University) is a Professor of New Testament at Messiah College, Grantham, PA.

Brent A. Strawn, Old Testament Associate Editor, is Associate Professor of Old Testament at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

Ted Hiebert, Old Testament Associate Editor, is Francis A. McGaw Professor of Old Testament at McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL.

Cynthia Long Westfall, New Testament Associate Editor, is Assistant Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College near Toronto, ON.

Carol A. Wehrheim, Associate Readability Editor, is an editor, writer, and Christian education consultant, Princeton, NJ.

Neil M. Alexander, Publisher for the Common English Bible, has served as an executive in religion publishing for 26 years.

See complete bios, and the list of translators and reading group leaders at the Common English Bible website.

Here are Elizabeth Caldwell and David L. Petersen explaining the Common English Bible project:



WHAT:   The Common English Bible is the result of collaboration between opposites: scholars working with average readers; conservatives working with liberals; teens working with retirees; men working with women; many denominations and many ethnicities.

The Common English Bible is the newest translation by the largest number of biblical scholars & church leaders in words 21st century readers use every day, aligning academic rigor with modern understandability, proven through extensive field-testing with, and acting on feedback from, hundreds of readers. 

The Common English Bible is the only translation to extensively use contractions where the text warrants an engaging conversational style (not used in divine or poetic discourse).

Among all Bibles available today, the Common English Bible is the only one that includes exclusive, detailed color maps from National Geographic, well known for its accurate topographical map making. The complete Common English Bible is comprised of 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Editions of the Common English Bible are also available with the 18 books of the Apocrypha, as found in Catholic, Greek, and Slavonic Bibles.

WHERE:   The international headquarters of the Common English Bible is Nashville, TN. The Bible is available in general and Christian retail stores through its distributor Abingdon Press. It’s searchable and/or available online at
 BibleGateway.com/versions/Common-English-Bible-CEB/
 CommonEnglishBible.com
 Facebook (facebook.com/pages/Reading-the-Bible/156994314317608)
 Twitter (twitter.com/CommonEngBible)
 and many other sites

WHEN:  The Common English Bible was conceptualized in January 2007. The New Testament was released in August 2010. The complete digital format was released June 2011. The complete print format (Old & New Testaments) was released July 2011. The print format Apocrypha was released August 2011.

WHY:   The Common English Bible is a non-polarizing Bible translation. It’s the result of collaboration between opposites: men working with women; scholars working with average readers; conservatives working with liberals, many denominations and many ethnicities coming together around the common goal of creating a translation that unites rather than divides, with the ultimate goal of mutually accomplishing God’s overall work in the world.

The CommonEnglish Bible is also needed today because the digital revolution is accelerating changes in the English language and its everyday usage and understandability. This translation is necessary to clearly communicate God’s Word because 9,000 new words & meaning revisions are added yearly to the English lexicon. The Common English Bible is today’s freshest translation and uses natural, 21st century English.

The Common English Bible has uncommon readability and relevance for a broad audience of Bible readers – from children to scholars.

HOW: 120 biblical scholars from 24 denominations in American, African, Asian, European, and Latino communities representing such academic institutions as Asbury Theological Seminary, Azusa Pacific University, Bethel Seminary, Denver Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, Seattle Pacific University, Wheaton College, Yale University, and many others. (See website for entire list.)

Additionally, more than 500 readers in 77 groups field-tested the translation. Every verse was read aloud in the reading groups, where potentially confusing passages were identified. The translators considered the groups' responses and, where necessary, reworked those passages to clarify in English their meaning from the original languages.

In total, including church leaders and editors, more than 700 people worked jointly to bring the Common English Bible into being.


Monday, December 26, 2011

Interview with Paul Franklyn, Common English Bible Associate Publisher & Project Director + Bible Giveaway!

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Paul N. Franklyn, associate publisher and project director for the Common English Bible in Nashville, TN, earned the PhD in Old Testament from Vanderbilt University. Since 1983 Paul has acquired, edited, or produced more than 600 books, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and commercial websites. Paul specializes in planning and launching new business ventures, and his product development emphasis is in Bible, Reference, and resources for leaders of congregations.


