A Light Has Come Into The World

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus, when as his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

But while he thought these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, the son of David, fear not to take Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her, is of the holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  And all this was done that it might be fulfilled, which is spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord had enjoined him, and took his wife.  But he knew her not, till she had brought forth her first born son, and he called his name JESUS.     (Matthew 1:18-25)


For Christians - Christmastime is a season of reflection and celebration.  It is a time to ponder, as did the shepherds, the star lit sky and the Savior of the world.  Luke 2:8-20 tells us that the shepherds were in the fields - watching over their flocks by night.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and God's glory shone around them, and they were fearful.  After the angel assured them of their safety and informed them of the Savior's birth in Bethlehem, they hurried to see the Babe in the manger. Then they made widely known what had happened, spread the good news to others and glorified God for all they had seen and heard.

We too can share the good news of Christmas and the Gospel with others as we go about our daily routines.

Here are three of my favorite Christmas Blog posts -  please read and share with others...

A Child Is Born - A Son Is Given

Mary Did You Know?

The Magnificat - God Had A Plan

Dr. G Campbell Morgan said of Christmas:

"Here is the Ancient of Days becoming a babe in Bethlehem. Here is He who could summon the legions of angels and He's wrapped in swaddling clothes... the Mighty God becoming a helpless child."

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A Light Has Come Into The World

A Child Is Born - A Son Is Given...

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…

(Isaiah 9:6-7)

A Child is born

Immanuel ~ God with us - the Word made flesh.

Birthed in Bethlehem among the shepherds.

Born of a woman - her womb His home.

God incarnate - His cries pierce heaven.

The promise of Israel - chosen and manifest for us.

A Son is given

Son of the Living God, beloved of His Father.

The son of a carpenter, beloved of his earthly father.

The Son of Man - given for all mankind.

The government will be upon His Shoulder

Ruler of all - King of kings and Lord of lords

The earth is His in all fullness and form.

He rules in righteousness and His judgments are just.

He reigns with love and bears our burden.

His name will be called Wonderful

He is wonderful and too lofty to comprehend.

His works are marvelous and beyond words.

Mercy and grace are His manifold gifts.

Counselor

His Spirit guides us into all truth.

His ways are higher and His wisdom is renown.

His counsel is wise and His thoughts are pure.

He advocates for justice and fairness.

Mighty God

His name is El Elyon - our God Most High  

He is Elohim - Creator of all things.

He is mighty to save - a strong tower of refuge.

Everlasting Father

He is the Eternal God - from everlasting to everlasting.

Father of the living - now and forevermore.

Prince of Peace

He is the Prince of the earth - keeper of all things.

Love is His scepter and healing is His balm.

His peace shall increase and abound more and more.

His peace is desired above all treasures on earth.

What does this Child mean to you?  Does Christmas warm your heart and stir your spirit?  Does Jesus Christ fulfill your longing and comfort your soul?  This Child is like none other...

 What Child Is This?

What child is this, who, laid to rest,

On Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

   This, this is Christ the King,

   Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

   Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

   The babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear, for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,

Come, peasant, king, to own Him;

The Kings of kings salvation brings,

Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

William Chatterton Dix  (1837-1898)

If you do not yet have a relationship with Jesus Christ - please take a moment to visit the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc. website for an introduction on how you can know Him personally 
and begin a new life as a Christian believer.

Billy Graham - STEPS TO PEACE WITH GOD

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to  embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A Child Is Born - A Son Is Given...

Gold, Frankincense And Myrrh - Your Gift Is Precious Too!

"After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was - the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route."   (Matthew 2:9-12 HCSB)

KING


        GOD


              SACRIFICE

What do these three words mean to you this Christmas season?

As a Christian, they should stir your heart and stretch your soul. When you really contemplate the weight of their meaning and the stature of their significance, you can't help but fall to your knees as did the wise men of old.

Matthew 2:1-2 records details of the magi’s visit from the East to pay homage to the newborn King as follows:  Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Traditionally we celebrate the magi’s worship of our Lord – otherwise known as Epiphany – in January, but I wanted to highlight it during this season of giving.  The three gifts offered represent Jesus Christ as our King, Priest and Prophet.  Scripture references are Daniel 9:24-27, Deuteronomy 18:15, and Psalm 110:4.  

