Tag: Mary

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 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 10, No Worries in Jesus

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On the Second Sunday of Advent we lit the Bethlehem or Peace Candle. Reflecting on peace today we can gain insight and encouragement from Philippians 4:6-8.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

In the stories surrounding Jesus’ birth I see 2 major characters that followed the advice of the Apostle Paul. Zachariah and Mary are good examples to us of peace in crisis. Zachariah was a priest and while on duty in the temple an angel appeared to him and told him his wife of many years would have a child. Zachariah questioned the angel in disbelief and was chastised for his faithlessness by being told he would not speak again until the child was born. He spoke after John was born and proclaimed prophecy about his child and the Messiah to come.

Luke 1:76-79 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
    whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Zachariah learned a valuable lesson that focusing on our doubts and fears is not what God desires for us. God does not want us stuck in unbelief but focusing on what He has for our future and walking in faith each day with Jesus.

Likewise, Mary focused on the possibilities of God when confronted by an angel and was told she would bear a child even though she was a virgin. She wondered how this could be but did not question the ability of God to perform this miracle. Luke 1:35-38  “And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[e] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Shortly after this, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. There Mary eloquently proclaims for all time the blessing she is receiving from the Lord.

Luke 1:46-49 “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name. Mary’s focus was not on all the problems and worries this pregnancy would bring but on the blessings of the Lord. She was at peace with God’s plan and trusted in Him.

What can you see in your life situation that is cause for worry and fear that you could turn into peace if you trusted in Jesus? Paul tells us that the peace that Jesus gives surpasses all explanation and will guard and protect us as we walk with Him. Just like Zachariah and Mary, we need to keep our minds focused on the good things, on Jesus, on His grace and mercy on the possibilities with God and He will bring us peace.

May you find the Peace of Jesus today.

Linda

Jesus Appeared….He Knows My Name

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One of the most touching post-resurrection appearances of Jesus was when He appeared to Mary Magdalene in the garden.  It is recounted in John 20:14-18.  Mary had been to the tomb and seen and heard the angels say that Jesus was not there. They had said He was risen.  However, she was so overcome with grief that it had yet to truly register with her brain.    They (the angels) said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 

This scene touches me as it only took Jesus saying her name for her to recognize Him.  In John 10:27 Jesus told the disciples that the ones who know Him will recognize His voice and follow Him  ” My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”   Mary knew immediately that it was her Lord saying her name.  She was instantly comforted and wanted to touch Him.  He cautioned her not to cling or hold onto him, but to go and tell the disciples that she had seen the Lord!  Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

Mary needed to have the Savior’s touch.  He touched her with His voice and He gave her the reassurance that all would be well.  Jesus confirmed He had indeed risen and that He was alive!  Jesus showed her that there is eternal Hope in Him!  She got all of those reassurances from Jesus just saying her name!

What do you need Jesus to say to you today?  Do you need Him to call you by name, give you a word of encouragement, a word of guidance, or simply a word of Hope?  He can say and do it all- if you just ask Him.   Seek Him today and He will be found!    

Linda 

An Encounter with the Living God

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Today we see the shepherds actions following the appearance of the angels and their announcement of Messiah’s birth. Luke 2:15-20

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

How do you react to having a story, message or expectation confirmed? The shepherds were forever changed as they had seen God incarnate. They were praising and glorifying God, telling everyone they could find. Having your faith confirmed or bolstered is an exhilarating experience that continues in your heart and mind as your life goes on. You are forever changed as faith takes hold of your very being. Knowing and encountering Jesus does that to a person. He changes your very being and comes to dwell within you. That is an additional meaning to “God with us.” Paul describes this phenomena in Romans 8:9 “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” and he continues in verse 11 “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

Where do you see God in this scene? God appeared through the angels and drew the shepherds to Bethlehem to encounter His son. God draws us too as He wants us to see and meet Jesus for ourselves. God confirmed His words as they saw exactly what God said they would. God keeps His promises. An encounter with Jesus will change a person! Mary was changed as she soaked in all the events. I’m sure the shepherds told others continually of their own encounter with God’s messengers and His message to them. This would have confirmed her faith and what she herself had been told by the angel. God’s effect on the shepherds shows His power and might. His transforming power and sovereignty. 

Will you be open to God’s transformation this Christmas? Look with faith upon the manger this year and seek a personal encounter with Jesus. He will transform you, guarenteed!

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

May We Echo Mary’s Praises

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When Mary went to stay with Elizabeth and Zachariah, Elizabeth spoke these words to Mary after her baby recognized that the one Mary was carrying was the Lord. Luke 1:45” You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” The passage that follows is know as the Magnificat, as it is Mary’s response of praise to God for God’s blessing. Marvel at the words Mary uses to describe God and His works in our 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.


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. God is mighty, holy, eternal, 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. 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. God provides.


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.” God keeps his promises.

If you were writing a song of praise to God, what would you have included? 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 if complete and 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 season be reflective of His grace in our lives and far reaching to those around us.

Linda

Second Sunday of Advent- Love Candle

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The second Sunday of Advent is when the candle of faith or love is lit. Both of these proclaim the blessing to come because of God’s great love for us, by sending Jesus to be born in Bethlehem. This week we will focus on Mary’s magnificent song recorded in scripture, the birth of John to Elizabeth and Zechariah, and their reactions to his birth besides the fact that dad could now talk! Prepare your hearts and minds to reach into scripture and discover new aspects of God’s love and meaning for yourself as you read the scripture with faith. Faith pleases God and through our faith in Jesus He blesses us with His love and peace. He also gives us understand and insights into His Word- so be prepared to be blessed this week.

I will leave you today with this Psalm 92:1-5 and 12-15

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath.

92 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
    at the works of your hands I sing for joy. 5 How great are your works, O Lord!
    Your thoughts are very deep!

The righteous flourish like the palm tree
    and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the house of the Lord;
    they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age;
    they are ever full of sap and green,
15 to declare that the Lord is upright;
    he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Have a blessed day!

Linda