Today I was reading Zachariah’s song in Luke 1:67-79 and was encouraged by his song of praise.  Zachariah was the father of John the Baptist and was mute for 9 months prior to John’s birth.  He had questioned the angel who came to tell him of his coming child, who was to be the fore-runner of the Messiah.  The angel silenced him until his child was born.  After John’s birth, Zachariah’s mouth was opened and he praised God for the coming Messiah who would save his people, fulfill all scripture concerning himself, keep all of God’s promises made to his ancestors, and bless his own child with purpose.  The last lines of this song verses 78-79 speak of Jesus.  “because of  the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide feet into the path of peace.”  God in his mercy sent Jesus to bring light to a dark and dying world.  “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12   “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  John 9:5 and “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46

Christmas is a time for us to reveal God’s light to the world through the manger.  Jesus’ coming to earth brought life and light to a world filled with sinful people needing the light of a Savior.  Have you found the light this season?  Do you look to Jesus and walk in His light?   If you do, tell others.  If you do not know Jesus, ask God for faith to believe and accept His free gift of salvation. “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:9,10,13

Looking to the light today,

Linda

The star that led the wise men to Bethlehem is prominently displayed atop manger scenes today. Matthew 2: 2 and 9,10 describe this star. “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”  It should not surprise us that God used the stars to point to His son and announce his birth to the world.  In Genesis we are told that God created light, night and day and all the stars. (Genesis 1:16)  Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”   Jesus is referred to as the “bright and morning star” in Revelation 2:28 and 22:16.

Man has used the stars to navigate the world for centuries.  They are landmarks in the sky that God created to help guide us when we get lost or lose our way.   We can find north in the sky and determine which direction to go.  The ultimate star is Jesus.  He will always lead us in the right direction and guide our path into righteousness and life.   What star are you following today?  Have you come to Bethlehem this Christmas following His star or are you still wandering?  Look to Jesus, He is the guiding light to life.  John puts it this way in 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”   Know the light of life, Jesus, this season as you follow his star to Bethlehem.

Star struck by Jesus,

Linda

P.S. This is a wonderful video that describes one man’s search into the mysteries of the Bethlehem Star.  It will amaze you!  Our God is so great and the heaven reflect His glory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday I wrote about how God’s providence was evident in bringing Mary and Joseph at His appointed time to Bethlehem.  As the Christmas story unfolds in Bethlehem, the young couple arrives and there is no room for them at the local inn.  Luke 2:7 “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.”   When you visit Bethlehem today, the place recognized as the stable where Mary and Joseph were housed is a cave.  It was very roomy and would have been cool in summer and warm in winter.  They wrapped the baby Jesus in swaddling cloths.  I was not familiar with this practice as it was not popular when my children were small, but my grandson was swaddled.  It wraps the baby close so they are warm and protected.  Then Jesus was laid in a manger.  This animal trough would have made the perfect cradle to hold the young savior.  Looking at these things, no room, a cave, manger, and swaddling cloths, show God is into provision and care.  “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these thinks, and your Father knows that you need them.”  Luke 12:29-30   God knew exactly what Mary and Joseph needed- a warm, safe place that was accessible to shepherds, contained the basic furniture for a new born and was private for the birth of their son.

How are you at trusting God in difficult situations?  Do you thank Him for what He has provided and know that He gives you exactly what you need?  Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.”  and  Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”   God knows our needs just as He did Mary and Joseph.  Will you trust Him today to provide what you need?  Then thank Him for His loving care.

Trusting in God’s provision,

Linda

I first really encountered the word providence when I studied the book of Esther.  God placed Esther in the right position at the right time to save her people during the reign of King Ahasuerus in Persia.   We have another biblical example of God’s providence in the Christmas story.  Have you ever wondered how and why Mary and Joseph, who lived in Nazareth, went to Bethlehem.  Bethlehem is a long journey from Nazareth especially on a donkey while pregnant!

