I am with You Always

Today's Reading: Matthew 28:10, 16-20

"Do not be afraid... 

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and in earth. 

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them 

in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;

and lo,  

I am with you always,

even to the end of the age."

I thank God, that even in times of turmoil, we need not fear because
ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH
HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE RISEN LORD!
HALLELUJAH!

No matter what happens, He is with us always, 

even to the very end of the age!!!

Jesus is Coming

Today's Reading: Revelation 22

"And he showed me a pure river of water of life,  clear as crystal,
proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 
In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, 
was the tree of life,... 
yielding fruit every month. 
The leaves were for the healing of the nations... 
These words are faithful and true.
 
The Lord God... sent His angel to show...what must shortly take place.
'Behold, I am coming quickly!
Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book... 
I am the Alpha and Omega, 
the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last...
I am the Root and the Offspring of David, 
the Bright and Morning Star...
Surely, I am coming quickly.' Amen.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come!... 
And let him who thirsts come. 
Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
Excerpts from Revelation 22.

 Hallelujah! Come Lord Jesus come! 

We wait as a bride waits for her groom, with great joy and anticipation. 

COME JESUS COME!

The New Heaven and New Earth

Todays Reading: 2 Peter 3:10, 13, Revelation 21

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night,
in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise,
and the elements will melt with fervent heat;
both the earth and the works that are in it
will be burned up...

Nevertheless we, according to His promise,
look for new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells."
2 Peter 3:10,13

"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth,
for the first heaven and the first earth
had passed away...
Then I, John, saw the holy city,
New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
'Behold, the dwelling of God is with men
and He will live with them and be their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death, or mourning,
or crying or pain for the former things have passed away."
Rev 21:1-4

As we approach the end this year, we are confident a new year will begin. So too as we near the end of the age; know that a new age is coming... a new heaven and a new earth... dwelling with God! Let us affirm our hope of what will surely come to pass. Be encouraged and blessed.

"Behold I make all things new."
Rev 21:5

The Throne in Heaven

Today's Reading: Revelation 4 & amplified;5 Ephesians 1:9,10, Col 1:19,20

In John's vision of the Risen Lord, Jesus tells him to write letters to the 7 churches in Asia. After that John looked "and behold, a door standing open in heaven." A voice called to him saying "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this. Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold a throne in heaven,..."

Read chapter four, only 11 verses to catch a glimpse of the glory of God, heaven and the worship of God.Then in chapter five,(14 verses), we see a scroll in the right hand of God and a strong angel proclaimed in a loud voice

"Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose it's seals?"
"I,(John) wept much,
because no one was found worthy
to open and read the scroll or look at it.
But one of the elders said to me 'Do not weep.
Behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah,
the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll...
And I looked, and behold in the midst...
stood a lamb as though it had been slain...
He came and took the scroll out of the hand
of Him who sat on the throne.
Now when He had taken the scroll,
the four living creatures and
the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb...
and... sang a new song,
'You are worthy to take the scroll
and open its seals; For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood..."
Revelation 5:2-9

The Story of the entire Bible from Genesis through Revelation, the greatest story ever told in all of Creation, is God's love, mercy and redemption of fallen man. Written on this scroll is the the end of all the ages with everything brought to completion; where Christ gathers everything together in heaven and earth into one and reconciles them to God.
"... in the dispensation of the fullness of the times
He might gather together in one all things in Christ,
both which are in heaven and 

which are on earthin Him."
Ephesians 1:10

"... and by Him to reconcile all things on earth
or things in heaven, having made peace
through the blood of His cross.
And you, who once were alienated...
He has now reconciled
in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy, and blameless,
and above reproach in His sight."
Colossians 1:20-22

"Behold! The Lamb of God,
who takes away the sins of the world!"
John 1:29

"Worthy is the Lamb... to receive power and riches
and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
Revelation 5:11,13

Hallelujah!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Reading: Revelation 1

Yesterday we looked at the Wise Men coming to Jerusalem and asking "Where is He who is born King of the Jews?" We saw the prophecy of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and then with in the week, He was crucified; and did not reign over a Kingdom on this earth. What happened to the Great King prophesied through out the Old Testament? He was resurrected and taken up into heaven. Where is He now?

