Category: Advent

Shepherds take a Walk towards Jesus

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What would be your reaction to the appearance of the angels and the multitude of heavenly hosts praising God in the middle of your work day? Amazement, curiosity, hope, awe, or all of these? We can only imagine what these humble shepherds experienced and felt. The Bible records part of their reaction in Luke 2:14-15.

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

The shepherds knew this was a momentous occasion and that God was pleased. God desired to bring peace and goodwill to all mankind through this babe, His Son. Their interest was piqued about the child. So they decided to leave their flocks and go into Bethlehem and find this child. 

Having been to Bethlehem the distance from the fields at that time to the place where Christ was born was not very far. Shepherds grazed their flocks in the fields adjacent to the town. Their journey probably took less than an hour so they knew they would not be leaving their flocks for very long to go and see this child that the Lord had announced to them. Trusting God they took this journey of faith to see this long foretold Messiah sent from God to save them.

Where do you see God in this scene? The heavenly host of angels proclaim God’s glory and power. He alone could cause angels to appear and announce the arrival of His Son. We also see personal God who comes to individuals bring hope and purpose. God gave the shepherds a desire to visit and see for themselves this marvelous event. We see this in our own lives repeatedly. God has a hand in events in our lives and causes us to be surprised, filled with hope and wonder at His power. Likewise, He is personal to each of us and provides those nudges to do the right thing, be surprised at life, and filled with hope in Jesus.

May you be surprised anew this season and see Jesus as God draws you to himself.

Linda

Jesus’ Arrival Brought Glory to God!

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Who would visit Baby Jesus first? It was not kings or officials but lowly shepherds. God provided these humble men with a special messenger accompanied by a heavenly host of angels. I can’t even imagine the wonder and amazement these men must have experienced. The scene is recorded in Luke 2:8-14.

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!”

What a marvelous sight filled with light and the glorious voices of a multitude of angels! God wanted to announce to the world that His son had arrived on earth. As with Mary, Joseph and Zachariah the appearance of a heavenly being produced fear. But again, the heavenly messenger said, “Do not fear”. The message was all good and glorious. They were given directions on where to find the new born baby. Being Jews, they would have known the prophesies concerning the Messiah who would come someday to save His people. Learning that today was the day for this to happen, peaked their interest and they decided to go and see this child for themselves.

What do we learn about God from this event? God was overjoyed that His Son had arrived and it brought Him glory. He knew that the way to redemption and salvation for all mankind was to be at through His Son. God desires that we be His people and He be our God. He told the Israelites repeatedly. Exodus 6:7 “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” In 2 Corinthians 6:16 Paul writes, “What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” 1 Timothy 4:10 “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe” God desired a relationship with mankind and loved us so much that He sent Jesus to accomplish this. Amazing! To God be the glory! 

Linda

God Provides

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It is not yet Christmas Eve and we have arrived at the scripture where Jesus is born. The actual birth of Jesus is recorded in Luke 2:6-8. “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.”

What amazes you about these simple verses of facts? 1. Mary made it to Bethlehem and gave birth to Jesus in a sheltered and safe place. The place regarded as the the exact spot is a cave inside a grotto where animals were kept. It is a place that causes one to see first hand the providence of God in providing such a safe, warm and cozy place for Jesus to enter the world.

2. There was no room in an inn when Mary and Joseph arrived and God provided a stable where they could deliver the baby and be together.  3. Place God provided was large enough for the shepherds to come and visit and not disturb anyone else.

Many times the provisions God gives do not make complete sense to us. We feel maybe they are lacking in some way, however, God sees the entire picture. He knew many shepherds would come to visit. He knew exactly what Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus needed. Perhaps a truth from this scene should be God knows and God provides. He is all wise and sovereign in all things. Can I trust Him to provide for me? Here are some verses to ponder and hold close to your heart about God the provider.

Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Psalm 34:9 “Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!”

1 Corinthians 2:9 ” But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
    nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—

Trust in God, He will provide for you.

