Category: Advent

Advent Day 25, How Much We Have in JESUS

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This Christmas Day our scripture is from Matthew 1:18-23. This passage recalls the angel’s appearance to Joseph and the revelation that Mary, his betrothed, was to bear the son of God, the Messiah. Let the familiar words cause you to reflect on the place Jesus has in your life.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).“

What does it mean that God is with us? How much God must love us to send His son to dwell with us and die for our redemption? Without Jesus, we would still be stuck in our sinful nature and subject to God’s wrath. Without Jesus, we would not know the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit in our lives through faith. Without Jesus, we would be lost and without hope.

Thank you God for sending Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-6 captures our hope in Jesus. “ But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Thank you Jesus for coming to save us.

May you have a blessed Christmas as you remember how much we have in Jesus!

Linda

Advent Day 24, A Journey, A Birth, A Heavenly Chorus

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Today we come to the Christmas Eve story of the birth of Jesus. I marvel each time I read this passage at the protection, the provision and the majesty of God that we see in these words. Luke 2:1-20

The journey for Mary and Joseph at the decreed of the government was used by God to reposition Mary and Joseph to be in Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth as foretold by the prophets hundreds of years before. “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  God protected them on the road, made it possible for Mary to withstand the journey on a donkey and brought them into Bethlehem for the birth.

The birth of Jesus was timed perfectly as God provided a place for them to stay, when there was nothing available, and provided for the delivery of the child. “6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 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.“

After the birth, God joyously announced the arrival of His Son to the lowly shepherds watching their flocks just outside Bethlehem. “ And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Having received the glorious news the shepherds wanted to see this child for themselves. “15 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.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.“

Do you seek to see Jesus yourself during this Advent season? Do you identify with the journey and how God provided? God can and will do similar things in our lives if we know Jesus. Knowing Jesus is the key to life and happiness as he brings love and peace into our hearts.

I pray this Christmas Eve story finds a special place in your heart today.

Linda

Advent Day 23, It is all about LOVE!

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Our scripture for today continues on the theme of Love after lighting the Love Candle yesterday on the Advent Wreath. 1 John 4:9-11 speaks of God’s great love for you and me.

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

The word propitiation is not one we use much. The dictionary defines it as appeasement. That is what Jesus did for us in turning God’s wrath away from us, appeasing God. Jesus covers our sins with His righteousness and enables us to be reconciled to God. God’s love is amazing in that He sacrificed His own son on our behalf. Jesus’ love is amazing as He did as His Father asked and came willingly to sacrifice himself for you and me.

Paul is encouraging us in sight of this great love to pass it forward and treat others with love and care. Just as God loved us we are to love one another. Of course that is easier said than done. Only through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit is this possible. He empowers us as we love Him and seek to live for Him.

As we near the end of our Season of Advent, let His light shine in you as you show His love to those around you.

Linda

Advent Day 22, 4th Sunday of Advent, Lighting the Love Candle on our wreath

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Today’s scripture is from Isaiah 9 and describes the coming Christ. It tells us that He will come as a child but his potential for impact will be enormous. All of creation will rest upon Him and His kingdom will be eternal.

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor,  Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace
    will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
    for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
    will make this happen!

As you reflect on the Love of God that caused Him to send Jesus to provide for us, to redeem us and reconcile us to Him, say a prayer of thanks for his generous love. John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” It was love for you and me that motivated God to send Jesus. I am continually touched by the message of Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He loves me that much! He loves you too. Turn to Him this season and feel His love.

Linda

Advent Day 21, Can you be a Witness?

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Today’s Advent scripture is from John 1. The first scriptures in verses 6-8 tell us who John is was and why he had come.

“God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.” He was to have a powerful testimony before the people about the messiah to come.

Later in Chapter 1 verses 19-28 relates a confrontation John the Baptist had with the religious leaders of his day. “This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,  ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25 asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” 26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.”

We see very clearly that John knew who he was and what his purpose. Even though the Pharisees were learned men who had studied the Torah, they did not see that John was the one foretold by the prophet Isaiah. John did not try to persuade them or mislead them in any way – he gave them the truth of the coming Messiah who would be greater by far.

How can we relate to this passage? Do you think God has a mission for you too? Jesus told us in Matthew 28:18-20 “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” When Jesus gave this command, it was to and for all believers until He returns. So what are you doing about telling others?

I created this acrostic to help me remember the importance of being a WITNESS.