What is the Common English Bible?

The Common English Bible is not simply a revision or update of an existing translation. It’s a bold new translation designed to meet the needs of Christians as they work to build a strong and meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ. A key goal of the translation team is to make the Bible accessible to a broad range of people; it’s written at a comfortable level (similar to USA TODAY) for most people who read English.

How is the Common English Bible unique?

It’s uncommon in that it’s the newest translation by the largest number of biblical scholars & church leaders in words 21st century readers use every day, aligning academic rigor with modern understandability, proven through extensive field-testing with, and acting on feedback from, hundreds of readers. The new Common English Bible is the only translation to combine and balance highly respected ecumenical biblical scholarship necessary for serious study with responsiveness to 21st century clear communication requirements for comprehensive clarity.

The Common English Bible is the only translation to extensively use contractions where the text warrants an engaging conversational style (not used in divine or poetic discourse).

And among all Bibles available today, the Common English Bible is the only one that includes exclusive, detailed color maps from National Geographic, well known for its accurate topographical map making.

Explain the translation process.

Combining scholarly accuracy with vivid language, the Common English Bible is the work of 120 biblical scholars from 24 denominations in American, African, Asian, European, and Latino communities, representing such academic institutions as Asbury Theological Seminary, Azusa Pacific University, Bethel Seminary, Denver Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, Seattle Pacific University, Wheaton College, Yale University, and many others. They translated the Bible into English directly from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.

Additionally, more than 500 readers in 77 groups field-tested the translation. Every verse was read aloud in the reading groups, where potentially confusing passages were identified. The translators considered the groups' responses and, where necessary, reworked those passages to clarify in English their meaning from the original languages. In total, more than 600 people worked jointly to bring the Common English Bible to fruition.

How long did this translation process take?

We began in 2007. The complete Bible—Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha—was just released in 2011. We were able to accomplish so much with so many people because of using a matrix schedule, coordinating in real-time translators with reviewers, and using Internet communication technology.

Who Is It For?

The Common English Bible is committed to the whole church of Jesus Christ. That’s reflected in the dedicated work of a diverse team with broad biblical scholarship. As a result, the English translation of ancient words has an uncommon relevance for a broad audience of Bible readers—from children to scholars.

Why do we need another Bible translation?

The Common English Bible is a non-polarizing Bible translation. It’s the result of collaboration between opposites: scholars working with average readers; teens working with retirees; men working with women; conservatives working with liberals; many denominations and many ethnicities coming together around the common goal of creating a translation that unites rather than divides, with the ultimate goal of mutually accomplishing God’s overall work in the world.

The Common English Bible is also needed today because the digital revolution is accelerating changes in the English language and its everyday usage and understandability. This translation is necessary to clearly communicate God’s Word because 9,000 new words & meaning revisions are added yearly to the English lexicon. The Common English Bible is today’s freshest translation and uses natural, 21st century English.

Why would pastors and teachers want the Common English Bible?

Professional communicators (preachers, professors, speakers, leaders, etc.) who use this authoritative translation (not a paraphrase) will be great communicators, effectively reaching their audiences with biblical text their audiences readily understand because the text is written the way they naturally talk.

Why is the Common English Bible translated to be gender-inclusive?

Present-day writers and speakers of the English language are no longer taught to use only male pronouns when referring generally to other human beings. Instead of referring to persons in general as “he,” “him,” or “his,” we’re taught to use third person pronouns, such as “we,” “they,” or “them” in our general communication. So, rather than referring only to "brothers" in the Bible when the context includes both genders, the Common English Bible says "brothers and sisters."

The Common English Bible contains unbiased gender language because the Bible message itself teaches that God's love and grace must be clearly available to every woman, man, and child. Pronouns can be translated inclusively, accurately, and smoothly without changing the meaning of the source language with respect to general human beings. Pronouns for God, Lord, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit are translated as he, his, or him.

