
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Continue readingFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Continue reading“O Holy Night” is perhaps the most sung holiday carol every Christmas season. Its origin is French, dating from 1843, then translated to English in 1855.
Each stanza brings to life the wondrous event, the miraculous birth of our savior on one holy night; Jesus, the savior of the world. An event so glorious that earth knew to rejoice for sin no longer would bind us, for souls no longer would feel contempt.
Continue readingThrough the years, it’s sad to say, my Christmas celebratory group has grown smaller. However, my expansion of understanding the true meaning of Christmas has been a blessing. Don’t get me wrong, all the partying and gifts are a welcome part of this year’s celebration. It’s more that over the years I’ve grown in Christ, studying and believing more of what Jesus, our Gift from God, means to me.
What a blessing to spend this holiday with those I love…my husband, pregnant daughter, son-in-law, their 8 month old daughter, and family in-laws. As much as I’d like, it doesn’t always happen this way.
Continue readingIt’s easy to get caught up in gift giving and celebratory events during Christmas; but let’s not forget what the holiday commemorates.
Many songs are written in celebration of Christ’s birth. One in particular is “The Little Drummer Boy” (originally “Carol of the Drum“). A beloved Christmas song written in 1941 by American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis, it was first recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family Singers.
The simple lyrics explain the heartache of a poor boy, when invited to meet baby Jesus thought, “I have no gift to bring that’s fit to give our King.”
That young boy then offered the King the only thing he had…himself.
Picture the scene as it unfolds before the Christ child:
Continue readingAre you ready for change? I know I am. 2020 and 2021 were years of uncharterd stress. Folks suffered individual trials as difficulties flourished. The world as a whole experienced great unwanted change.
In my small circle of life I witnessed or heard of the goings-on of family and friends as they navigated 2020 and 2021. It wasn’t easy and thankfully those years are over and done.
Now 2022 is about to begin. New years offer new beginnings. Let’s leave them behind and enter anew, a new day, by making a decision for change.
A change to purposefully, profusely, and properly speak Jesus in 2022!
Continue readingThe Christmas season has arrived!
Radio stations are playing joyful Christmas carols. Families are addressing beautiful Christmas cards. Preparations for Christmas cookies are being made as grandma’s recipes are pulled from kitchen drawers. And Christmas trees stand tall in the house, soon to be decorated in anticipation of Christmas presents that will surround them.
These events are not the reason for Christmas, but they have transitioned through the years into festive activities Christians enjoy as we celebrate the season. A season when school children and employees alike are excused from their expected duties to acknowledge one extraordinary day – Christmas!
Sadly, there are folks out there trying to snuff our seasonal festivities. Festivities Christians enjoy as part of the Christmas celebration.
Continue readingThe prophet Isaiah foretold of the birth of a child; a child like none ever to be born. Isaiah was speaking of the birth of our Savior, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – baby Jesus.
Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
His prophesy came true as told in Luke 2:1-20, where we find the true story of Christ’s birth, the reason we celebrate Christmas:
Continue readingJesus Christ did not come into the world to condemn. Jesus came as a gift, a precious gift desiring to be given to all who will receive Him.
Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Picture a friend standing just outside your door holding a beautifully wrapped large box! Wouldn’t you be eager to invite him in and receive his gift?
Now picture Jesus, desiring to be your best friend, offering you a more beautiful gift, one that will last a lifetime!
Continue readingThe word “Christ” comes from christos, a Greek word meaning “anointed.” It is equal to the word mashiach, or Messiah, in Hebrew. Jesus the Christ means Jesus is “the anointed one of God.” To be the anointed One of God, one would have distinct qualities unto oneself. It is only Jesus who possesses the many distinct qualities identifying our Savior, beginning with His virgin birth.
Jesus’ virgin birth took place two thousand years ago, as foretold over seven hundred years prior by the the prophet Isaiah. How very distinct–having a virgin as His mother and prophets foretelling His conception!
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.
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