Some church historians, particularly in the West, have named the three magi in Scripture as: Melchior, a king of Arabia who most likely was the oldest of the kings; Balthasar, a king from Saba (present day Yemen); and Caspar, a king from Tarsus (present day southern Turkey).

Their unusual and highly valued offerings were:  Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.

Gold was a gift befitting a king. In the book of Exodus, the tabernacle in which God Himself dwelt housed various items which were either crafted from solid gold or overlaid in gold. 

Gold itself is symbolic of royalty and wealth, and is representative of heaven’s grandeur on the streets of gold mentioned in the book of Revelation. 

 Frankincense is for a Priest and was a chief ingredient in the incense which was to be burned continually in the tabernacle.  In the book of Revelation the prayers of the saints are rising to God’s throne as burning incense. 

Myrrh is for a Savior who died for the world.  Myrrh was a chief ingredient in the anointing oil used in ceremonial rituals to dedicate kings and prophets to the Lord’s service. It was also used in the burial process along with other herbs and spices to preserve the body as mentioned in John 19:39.

You say, “What can I bring Jesus?”  I’m not royalty… I’ve not traveled thousands of miles to see Him… I don’t have an extravagant gift to hand Him.  Ah – but you do. His desire is to have your heart this Christmas season…

This Christmas season celebrate remembering that JESUS is the reason for the season...

We Three Kings of Orient Are  

[written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr.  in 1857]

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Gold, Frankincense And Myrrh - Your Gift Is Precious Too!

Mary, Did You Know? A Christmas Favorite

A young girl anxiously awaits her baby. The Angel who had visited earlier assured her saying, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."

Imagine what went through her mind as she and Joseph, her betrothed, journeyed to the city of his forefathers for the mandated census which had been decreed by none other than Caesar Augustus himself.

The rich lush fields and meadows surrounding Bethlehem, or as it is known in Hebrew, House of Bread, is where Ruth, Jesse and David lived, overlooking picturesque valleys and farmlands, as sheep grazed on the hillside. This is the birth place of the Baby, Who would later boldly declare, “I Am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35; 51). 

This is where the shepherds had received a message from an angel of the Lord. They were to go and seek out the newly born babe, and pay Him homage, right there in their own backyard. The Lamb of God was born in a stable a short distance from where flocks of sheep were bedded down for the night.  When they shared what the angel had said to them with the new parents and others, everyone marveled. Scripture tells us that “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

I imagine Mary looked lovingly down at her baby boy and whispered, “Welcome to the world, my Son. Be at peace. Your dad and I are here. We love You so much!” I’m sure she vividly recalled the moment when an angel of the Lord visited her with the announcement, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 

She no doubt shook her head as she remembered him saying, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 

What a journey it had been. She had surely seen the Lord God move in miraculous ways since that first greeting by His holy messenger. 

Here is how I imagine some of the more memorable moments she most likely recalled from 

 – After they circumcised their infant son, Mary and Joseph journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him and redeem their firstborn as the law required. They were unexpectedly met by a holy, devout prophet named Simeon. Being moved by the Spirit, he took the child into his arms and blessed God saying, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all people, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” She and Joseph were taken aback and marveled at his words. (Luke 2:21-33)

– Mary no doubt remembered how Joseph lovingly brought Jesus as a boy into his carpentry shop as soon as he was able to follow simple directions. He had built him a small bench and gave him his own set of tools to use. She smiled as she recalled the days he spent building little tables and stools. Then, when he turned twelve – Joseph make him a full apprentice in the shop. What a proud day that was in their household! Ever since the incident in Jerusalem, Jesus had been humble and submitted to them in Nazareth – gaining wisdom, stature & favor with men and with God. (Luke 2:51-52)

– During one of their many trips to the Holy City for the Feast of the Passover, Mary and Joseph, supposing Jesus was with their relatives on the return trip, discovered He was missing. Upon circling back to the city, they discovered Him three days later sitting in the midst of the teachers, engaging them and inquiring about the holy scriptures. She and Joseph were amazed, but concerned, asking him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously!” Of course, she readily recalled His answer, “Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:41-49)

– After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, He had several disciples join Him. Just a few days later she had attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee with them. She remembered how embarrassed the family was about running out of wine before the festivities had ended. She recalled telling her Son about their dilemma, and His reply of, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” Though perplexed, she instructed the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Well, what a celebration that was! Not only were the guests enjoying themselves, but the master of the feast was so impressed by the bridegroom’s choice of wine, he publicly commended him about saving the best for last! Of course, she and the disciples knew Jesus had done the miraculous – all as a manifestation of His glory for their benefit. (John 2:1-11)