What are some examples of the translation style?

The traditional term “Son of Man” as a reference to Jesus’ self identification with humans, is translated in the Common English Bible as “Human One” to accurately reflect Jesus’ fully human nature; and the term “God’s Son” is used to accurately reflect Jesus’ fully divine nature. Likewise, “happy” is used in place of “blessed” in the Beatitudes to communicate the original language’s intent of human flourishing and community commitment (similar to the meaning behind “happiness” as it’s used in the US Declaration of Independence). Other terms used in the Common English Bible include “change your hearts and lives” for “repent,” “immigrant” for “alien,” “solemn promise” for “vow,” and “funeral clothing” for “sackcloth.

Who Sponsored the Common English Bible?

The Common English Bible is a distinct new imprint and brand for Bibles and reference products about the Bible. Publishing and marketing offices are located in Nashville, Tennessee. The CEB translation was funded by the Church Resources Development Corp, which allows for cooperation among denominational publishers in the development and distribution of Bibles, curriculum, and worship materials. The Common English Bible Committee meets periodically and consists of denominational publishers from the following denominations: Disciples of Christ (Chalice Press); Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (Westminster John Knox Press); Episcopal Church (Church Publishing Inc); United Church of Christ (Pilgrim Press); and United Methodist Church (Abingdon Press).

What evangelical school was the first to endorse the translation?

Fuller Theological Seminary approved the new Common English Bible as a translation for use in biblical studies courses for its more than 4,000 students, and particularly for all master’s-level instruction in the seminary’s School of Theology, School of Psychology, and School of Intercultural Studies on all eight of its campuses.

What Common English Bible products are available?

The Common English Bible translation is available in multiple print and electronic editions, with and without the Apocrypha. Reference books supporting the translation are also available. See the website for the entire list.

--------------------------------

I have been given the opportunity to give away a paperback copy of the Common English Bible for every week I participate in their “Thank You – Come Again – I Promise” blog tour. Please leave a comment here telling me why you'd like this translation. Please also leave your email address so I may contact you.

Deadline for entry is Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time (Happy New Year!). The winner will be contacted on Sunday, January 1, 2012. All the best to you!



Sunday, December 25, 2011

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas - featuring Rachel Hauck!

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Merry Christmas from all of us at Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoyed these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you missed a few posts, I hope you'll be able go back through and read them on this blog over the next few days. If you'd like to keep up with Pearl Girls and our new book project, Mother of Pearl, coming this spring, just click this link and sign up for our newsletter (lower left sidebar).

Also, just a reminder that today is the last day for the pearl necklace and earrings giveaway! Enter now by filling out this form. The winner will be announced on 1/1 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Jesus -- The Reason For the Season by Rachel Hauck

Through the narrow scope of 2000 years, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to be one lucky woman. Chosen by God to give birth to His son, the Savior of the world? All right, Mary, way to go.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” Gabriel said.

How many of us would like a declaration like that? Highly favored. The Lord is with you. But Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

The angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Mary’s seems confident and resolved when she responds, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She’d just been told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, that God’s power will overshadow her, that she’d become with child even though she wasn’t married, and she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let your words be true.”

I find this amazing! A young woman. Ancient Bethlehem. Unwed mother. They stoned women for such things in her day. But Mary believed in God. And submitted to His will. He gave her the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit given to us. If He gave her confidence, He will give us confidence. Even though, like Mary, our situation seems impossible.

Listen to Mary’s song later on in the first chapter of Luke.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me Holy is his name…”

Conceiving a child out of wedlock, by Divine intervention. Not a girl’s every day existence. Yet she had a Yes in her heart to God. She rejoiced. She boldly said, “Generations will remember me!”

How we struggle to trust God with our children. Our finances. Our emotional well-being. We worry. We fret. And wonder why we have no peace.

Christmas is the season where words like joy, peace and love are bantered around like Christmas candy. Let’s not take them as just words, but as truth. Let’s be like Mary and embrace God’s favor on our lives. Boldly declare "He’s done great things for me!”

