ANGELS

 

ANGELS

Have you wondered what God named his other angels?

We know of Michael and Gabriel.

They were sent to earth as special messengers.

All angels, though, have a special purpose for

they were created to do God’s work -

certainly, a God-honoring output.

In the Bible, angels often appeared in visions.

We read an angel spoke to Joseph in his dreams.

Joseph must have been in a listening “yes, Lord” frame of mind

for he obeyed the angelic directive time-after-time.

Joseph's obedience changed the course of history

as the Christmas story is God's Son's birth story.

This angel, a messenger direct from God, and loyal,

came to Joseph when he was in mental turmoil

giving godly instructions for righteous Joseph to follow,

after Joseph had thought of a human response allowed.

A timely angel with greetings who

would change society anew.

The angel, Gabriel, appeared in person to both Zechariah and Mary

with a message that seemed quite an impossibility.

Both were gripped with fear

when Gabriel appeared.

Zechariah responded with disbelief,

while Mary's response was one of believing faith.

Perhaps one of Gabriel's roles

is to bring peace to God's people

for “do not be afraid” were words

that these surprised believers heard.

Many angels brought a message of peace

for they brought with them a new lease.

One night an angel, surrounded by the glory of the Lord,

came down from heaven with good news of great joy for the shepherds.

As with Joseph, Mary, and Zechariah, who were dismayed,

this angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid.”

One role of angels must be to encourage people

for as a human race we are fearful people.

This angel could rightly be called a good news angel,

though the Bible also speaks of avenging angels.

Heavenly hosts are another name for angels.

They visited earth then went back to heaven to dwell.

These angels were praising God

with voices giving glory to God.

This occupation was not new to them

for that is the angels role in heaven.

These angels praise God day and night,

perhaps surrounded by a bright light,

for God is light and in Him is no darkness.

The fallen angel, satan, distributes wickedness.

After Jesus' temptation in the wilderness,

ministering angels came to encourage Jesus,

strengthening him, perhaps with sustenance,

for Jesus had been without nourishment

for 40 days and nights

being tempted by Satan's fight.

God sends guardian angels to watch over us.

Though often unaware of, they protect us.

Doing God's bidding they come

just when we most need them.

God sometimes uses ordinary people for this purpose, too.

I'm sure you can think of an “angel” who was there for you.

* * * * *

Today there are still "angels" in our midst.

Some will greet you with a hug and a kiss.

Perhaps they are named Gloria or Marco.

Others might be Angela or Antonio.

How can we be an "angel" to another?

Certainly we can encourage one another.

Right now, today, take the time

to send a note, make a call, be kind.

Encouragement will be recalled

time-after-time when life's lulls

on days that are weary

leave one downhearted and teary.

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."

Matthew 1:20

An angel of the Lord

appeared to Joseph in a dream.

Matthew 2:13

An angel of the Lord

appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.

Matthew 2:19

The angel answered, “I am Gabriel.

I stand in the presence of God,

and I have been sent to speak to you

and to tell you this good news.”

Luke 1:19

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,

to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph,

a descendant of David.

The virgin's name was Mary.

Luke 1:26-27

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.”

Luke 2:9-10

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men.”

Luke 2:13

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven...

Luke 2:15

He will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:11

Angels came and attended him.

Matthew 4:11

Are not all angels ministering spirits

sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:14

Do not forget to entertain strangers,

for by so doing some people have entertained angels

without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2

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SIGNS OF THE SEASON

 

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

December comes but once a year we know.

Christmas soon comes and then it goes.

Twinkling lights everywhere all aglow

underneath white new fallen snow.

Snowflakes falling from a darkened sky

delight little children who now lie

in the new snow making snow angels

or Frosty the snowman in the dell.

Christmas carols heard around the town

will turn someone's sad frown upside down.

Trees are decorated everywhere,

inside and outside lights they now wear.

Children are on their best behavior.

Holiday foods prepared and savored.

Cookies decorated with colored frostings

with red and white candy canes for licking.

Gifts exchanged by friends and family,

loved ones we make an effort to see.

Pleasant memories often brought to mind

this Christmas season time after time.

Nativities displayed on tables.

Mary and Joseph in the stable.

The Christ-child born this night long ago

is why we celebrate Christmas, you know.

Let's not forget God's gift to us this day

rather we're at home or far away.

God sent His Son born as a baby.

God's precious gift to you and to me.

Merry Christmas to each one of you

and blessings to last the whole year through.

Until next year when we meet again:

from my heart, peace with joy, I send.

(May be sung to the tune of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”)

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CHRIST-MAS TREE

 

CHRIST-mas TREE

Is there an angel atop your Christ-mas tree

heralding tidings of joy for all to see?

Perhaps there are musical notes decorating your tree

reminding you of those angelic songs of jubilee.

Maybe you’ll display harps or trumpets that could have played

tidings of peace and joy from the heavenly host as they paid

a visit to earth that night

with God's glory shining bright.

Don't forget to display the words peace and joy

the heavenly host spoke of when employed

to announce the good news to all.

Words that still ring true for us all:

Gloria in Excelsis Deo.

