New

 New

A new year, a new page, a new resolve, a new plan -

a chance to begin again

we all tend

to yen.

One-by-one days add up to become a year

filled with memories – some sad and some dear.

The old year has passed, the New Year begun

at midnight when "Auld Lang Syne" has been sung.

Did you know "Auld Lang Syne" means the good old times?

The ones left behind - and the ones to be born in time.

Each day dawns like a new blank page,

surprises await at each new phase.

Some anticipated and some are not

for no one knows for certain their lot.

Each day new memories are being made

that you might record on a new blank page.

If you have made a resolution this New Year

you have made a resolve to change in the new year.

Every day we have a new choice -

to choose how we respond is our choice.

Choices bring about change if one is steadfast.

Determination keeps us doing the task.

A new plan to begin all over again

is written in God’s Word again and again.

Don't start the New Year without knowing

God the Creator – who's all knowing.

He knows what you struggle with each new day

and has a plan to come to your aid.

God is as close as a prayer away

so start your New Year in this new way.

Simply say, "Dear Heavenly Father",

for with God it's never a bother,

to hear and answer our prayers in His time -

with pages of memories for "Auld Lang Syne".

Behold, I make all things new.

Revelation 21:5

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Perfect Love

 Perfect Love

Let's consider the miracle of Christmas.

Because of God's mercy and amazing grace,

in His perfect love His promise was fulfilled

one night in Bethlehem as God's glory spilled

across the night sky when an angel announced to the shepherds

news of a Savior born - the most incredible news ever heard.

The promise of salvation for all.

Forgiveness from sins now possible.

The miracle of forgiveness alone was bliss

but now eternal life was also promised.

Forgiveness of sins and eternal life offered for free.

This miracle of God's mercy and amazing grace for you and me.

Not through anything we have done

but because of God's love which had come

one night long, long ago

in a stable where cattle lowed

as God provided shelter

in a town helter-skelter.

God's provision – a miracle at the 11^th hour -

proving that He is our rock, our strong tower.

And God still performs these 11^th hour miracles today.

Miracles that build our faith and trust as we journey on our way

through God's mercy and amazing grace

faithfully sustaining the human race.

God's promise fulfilled by the birth of a baby

which was God's perfect love personified, truly.

Perfect love that offers forgiveness and eternal life also.

Perfect love that from the heart of God to ours continuously flows.

Christmas signifies the gift of God's perfect love

when the Savior came down from heaven above.

May you realize the incredible love God has for you

not only at Christmastime but the whole year through

as you recall God's promise of a Savior who came to earth -

announced by angels, witnessed by shepherds - with a birth

nothing less than a miracle:

God's gift of love to all peoples.

* * * * *

God's love is perfect because it is unconditional

based on God's continuous mercy and amazing grace to all.

Unfathomable from the human mind,

this perfect love that God has for mankind.

God's mercy and grace though undeserved

always lovingly bestowed

for God desires everyone come to repentance -

to receive his free gift of salvation through forgiveness.

I pray that you have received this free gift.

A gift that will bring peace and joy to your spirit.

Receive God's gift of love to us -

the gift of Jesus – this Christmas.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

You have been my refuge,

a strong tower.

Psalm 61:3

There is no fear in love.

Perfect love drives out fear,

because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I John 4:18

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Be imitators of God, therefore,

as dearly loved children

and live a life of love,

just as Christ loved us.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Dear friends, Let us love one another,

for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

I John 4:7

God's kindness leads you toward repentance.

Romans 2:4

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

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Names

 Names

Take time to read the story of Jesus' birth

which you'll find in Matthew and in Luke.

Take note of the names used to describe

this one of whom was prophesied.

You'll find God's one and only beloved Son has many names.

The New Testament tells us that the holy child will be named:

the Lord saves or "Jesus";

"Immanuel", meaning God with us.

The wise men called Him

the "king of the Jews" when they sought Him.

The angel referred to Him as "the Son of the Most High"

when Mary was told she was the one chosen from on high.

