Take on a frame of mind of appreciation today for the world to see. Not just a commonplace- “Oh, thanks! You have a nice day too!” appreciation, but a gratitude for your fellow-man that will stop them short and make them curious as to what’s so special about you. That’s when you can sincerely share with them the reason for your hope and thankfulness. Have an attitude of gratitude today…it will become contagious to all those around you.
Author: kezha1
A Christian mother, grandmother, and retired nurse living in Illinois. Called into a ministry of encouraging others to find their ultimate plan and purpose in life through Christ.
Luke 2: 14 ” Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”
The lyrics of a beloved old Christmas carol has been swirling around in my head this Christmas morning. “Oh come let us adore Him…” When was the last time you did just that? Quieted yourself before the Lord and thanked Him for everything He’s given you…for health, and family, and blessing beyond what you know. Today, take a moment to adore Him, for He is so very worthy of your worship. May you and yours have a very blessed Christmas! Thank you for your friendship and encouragement.
Luke 2:7 “…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.”
After a long and exhausting week of travel on the dusty roads between Nazareth and Bethlehem, the very last thing Mary expected was to be turned away from the only place of lodging on the edge of Bethlehem. Joseph had tried repeatedly to find a quiet place for them to spend the night, but to no avail. A strange new pain slowly overtook Mary…soon coming more quickly and sharper than before – each time taking her breath away. Her time was nearing, her anxiety increasing, and all she wanted was to be away from the crowds and all the noise. Joseph had only to look at Mary’s face and hear her moan softly to realize he needed to do something – fast. Back behind the inn was a cave where the livestock were kept, and in the back was an empty stall full of clean hay. He settled Mary in as comfortably as he could…and then waited. The miracle of birth was taking its definitive course, and to both their amazement, things moved quickly and smoothly…and soon the lusty squall of a newborn taking its first breaths could be heard filling the night air. The cattle slowly turned their heads towards the noise, all the while chewing their cuds…the sheep softly bleated in response to the tiny cries as they pushed nearer in curiosity. The image of the invisible God lay nestled in Mary’s arms…Jesus was born.
Luke 2:4 ” So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”
Caesar Augustus wanted a census of the entire Roman world, and ordered everyone to go to their own town to register. Eighty miles…that’s the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem…not a easy undertaking for a very pregnant Mary to travel. It usually took four days to walk between the two towns, but given her physical limitations, it probably took them a week. But slowly, during that arduous process, they were fulfilling the prophecy of the Minor Prophet Micah, who proclaimed the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)
Isaiah 9:2 ” The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
The world is a dark, gloomy place…full of blackness of souls and minds. But enlightenment came, in the shape of a tiny baby born thousands of years ago, to bring life and salvation to all. The Psalmist summed it up perfectly in Psalm 36:9, ” In Your light we see light.”
Matthew 1:18 ” This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.”
Joseph had the right to give Mary a certificate of divorce if he found anything indecent about her. But the angel again appeared to bring revelation to Joseph’s confused and betrayed mind before he did anything rash. During this “God dream”, the angel gave Joseph details, even down to the name he must call the baby, thus quelling and vanishing all Joseph’s doubts and fears concerning his Mary.
Luke 1:41 “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit gave Elizabeth divine revelation into the miracle of Mary and her unborn child. Elizabeth then bore witness and confirmed Mary’s faith, for it states in verse 45, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” This affirmation was what Mary needed, and during the 3 months she stayed with Zechariah and Elizabeth she was encouraged and strengthened by their kind, wise words…not only marveling at the miracle happening within Elizabeth, but the ever-growing miracle inside herself.
Luke 1: 26-27 ” In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”
Gabriel’s mission was to deliver a message so wonderful and miraculous, no one could possibly put their head around it. And yes, Mary had questions…very practical ones, but never once did she question the power of the All Mighty and what He could accomplish. In the end, her faith showed through in her statement to the angel – ” I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Mary’s unwavering faith in her God was evident, even though she might not have understood the process to come.
Luke 1:13 ” The angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.’ “
This older, (the Bible says, well along in years) childless couple were still praying and hoping beyond hope that God would bless them with a baby. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth came from a long line of priests, and Zechariah was actually serving before the Lord when Gabriel appeared with this wonderful news. The angel not only prophesied over John that he would go before the Lord in the Spirit and power of Elijah and make ready a people prepared for the Lord…but Gabriel also dedicated and called John the Baptist into ministry before he was even conceived.
Isaiah 40:3 ” A voice of one calling in the desert, prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.”
Isaiah was speaking of John the Baptist…forerunner of the Messiah. John’s calling – to proclaim a specific message of the need to repent and be baptized. His approach – similar to the prophets of old, preaching with fire a compelling message of repentance. John’s purpose – to prepare the way for Jesus.
Safetypinlove 