What have you learned this Advent season?  I learned a great deal about Mary, Joseph and God’s expectations that I walk each day by faith knowing He will provide.  I pray that you will embrace the miracles of Christmas and cling to Jesus as you begin a new year.

May you have a blessed day with friends and family, or by yourself, celebrating the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Linda

God knew Herod and what he was capable of doing to His Son.  ^“When they (the Magi) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”  So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,  where he stayed until the death of Herod.”  Matthew 2:13-15a   God let Joseph and Mary know the imminent danger that Herod posed, and they listened and quickly obeyed.  Herod was a vicious, ruthless ruler.  Matthew 2:16 describes his angry vindictive actions. “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.”   Mary and Joseph stayed in Egypt until the Lord brought them out and settled them in Nazareth.  “After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt  and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.   So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.   But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,  and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth.” Matthew 2:19-23a

The flight to Egypt, return to Israel and settling in Nazareth were all prophesied in the Old Testament and Matthew added them into the story. (Matthew 2:15b, 18, 23b)  Thinking of all the hundreds of years that passed before they came to pass exactly as God said they would show God’s sovereignty and omniscience as He guides Mary and Joseph with His Son from danger to safety.  An angel physically appeared to Joseph two times and in a dream once guiding them away from those that would seek to kill them.  I can only imagine the relief that Mary and Joseph felt upon finally arriving in Nazareth.  They would have stories of protection, hope and awe to share with Jesus as he grew up.  I love the conclusion Luke adds in Luke 2:40 “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.”

Throughout the month of December we have seen Mary and Joseph’s obedience and love for God.  We have witnessed their response to situations beyond their control.  We have seen those around them supporting and encouraging them as they walked with God.  We have seen those who would do them and their baby harm, and how God intervened to protect them.  There is a lesson for us in this story today.  God knows the future and He has a plan for you and me.  I cling to Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  God wants what is best for us just as He wanted what was best for His Son.  He is a loving, omniscient God who desires to care for us.  Our part- believe and trust – then He will execute His plan and bring it to completion.  “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

I’m trusting and believing God for His plan in my life.  What about you?  Prayerfully consider all that God has done and will do as you answer this all important question.

Linda

 

Let’s continue with the story of the Wise men’s journey to find Jesus.   “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”  Matthew 2:9-12 
There are several things about this portion of scripture that I find fascinating.   We don’t know what the Wise men thought of Herod and his request for them to report back to him.  But, they did what God asked when He warned them in a dream not to return.  They feared God more than anything the evil king could do to them and they sought to protect the child.  That does not surprise me as they came hundreds of miles seeking to worship the Messiah and were seeking to know and worship God.  Next, the Bible does not say their were three Magi  but Wise men.  What we do know is that they brought three gifts fit for a king.  Gold and frankincense and myrrh which were substances used in perfumes and was costly to produce and came from exotic parts of North Africa, Arabia and India.   All of these would suggest offering substances to be used in worship.  The ancient Israelites used both frankincense and myrrh in their offering services.  lastly, the thing I found most humbling is that they followed the star for months, and when it stopped over the house where Jesus and his mother were, they showed no hesitation at going inside.  They knew they had arrived and proceeded to worship the child before them.  Their confidence in God’s leading is amazing.  They trusted God to lead them to the right place.

What about you?  Do you trust God to lead you?  Do you proceed with conviction even when things get a bit uncomfortable?  What do you bring to Jesus?  He tells us that our redemption is a free gift from God.  We can’t buy it or earn it.  So what can we bring to Jesus this Christmas?  Scripture gives us direction on this.  “And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8   We can offer God our actions motivated by justice, love and mercy with humility.  Pray for strength to walk with Him daily as He desires.

Walking in trust and love,

Linda

My own manger scene includes the 3 Wise men but that is not Biblical.  The Wise men did not appear in Bethlehem for about 2 years after Jesus was born.  They began their journey when the Star appeared at the time of Jesus’ birth.  It would have taken them 1-2 years to study the star, see it’s movements and then decide to follow it from the east, probably Babylon or Persia.   Having said that, I still have the Wise men with my manger scene as they came to worship the Christ child, the one who was born King of the Jews.

Our story opens with their arrival at the court of King Herod in Jerusalem.   “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi  from the east came to Jerusalem  and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”   When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.  When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.  “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.   He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”  Matthew 2:1-8

King Herod was crafty and wanted to know when and where the child was born.  That way if the Magi or Wise men failed to locate this new ‘King’ he could find him and do away with him.  Herod was famous for being ruthless and had already killed his wife and several sons to keep his throne.  He was lavish and extravagant in character and did not want anyone else to share the glory of his throne.