– Mary had seen and heard so many incredible things while Jesus ministered throughout the region, but none could prepare her for that terrible day when she would watch the unthinkable – His crucifixion on Golgotha. Her Son had endured unspeakable torture and humiliation before His death, and yet, He lovingly presented her to His beloved disciple John to care for as his own mother. She could not comprehend such a selfless gesture as He hung suspended between life and death. Her Son had indeed been a special gift of God… (John 19:25-30)

Be blessed by this touching rendition of "Mary, Did You Know"

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Mary, Did You Know? A Christmas Favorite

Do You Wrestle With God?

The definition of wrestling is this: to contend by grappling with and striving to trip or throw an opponent down or off balance; to combat an opposing tendency or force (wrestling with his conscience); to engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate.

I was listening to a Christian radio program while driving home the other day, and I started thinking about how often I struggle with things I cannot control. How many times do I argue with God’s sovereign decisions and exert my pride in the form of suggesting a “better way” for Him to move in a particular situation? Am I alone here? Do you wrestle with God? Sometimes that can be a good thing!

Many of us know the story of Jacob in Genesis chapter 32. Jacob was returning to his homeland in Canaan with his two wives, Rachel and Leah. On the way, he sent messengers to his brother Esau to appease him. Remember, this is the brother he cheated out of his birthright. His servants told him that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men. Jacob was distressed and divided his people, flocks and herd into two companies. He begged God to intervene and protect him from harm. He reminded God of His promise to bless him and make his descendants innumerable.

During the night, he took his two wives, his servants, and his sons and crossed over the river Jabbok. Genesis 32:24 says, “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man [Jesus] wrestled with him until the breaking of day.” Jacob had struggled and held his ground – keeping the Angel at bay. His faith was not shaken, nor did he relent in the heat of the heavenly engagement. Hosea 12:4 declares, “Yes, he [Jacob] struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us- That is, the Lord God of hosts. The Lord is His memorial.” That very day Jacob saw God face to face. He wanted God’s blessing, but God let him “struggle” that he might truly see who he was in the sight of Almighty God.

Jacob had been a deceiver and a scoundrel much of his life. God asked him, “What is your name?” It was a rhetorical question… Jacob knew who he was. God was causing Jacob to be off balance – that he might dig deep into the recesses of his soul and take inventory of his life up to that point. However, though Jacob persevered, he could not gain and maintain a superior position. During the struggle the Angel of the Lord touched him, placing his hip out of socket, and giving Jacob a limp for the rest of his natural life as a remembrance.


This supernatural encounter also gave him confidence for the difficult days ahead. Jacob had to face the harsh reality regarding his estranged brother and the reception he would soon receive. God now presented him with a new name – Israel – which literally means “Prince with God”. Jacob named the place of his struggle Peniel, which means “I have seen God face to face and my life is preserved.”

Sometimes God allows us to struggle with Him in prayer, and we are often crippled for our own good. Spiritually speaking, our view of ourselves and our problems need to be bent and dislocated in order for our struggling to cease. Our pride and bad judgment can cause us to live a life that distorts what God has planned for us. He desires for us to “walk a different way” after we have wrestled with Him and He has prevailed.

Submitting to God’s plans often involves grappling with our own ideas and remedies. This is evidenced in the lives of some of the Bible’s great heroes. Abraham’s faith was tested when he dialoged with God about the wickedness in Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18). Moses pleaded with God on behalf of Israel when they began worshiping a golden calf and foreign gods (Exodus 32).

We read about Elijah and his struggle with depression. After God miraculously displayed His power on Mount Carmel, Elijah withdrew into the desert to die. While hiding in a cave, and wailing “woe is me”, God revealed Himself to Elijah in a small, still voice (I Kings 19.) David was alone and often lived on the run during his darkest days. He lamented to God in many of the Psalms including 35, 55, 56, 57, and 59. David despaired of his life and longed for the peace of death. Praying to God for deliverance seemed to be a lesson in futility.