The angel also called Him the "Son of God"

when Mary learned of her destiny from God.

The angel told the shepherds He would be known as "Savior"

as He was sent to earth as our needed deliverer.

The title of "Christ " or the Anointed One

was another name for his earthly mission.

The name "Christ the Lord" gives Him reign

over the universe supreme.

Isaiah in the Old Testament speaks of this child-to-come by other names.

Contemplate the awesome characteristics of God's Son as described in these names.

In part, these names demonstrate that God is approachable, sustainable, available, peaceable,

and the ups and downs of everyday life attest that He is undeniably able.

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

As "Wonderful Counselor", God is approachable,

assuring us that our concerns are manageable.

As "Mighty God" he will sustain us

no matter what may come to pass.

Our "Everlasting Father" is always available

as through prayer He is assessable and attainable.

The "Prince of Peace" tells us He is peaceable

as recorded over and again in the Bible.

* * * * *

Whatever you call this King

He will be your everything

when to Him you continually bring

in daily heart-felt prayer offering

your big and little concerns, unconfessed sins,

your gratitude and attitude within.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about...

Matthew 1:18

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.

Matthew 1:21

The virgin will be with child

and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel -

which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:23

Where is the one who has been born

king of the Jews?

Matthew 2:2

You will be with child and give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus.

He will be great and will be called

The Son of the Most High.

Luke 1:31-32

So the holy one to be born

will be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:35

Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

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.

Isaiah 9:6

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

There are many more names attributed to God's Son.

Sometime take time to make an ABC... list. It'll be fun.

A = Almighty, B = Bread of Life, C = Comforter

D = Deliverer, E = Eternal, F = Friend, and more...

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Manger

 Manger

Have you ever considered the manger?

Some crudely cut wood pieced together

used as a feed box for barnyard animals

was nothing extraordinary after all.

A lowly, humble, crude trough

made out of wood cut rough

to serve a purpose -

to hold hay was its use.

Nothing fancy about it, probably quite plain.

Perhaps not even chiseled with a plane.

Nothing that would garner attention -

except when dinner time came.

But maybe there was something quite remarkable.

One, it was accessible and two, available.

It made a convenient bassinet or crib

for it would cradle a baby, it did.

The manger, a word heard once a year

when reading the first Christmas story dear.

Though humble, this lowly manger,

would cradle the promised Savior.

It's purpose glorified that night

brought the shepherds delight

for just as the angel said

it was the Savior's bed.

In fact, “the King's bed”,

it could be said.

God had a plan to turn what was humble, yet available,

into something extraordinarily wonderful!

* * * * *

Have you ever thought

you could never do that?

Is it because you feel insecure or inferior?

Perhaps lowly like the forgotten manger.

Do your anxieties hold you back?

Maybe it's confidence you lack?

Perhaps not speak in front of a crowd

because your knees would be knocking too loud.

Do you know God uses what's available

and He will give you grace that enables.

Do you suppose God could use someone like you

if you had the courage to ask him to?

The Bible shows us God doesn't look at the outward stuff,

so if you think you're not thin enough or educated enough

be aware God is more concerned about the attitude of your heart

then he is about status that you think might set someone apart.

Ask God to give you a testimony bold

and he will refine you as the choicest gold.

Notice God didn't chose the most gifted speakers

for God's Word records tongue-tied orators/preachers.

Moses and Jeremiah tried to bow out

when God surprisingly chose them to shout out

His message to His people -

their excuses being feeble.

God has a wonderful plan and purpose just for you.

All you need is to see yourself through God's loving view.

Like the manger, God has something wonderful waiting for you.

Ask God for his holy boldness then go out and share the Good News.

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

Moses said to the Lord,

“O Lord, I have never been eloquent,

neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant.

I am slow of speech and tongue.”

The Lord said to him,

“Who gave man his mouth?

Who makes him deaf or mute?

Who gives him sight or makes him blind?