(Glory to God in the highest.)

These angelic songs were first sung to the shepherds

as they cared one night long ago for their herds.

Is there a shepherd's hook on your tree

for your friends and family to see?

Perhaps there are sheep scattered among your Christ-mas tree's evergreen boughs,

reminding us of those sheep protected from animals that howl and growl,

as shepherds kept watch through the night

under the stars shining bright.

Or will sheep on your tree remind you of the Good Shepherd,

or as David states in Psalm, The Lord Is My Shepherd.

Do take a moment to recall

this good news available to all.

The shining lights on the Christ-mas tree

remind us of the stars twinkling brightly

in the midnight sky that night

when the shepherds were filled with fright.

Or the magnificent star that led the wise men

all the way to the town of Bethlehem.

Orchestrated by God, the first GPS system?

Have you ever thought how each detail was wonderfully planned?

Is there a manger hanging from within

your Christ-mas tree's evergreen limbs

cradling the Christ-child,

above pretty-wrapped gifts piled?

Do barnyard animals nestle in the boughs -

cattle, donkeys, or maybe feathered fowls -

in remembrance of the last-minute stable

that the innkeeper made available?

Maybe there's a star atop your tree

reminding you of the star the wise men did see

guiding them to where the Christ-child

was, with his mother Mary, as the star directed.

Perhaps camels are added to the revelry

as they too have a place in history.

Don't forget the wise men's gifts

of gold, myrrh, and frankincense.

Perhaps you'll display something gold or a wooden treasure chest

to remind you of these gifts given after the long quest

to find the newborn King

who would forgiveness bring.

Do you hang a cross upon your tree

to be reminded of the cross of Calvary

where Jesus willingly gave His life,

in turn offering us eternal life?

Is there a heart in red

reminding you of the blood shed

when Jesus freely gave His life for us

reminding you of the real meaning of Christmas.

Do include an ornament heart

to remind you of God’s love for you.

God’s love that will never depart -

never ending, each day anew.*

* * * * *

This year when you decorate your Christ-mas tree,

be reminded of God's gift to you offered for free.

The gift of salvation found in Jesus, whose name means the Lord saves,

offering you forgiveness, peace, and joy, with His life He gave.

The angel said to them...

"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

Luke 2:10

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest..."

Luke 2:13-14

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

who was lying in the manger.

Luke 2:16

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

For God so loved the world

that he gave his only begotten Son

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (KJV)

* (It’s a German tradition to hide a pickle within the pine tree’s boughs to be found. Perhaps your family could start a tradition involving a special Christmas heart.)

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REMEMBER

 

REMEMBER

December is a time to remember:

when Christmas music is played in November,

when there’s a wreath hung upon the door,

when it’s snowing and the temperature is burr,

when an evergreen tree is cut down – timber,

when you catch cold and there’s no short cure,

when it's too cold and you prefer to stay indoors,

when chowders satisfy your hunger,

when snow plows late at night roar,

when toys and merchandise are advertised to lure,

when there are several last-minute trips to the store,

when cards are addressed to those familiar,

when cookies are baked and shared once more,

when gifts are exchanged with neighbors -

December is a time to remember

that this month there is something much more...

Jesus is the reason

for this festive season

so when there’s a ton

of work to be done

and a midst all the fun

with parties among

this merry season -

don’t forget God’s Son.

Without Jesus Christ there would be none

of this celebrating going on.

Do enjoy and share this season’s

merriment but remember the reason

we observe each Christmas season.

When you set up the nativity

remember Jesus was God’s gift to you and me.

This gift came as a baby wee

and filled human hearts with much glee.

When you put up your decorated Christmas tree

do be mindful of the cross of Calvary

when one day you prayed a sinner’s heartfelt plea

and now you’ll live with God for eternity.

When you sing carols, even off-key,

the Lord will hear and be pleased

to hear you sing with a heart filled with glory

as you remember the first Christmas story.

Remember

December.

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PROVISION

 

PROVISION

Caesar Augustus did proclaim one day

that a census should be taken right way.

Everyone was to return

to the town where they had been born.

So Joseph and his expectant wife

traveled by donkey for days and nights

from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea

traveling through the mountains of Samaria.

The town of Bethlehem was filled with travelers,

crowded and noisy with boisterous revelers.

There were many reunions with loved ones.

Bethlehem was filled with gaiety and fun.

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem

was there no one at all there to welcome them?

They soon learned there were no more rooms in the inns.

Did these two feel alone and unwelcome?

Did they wonder how God would provide?

Would God provide a place to reside?

Neither did they have a midwife.

Did they start their life with strife?

Seemingly alone as no one welcomed them

despite the large gathering in Bethlehem.

Did no one at all pay attention

to Mary's delicate condition?

Did the long journey start the contractions?

Did Mary know that night there would be action?

Did Joseph worry that they would spend the night outside?

Did Mary tell Joseph, “Just wait and see, God will provide”?

And God did provide

just as Mary confides

for shelter was suggested

though not usually subjected.

For there was an innkeeper

who was kind enough to offer

them shelter in his stable

where he kept his animals.