Out of the grit of our own souls, we can reach His heart, and feel Him reaching for ours. No matter the pain of our past, present or future, God is there for us. He is able. Best of all, He is willing. “My soul glorifies the Lord this Christmas!”

***

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, best selling author who believes God has done great things for her. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and ornery pets. Her next release is Love Lifted Me with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, January 2012. Then in April, look for The Wedding Dress. 



Christmas Day Verses from the Common English Bible – Psalm 100 and Revelation 3:20-21

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Merry Christmas! Here are today’s verses from the new Common English Bible  translation as I participate in the “Thank You – Come Again – I Promise” blog tour.

Saturday – Psalm 100 and Revelation 3:20-21 (CEB)

v Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with celebration! Come before him with shouts of joy! Know that the LORD is God – he made us; we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep of his own pasture. Enter his gates with thanks; enter his courtyards with praise! Thank him! Bless his name! Because the LORD is good, his loyal love last forever; his faithfulness lasts generation after generation.

Look! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to be with them, and they will have dinner with me. As for those who emerge victorious, I will allow them to sit with me on my throne, just as I emerged victorious and sit down with my Father on his throne.

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What a great day this would be for you to open your heart to him! Please do so today if you haven’t yet; you will never be the same again!


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas - featuring Robin Dance!

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Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple form and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Panhandler's Breath by Robin Dance

He slipped in sideways between the closing elevator doors, as if he were late to a meeting; he pressed the "5" without looking. Instead of suit and tie, though, baggy pants and faded navy hung on his tall, slim frame...and his stealth entry stiffened the hairs on the back of my neck.

I had noticed him a few seconds earlier, just after we had parted a sea of clamorous teens. He was smiling, grandfatherly, standing maybe 30 feet away where the electric shuttle picks up.

I had no idea he had been watching us, studying us, predator patiently awaiting his next prey.

The four of us were sealed in a four- by six-foot metal tomb. Tomb--that thought really scampered across my mind. I wondered if he had a knife in his pocket. I wanted to protect my son. Fight or flight pumped adrenaline but there was no where to run.

Extreme and ridiculous, these thoughts - and more - flashed through my mind. The Stranger began speaking.

"Yessir, I see you're a family man with your wife and your son here..." and he nodded in my and my son’s direction.

"...you see I'm homeless and all I've got..." and on queue, he reached into his left pocket and pulled out two old pennies blackened with age. Two cents to his name?! It was all too contrived, too practiced, and I didn't believe a word he was saying.

It was then I smelled it ~ the small space lent itself to that ~ and I doubted my doubt.

His breath.

It wasn't the scent of alcohol. His eyes weren't red, his voice didn't waver; his wizened face matched his graying hair.

His breath was morning's, zoo breath, the pet name I'd given to the scent inhaled when kissing my children awake when they were little.

He needed to brush his teeth. I wondered how long it had been since he brushed his teeth.

The elevator door opened and I handed him my leftover pizza as my son and I brushed past him. My husband handed him a bill and the Stranger thanked and God blessed him.

The elevator door closed behind us. Conflicted, I was relieved.

We got in the car and blurted first reaction--

"I didn't believe a word he said."

"That made me nervous."

"I wonder if he'll really eat the pizza."

In the quiet, we were left to our own thoughts, contemplating the right thing to do. At the end of the day, this is what I decided: It doesn't matter whether or not his story is true; for an old man to resort to begging, he has to be desperate. The money my husband gave him will never be missed. It was a reminder we've been entrusted with much and given much. Materially, yes, but more so spiritually. Loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, graced, lavished--every spiritual blessing. E v e r y.

There's a part of me that wishes I would have been brave enough to ask the man his story, made sure he knew he was loved...and bought him a tooth brush.

Later, it occurred to me he could have been an angel. Doesn’t that mean generosity, kindness and hospitality is always the right response? Then it's not about you or the stranger or the circumstance, it's about a simple, God-glorifying response.