Is it not I, the Lord? Now go;

I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Exodus 4:10-12

The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

“Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said,

“I do not know how to speak;

I am only a child.”

But the Lord said to me,

“Do not say, 'I am only a child.”

You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.

Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me,

“Now, I have put my words in your mouth.”.

Jeremiah 1:4-9

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:7

Enable your servants to speak your word

with great boldness.

Acts 4:29

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

As for you, the anointing your received from him remains in you,

and you do not need anyone to teach you.

But as this anointing teaches you about all things

and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit -

just as it has taught you, remain in him.

I John 2:27

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Leaders

 Leaders

The first Christmas story mentions the leaders of that day

though the focus is on the angel's message, the baby,

the shepherds, the manger, Mary, Joseph,

a bright star and wise men bearing gifts.

There are political leaders

and unnamed religious leaders.

The political leaders were Caesar Augustus

and the governor of Syria named Quirinius.

Another leader was King Herod, a malicious fellow,

who issued an edict for the wise men to follow.

The wise men were very astute, quite true to their name, it seems,

as they heeded an opposite instruction from a dream.

There were also religious leaders well versed in Old Testament law.

These were the chief priests, or Sadducees, and other teachers of the law.

These priests ensured that the order of worship was adhered to,

obeying the law, but in their hearts they didn't have a clue.

Even the teachers of the law practiced a legalistic religion,

one lacking relationship, following rules vs. heart application.

Gaining head knowledge, obeying the law which is right,

but lacking heart knowledge leading them to the Light.

When Herod inquired of them where Christ was to be born

they knew the answer based on scripture – in Bethlehem.

Old Testament prophesy was being fulfilled right then, in their lifetime,

but these leaders seemed to be too preoccupied to take time to seek and find.

So all these leaders learned that the king of the Jews, as prophesied, was born.

Did any of them jump on their chariots or donkeys creating a dust storm?

It seemed to be just another day in the neighborhood.

Perhaps if they had heart knowledge they would have understood.

Were they too busy to even set an hour apart?

Or maybe not interested because of calloused hearts?

No one interrupted their schedules from their daily duties

to go see a newborn baby whom everyone thinks is a cutey.

Not just any baby adored.

He was the Savior, Christ the Lord,

of whom the heavenly host did joyfully sing

and of whom the wise men called a newborn king

Quite the opposite from the shepherds and the wise men who

sought the promised Christ-child until he was at last found.

The shepherds hurried off to see if the announcement was true.

The wise men persevered for weeks following the star westward bound.

The shepherds through their witness and testimony gave glory to God

telling everyone everything while glorifying and praising God.

Matthew records that when the wise men saw the child they worshiped him

recognizing that the Christ-child was God's promised one, the King of Kings.

Two totally different responses. The political and religious leaders were indifferent.

The shepherds and wise men testified of this One who was born to make a difference.

The shepherds and wise men wholeheartedly made time

while the leaders had indifference on their minds.

* * * * *

Who are we most like?

Do we search and find the Light?

Do we make the time for Bible study

or do we find we are too busy?

Do we make the time to make a difference

imitating Christ likeness

or do we often find ourselves indifferent

to our neighbor's trials and stress?

Be like the shepherds or wise men.

Do not be like these leaders, these men,

who were too busy, too preoccupied, too indifferent.

Study God's Word, imitate Christ. You'll see in yourself a difference.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod,

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"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."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed,

and all of Jerusalem with him.

When he had called together all the people's chief priests

and teachers of the law,

he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied,

"for this is what the prophet has written".

Matthew 2:1-5

"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,

which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby,

who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

Luke 2:15-17

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

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

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sign against you.

Psalm 119:11

Pharisees and Sadducees

The Pharisees were a legalistic and separatist group who strictly, but often hypocritically, kept the law of Moses and the unwritten "tradition of the elders". The Sadducees were more worldly and politically minded, and were theologically unorthodox – among other things denying the resurrection, angels and spirits.