Prayer often represents the anguish of the soul in the presence of God. Wrestling with God in prayer exerts tremendous energy and positioning. Ultimately, as we bend our will to His, we allow Him to “pin us to the mat” of our struggles and claim victory in His Name. In Colossians 4:2 the Apostle Paul admonishes the church to “continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving”, and in Colossians 4:12 he tells them that Epaphras, one of their fellow servants “always labors fervently for them in prayer”.

The bottom line is this:  prayer and petitioning God is often engaging and deliberate. It’s emotionally draining and often exhausting. It’s exhilarating and soul-satisfying as we wrestle with a Holy God who sees our frailties and embraces our humble efforts to gain His Blessing.

What a mighty God we serve…

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com 

Do You Wrestle With God?

You Have To Work At It To Make It All Worthwhile

WORK - The word itself conjures up sweat, effort, and time.


Webster in part defines work as: sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result.


Wow! I’m tired just thinking about that definition of work. But seriously, marriage is hard work!

So what exactly is our objective or desired result? According to God’s Word it is unity, honor, edification, submission to authority, spiritual fruit-bearing and unconditional love (I Peter, Ephesians, and I Corinthians).

Often when we enter marriage we come with pre-conceived ideas about what it should look like. We have high expectations. We come dragging in our over-stuffed baggage. We just aren’t realistic about what a healthy God-patterned marriage should look like. If you are in an unequally-yoked marriage, it can be devastating if you don’t grasp the biblical teaching concerning your role as God’s marital representative in that particular situation.

Back to the basics we go. First, there needs to be unity in the marriage. This can be difficult if only one spouse loves and serves the Lord. You must be in unity with Christ first, and then you can unify with your spouse in the areas of your marriage that don’t contradict God’s Word. Be at peace with everyone as much as depends on you (Romans 12:18). Paul addressed the first-century church no different than he would today: submit to one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-3 says, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”


Submission is such a misunderstood word in the church, especially for women. Godly submission is taught in the book of Ephesians and in the book of Romans, and its premise is demonstrated throughout the Bible. Christ is the Head (of the Church) and ideally the husband is submitted to His authority. The wife is to be submitted to her husband in the Lord. We all submit to some form of authority in our lives. We begin submitting to our parents, then teachers, law-enforcement, government, employers, church leaders, and more. Submission is best illustrated in John chapter 17 as Jesus prayed for Himself and submitted to His Father’s Will.

Also, we will exhibit spiritual fruit-bearing, worthy of the Lord when we dig our roots deep into God’s Word and cultivate the soil of our hearts with His Spirit. Galatians Chapter 5 tells us to “walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” When we live a Spirit-filled life, we will display the fruits of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit-bearing should set us apart from those living in the world system. As Christians, we should display behavior that is God honoring and exemplifies Christ’s qualities that drew so many people to Him.

Finally, loving your spouse isn’t a feeling – it’s a commitment to do what is right. God loved us “while we were yet sinners” and died for us (Romans 5:8). We must love our spouses as Christ loves us without pre-conditions or a “litmus test” to see if they are worthy of our affections or not. Love is the greatest of all virtues and does not fail. I Corinthians chapter 13 tells us, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Love is something that we purpose in our heart to do for a lifetime to our marriage partner, regardless of what society tells us in movies, TV shows, or in the public square. We are obligated to flesh out the love God has for us to our spouse in a tangible way – day by day.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

You Have To Work At It To Make It All Worthwhile

Little People Nativity and Song

Many of you have young children or grandchildren. This is a traditional childrens Christmas carol dating from the twelfth century.  Please share this wonderful song with others...

The Friendly Beasts

Jesus our brother, strong and good,

Was humbly born in a stable rude;

And the friendly beasts around Him stood,

Jesus our brother, strong and good.

"I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown,

"I carried His mother up hill and down;

I carried her safely to Bethlehem town,

I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown.

"I," said the cow, all white and red,

"I gave Him my manger for His bed;

I gave Him my hay to pillow His head,

I," said the cow, all white and red.

"I," said the sheep with the curly horn,

"I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm.

He wore my coat on Christmas morn,

I," said the sheep with the curly horn.

"I," said the dove from rafters high,

"I cooed Him to sleep so He would not cry,

We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I;

I," said the dove from rafters high.

And every beast, by some good spell,

In the stable dark was glad to tell,

Of the gift He gave Emmanuel,

The gift He gave Emmanuel.

 
Merry Christmas - Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Little People Nativity and Song