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...

Christmas – What Gift Do You Bring Him?

If you are in a spiritually uneven marriage, the holiday season can be stressful and uncertain. 

However, the Prince of Peace wants you to focus on Him.  Jesus desires your love, devotion and obedience.  But we also have to recognize His Deity, as did the wise men of old.

  

The customary Christmas story in Matthew chapter 2 is set in the hill country of Judea, about five miles southwest of Jerusalem in the area surrounding the town of Bethlehem.   

Micah 5:2 refers to Bethlehem as “…little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

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 presents 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 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 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.

Matthew 2:11 states, “And when they (magi) had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

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…

We often sing the more popular stanzas in Christmas hymns and omit the others.  Read the entire hymn below to get a deeper glimpse into the wonderful sentiments of the author.

We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar,

Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,

King forever, ceasing never,  Over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I; Incense owns a Deity nigh;

Prayer and praising all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.

Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume, Breathes a life of gathering gloom:

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice;

Alleluia, Alleluia!  Sounds through the earth and skies.

~ John Henry Hopkins, Jr.  (1820-1891)

 

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 Spiritually Uneven Marriage

Christmas – What Gift Do You Bring Him?