Chief priests - Sadducees who were in charge of worship at the temple.

Teachers of the law – The Jewish scholars of the day, professionally trained in the development, teaching and application of OT law.

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Joy

Joy

What joy

that day

when angels sang

sweet anthems.

Songs of jubilation

and glad exultation

with much rejoicing

come down from heaven.

That day when angels came to earth

to announce the Savior’s birth

delightful music filled the air –

heavenly music they did share.

Singing for all they were worth

with jubilation and mirth

filled the shepherd's ears

sung loud and clear.

A song never before heard

was sung to the shepherd’s herd

but still rings true today

lighting our weary way.

A melody singing "glory"

bringing God praise and glory

today we sing in a hymn of bliss –

it’s “glory to God in the highest”.

This song of joy and rejoicing

gives glory to God in heaven.

Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace and new found rest.

* * * * *

As the angels promised

we can find peace and rest

with joy and gladness

when we simply trust.

The angel’s joy is found

in Christ and can abound

in you when you believe

and in prayer receive.

You’ll be glad

you did

believe

and receive.

Do it now.

This is how:

Dear Jesus, I believe you came to earth to die for my sins.

Please forgive me and help me to live a new life within. Amen.

Give God glory

in melody

or thankful delight

each day and night.

Joy is yours!

God has in store

so much more

than you can wish for.

And if you're weighed down with worry,

stop, and start giving God glory.

Joy will abound

when worry is gone.

You'll find constant worry

is Satan's territory

and robs us of joy.

God's plan is to bring joy.

So with a joyful heart

give God glory, just start.

You'll see life differently

when joy replaces worry.

The joy of the Lord is my salvation (deliverance).

Nehemiah 8:10

Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace to men.

Luke 2:14

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Gifts of Faith

Gifts of Faith

Christmas, a time of giving to others,

to show our love for one another.

Christmas, though a time for giving and receiving presents,

is oftentimes forgetting to include Christ's presence.

Busyness with many festivities,

recapturing childhood memories,

yet the reason for the season is oft forgot

though it's the reason we exchange gifts we brought.

So how about we make a conscious effort

this year to give Christ heartfelt, faith-filled gifts.

What would you give to Christ this Christmas?

What would you freely give if someone asked?

Let's start with the three gifts the wise men brought to Christ.

These gifts will also make a difference in our lives.

As you know, these gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Precious, meaningful gifts meant for a king, they were.

Gold is the symbol of royalty, a gift fit for Jesus Christ,

as the wise men acknowledged Jesus was King of the Jews.

When we acknowledge and confess Jesus as Lord of our life

we agree His way is best and give Him the right to rule.

So we faithfully follow God's commands

written in God's Word for His children.

We know that obedience shows God we love Him

so we endeavor to live our lives to please our King.

Frankincense is a symbol of Christ's purity, His sinless perfection,

being God's provision to guarantee our sins are forgiven.

To be pure is to be "set-apart" from the influences of this wicked world.

To live in this world as ambassadors being obedient to God's Word.

Striving to be pure in word, thought, and deed;

living a life of love instead of greed.

Having the Holy Spirit who enables us

to remain strong when sin attracts us.

Myrrh is a symbol of Christ's death and suffering

used at that time in burial preparations.

We imitate this by "dying to self ", daily to aspire.

Seeking God's ways instead of our own selfish desires.

Dying to self is a daily battle,

one in which God will enable.

To say "no" to ungodliness,

as we acknowledge God's way is best.

Three gifts to give to Christ every day of the year:

l acknowledging Jesus is Lord keeps His presence near,

2 being pure or set apart from the world,

3 daily dying to self by saying 'no'.

* * * * *

These three gifts of abiding faith

we give to Christ who by His grace

was the very first Christmas present.

Don't forget to acknowledge His presence.

Lord, may I seek to please you

in all I say, think, or do

so that my life is a testimony

giving you praise, honor, and glory.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him

with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?"