The book of the Revelation is the Revelation of the resurrected Christ! It is written by the Apostle John who had a vision of the risen Lord. John was close to Jesus during His life on this earth. He was one of His three closest friends and traveled everywhere with Him. As a young man he saw Jesus with his own eyes, heard His actual voice speak and touched Him with his own hands (I John 1). He wrote the gospel story of what he experienced with Jesus so that we might believe in Him and have life in His Name. (John 20:31)

Now he is an old man imprisoned on an Island and all of the other disciples that were with Jesus have died, most were martyred for their faith. He was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day and received a Revelation of the Risen Lord. In verses 9-20 he "sees" the Eternal Christ. Even though he was so familiar with Jesus when He walked on earth with John, he was awestruck and

"fell at His feet as though dead!"

In our comfort as the children of God, seeing Him as our Father, perhaps we forget the awe and reverence we should feel for the living God and risen Christ. The eternal realm, though all around us is veiled, so we can not see into it. But on rare occasions, an eternal being opens the curtain and a mere human gazes into the glory the Kingdom Realm. We read this in the visions Zacharias, Mary and the shepherds had. The first response was fear. Yet each time, they were told "Do not be afraid". I love the way the Risen Lord "laid His right hand on" John and said to him "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last".

At this point in my walk of faith, I am trying to understand the place of the fear of God in the life of His people and in my own life. This journey in reading the Nativity this month has kept me in awe of His tender mercy and amazing plan for us. As Mary said in her Song in Luke "His mercy is on those who fear Him." It is my hope you will be in awe of the Nativity Story and in the coming days ahead.

 

"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, 

and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near...
Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come...
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first born from the dead,
and the ruler over the kings of the earth. 

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins with His own blood, 

and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, 

to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" 

vs 1:3-6

Jesus the Word of God

Todays Reading: Mainly John 1:14-18, choose one or more of the following as time allows: 2Peter 1:16-19, Matt. 17:1-7, Col. 2:9,10, Eph3:19-21, 2Peter 1:3,4 or just read these excerpts below:

Look... behold who He is, what He is like and what we have in Him.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we beheld His glory, the glory
as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth."
John 1:14

"... we... were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
For He received from God the Father honor and glory
when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory:
'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased..."
2Peter 1:16-19, Matt. 17:1-7

"And of His fullness we have all received,
and grace for grace."
John 1:16

"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
and you are complete in Him,
who is the head of all principality and power."
Col. 2:9,10

"... to know the love, of Christ which passes knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Eph. 3:19-21

Fullness: full measure, copiousness, plenitude, fullness and completion.

"His divine power has given us everything we need
for life and godliness, through our knowledge of Him...
He has given us very great and precious promises,
so that through them
you may participate in the divine nature,
and escape corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
2Peter 1:3,4

Lord, I am amazed by You and what You have provided for us. Deepen our understanding of these great truths that we may comprehend in the depth of our hearts the reality of these great words. Strengthen our faith to believe that we may be filled with all the fullness of You and be complete in You.

Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars

Today's Reading: Luke 2:41-52

"... all who heard Him were astonished 

at His understanding and answers." 

vs 47

The young Jesus had a bright mind and inquiring heart, listening and asking questions. He understood what they said and literally put two and two together in understanding and all who heard Him were astonished with His answers. After three days of worrying, His parents found Him in the temple and said to Him, "Son, why have you done this to us?" Jesus thought they understood Him better and would know He'd be in the temple. So He asked:

"'Why did you seek Me? 

Did you not know that I must be about My Fathers business?' 

But they did not understand." vs 49

At a young age Jesus recognized His life was consecrated, set apart for the Father's purpose. We too are set apart for God's will and purpose, our Father's business.

"His mother kept all these things in her heart." vs 51

Mary was thoughtful and pondered the amazing things about her unique Son. I wonder how much she understood about Him, and if many things had to unfold to for her to fully understand.

"Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." vs 52

Someday in The Kingdom of Heaven I look forward to seeing Jesus face to face. And I almost wonder if we will somehow get to see scenes of Him on earth, like old home movies. If so, I will love that... to see the miracle of His birth, see Him as a baby, a young child, a teen, a young man wise beyond His years, to see Him move among the people, compassionately loving them and healing them, to hear Him speak and hear Him pray to the Father. I don't know if I could bear seeing Him tortured and on the cross, though it was His great victory over death. Oh and to see Him resurrected and moving among the people.

This the last of the Advent readings in Matthew and Luke, though we will revisit Luke 2:1-20 on Christmas Eve. But don't go away, there are amazing glimpses of the glory of Christ coming in the next few days and Christmas through New Years. In January we will look at His Names from the Christmas Story and move into the ministries of John and Jesus.

Home in Nazareth

Today's Reading: Matthew 2:19-23, Luke 2:39, 40

Again we see the faithfulness of Joseph to follow God's leading for his family. Each of the places he goes fulfills OT prophecies. Initially, he went to Bethlehem for the census and Jesus was born there just as prophesied by Micah. Then being warned in a dream, he takes them to Egypt until Herod dies. As they leave Egypt to return to Israel another prophecy was fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called My Son". As they returned to Israel Joseph, after hearing that Herod's son was ruling, he took Mary and Jesus to Nazareth fulfilling,

"He shall be called a Nazarene." 

In Nazareth, Jesus grew up. Luke says:

"And the child grew and became strong in spirit, 
filled with wisdom; 

and the grace of God was upon Him."
Luke 2:40

What must God's Son have been like? I picture a bright joyful child, curious and eager to learn. As He grew I imagine Him as a caring young man, lively and strong, perhaps playing games with the children and carrying them on His shoulders. He was likely an encouragement to those who were struggling, some one who gave a wise and apt reply to a concern. People were probably drawn to the favor of God that easily rested upon Him.

Fleeing to Egypt

Readings: Matthew 2:13-18

When the Wise Men left, and angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him to get up and take the young child and His mother to Egypt. He was instructed to stay there until he received a further word from God,; because Herod wanted to find the child and destroy Him. They stayed in Egypt until Herold died; fulfilling yet another scripture  

"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."  

Matt. 2:15, Hosea 11:1

Joseph seems somewhat overlooked in comparison to Mary, but his faithful sensitivity and obedience to God's leading kept his family safe. Imagine the weight of responsibility he held to keep the savior of all humanity, the Son of God in infant form, safe from hostile leaders. God chose him to do this and he faithfully answered God's call in his life. He has chosen each of us, for some wonderful purpose... to carry the "Light of the World" into dark places, into a hostile world. Where is He leading each of us? Do we have eyes to see and ears to hear His call?

When the Wise Men did not return to Herod to tell him where the child was, He was extremely angry; and called for the death of all the male children in Bethlehem who were under the age of two.

Even this heartless act fulfilled another scripture:

"A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
refusing to be comforted, because they were no more."
Matt. 2:18, Jeremiah 31:15

Doesn't your heart go out to these women... and to women in war zones who lose their children to violence?

Lord, fill us with your Spirit and lead us in fulfilling our purpose in this time.

Epiphany

What is Epiphany? Epiphany is a Christian holiday that celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. It is celebrated on January 6th, which is "also the 12th day of Christmas, as popularized by the song. In essence, Christmas does not end for many Christians until Christ is revealed" and is honored as King of kings, with the gifts of Kings.

Many of you who read this blog may have celebrated Epiphany all your life. Yet there are many Christians, in fact most that I know; that don't even have a clue of what it is. Here are a few definitions of the word that I found on line:  

"Epiphany is when the wise men arrived at Bethlehem to bring gifts to the baby Jesus. It also refers to times when a person suddenly realizes or understands something. They had an epiphany."

"An epiphany  is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something"...like when someone has "found the last piece of the puzzle and now sees the whole picture, or has new information or experience... that illuminates a deeper foundational frame of reference". 