Had we entertained an angel unaware? We'll never know.

But it wouldn't be the first time the Breath of Heaven smelled like a zoo.

***

In a decades-old, scandalous affair with her husband, Robin Dance also confesses mad crushes on her three teens. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she’s a recovering people pleaser who advocates talking to strangers. A memoirist, Compassion International Blogger, and Maker-upper of words, Robin writes for her own site, PENSIEVE, and also for (in)courage by DaySpring (a subsidiary of Hallmark) and Simple Mom. She loves to get to know readers through their blog comments and on Twitter and Pinterest. 

Fourth Saturday of Advent Verses from the Common English Bible – John 1:1-3, 14 and Romans 6:23 + Bible Giveaway!!

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It’s Saturday, one day away from Christmas, and here are today’s Advent Bible verses from the new Common English Bible translation as I participate in the “Thank You – Come Again – I Promise” blog tour.

Saturday – John 1:1-3, 14 and Romans 6:23 (CEB)

v In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word is with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word, nothing came into being. 

The Word became flesh and made its home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

The wages that sin pays are death, but God’s gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
_____________

As part of this blog tour, I’ve been given the opportunity by the Common English Bible Committee to offer my readers a free copy of the softcover edition of the Common English Bible for each week of the blog tour (which runs through January 31, 2012)!

For this week, please leave a message on Sunday’s blog post (the link is on the top right hand side of the blog) telling me what you think about this new translation. Please leave your email address also, so I can contact you to get your mailing address.

The deadline to enter for this week will be tonight at 11:59 pm ET. Please limit one entry per person. The winner will be chosen from all entries by the Random Number Generator tomorrow, Christmas. All the best to you!


Friday, December 23, 2011

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas - featuring Debora M. Coty!

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Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple form and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit,Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Inside Out Christmas by Debora M. Coty

My veterinarian friend, Dr. Katie, tells the story about the December when a woman brought a very sick black lab into her clinic. The dog was only ten months old, so she was really just a big puppy, but she’d been vomiting incessantly and her worried owner didn’t know what was wrong.

“Why don’t you go on home?” Dr. Katie told the owner. “I’ll need to run tests for about four hours. We’ll give you a call when we’re finished.”

Dr. Katie’s assistant took x-rays and hung them on the light panel for Dr. Katie to examine. Hmm. Something looked a little peculiar. Dr. Katie called her assistant over.

“Is it just me, or does that look like a … a camel to you?” she asked incredulously.

“Matter of fact, it does,” replied the astute assistant. “And look, there’s an angel here, a shepherd there, and down there in the colon, it’s Baby Jesus!”

At that moment the phone rang. It was the dog’s distraught owner. “I can’t believe this! I just got home and glanced at the coffee table where I put my manger scene yesterday. There’s nothing there but an empty stable!”

As I thought about this quite literal technique for internalizing the true meaning of Christmas, it occurred to me that sometimes I have the opposite problem. With all the bustling busyness, my inner joy in celebration of my savior’s birth never really makes it to the outside.

Oh, I have plenty of glittery, festive evidences of the holiday in decorations, baking galore, and gifts under my tree. But those things are for show. They’re merely the pretty wrappings, not the gift itself.

Can people really see the core-deep joy that radiates within me when I think of the true gift that Papa God sent the world in his son, Jesus? Is my immeasurable gratitude for eternal life evident as I dash through this hectic season?

I’m afraid all too often, the answer is no.

I’m just too preoccupied to allow my outside to reflect my inside so that nonbelievers recognize that I rejoice because of the hope that is within me. My joy is obscured by the mounds of clutter. Gratefulness is sucked out of my soul by the vacuum called urgency.

“But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy” (Psalm 68:3, NLT).

This verse has become my prayer this Christmas season – that I would make the time to give priority to rejoicing, being glad in God’s presence, and letting my inner joy show for those who may be silently desperate to know the giver of true joy.