Did the innkeeper realize Mary was expecting?

Or was it payment for a night's lodging he was accepting?

Did the expectant parents think, "no thank you,"

or were they too weary and tired to argue?

Was Mary in pain

and did the added strain

of no place to stay

on their hearts lay?

There would be no one to attend,

though it was the traditional custom,

for female relatives to attend

when the baby decided to come.

Was Mary's travail easy?

How did Joseph keep busy?

Would God somehow in time provide?

Did Mary in Joseph confide?

Did they pray and ask God for help

when there wasn't any to help?

Were they left alone to fend for themselves in the world,

though assured they would nurture the Savior of the world?

Were they alone or did God provide

after they prayed and in God confide?

Wasn't there anyone to encourage them

there in the little town of Bethlehem?

But wait – encouragers arrived

when some strangers hurried

to Mary and Joseph's side

when the shepherds arrived.

Have you ever thought that perhaps God provided

encouragers when He sent the shepherds

to the stable that night?

Surely a welcome sight?

The shepherds saw this newborn named Christ the Lord, Jesus,

the promised Messiah – Immanuel, God with us,

who encourages every man in every nation

down though the ages through hundred of generations.

* * * * *

Today God still provides encouragers among us -

friends, who are often ministering angels among us.

God does provide every need along the way.

Often when we take the time to pray.

What has God provided for you today?

Was it something for which you have prayed?

Maybe it was a friend who saw a need

and provided encouragement in deed.

Yes, God will provide

when we confide.

Often with a surprise

so open your heart wide.

Then wait to see how God abundantly provides.

Be sure to celebrate the real Christmas this yuletide!

The birth of the Savior, Jesus, who once came to earth

so that we would believe and receive eternal birth.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree

that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

(This was the first census that took place

while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth

in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David,

because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary,

who was pledged to be married to him

and was expecting a child.

While they were there,

the time came for the baby to be born,

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7

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INDESCRIBABLE

 

INDESCRIBABLE

The news was so unbelievable,

the shepherds must have thought "indescribable!"

The angel had promised "good news of great joy"

to ALL people – not just good girls and boys.

The shepherds were so astonished by this news

they practically ran to see if it was really true.

Yes! Good news, indeed!

It was true, we read.

So unbelievable they told everyone -

"Jesus our Savior is born, He's God's Son!"

Everyone who heard this good news were amazed.

Wondrous! Glorious! Was there even a phrase?

Mary, though, thoughtfully pondered and treasured these events in her heart.

Perhaps everything was so indescribable she didn't know where to start.

Do you realize it was the shepherds who told her about the angel's pronouncement.

Unbelievable! Unthinkable! She must have been overcome with amazement!

That God should orchestrate such an awesome production

that would be talked about even to our generation -

of the glory of the Lord descending from heaven

with good news of great joy: a Savior has been born!

The news was so indescribable, the shepherds could not stop talking about it.

The news was so indescribable, Mary stated she was humbled in her spirit -

that God should come down to earth

in the form of a baby's birth.

This incredibly good news is still spread abroad today

as Christians everywhere celebrate on Christmas Day

the most indescribable gift of all -

God's gift of salvation is for us ALL.

* * * * *

God has so many incredibly good things in store for your life.

One being that Jesus came as Immanuel, or God with us, through strife.

Let Jesus be your burden bearer.

Acknowledge Him today as your Savior.

Christmas will take on a whole new meaning

when you comprehend the true beginning

that Christmas is Christ’s birth

when He came to earth.

When they had seen him,

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

and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:17, 18, 20

But Mary treasured up all these things

and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

II Corinthians 9:15

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A review received today: BEST Christmas gift!

 I have said that the best Christmas gift is when the former neighborhood children stop to visit me when they are home to visit their parents. Received another BEST Christmas gift today! A book review:

Life Is a Garden Party: Gardening Observations with Spiritual Applications in Rhyme by Judy Janowski is a heartfelt and thoughtful book that merges the beauty of nature with spiritual reflections. The author offers readers a delightful tour of her garden, where each observation is paired with a relevant Scripture and conveyed through charming rhymes.

The book serves as both a personal diary and an instructional guide for gardeners, inviting readers to reflect on the miracles of creation, from the buzzing of bees to the blooming of flowers. It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the small wonders of life, and find spiritual meaning in nature. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or someone looking for a touch of inspiration, this book delivers insights that can resonate with readers of all ages.

Janowski's tone is gentle and encouraging, making the book accessible for families. Her poetic style brings a refreshing quality to gardening, offering a deeper connection to the earth and its Creator. The blend of Scripture with garden imagery offers an enriching experience for those looking for spiritual growth along with horticultural wisdom.

While the book’s primary appeal is to gardeners and nature lovers, its message is universal. The reminders to pause, listen, and appreciate the present moment are timeless, and its gentle encouragement to thank God for His creations is uplifting.

In conclusion, Life Is a Garden Party is a lovely read for anyone seeking a balance of gardening tips and spiritual nourishment. It’s a perfect reference book that families can turn to for inspiration and reflection, time and time again.

Alexis

(Life Is a Garden Party is available via Amazon.)