When is Epiphany celebrated? January 6th, when the Wise Men arrived to bring gifts to the baby Jesus. 

Have you ever wondered what the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" all about and when those 12 days occur? Is there any significance to the coming of Christ? The twelve days of Christmas are the 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany, starting with December 26th, which is today! Today is the first day of Christmas and of the 12 day count down to Epiphany. 

"Epiphany is a Christian holiday that is commonly associated with the visit of the Three Kings to baby Christ. It is also the 12th day of Christmas, as popularized by the song. In essence, Christmas does not end for many Christians until Christ is revealed. In some Christian denominations Epiphany does not end until Lent begins." Read More


Bless you on this first day of Christmas... just when you thought Christmas was over. To glory and meditate on God coming down and dwelling with us will never be over and is worthy of our hearts to ponder. :)

Born King of the Jews

James Tissot Brooklyn Museum

Today's Readings: Matthew 2:1, 2, Zechariah 9:9, Matt 21:1-11, and more

In Matthew 2:1, 2, the Wise Men from the East came into Jerusalem to ask: "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" This was troubling to Herod and his power structure in Jerusalem. What was to become of this baby born King of the Jews? The prophet Zechariah of old speaks of the Coming of Israel's King:

James Tissot Brooklyn Museum

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey."
Zech 9:9

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy the day He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey; which is the symbol of humility and is completely unlike the impressive power of a horse. Jesus was lowly, "a humility that is considerate, gentle, mild, meek. The Zealots were looking for a warlike Messiah who would use force. Jesus showed greater power than armed might, the power of humble wisdom and penetrating love. Meekness is not weakness, but power under perfect control". (From word wealth in the New Spirit Filled Bible)

Oh, the humble wisdom of Jesus! How may we be more like Him? Praise God that through the Holy Spirit, as we behold Jesus, He transforms us glory by glory into His image.

Toward the end of Jesus' humble life on this earth He did approached Jerusalem on a donkey and fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy. As he descended the Mount of Olives, the crowds who were hopeful of political salvation from Roman oppression cried out saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Matt. 21:9

During this joyous celebration, Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him in the coming week and what would happen to Jerusalem in the coming years.

In Luke 19 it says:

"He saw the city and wept over it, saying, 

If you had known, even you, especially in this your day,the things that make for your peace! 

But now they are hidden from your eyes... because you did not know the times of your visitation." Luke 19:42,44

Jesus knew the people would miss their Messiah. He knew the Jews would miss the coming of their King. During the course of the week, Jesus ended up on the following Friday in Pilate's Court. Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Pilate soon after condemned Jesus to execution on the cross. He ordered that a sign should be put on the cross that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" John 18:33, 19:19 This most likely was not Pilate's recognition of Jesus as king so much as to irritate the Jewish leaders, since Nazareth was looked down upon as an insignificant little village. The thought was, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Certainly not the grand Messiah they had imagined!

Jesus did not become a King in His earthly life. Were the Wise Men wrong about this baby being a great King? Perhaps what Jesus said in reply to Pilate gives us a clue. "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36 This king was not to come into an earthly kingdom in His first coming to earth, His first Advent. Perhaps they somehow knew as one of the Magi's gifts was Myrrh, a spice used in burial. Did they offer it to him to honor His sacrifice? This week we will look at Jesus in His Kingdom right now and we'll look at prophecy foretelling His Second Coming, His Second Advent.

How can this bring us comfort today in our time? We must keep our eyes on Jesus, especially during the concerns of the big political changes happening in our world today. We do not want to miss what He is doing in His Kingdom, His visitation as He moves among us, while being distracted by the kingdoms of men. The verse at the very center of the Bible is timely for us today.

"It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes."
Psalm 118:8

Praise God our King is coming again!!! This time He will come on a white horse in great power and authority with the armies of heaven on white horses! And He will establish His Kingdom!

"On His Robe and on His thigh a name is written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS".
Rev.19:16

He will be the most excellent KING of all kings to ever rule the earth in all of time. And He will be LORD, supreme in authority over every king.

He will be KING of the entire Universe!

"Hosanna in the highest!"

