And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7 The arrival! In Luke 2, Jesus arrives. How exciting is this? The Savior was born. He was born in a humbling way. Jesus was born in the barn in Jerusalem. He was wrapped in cloths and placed in a manger where animals ate their food. Not a place you would think a king should be born or even laid to sleep! Joseph and Mary knew this baby boy was special. Did they really comprehend how special or what the…
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Advent: Day Fourteen
Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on stand forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7 The zeal of the Lord Almighty. Do you know or even understand what this means? What does zeal mean? It means fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence; ardor. Wow! God has a zeal for us humans. Let’s break this down even further. Fervor means great warmth and earnestness of feeling. Diligence is a constant and…
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Advent: Day Thirteen
For unto 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 Immanuel: God with us. Have you ever gone through a time of excitement? Have you ever had to go through a crisis? Have you ever heard God speak to you during either one of these moments? God is a great God. He is a gentle, kind, loving God. When He speaks to us, He also walks with us. He doesn’t leave us to walk through hard things. He doesn’t leave us to walk through…
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Advent: Day Twelve
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sonship because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son to our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So, you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:4-7 Adoption! This process to become a family really is a special way. After adopting 5 children, to me, it is saying, “We choose you, no matter what.” It’s a…
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Advent: Day Eleven
So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to David’s house and line. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to marry him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. Luke 2:4-6 . A pilgrimage. Have you ever went on a pilgrimage. Leaving behind the familiar life that you know and venturing into the unknown?? Having to hold onto God as your provider! This makes me think of missionary life. Joseph and Mary were called on a pilgrimage. They left behind…
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Advent: Day Ten
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 their own town to register. Luke 2:1-3 . Proverbs 4:12 promises that “when you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.” God’s love ties us forward on the path He has ordained. Joseph and Mary were not planning on a trip to Bethlehem; however, God orchestrated circumstances in their lives to fulfill the prophecies of the Messiah. God can make these promises to us because His…
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Advent: Day Nine
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. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Matthew 1:21-24 Obedience!!! Do you find this to be hard or easy? I find this to be so hard, and I am a rule follower most of the…
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Advent: Day Eight
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, 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…
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Advent: Day Seven
In a loud voice, she exclaimed: “Blessed, are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me! As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:42-45 Jesus came to earth to fulfill a promise and a purpose. His mission was the cross. When God spoke His blessing over Mary and baby Jesus, he did not mean a life of ease. Hebrews 12:2 says, “keeping our…
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Advent: Day Six
Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive, is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail. ” I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left. Luke 1:36-38 There is so much in this world that will fail us. People will fail us, and friends will fail us; the family will fail us. Do you know who won’t fail us? God! His word will never fail. Isn’t that amazing. Let’s read 1 Corinthians 13, ” If I speak human or…