W-wonder and amazement should be on my mind as I look to tell others of my faith in Jesus.

I–intentional giving out of my testimony of how I came to trust in Jesus.

T-timely speaking to others, look for that God opportunities.

N- newness of life in Jesus is good news for everyone, let it be known.

E- eagerness to tell others at home, in my city, in the world.

S-seeking to tell the lost about Jesus is a must do.

S- Savior Jesus is my answer, I want you to know Him too!

I pray this acrostic speaks to your heart and you see that you have the same purpose as John the Baptist to tell others about Jesus. It is a timely message that is so needed, especially at this Advent Season.

Linda

Advent Day 20, Unfailing Love and Faithfulness-Where else can you find This?

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Today’s passage is from Psalm 89. This psalm begins with a declaration by the psalmist that he knows and trusts in God’s love. I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!
    Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
2 Your unfailing love will last forever.
    Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. Can you make this same declaration? Do you know that God’s love is unfailing and eternal? David had a life filled with challenges that serve as an example to us today that no matter what happens in our lives- God is always there with His eternal love.

Verses 19-26 Long ago you spoke in a vision to your faithful people. God made a covenant with His people and is faithful
You said, “I have raised up a warrior.
    I have selected him from the common people to be king. God choose David as king.
20 I have found my servant David.
    I have anointed him with my holy oil.
21 I will steady him with my hand;
    with my powerful arm I will make him strong. God promises to stand by David and support him.
22 His enemies will not defeat him,
    nor will the wicked overpower him.
23 I will beat down his adversaries before him
    and destroy those who hate him. His enemies will not overcome him.
24 My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him,
    and by my authority he will grow in power. God promises faithful love and growth in our lives.
25 I will extend his rule over the sea,
    his dominion over the rivers.
26 And he will call out to me, ‘You are my Father,
    my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’ David acknowledged God and he was called by God a man after His own heart.

Do you seen God’s hand in you life as David did? The promises made to David are ours to claim in Jesus. He came that we could be part of his forever family. He came that we would know Him and have Him to depend upon in our lives. He promises that temptations and enemies will not overcome us and that we will be victorious in Jesus. Can you claim that God is your rock and your salvation? Can you call him Father? In Jesus all this is possible. It is said that “Wisemen” still seek Him, will you be wise and seek Jesus this season? He is ready and willing if you will just call upon Him. Learn to know Him like David did and your life will be mightily blessed.

Linda

Advent Day 19, Being mindful-day by day

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Today’s Advent passage comes from 1 Thessalonians 5. The Apostle Paul had been doing some final teaching as this letter to the Thessalonian Christians concludes. Verses 12-22 gives us advice about what God expects of our lives now that we know Jesus. Can you relate to these admonitions today?

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. How do you view your church leadership? Do you praise their efforts? How about a special gift to them this season? Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.  Are you quick to judge the efforts of others? Do you carry your weight at work and at home? How are you at encouraging others? How’s your patience? 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Do you like to get back at people, waiting for the right time? Do you look for ways to help others regularly?

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  This one is hard- always be joyful, praying a lot and being thankful whatever happens! 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. Paul ends with this one two punch. We are not to try to subdue, thwart, put down the work of the Holy Spirit. Love all of God’s Word and cling to what is good. Do you claim God’s promises and hold onto them? Do you watch your actions to be sure you are not participating in anything evil?

Having given the Thessalonian Christians his parting advice, Paul leaves them with these words. Verses 23-25. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Paul is confident that God would see them and us through the trials of life. We just need to stay focused on Jesus and seek to live for Him daily. God is faithful and will not leave us or forsake us! Philippians 1:6 is a promise we can cling to with assurance. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

I pray that Paul’s words will encourage you and cause you to reflect this Advent season. Jesus is the reason! Keep that in mind always.

Linda

Advent Day 18, Mary’s Reflections led to Worship

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Today’s Advent passage comes from Luke 1:46-55. Mary praises God for the blessing of being chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. This passage is known as the Magnificat, as it is Mary’s response of praise to God for His blessing. Marvel with me at the words Mary uses to describe God and His works in the world,

46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
47     How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
    and from now on all generations will call me blessed. God’s blessing caused Mary to rejoice and marvel at being chosen.


49 For the Mighty One is holy,
    and he has done great things for me.
50 He shows mercy from generation to generation
    to all who fear him. Mary knows that God is mighty, holy, eternal, and merciful to those who know Him.
51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
    He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
52 He has brought down princes from their thrones
    and exalted the humble. Mary knows that God is sovereign over all, even princely powers.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away with empty hands. Mary knows that God provides justly to all.