All the while I was typing the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS the Hallelujah Chorus was shouting praise to God in my mind. Be Blessed by His amazing word today!

God Becomes One of Us

Matthew 1:23, Luke 2:11

A star shines bright

Mary and Joseph alone in a stable
Her baby to be born that night
Her cry goes out into the darkness
She cries out in pain

Angels in awe watch silently over

Await the moment 

 God, would become flesh

He who breathed the atmosphere into being

Would now draw His first breath

A baby's cry goes out across the earth

He has felt our pain

He shares our plight

God became one of us

Emmanuel, that night

There were no beautiful caroles or bells ringing
Just cattle lowing and sheep bleeting
In the stillness they rejoiced
Their savior had been born
To them that night

Sheri Dinardi
copyright 12-22-2013

The Prince of Peace is Born

Today's Reading: Luke 2:11, Isaiah 9:6,7

"For there is born to you this day...
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the Highest
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men."
Luke 2:11

 "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.
Of the increase of His government and 
peace there will be no end.
Upon the throne of David and 
over His kingdom, to order it 
and establish it 
with judgment and justice.
From that time forward, even forever."
Isaiah 9:6,7

In this world for the last 2,000 years since the coming of the Prince of Peace; there has been times of peace and times of war and strife. Right now in 2020, there is no peace on earth, especially in America right now. The division is the strongest I have ever seen it. So when I look at the verse above: "Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men." I think, how can this be? Christ, the Prince of Peace has come. Why is there so much strife in our country and our world? An old familiar Christmas carol keeps coming to mind. Here is one of the many poignant verses:

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

 

This is the theme for this week. The Prince of Peace is Born. How does this apply in the day and age we live in? Stay tuned and more will come.

Wise Men From the East

Sunday's Reading: Matthew 2:1-12, Micah 5:2

A Father's Heritage to Share by CM Dudash

Images of beautifully dressed Wise men on camels laden with treasure seem to leap off the pages as we read this story to our children. Reading to our children and leading them into a life of faith in Christ is the most valuable gift we can give to them, extending into eternity. This story is not only for Children's books and plays. Beyond the Christmas Cards, there is an amazing adult drama that unfolds. 

Searching for the King by CM Dudash

First, God carefully orchestrated each of the people involved in the coming of His Son... the angelic visitations to Zacharias, Mary and Joseph. Consider that even Caesar decreed the census at the exact time that Jesus would be born. In so doing he brought Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was there that Jesus, the King and son of David was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, exactly as prophesied through the prophet Micah. God also orchestrated the angelic vision to the shepherds and the star that appeared in the heavens, signaling to the wise men far off of the birth of a king. There is a rhythm of simultaneous events taking place in each life and culminating with the witness of the birth of Immanuel, God with us.
 
God moved in the lives of humble seekers of Him to bring this about. In today's reading we meet the not so humble ones. After centuries of prophecies of a coming Messiah, news of a new king being born is TROUBLING to Herod and all of Jerusalem. God's greatest gift to mankind is a perceived threat to their power structure. Herod inquired of the chief priests and scribes as to where the Christ was to be born. They knew exactly where because of the prophecy that He would be born in Bethlehem. Yet, when all the signs the Jews sought were fulfilled, they missed their Messiah, God's gift to them, because they were more invested in this life on earth, than God's eternal Kingdom. An important insight for us in a culture of self, acquisition and status.
 
The Wise Men left and followed the star till it came and stood over where the young child was. They came into the house, saw the child with His mother Mary and fell down and worshiped Him for whom a star was born. When they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold for the KING OF KINGS, frankincense for the Priest of Priests and myrrh for the sacrifice. Then God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod and they left another way
.

Oh let us seek Him and worship Him in joyous adoration!

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The Brightness of His Glory

Today's Reading: Luke 2:30-32, Hebrews 1:1-3, 2Cor. 4:6,7, 3:18

The last couple of days we have been looking at Simeon blessing the baby Jesus with these words:

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples,

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
Luke 2:30-32

Yesterday we saw the words Jesus spoke as a man, and what the Apostle John said about Him. Today we will see Jesus as light and glory in His resurrected state. These verses tell us who He really is and how He brings revelation and transformation in our own hearts. Enjoy His amazing word.