Yep, there’s a better way to internalize the gift of Christmas than the black lab technique. We can lodge the Little Lord Jesus in our hearts rather than our colons.

***

Debora M. Coty is a humorist, inspirational speaker, and award-winning author of twelve books, including Too Blessed to be Stressed, and coming in March, More Beauty, Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre. Debora would love to swap Christmas hugs with you at www.DeboraCoty.com. 
   

Fourth Friday of Advent Verses from the Common English Bible – Psalm 98:1-6 + Bible Giveaway!!

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It’s Friday, two days away from Christmas, and here are today’s Advent Bible verses from the new Common English Bible translation as I participate in the “Thank You – Come Again – I Promise” blog tour.

Friday – Psalm 98:1-6 (CEB)

v Sing to the LORD a new song because he has done wonderful things! His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory! The LORD has made his salvation widely known; he has revealed his righteousness in the eyes of all the nations. God has remembered his loyal love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; every corner of the earth has seen our God’s salvation.

Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing your praises! Sing your praises to the LORD with the lyre – with the lyre and the sound of music. With trumpets and a horn blast, shout triumphantly before the LORD, the king!
_____________

As part of this blog tour, I’ve been given the opportunity by the Common English Bible Committee to offer my readers a free copy of the softcover edition of the Common English Bible for each week of the blog tour (which runs through January 31, 2012)!

For this week, please leave a message on Sunday’s blog post (the link is on the top right hand side of the blog) telling me what you think about this new translation. Please leave your email address also, so I can contact you to get your mailing address.

The deadline to enter for this week will be Saturday, December 24 at 11:59 pm ET. The winner will be chosen from all entries by the Random Number Generator on Christmas, Sunday, December 25, 2011. Please limit one entry per person. All the best to you!


Thursday, December 22, 2011

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas - featuring Tracey Eyster!

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Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple form and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will announced on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit,Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

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Simple or Sparkle? by Tracey Eyster

It’s a simple ornament made of thin cheap metal and it looks quite out of place on our CHRISTmas tree. But each year I lovingly and safely nestle it amongst its expensive and sparkly peers, without a care as to how unglamorous it appears.

Many of our CHRISTmas ornaments have a story and an uncanny way of welling up emotion in me, but this certain one causes an intense stir.

You see the ornament is engraved with the name of my grandmother, Sara, and was given to me by my mother, who ordered it from Hospice, after Grandmama’s death. Yes, the months leading up to her death carry memories of a frail and failing grandmama, but that ornament carries my thoughts to sweet CHRISTmas memories of the past.

CHRISTmas Eve dinners in her home, laughing, singing, gathering and celebrating a year filled with blessings as we remembered the birth of our Savior. CHRISTmas mornings, she was always there participating with glee, in our raucous CHRISTmas happiness. Her gifts were always bank envelopes gently tucked into the pine needles of our CHRISTmas tree, fresh cut from the property she grew up on.

All memories of my Grandmama make my heart swell. You see she was my Jesus with skin on. She lived her life full of joy, serving others and approached life selflessly with an attitude of, “What can I do for you?”

Just months before she left us, even as the Alzheimer’s was robbing her mind she shared her love of Jesus with a sweet little old lady friend, who came to know the Lord – a divine appointment.  The very next day that little old lady silently slipped away to meet in person the One Sara introduced her to just the day before.

At the time I wept, realizing that regardless of our own frailties and failings, God can still use those of us who are willing to do His work and are well practiced at hearing His voice...no matter our lack of sparkle in comparison to others.

A simple life lived for Him, a simple ornament in memory of Sara...a simple truth for you to ponder.

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Tracey Eyster wife, mom, relationship gatherer and Creator/Editor of FamilyLife’s MomLife Today is a media savvy mom making a difference where moms are, on-line. Through speaking, writing and video interviews Tracey is passionate about encouraging, equipping and advising moms on every facet of momlife. Her first book, Be The Mom will be released August 2012. You can connect with Tracey at www.momlifetoday.com, www.traceyster.com, or on Twitter.


 
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