54 He has helped his servant Israel
    and remembered to be merciful.
55 For he made this promise to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary knows that God keeps his promises.

If you were writing a song of praise to God, what would you include? Would you acknowledge His power over all things, His great provision for you, His character and how He has blessed you specifically? Mary’s praise starts with her own knowledge of God’s blessing. It has to start with us. We need to acknowledge His grace and mercy towards us and humbly accept Him into our lives. He has marvelous wonders to work in our lives as we submit to Him. Mary is our example.

May our praises this Advent season be reflective of His grace in our lives and reach to those around us.

Linda

Advent Day 17, Restoration Assured in Jesus

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Our Advent calendar takes us to Psalm 126 today. This psalm is one of a group known as the Psalms of Ascent which were sung as worship songs. This song is one of praise and pleading to God for mercy.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
    we are glad.

In this first stanza the psalmist praises God for the great things He has done in their midst. He brought them back from captivity in Babylon after 70 years. He has restored their joy and their place among the nations. Praise is due to God in great abundance for his great mercy towards them.

4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
    like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him.

The second stanza asks for further restoration. They have seen what God has done and exclaim to Him what joys his grace and mercy have brought. God’s restoration has an electrifying effect on the people as it turns sorrowful tears and hard work to shouts of joy with great productivity.

As you reflect this Advent season, what has God done in your life this year that you are most grateful for? Did He turn circumstances around in your life? Did He bring blessings to you in a special way? Did He help you to mend a relationship or have the strength to end an addiction? Did you narrowly escape an accident or calamity? Did timing fall just right when you were waiting for results? God does many things in our lives and we need to take time to reflect and praise Him. Look for the hand or God, His providential care in your life- it is there! God is the great restorer. 1 Peter 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Our hope is placed in Him who can redeem and restore us.

What do you desire God to restore this Advent season? Take a lesson from this psalm- praise Him for what He has done and lay before Him where you need mercy and grace. Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” God is faithful beyond measure and is merciful.

Linda

Advent Day 16, The Perfect Defense

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Today’s Advent passage comes from Ephesians 6:10-17. Paul advises us as believers to be ready by putting on God’s armor as it will help us stand when things get hard, when we are under attack from the evil one, or when we feel weak and unfocused in our faith. Do any of those conditions describe how you are feeling this holiday season? Are you going through tough times? Is money in short supply? Do you have relatives that take pleasure in making fun of your faith? Are you doubting God’s power to overcome or your ability to hang in there with God? Paul is writing just for you.

Ephesians 6:10-12 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Before telling us about the specific pieces of armor God provides for those who believe in Him, Paul gives his general reasons for putting it on. 1) From the beginning Paul reminds us that God’s armor works because it is given infused with His mighty power! 2) God’s armor will help us be strong in Him. 3) His armor will help us stand firmly rooted in faith against Satan’s attacks. 4)The forces coming against us are unseen, other worldly, not tangible so we need God’s special armor to be able to stand and fight victoriously.

God realizes that standing firmly against Satan and his minions will take His power within us. We cannot do it alone. He has designed special armor for believers to wear so that we can stand protected in His power. We need to know that God goes before us and also has our backs! “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;  your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:16

Paul continues in the passage to explain the separate pieces of armor and what they can do to help us in our struggles. The end result of wearing God’s armor is victory in Jesus.

Ephesians 6:13-17  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Belt of Truth- Jesus is the truth that holds us up and supports us. John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Breast plate or Body armor infused with God’s righteousness – provided for us in Jesus. Romans 3:22 “ the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.“

Shoes for delivering the gospel of peace- the good news of the gospel brings peace. Acts 10:36 “As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),“

Shield of faith to stop the flaming arrows of Satan– our faith is our defense in Jesus. Psalm 18:30 “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

Helmet of Salvation- our salvation in Jesus protects our thoughts, minds and deeds from Satan’s’ grasp. 1Thessalonians 5:8 “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.”

Sword– which is God’s Word- our defensive weapon is the best ever. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Being prepared to meet the challenges of faith is necessary to thwart Satan and his devious tactics. With Jesus, our Savior, by our side we can and will defeat the enemy. Jesus will be returning as the conqueror. I love Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Remember Jesus- his strength, his power and love as you navigate this season of Advent.

Linda