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and
the exact representation of His being,
sustaining all things by His powerful word.
After he had provided purification for sins
he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."
Hebrews 1:3 NIV

"For God, who said, 

'Let the light shine out of the darkness',
made his light shine in our hearts
to give us the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all surpassing power is from God
and not from us."
2Cor 4:6,7 NIV
 

"But we all, with unveiled face,
beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed into the same image
from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
2Cor. 3:18 NKJ

Stand in the light of His Everlasting Splendor and Behold Him in Glory

To buy a high resolution image of Christ at 33, by Heinrich Hofmann, 
go to Restored Traditions

Light of the World

Today's Reading: Luke 2:30-32, John 1:4-13, 8:12

Simeon said as he blessed baby Jesus:  

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation 

Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, 

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, 

And the glory of Your people Israel."  

Luke 2:30-32

Today we will look at Jesus as a grown man and as the light prophesied by Simeon. The Apostle John says of Jesus:

"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it... 

That was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, 
and the world did not know Him. 

He came unto His own and His own did not receive Him. 

But as many as received Him, to those He gave the right to become children of God, 

to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor the will of man, but of God." 

John 1:4-13

"I am the light of the world. 

He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,

but have the light of life." 

John 8:12

As Simeon was finishing his blessing of Jesus he said to them, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel...(yes, a sword will pierce through through your own soul, also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." For Mary the cross must have been most painful sword to pierce her heart, but she also saw people reject Him, and His teachings. In the beginning of Jesus' ministry He came to His home town of Nazareth. you can read about his in Luke 4:16-30. Jesus read in the syn agog from the Messianic passage in Isaiah 61 and then said "This scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." After some more dialog, the people were filled with wrath,... thrust Him out of the city and tried to throw Him over the cliff. This was His home town. Mary knew all these people who were so angry with her son. "He came unto His own" and His own home town did not receive Him. Later in His ministry much of the rejection came from the Pharisee's, whose rejection ultimately brought Him to the cross. I think when Simeon said, "that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed"; or brought to light, sheds light on the motive of the rejection. God looks at the heart and Jesus the light of the world, shed light on the hearts of many revealing the evil contained.

Praise God the way was opened for all of humanity to come to the light of the revelation of Jesus Christ. In Him is light and life for all people. As we receive Him we have the right to become the children of God. As we follow Him, we walk on a path of ever increasing light, transformation and glory.  

"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day."
Proverbs 4:18 NLT

Stand in the light of His Everlasting Love

Simeon See's God's Salvation

Today's Reading: Luke 2:21-38

Simeon's Moment - Ron DiCiani 

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation

Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples,

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel."

Luke 2:30-32

Enjoy your reading today in this rich passage. I hardly know what to emphasize, there are so many wonderful things here. So I am hoping you will all comment on these verses. I try to keep my commentary short for those in a hurry.

Jesus is presented to the Lord by His parents and both Simeon and Anna, faithful elderly servants of God were led by the Holy Spirit to come into the temple at that moment. Notice Luke mentions the operation of the Holy Spirit three times in the life of Simeon. Praise to God, He has provided the same Holy Spirit to us today, in even greater measure through Christ.

Simeon and Anna had eyes to see the promise of Messiah in that little baby boy and spoke of amazing things to Mary and Joseph. This passage is full of vision! Notice the references to seeing... not see death... my eyes have seen your salvation... and of course light and glory. Jesus often spoke of having eyes to see. The Spirit leads us by giving us pictures in our mind and we follow His vision. Readings for the next two days will direct us to passages declaring Jesus to be light and the brightness of God's glory.

God has prepared salvation for all people, 

revelation for the Gentile and glory for the Jew.

 My heart goes out to Mary as Simeon prophecies directly to her "yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also". She never forgot that and must have wondered how those words would be fulfilled.

Bless each of you today as you look for redemption, 

see God's wonderful Salvation in this tiny child,

His light of revelation and His glory. 