The Wise men or Magi were seekers.  They were willing to go out in search of truth and came to Jerusalem, the capital of Judaism.  They were Gentiles and reasoned who would know better when their king was to be born.  Herod’s wise men studied scripture and knew of the prophesy given 700 years before by the prophet Micah about where the Messiah was to be born. (Micah 5:2)  Seeking answers the Wise men came because they knew the God of the Universe reveals himself through His creation.  The star had meaning and would lead them to an important discovery.

What do you know about God?  Do you seek Him like the Wise men did?  Jesus said,  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10  The Wise men did not know exactly who or what they would find but trusted the Star to lead them.  Trust in Jesus and He will lead you to God the Father and eternal life with Him.   Hebrews 11:6 puts our seeking this way, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”   Seek Him today, He will be found.

Seeking Jesus brings great reward,

Linda

Yesterday we read about Simeon, the prophet at the temple that recognized baby Jesus as the long awaited Messiah.  He had praises to God for allowing him to see His plan of redemption come to earth.  Then Simeon turned to Mary and Joseph and gave them words of encouragement and dread.  “The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,  so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:33-35   He revealed that Jesus would be a catalyst for faith and disbelief.  He would open their hearts and see into their souls.  To Mary personally, he revealed that she would suffer great sorrow, have her heart pierced.  It is thought that this refers to her being present at Jesus’ crucifixion and seeing her son mistreated and dying.  Joseph was believed to have died earlier so he was not present at the end of Jesus’ life explaining why he was not named in this prophecy.

God is so good and cares for us.  Right on the heels of this startling news they meet Anna an old lady who lived at the temple and each day fasted and worshiped God.  Listen to her words of encouragement.  “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38    She immediately reminded Mary and Joseph that this child would be the redeemer of all Israel.

This trip to the temple to carry out their obligation under the law, verse 22, brought them a reality check- their son was to be the savior of all mankind, loved and hated by many. He was to be one who could see into a person’s heart and would bring Mary great sorrow.  All that would be a lot to take in but was confirmation that they were part of something bigger that would be of great good to mankind-redemption.  The cost would be well worth the gain.  Jesus put it this way,  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30   When God calls us to do something, and He had called Mary and Joseph to be the earthly mother and father of our Lord, He also equips.  He gives us what we need so that the yoke of discipleship- being linked to Him- is light as He walks with us.  We have His promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Look for encouragement from God today.  He knows what you need and will provide you with just the right stuff to keep you going and working for Him in your life.  Are you feeling discouraged and feel the burden of life is too much?  Ask God for some encouragement today.  He will provide just what you need.

Faith is day by day living without fear,

Linda

Today we see Mary and Joseph fulfilling the obligations required of them as new Jewish parents by having Jesus circumcised after 8 days and then presented in the temple after 40 days.  Bethlehem was about 6 miles from Jerusalem so going to the temple to present Jesus and make offerings was easy to accomplish.  When they were at the temple,  they encountered a man named Simeon.

“At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon.  He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him  and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there.  He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,  “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,  as you have promised.   I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.   He is a light to reveal God to the nations,  and he is the glory of your people Israel!”   Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him.  Luke 2:25-33 (NLT)

Simeon is an example to us of one who patiently waits upon the Lord and then acts accordingly when prompted by the Holy Spirit.    His prophesy revealed confirmation to Mary and Joseph that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, the one who was to save Israel and that He would be a light to the world and reveal God to all nations.  This message of who Jesus was and what He would accomplish had been revealed by the angels when they appeared to Mary, “He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.  And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:32-33   It was also confirmed to Joseph,  “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21   Then on the night of Jesus’ birth, the shepherds came and shared the revelation the angel gave them,  “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!  Luke 2:10-11    

Mary and Joseph had heard and seen confirmation from God about their son.  I’m sure that this was a source of comfort, encouragement and strength as they faced the days and years ahead.  The future would  bring them trials and hardships but without a doubt they could know they were part of God’s plan to save mankind from their sins.

What about you?  Do you see yourself as part of God’s plan?  We are God’s plan A.  We are to tell others about the love of Jesus and what He did for us on the cross.  The gospel message of love and redemption is ours to tell.  Find someone to speak to today about the love of Jesus.

Waiting and willing to speak about Jesus,

Linda

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:11-12  (NIV)

Consider the words of the angel to the shepherds and think about Mary and Joseph as they delivered their child.  Birth is a joyous and momentous occasion to be celebrated and enjoyed.  Creation and delivery of new life is an awesome event.  Add to that the knowledge that the child was miraculously conceived and was to be the Savior of mankind.  He was the one who would deliver us from the penalty of sin and bring us eternal life through His righteousness.  Take a moment today and thank God for sending Jesus, for Mary and Joseph for taking care of him and protecting him as he grew and developed and for Jesus himself who emptied himself of his position in heaven to come down to earth to save us.   We have much to be thankful for at this season.  “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”  Titus 2:11

Giving thanks for Jesus and His coming to save me.