Matthew 2:1-2

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

Hosea 6:3

And this is love:

that we walk in obedience to his commands.

2 John 6

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable -

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

while we wait for the blessed hope -

the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness

and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,

eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11-14

You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being.

Revelation 4:11

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Countdown

 Countdown

The countdown to another Christmas begins

with many decorations displayed within

and festive lights outside

announcing the yuletide.

The Christmas tree is decorated

with special ornaments collected

year after year

from far and near.

There's Christmas cards to again write

occupying many a night

as friends and family are remembered

each year in the month of December.

Christmas songs are heard on the radio

about reindeer and Santa Claus – ho, ho, ho!

You'll hear Christmas trees sung about

and songs about "you'd better not pout".

Presents are wrapped

in festive gift wrap

to be given to someone

before January comes.

Christmas cookies are baked

or maybe a yuletide cake

to share with loved ones.

Have another one.

Christmas parties are planned

for men, women and children

or maybe a Christmas play

as parents mouth the words to say.

Maybe an impromptu choir

will sing carols that will inspire

as they walk from door to door

as snowflakes quietly soar.

"Over the river and through the woods"

much laughter is heard in neighborhoods

as families gather together again

when Christmastime comes around again.

Amidst much hurry and scurry

Christmas is over in a hurry.

The countdown to Christmas is over then the year comes to a close.

What happened to the 'reason for the season', do you suppose?

* * * * *

When the countdown to Christmas begins,

please take time to read the story about the inn

where the innkeeper said "there's no room"

one night under the midnight moon...

though he did offer his stable

in the midst of the rabble

of the census being taken

in the town of Bethlehem.

Expectant

parents

Mary and Joseph were relieved

when this announcement was received...

for any minute Mary would deliver

a baby boy, to be named Jesus, the Savior,

who would save us from our sins

when we ask Him to dwell within.

So there in the stable one night

under the stars shining bright

this baby was born that would change the world

becoming the greatest story ever told.

At the same time this announcement

was made by angels who were sent

from heaven above

with a story of love...

to shepherds that first Christmas night,

though they were terrified with fright,

to see the glory of the Lord shine round

as they fell to their knees there on the ground.

The shepherds then hurried to Bethlehem to see

this miracle which was too amazing to believe

and there they found Jesus Christ the Lord, a baby,

just as the angel said, in a manger lying, so wee.

This baby who was promised

longed ago by the prophets

would one day be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – to guide us on the path we trod.

It seems God chose the shepherds

to be his good news heralds

for they told everyone

that the Savior had come.

This good news passed down through generations

celebrated by men, women and children

each December 25^th

now know to us as Christmas.

On the countdown to Christmas did you take a few minutes to read

this story in Matthew and Luke which established our nation's creed?

Please don't leave Christ out of your Christmas.

You'll find with Christ in your life, you'll be blessed.

And he will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

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Chosen

 Chosen

Luke 1 tells us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was chosen.

There's nothing about Mary's upbringing written.

Perhaps she was from a modest family.

Certainly she came from a holy family.

It seems as if her family worshiped God

for her response shows she chose to please God.

She referred to herself as the Lord's servant or handmaid.

A role after which all of us should choose to be made.

Have you wondered where were Mary's parents

when the angel announced this awesome event?

Instead of discussing it with Joseph

she went to stay with Elizabeth?

Did she choose Elizabeth as her spiritual mentor?

Is that why God arranged to bring them together?

What did Zechariah think?

We know he could not speak.

We don't know if Mary had any siblings.

Do you suppose Mary was fair in appearance?

I'm sure as in choosing David to be king,

God did not choose her outward appearance.

God looks at the attitude of our heart

and Mary's heart must have been right:

devoted, reverent, trusting, believing -

in every aspect of her daily living.

Surely she chose to honor God

in all she said and did.

Certainly her words and actions

were filled with heart-felt adoration.

Based on her prayer starting at Luke 1:46

Mary was familiar with God's loving kindness.