Note: If you would like to purchase a print of Simeon's Moment go to Masterpiece Christian Fine Arts Foundation. All prints are currently 40% off!

Joy to the World

Reading: Luke 2:1-7

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive Her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room."

There was no room for them in the Inn. So He, the King of all heaven and earth was born in a stable to simple peasants. Through the ages since His Coming, millions have prepared room for Him in their hearts across the face of the earth.

Joy pierced through the darkness of sin and entered the world as a baby, beginning the gathering of heaven and earth into one and the reconciliation of God and man. Though the Creator came unto His own creation, most did not recognize Him. But that did not keep heaven from rejoicing and those in whom His light has shown from worshiping the infant King.

He is the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords. Even Caesar obeyed Him by ordering a census that all the Roman Empire should be registered. In so doing, it required Joseph, of the lineage of David to return to his ancestral home of Bethlehem, the city of David. It was during this time that Christ was born in Bethlehem, just as foretold by the prophet Micah. He is the King promised to David, one from His own lineage who shall reign over his kingdom forever!

Advent is a time for us to slow down and ponder the fullness of God coming into this world as a baby, an infant King!

Joy to you this Christmas Season, our Lord IS come.
I pray you have opportunity to empty your heart to prepare Him room and receive your great King.

The Genealogy of Jesus

Matthew 1:1-17, Hebrews 2:17,18 4:15, Romans 3:23-25, Romans 4:3, Genesis 15:6, Hebrews 4:16A

"This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of...". and it continues the generations of Jesus' ancestory.

There are many fathers and sons listed in this genealogy record. Some of the names are a little difficult to pronounce; but each one represents a person and a life lived. More importantly, these were the people God chose to bring forth His son. They must have been pretty amazing people, right? Many of them were people of strong faith, devotion toward God and humility. But they were also people, like you and I... capable of mistakes and sin... lying and deceiving... and in some cases, really big sins... like adultery, prostitution, and murder. Why would God allow His Son to come from such sinful people? In speaking of God's Son, the author of Hebrews says:

"...it was necessary for him to be made like us,
his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful
and faithful High Priest before God.
Then he could offer a sacrifice that
would take away the sins of the people...
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses,
for he faced all of the same testings, yet he did not sin. "
Hebrews 2:17,18 4:15

An Angel Visits Joseph

Matthew 1:18-25

"This is how Jesus Christ, the Messiah was born. His mother Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the Marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. " Matt. 1:18 NLT

Jesus means "He shall Save".

Christ means "The Anointed One" and was translated from the Hebrew word for "Messiah", which is "Machiyach".

Jesus was and is God's Anointed One, His promised Messiah, Savior of Men

In  the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He made man and woman in His own image and likeness. Then Adam and Eve both sinned, eating the fruit they were commanded not to eat and were removed from the garden, so they could not continue to eat from the tree of life. During the despair of their fall, God made a promise, that one day the child of a woman would bruise the head of the serpent. Later God promised Abraham, "And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed, Long after God promised King David, "I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body.

I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father and He shall be My son" .vs 5,11-14 Even though mankind sinned, God had a glorious plan to bring salvation to us. So glorious was His plan that He sent the mighty angel Gabriel to announce the coming joy to Zechariah and Mary. Now we come to Joseph, Mary's betrothed husband, who was a son of David. As you read this section of Matthew's gospel (18-25), put yourself in Joseph's place as he discovers his beautiful, pure betrothed bride is pregnant and not with his child. As he considered breaking their engagement quietly, an angel appeared to him and said:

Angel Visits Joseph- Tissot, Brooklyn Museum

"Joseph, son of David, 

do not be afraid 

to take Mary as your wife. 

For the child within her 
was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 

And she will have a son, 
and you are to name him Jesus, 

for he will save his people 
from their sins."

Jesus is the "Anointed One",
God's promised Messiah, 

who does save His people from their sins,
even today. 

Praise God for His wonderful gift

of Jesus our Messiah and Savior.