Linda

                                    

God Often Calls Us to Do Difficult Things

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Remember from our discussions about Joseph’s character, he was a law abiding man who sought to do the right thing. It is natural that he would feel compelled to go to Bethlehem for the census as it was required by the governing law of the land, and they were under Roman rule. Why they had to go to their ancestral home had to do with families, tribes, or clans. David was of the tribe of Judah. 1 Samuel tells us Samuel went to Jesse’s father as directed by God to anoint one of his sons the next king after rejecting Saul. The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Here we see Jesse, David’s father, was from Bethlehem which was considered David’s home town. Here our story continues in Luke 2:1-5.

Luke 2:1-5  “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.“

God is a god of details and all prophesies about Messiah were fulfilled exactly as He said. Micah 5:2 reveled several hundred years before that the coming Savior would be born in Bethlehem. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” God orchestrated the moving of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem at this exact time to fulfill this prophesy. Jesus was of the line of David and was to be born in Bethlehem just as scripture said. 

Was this easy? No, I would say that traveling by donkey when 9 months pregnant was very uncomfortable and difficult. Sometimes God asks us to to hard things for Him. Traveling by donkey or walking would have been a challenge but God was with them. Mary did not have the child until they arrived in Bethlehem and even then as we will see a place was made for them to stay. God provided exactly what they needed. We can take heart in this too. God will not call us to do something and then leave us alone. He has promised to be with us 24/7 and we can claim that promise. 

I love Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” The them for the Israelites were the enemies they would face as they sought to take possession of the land God had promised. The them for Mary and Joseph was the hard journey and problems with accommodations. They undoubtedly suffered from the heat, weariness, being physically uncomfortable and fear of robbers along the way. The them for us can be any problem we face that seems overwhelming and beyond what we can deal with. God promises to be with us and never leave us nor forsake us. He did it for David when he met Goliath, for the Israelites when entering the new land of Canaan, for Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem and He will do it for you and me. Step out in faith today and claim this promises. God always keeps His promises.

Linda

Joseph a Man of Commitment

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Yesterday I looked into Joseph being the right man for God at the right time. His character was godly and he cared deeply for Mary and did not want to damage her reputation. God affirmed Mary in his eyes as He revealed to him the child was to be of God and that they together had a mission to perform for Him. Today’s passage looks at the vision God gave Joseph and the reassurances he needed to step out in faith and trust in God alone. Matthew 1:20-25

 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Joseph was considering what to do about their situation and God’s timing was perfect when He appeared to him in a dream. He assured him it was right to go ahead and take Mary as his wife. He assured him that the child was of God and they would call him Jesus. The baby was the fulfillment of scripture concerning the virgin birth from Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Joseph, being a godly Jew, would have been familiar with this prophesy concerning the coming Messiah. God also gave him a significant reasons to move forward, as this coming child would be God coming down to them. He would be dwelling with them physically and He would save them from their sins.  Joseph was convinced and trusted God to work out all the details. He got up and did what the angel said and too Mary as his wife. Out of respect for God and the baby Mary was carrying, he waited to make Mary fully his wife until she had delivered Jesus.

God had His hand upon Joseph in a mighty way. He assured him, guided his thoughts, affirmed the truth of the situation but left the commitment to Joseph. God wants us to desire to serve Him with our whole heart, mind, will and devotion. Joseph stepped up and followed through for God. How about you? Do you lack commitment and resolve in godly matters? Ask God for reassurance and to speak to your thoughts and affirm what you are to do. Then stepping out will be easier than you think.

Linda

Third Sunday of Advent, Shepherd’s Candle

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Today is the lighting of the third candle in the Advent wreath. It is called the Shepherd’s candle and represents joy. During the lighting the story is told of the angels appearing to the shepherds announcing the birth of the Christ child and where He could be found. Joy is contagious and once the arrival of the Messiah was proclaimed the shepherds wanted to find the child and worship Him. May you feel that same joy today and may it draw you closer to the Savior.

This next week we will be riding to Bethlehem on a donkey, be looking for room at an inn, seeing shepherds in their fields and rejoicing with angels. Here are some words of JOY for today as we worship.

Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.”

Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Luke 2:10 “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.”

Romans 10:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

May we be filled with the joy of the Lord today as we continue to anticipate the coming of the Christ child who brought freedom from bondage to sin through His life, death and resurrection.

Linda

Joseph- right line at the right time!

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Joseph, at last we get to his part of the story. His genealogy is presented by Matthew in Chapter 1. He was of the line of David, as was Mary. It was foretold that Jesus would come from the line of David although it was not known until his birth that it would be a miraculous birth. Matthew lists Joseph’s father as being a descendent in David’s line. Matthew 1:16-17 “and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.” It was important for Matthew begin with Jesus’ birth line as prophecy specifically said the Messiah would come from David’s line and be born in Bethlehem, David’s ancestral home. Both of these were true of Jesus “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,  though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micha 5:2  With this beginning, Matthew establishes Jesus’ credibility through Joseph’s story recorded in Matthew 1:18-21. 

 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

What can we tell about Joseph from this story? He was a believing Jew who sought to please God by following the law. He was also a compassionate man as he did not want to expose Mary, the girl he loved, to public reticule. He was a thinker, slow to react and not prone to rash decisions. Isn’t that the kind of person you would like to know and be associated with? Joseph was steady and reliable, seeking to do what was kind and right.

What can we tell about God from Joseph’s story? The Lord knew he was not a rash, impulsive man and would deliberate about the consequences of his actions. He allowed him time to think and consider before revealing the true nature of Mary’s condition. God sent an angelic messenger in a dream to Joseph to impress upon his mind that which he should do. God cleared her name and character in Joseph’s mind. God gave him a godly reason and mission by being the future father of the Messiah. God did not tell him everything, m but enough to convince him that marrying Mary was the right thing to do. How like God to give motivation and assurance to activate Joseph’s faith and cause Joseph to trust in Him. 

God is always trustworthy and He keeps all His promises.

Linda

Clear Prophesy that Encourages Our Faith

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The second part of Zachariah’s song of praise and prophecy shows his father’s heart and reveals what God has planned for both his son and the effects of the Messiah upon the world. Luke 1:76-80

“And you, my little son,
    will be called the prophet of the Most High,
    because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77 You will tell his people how to find salvation
    through forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of God’s tender mercy,
    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Zachariah’s speaks of who his son will be and his godly mission. John would be a prophet and prepare the hearts of the people for the coming Messiah. He would preach repentance and point the people to God. I am reminded of Isaiah’s prophetic words about this coming messenger from God. Isaiah 40:3-4 gives a description of this messenger and his purpose and was written hundreds of years before John’s birth. “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness
    for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
4 Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills.                     Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.” In the Gospel of John Chapter 1, John the disciple, uses Isaiah’s words to describe this John the Baptist. John 1:22-23 “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!’” John preached repentance for sin and baptized with water. He said one was coming who would be greater than he. John 1:26-27 “ 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.”

Zachariah then prophesied about the light of God that would be coming into the world. He would come to give light in our dark world of sin and death and guide us towards peace with God. Jesus spoke of himself as the light to this world. John 8:12 “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 12:35 “Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.” John 16:13 speaks of the guidance Jesus promised through the Holy Spirit, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” John 16:33 speaks of peace in Jesus, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Zachariah’s prophecies were immediately fulfilled in the lives of John the Baptist and Jesus and after Jesus’ death in the coming of the Holy Spirit!

This chapter concludes with an anecdote on the growing up years of John before he began to preach. 80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. 

God is clearly visible in the fulfilled prophesy included in Zachariah’s song. Praise God for these confirmations in scripture that build and encourage our faith.