Providence is defined as the care and benevolent guidance of God.  Old Testament prophesies placed the birth of the Messiah to be in Bethlehem.  Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among 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.”   Why Bethlehem?  Isaiah 9:7 “…He will reign on David’s throne over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it faith justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”  David’s throne was established in Bethlehem, David’s home town, when Samuel anointed him king.  1Samuel 16:1 “The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul since I have rejected him as king over Israel?  Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” We now have the why?  Bethlehem was David’s home and the Messiah was to be born of his line and in his home town.

Now for the how, Joseph was of the lineage of David as was Mary.  The Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus decreed that all persons must return to their home towns to be counted in a Roman census. (Luke 1:1-3)  Thus, Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to register.  The timing of this ordered census was no coincidence but the providence of God to bring Mary and Joseph to the right place, Bethlehem, for the birth of Jesus at God’s appointed time.  When you think of all the things that could have prevented or delayed them from being there, the hand of God is clearly evident.

I often say ‘there are no coincidences’ in God’s economy.  God does indeed direct and guide and things don’t just happened by chance.  Next time you want to say, lucky you or it was just luck, think of the Bethlehem story and say ‘thank you God for your guiding hand and divine providence’.

Looking for the providence of God today,

Linda

Luke 2:14  “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’ good will toward men.'”  Today’s word is good will.  The angels announced to the shepherds that Jesus brought glory to God by coming to earth, peace and good will for all mankind.  What is good will?  According to the dictionary, good will is a friendly or kindly attitude, willingness or readiness to go above and beyond to help others.  How did Christ’s coming bring good will to man?  Philippians 2:7 says “but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”   It is through the kindness and willingness of Christ to come and die for our sins that we are made whole and acceptable to God.  Christ has done the work of making me acceptable. I simply need to take this free gift in faith.  Romans 5: 11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”   2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”   Romans 10:9-10 “‘That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” 

The question for today is-now that we have good will through Christ, how will we share this good will with others?  Do you know a neighbor that is a shut-in and needs a visit or some cookies?  Do you know a child or family that needs a toy or food for their table?  Do you know someone who needs a kind word or encouragement from God’s Word?  There are multiple opportunities to show the good will of Christ to others at this season.  Look around you and find some way to participate and share in the good will of Christ.

Looking for opportunities to share good will,

Linda

On our journey through Advent we need to stop and take a look at the scene in Matthew 2:1-2.  The Magi from the east had traveled a long distance in search of the king that was revealed to them in the stars.  At the time, Magi were wise men who studied the stars and sacred writings.  They had perhaps come into contact with the prophecies of the coming Messiah through the sacred writings in the Old Testament revered by Jews that had been living in Babylon.   They arrived in Jerusalem, the Jewish capital, looking for the newborn king.  They questioned Herod, the reigning king, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”   This very phrase, king of the Jews, was to be used later when Jesus appeared before Pilate, Matthew 27:11 “Meanwhile, Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him ‘Are you the king of the Jews?'” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.  It was also written on the plaque over Jesus at the cross, Matthew 27:37 “Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”    Now flash forward to the end of time when Jesus returns, Revelation 19:16 “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

This name, King, so often associated with Jesus is the title of our sovereign Lord.  He was in the beginning, came to earth as a babe and will reign for all eternity as our KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  Is this the name you associate with Jesus, the child who’s birth we celebrate at Christmas?  Is he your KING and LORD?  Ponder today what position Jesus has in your life?  He desires to be KING and LORD of your life.  Will your answer be the same as King David in Psalm 24:10 “Who is he, this King of glory?  The LORD Almighty- he is the King of glory.” 

Worshipping the KING today,

Linda

John’s gospel does not have the ‘Christmas Story’.  He begins with Jesus, creator God, being present at the beginning of time and refers to Jesus as the Word.  John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” By definition dwell, today’s word, means to make one’s home with, reside or live.  Have you ever pondered how amazing it is that Creator God cared enough for us to send His son to live among us, to make his home with us?  Why would God do such a thing?  John 3:16 “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will have eternal life.”   Because He loves us.  Matthew 1:21 “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.”  Because he wanted to save us from our sinful state caused by Adams sin.   Colossians 1:19 “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Because He wanted to reconcile and cleanse us though Jesus.