And she chose to give glory to God with rejoicing

as she was humbled by God's incredible choosing.

Mary's prayer shows she was acquainted with God's ways.

She was familiar with how God provided always

choosing to praise God for His loving blessings

for God is merciful though we're not deserving.

Certainly Mary's family believed a Messiah would come

and when that time did come he would surely be welcomed.

She was humbled that God chose her to fulfill this prophesy.

As she says, her soul and spirit were filled with God's glory.

Chosen for a unique purpose

known throughout the universe.

Chosen to be the mother of Jesus -

God gift to us, celebrated each Christmas.

* * * * *

As Mary was chosen and used,

God desires that you choose

to be a child of the King

simply through believing.

Let Mary's life be an example to you

for she gave glory to God each day anew.

Though afraid when the angel announced the unbelievable news

she surrendered her life to God after receiving the news.

She chose to give God the glory -

a vibrant, bold testimony

becoming her life story

now established in history.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:8

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me -

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers."

Luke 1:46-55

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Blessings

 Blessing

If you're at all familiar with the Bible

you know it's filled with promises wonderful.

Promises that come true in your life and mine

as the Bible applies to all at all times.

You've noticed that blessings are given

freely to one's and others' children.

Many blessings were presented at the temple

by God's designated dedicated people.

Zechariah was a priest, upright in God's sight,

who obeyed God's commandments, always doing right.

Zechariah blessed his son John (the Baptist)

with God's words of wisdom.

Luke records that Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit.

How, like Moses, Zachariah’s face must have been lit!

John was to prepare the way for Jesus' coming

as a prophet preaching about forgiveness from sins.

This blessing or benediction was ordained by God

even before John the Baptist was born, we're told.

What an amazing blessing

to the world was coming.

When Jesus was a baby, he was consecrated to the Lord,

in accordance with what is written in the Law of the Lord.

Consecrated or dedicated to the Lord.

Because of Christmas, we know this birth would change the world.

Simeon, righteous and devout, blessed Jesus in the temple.

A blessing that extends even today to all peoples.

This eternal blessing is found in believing

the One who came so our sins would be forgiven.

Anna, a prophetess,

also blessed Jesus,

stating he would redeem Jerusalem.

Anna’s words were filled with God's wisdom.

Blessings.

Earth changing.

Bringing about a change for the good.

Christmas, Jesus' birth, changed the world - it would.

* * * * *

Are your spoken words blessings

or do they come out as cursings?

If your words are full of doubt,

than a cursing has been let out.

Unfortunately we tend to talk more about what's wrong

than we do about our many blessings, which is wrong.

Words have power. What we say affects us emotionally,

we often find, as well as physically and spiritually.

Our words have power to tear down or to enrich

not only ourselves but others within our reach.

Our words make a lasting imprint on others.

May our words always bless one another.

God has spoken blessings over you too.

In His faithfulness He cares for you.

Here's a blessing from God's Word to you.

May you realize God's love, so true.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

This is the blessing Zechariah spoke regarding his son, John:

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

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 our feet into the path of peace."

Luke 1:76-79

When the time of their purification

according to the Law of Moses had been completed,

Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

(as it is written in the Law of the Lord,

"Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord").

Luke 2:22-23

This is the blessing Simeon spoke regarding Jesus:

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon,

who was righteous and devout.

He was waiting for the consolation of Israel,

and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die

before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.

When the parents brought in the child Jesus

to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel."

The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel,

and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.

And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Luke 2:29-35

Anna also blessed Jesus:

There was also a prophetess, Anna,

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

She was very old;

she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,

and then was a widow until she was 84.

She never left the temple but worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying.

Coming up to them at that very moment,

she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child

to all who were looking forward

to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:36-38

(Jesus) took the children in his arms,

put his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:16

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms

with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.

My brethren, these things out not so to be.

James 3:10 (KJV)

As surely as I live, declares the Lord,

I will do to you the very things I heard you say.

Numbers 14:28

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