Linda

A Song of Praise from Zachariah

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After 9 long months of not being able to speak, Zachariah’s silence ends with the naming of his son John, just as the angel had said. The Lord graciously gave Zachariah words of prophecy that burst forth along with his praises. What a wonderful confirmation to Zachariah and Elizbeth that their son John was to have a part in God’s plan for mankind along with the coming savior. They knew Mary, who was staying in their home, was carrying God’s child. I am dividing Zachariah’s prophecy into two days. Here is part 1 of   Zechariah’s Prophecy, Luke 1:67-75:

67 Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy                          68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has visited and redeemed his people.          Praise God, He is accessible.
                                69 He has sent us a mighty Savior
    from the royal line of his servant David,  Praise God, Savior Jesus is coming.
70 just as he promised            Praises, God keeps His promises   
    through his holy prophets long ago.       from generation to generation.
71 Now we will be saved from our enemies
    and from all who hate us.         Praise God, The Savior will bring salvation.
72 He has been merciful to our ancestors
    by remembering his sacred covenant—   Praise God, He is merciful and faithful.
73 the covenant he swore with an oath
    to our ancestor Abraham.        Praise God He kept His covenant with Abraham..
74 We have been rescued from our enemies
    so we can serve God without fear,     Praise God, He removes our fears.
75 in holiness and righteousness       Praise God, He provides holiness and righteousness.
    for as long as we live.

Zachariah knew the Lord and his prophecy is filled with the character of God. He tells what God has done and will do in the future.

How long is your memory? Do you recall things God has done in your life and continue to give Him praise? What about your salvation, His precious promises to you that He makes in His Word, His mercy and faithfulness? Do you thank Him for providing Jesus and a way to be reconciled to Him in spite of your sin? Do you thank Him for answered prayer and the fact that you can go to Him 24/7? Do you thank Him that He is willing to hear about you and your struggles and that He cares for you and about you? What would your own song of prayer be like? What would you include? Both Zachariah and Mary were overcome with who God was and what He was doing that they burst into song. Think about your life. What excites you to praise and thank God? May this season of giving and loving others stimulate you to thoughts of praise to Almighty God! May you sing your own song of Praise to God.

Linda

God Seen in the Arrival of John

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The time for John’s birth arrived. It is recorded in Luke 1:57-66. It as elements of family stresses, nosy neighbors and miraculous happenings all combined to announce John to the world.

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” 62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

There were elements of stress leading up to the miraculous! Elizabeth’s birthing went well and the neighbors were relieved and joyous over John’s safe birth. The circumcisions party was to be held on the 8th day according to the Old Testament (Genesis 17:12-14) and everyone gathered at Zachariah and Elizabeth’s home. The baby was named traditionally after the father, so all gathered assuming the boy’s name would be Zachariah. Elizabeth stopped this and said he was to be named John just as the angel had instructed her. This announcement caused quite a stir and they went so far as to give Zachariah a piece of paper so he could write down the name he wanted. It astonished everyone gathered that he wrote John also. Once the baby’s name was announced immediately Zachariah’s mouth was opened and he was able to speak. He began praising God for the miraculous son they had been given and how glorious and powerful God was. (Zachariah’s actual praises will follow tomorrow.) All the family and neighbors for miles around began talking about Zachariah, Elizabeth and baby John. They wondered what God had in store for this special child of His.

What do you see of God in this event? First, there is His tender care for Elizabeth and her safe delivery of baby John. Next, the miraculous release of Zachariah’s speech with the naming of the child as they obediently did as God had commanded them to do through the angel. Then we see peoples’ marveling at the power and sovereignty of God in their midst. Even though this is a scene in an ancient time setting we can still relate. When has God shown you providential care? Did he use a neighbor, a skilled doctor, good medicines, or even warm chicken soup? God uses those around us to minister to our needs. Miracles happen all the time. They may not be as loud and spectacular as speech restored after months of silence, but God intervenes all the time in our lives. He heals the sick, provides for our needs when least expected and in unexpected ways. How have you taken advantage of one of God’s provisions in your life to witness for Him or simply give testimony for what He has done in your life? God deserved praises from Zachariah and he deserves praises from us too. Lastly, this story reminds us that God has a special place and mission for each of us in His Kingdom. We are loved and highly valued by Him. Paul gives his testimony of value in Galatians 2:20, could this be yours too? “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.“ Jesus came for each of us and died to make us free from sin and reconciled to Him. God had a special place for John, Elizabeth and Zachariah and as believers He has a place for us too!

Linda