Linda

If your church lights candles for Advent, yesterday was the day that the Shepherd candle was lit.  The shepherd’s part in the Christmas story was celebrated and the amazing event they witnessed from speaking and singing angels to the newborn Messiah.  Luke 2:15-20 continues their story after the angels departure.  “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.   And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.   But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.   And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

Several things I noticed in this passage.  They debriefed one another and checked to see if they had really seen this miracle.  That made them more human to me, they checked in with each other to be sure they weren’t dreaming or hadn’t just imagined it.  Deciding they had all seen and hear they same thing, they went in haste- no waiting or pondering but immediate action!  When they found the child they told what they had experienced and all they told were amazed- I imagine that telling went on for years, actually the rest of their lives.  An encounter with God does that to you- it affects you deeply and causes you to reevaluate your life.   Their story then led them to praise and glorify God.  They had seen a miracle, been witness to God’s love and power and had a vision of the future for their people.   Mary knew that what they said was true and she cherished their words and praise for God.

What about you?  When you have a profound encounter with God, do you let that experience work in your life to affect change?  Or do you put is aside and forget about it?  I think God would want us to go in haste- begin our work for Him and desire to honor and glorify Him in what we say and do.  Psalm 86:12 “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,  and I will glorify your name forever.”  

Seek to bring glory to God with each day and tell someone about who God is to you.  Christmas is the best season to tell others about Jesus and what He did for them.  He came as a babe to bring us life and hope.  That is good news!

Linda

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be with the shepherds that Holy Night when Jesus was born?  To see the host of angels in all their glory proclaiming Jesus’ birth?  Why shepherds?  Why not the mayor of the city, the wealthy land owners instead?  Scripture gives us a picture of the scene played out on the hills near Bethlehem in Luke 2:8-14 “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,   “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Jesus came to earth to be “God with us” as the angel explained to Joseph and He came to save us from our sins.  Proclaiming His birth to lowly shepherds helps us see that He came for the likes of you and me.  He did not come for the wealthy or powerful, worldly standards of importance,  but for those who would believe.  The chorus of angels proclaimed Him Lord and said He would bring peace.  Jesus describes His peace in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  His peace is not of this world and will bring freedom from fear, trouble and hope.  Paul describes Jesus’ peace in Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”   Jesus’ peace comes through faith in Him and declares us ‘not guilty’ before God.  That is eternal peace that brings hope and freedom.  Appearing to humble shepherds confirms the purpose for Christ’s mission on earth which was to save the everyday person.  Outside appearances or wealth are meaningless to Jesus as He deals with the heart and faith.  Hebrews 11:6 tells us “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”  

Are you like the shepherds that night, open and willing to behold God?  They were filled with fear at the appearance and voices of the angels.  What message does God want to send you this Christmas?  Be like the shepherds and have a willing spirit and open heart, and He will bring you His peace.

Have faith in Jesus and receive His peace today!

Linda

Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Lord.  I had the privilege of visiting the cave stable where Jesus was believed to be born several years ago.  I could visualized the animals and Mary and Joseph there with a manger.  Luke 1:6-7 describes the setting and action of this ancient scene.   “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”    

This cave was attached to a larger area that is now a church.  Our guides told us that the holy family stayed in the rooms above for several years after Jesus’ birth.  This would line up with the account of the Magi arriving within 1-2 years of Jesus’ birth.

I continue to marvel at this young couple and how God provided for them each step of the way.  They were resourceful and undaunted by the ‘curves’ that life was constantly giving them.  They had to make a journey in Mary’s 9th month of pregnancy and they had no room with a bed to receive their child .  However, they were warm, sheltered and protected in this stable cave.  They had a make shift crib and adoring visitors that came along with the endearing animals.  Mary and Joseph showed themselves to be faithful and resilient.  Not once in scripture are we told that they complained or fretted over their circumstances.   There is a lesson for us in their acceptance and behavior.

What about you?  Do you complain when things you are trying to do for the Lord don’t go as planned?  Do you give up or do you call upon your reserve energy and comfort from the Holy Spirit?  Mary and Joseph showed us God’s way.  He expects us to be resilient, hopeful and faithful as we seek to follow Him.  He promises to never leave or forsake us and we need to take Him at His Word!

Striving work with resilience and faithfulness,

Linda