Zechariah's Prophecy for His Little Son

Luke 1:67-80

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, praised God for His faithfulness to keep His promises to His people.  He spoke a prophecy over his John, and Messiah saying,

"And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.

Because of God's tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven
is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace."
Luke 1:76-79 NLT

The Birth of John

Luke 1:57-66

The Visitation- Tissot, Brooklyn Museum

Elizabeth delivered her son and they named him John, meaning, "The Lord has shown favor". Her neighbors and relatives rejoiced at the great mercy the Lord had shown her!
Joy emanates from God's favor and grace.

The neighbors of Zacharias and Elizabeth witnessed the miraculous work of God and marveled. Zacharias could then speak again for the first time since the visit of Gabriel. Then fear came over the people. They kept these sayings in their hearts, acknowledging the Lord is with John and wondered what kind of child he will be.

Fear (Phobeo):frightening fearful sight...to be in awe of, revere... reverence.


What does it mean to fear God? Jesus said, "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they can not touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10: 28 NLT Fearing God begins in recognizing who He is and what our place should be before Him. He is not some warm and fuzzy grandfather or Santa Claus, that winks and overlooks sin. He is the Creator of the Universe, He is awesome and Holy. There is no one like Him. He has the power over life and death, over kingdoms and kings, and He makes the decision of where each individual will spend eternity. He is merciful and completely righteous in His judgment. On our own merits we all deserve damnation, but He provided a way to bridge the gap between complete holiness and sinful man. The bridge is the cross of Christ and all who believe in Him can cross over into eternal life. Fearing God means to have a true reverence and respect for Him... to realize He is God and I am not.

Mary's Song of Praise

Luke 1:45-56

Yesterday we saw what Elizabeth spoke to Mary. Here is Mary's reply:

James Tissot - Brooklyn Museum

"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!...
For He took notice
of His lowly servant girl, and
from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is Holy
and He has done great things for me.

He shows mercy from
generation to generation to all who fear Him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.

He has helped his servant Israel and
remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever."
Luke 1:46-55

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Luke 1:39-45

Today's reading is a favorite for women every where, especially those who are moms and enjoyed the wonder of carrying a new life. My favorite verse is:

'At the sound of Mary's greeting,
Elizabeth's child leaped within her,and
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary,

God's Answer to David

In Luke 1:31-33, Gabriel told Mary,

"... you will conceive... and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. 

He will be Great and called Son of the Most High; 

and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David...
and of His Kingdom there will be no end."

These verses fulfill a promise made to King David in 2Samuel 7:11-14. David was dwelling in his beautiful house of cedar and decided to build a house for the arc of God. He told this to Nathan the prophet who then said to do all that was in his heart for the Lord. But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan saying,

"Go and tell my servant David, '
Would you build a house for Me to dwell in?...

"The Lord tells you that 

He will make you a house. 

"I will set up your seed after you,

who will come from your body,

"Go and tell my servant David, '

Would you build a house for Me to dwell in?..."

Christs Birth Announced to Mary

Luke 1:26-38

Mary was a humble young woman, born to a peasant family who lived in difficult times. Imagine as you read , being Mary, just a teen and being visited by the angel Gabriel She must have been frightened. When Gabriel see's her concern and says: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. " She must have been blessed knowing she has favor with God. 

But how confusing for her to hear she will give birth to a son. "How can this be since I do not know a man?" She must have wondered what Joseph and her parents would think. What would happen to her, to be pregnant without a husband during that time in Israel?

John's Birth Announced to Zacharias

As you read Luke 1:1-25 consider the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth. They had no children because she was barren and now they were getting old. The dream of having a child had long faded away leaving traces of sorrow for what could have been. See through the eyes of Zacharias' as he walks into the temple, perhaps the air is heavy with the scent of frankincense and light is filtering through the haze. There is a sense of holiness and of the glory of God is thick. Then something extraordinary happened, something that would rock his faith to the core. The coming of a son, an extraordinary son who plays an integral roll in the Promise and Coming of the King. Experience the awe of this amazing story.  Here are the verses foretelling the life of John that stood out to me:
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