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.
Tag: christ jesus
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)
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.
I Peter 2: 21 ” To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example , that you should follow in His steps.”
They’re watching you…half the time full of skepticism, the other, admiring the grace under pressure you portray. The world doesn’t like Christians…they’d rather that you would just be quiet and compromise your values. But they continue to watch…not liking what you stand for, because it makes them feel guilty, but still wanting to hang around…Because when that time comes that they need a wise, strong friend…you’ll be the first one they’ll think of.
Psalm 66: 16 ” Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me.”
As fellow Believers, we need to be recounting God’s creative activity in our lives to each other. Nothing encourages me more than hearing from a dear friend…and it’s even more special when they’re telling me about something great the Lord is doing in their life. Why do we keep such wonderful news to ourselves rather than sharing God’s goodness with others? Brighten someone’s life today and share what God’s doing for you.
Malachi 3:6 ” I the Lord do not change.”
The Lord will never change His affection…His feelings…or His desires towards you. His thoughts about you will never be altered, nor will He ever pretend one thing only to change His mind. No, God’s love towards you will never change…no matter what happens, no matter what you do, or not do…He will not change.
Hebrews 3:13 ” But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
The world will tell you that you’re not good enough…not pretty enough…or talented enough. It will insist that you’re too old…too fat…or too dumb. With so much negativity, it’s our responsibility to lift one another up. As the Body of Believers, we need to be supporting, exhorting, and cheering on our brothers and sisters everyday…boosting each others confidence with reassuring words that will combat all the negative feedback we’re inundated with.
Safetypinlove 