When I read these verses, I am overcome with profound thankfulness.  I am thankful that God loved me enough to send Jesus.  I am thankful that Jesus was willing to come and sacrifice himself to save me.  I am thankful that God desires a relationship with me and wants me to be reconciled to Him.  I am thankful that I will know Him and live with him for eternity.  How about you? Thank Him today for coming to dwell among us on that Christmas Day.

Blessings through dwelling,

Linda

Do you have favorite Christmas music?  There is a lot of it!  From carols to Jingle Bells to the Hallelujah Chorus,  it covers all aspects of the holiday season. Singing is our word today.  There are several ‘songs’ recorded in scripture about the birth of Jesus.  These songs extol the Lord and His graciousness to us at sending a Savior.  Mary’s Song found in Luke 1:46-55 is called the Magnificat because in Latin the word means ‘glorifies’ which is how Mary begins her song to God. “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,”.  Mary is so amazed and honored that the Lord Almighty has chosen her to bear the promised Savior that she breaks into song.  “..for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name.  His mercy extends to those who fear him… He has performed mighty deeds with his arm…He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble…to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”   She was able to tell of God’s mighty deeds in the past and of His great mercy and love. She knew God was eternal and His blessings would continue from generation to generation.

Do you have a song of praise for God today?  What do you know about God that would make you sing?  What has He done in your life or in the life of someone close to you that you can praise Him for?  By all rights, Mary- an unwed teenager, pregnant under questionable circumstances, shunned by her town and relatives should have been bitter or unhappy or worried but she was none of those!  She was praising God for the opportunity to serve Him and be used for His glory.   Does this describe the attitude you have towards the circumstances you find yourself in today?  Turn to God and be like Mary. Claim this promise today.  “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will act.” Psalm 37:5.

Singing with Praise,

Linda

These pictures are of some of the beautiful Mosaics donated by churches around the world at the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth.

 

I was thinking about Advent and focused upon the Advent Wreath.   I did a little research into today’s word, wreath.  The use of the wreath has been with us since Greek times when it was used as a crown for winners.  The modern Christian usage as a symbol associated with Christmas originated with 16th century Lutherans in Germany.  They used the wreath and candles to anticipate the coming of Jesus.  Today the wreath consists of 4 colored candles on the edges of a pine evergreen circle and 1 white candle in the middle.  Each edge candle is lit on the 4 Sundays leading up to Christmas and then the center white candle is lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas.  The pine boughs that make the circle represent God.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8   God is unchanging and eternal and the wreath circle has no beginning and no end.  The 4 colored candles on the edge represent joy, peace, hope and love.   Joy: Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people.”  Peace: Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE to men on whom his favor rests.”  Hope:  Psalm 40:31 “but those who HOPE in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles’ the will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Love: John 3:16 “For God so LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Lastly, the center candle representing Christ is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  Christ: “She will give birth to a son, and your are to give him the name JESUS, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Are you anticipating the coming of Jesus this season?  Meditate on the Joy, Peace, Hope and Love we have through Christ. Give thanks today for His coming to save us from our sinful state and restore us to a relationship with Him.

Advent, a time to prepare our hearts,

Linda

 

 

Today’s word is believe.  How quick are we to tell someone- Oh- just believe me, believe it-it’s true?  After Mary was told by the angel she was to carry the Messiah, she packed her bags and went to see her cousin Elizabeth.  Elizabeth was carrying a baby that was to be the forerunner of Messiah, John the Baptist.  In Luke 1 we learn of this encounter.  “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear!’ …Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”  Luke 1:41-45   Elizabeth was saying that Mary would be blessed because she believed God.  Abraham believed God and “it was counted to him as righteousness.” James 2:23  Paul tells us in Romans 3:23 “The righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”  and  Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    The writer of Hebrews puts it like this: “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.”  Hebrews 11:6

So what do you believe?  Are you like Mary and Elizabeth and claim faith and believe God exists and rewards those who seek after Him?  Is your faith something that exists for you and helps you walk towards righteousness in Jesus like Abraham?  Or will you take the step of faith  like Paul, claiming faith in Jesus for your own, knowing He is who he says He is and is your savior?   Mary and Elizabeth call to us to believe this Christmas season.   Will you?

Believe in Him,

Linda