Luke 1 ~ have certainty

 The Holy Spirit was upon the waters in Genesis

Luke 1

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.


5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”


26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[e] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[f] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.


39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be[g] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”


46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.


57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.
Zechariah's Prophecy

67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

68
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
69
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
70
as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71
that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us;
72
to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73
the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
74
that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
75
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
78
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us[h] from on high
79
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Jesus tells us John 5:17
Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”


The Gospel of Matthew tell of the Branch of God being rooted in. Luke tell us Hope fulfilled in Jesus' birth - immediately. Mark tells us to make straight paths to Jesus. John ,who stayed beside Jesus, describes Jesus as Light of God.  In Proverbs, Jesus tells us He was born working for Father God, Genesis tells us Jesus was created with Light and the Holy Spirit was over the waters - the whole of earth. Jesus arrives with another Minister of God's in the Gospels.

Jesus sent His ministers Two by Two


Mark 6
7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two

Luke 10:1
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.


Like the Baptism of Jesus, where Jesus is doing His Father's Will ~ Jesus is working His Father's Plan from His arrival.

We Thank You, Father God, for Your diligence and Your love and care. We give You Thanks for Your many blessings. And look each day to see You are our Strength. Let us renew ourselves in Jesus the Lord. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 2:1-40, 52 ~ went up

Luke 2:1-40, 52

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

 4 And Joseph also went 
up from Galilee, 

The words of the Scripture are true, the elevation is upward.

from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.


8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 

19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.


39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.


 
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Christmas for a lot of people is actually a quieter time with things that keep us busy. And in this real knowledge, we find some time to seriously reflect. And in this reflection we find Holy Days. When we keep Father God in front of us, we do well. We choose Joy even when sad reflections of the difficulty of life can momentarily bring us some sorrow. Rick Warren was right we live in a world of broken systems. Because this life is us preparing our soul for presentation to a Loving Father who gives us the work of believing in the One He sent.


God is very wise, very astute and the Word He chooses about faith is "work". Father God goes on to be salt. Be real. Be Genuine. Add to what is around you. Remove superfluous water. Like crying too much over the past - this is gone - reunions in Heaven are the reality.


And be Light. Look at what is noble, pure, good and work to believe God like Centenarians do. Most Centenarians believe a difficulty is interesting and God is going to work. They have an attitude of expectation for God to redeem. And the reality is there will be another difficulty, just one God will handle - again. The Disciple John lived to be recorded in history as vibrant and engaging in the early 2nd century. Feisty and opinionated, patient to overcome evil John records his belief in life in Revelation 1. This is the God given secret from John on overcoming. And we know he had a good walk uphill from going to the village - so exercise is thrown in there too. Not to mention the view of the island seeing all is well from his door. I believe God would call that Overseeing.


John fought down Gnostics - believing we have special insight to God by the man who wrote Revelation with the Holy Spirit. From a vision. This is very refreshing. Wonderful John. He felt by knowing Jesus and walking with "awe" with Jesus we all have Jesus within and when we act with Love. We have found  Jesus within.


Being Light. Light does not make much noise. We have a chance to listen. Overseeing people and being the Light is not self-righteous. When we listen enough, we are wise to understand insight comes from learning about ourselves.


What we hope God will heal, forgive and redeem in us - we can pray this for others. Prayer is just a thought we flash connect to God in conversation. This is the Father who is waiting to run to you - seeing you Home from your journey on earth.





Recently, Guidepost came out with a book on learning trust and loyalty and love from a pet. I saw my 19 year - 93 or 94 in cat books about equivalent to human years - pass on with dignity after age caused decline. He had the life we pray for - he enjoyed each day gathering insight and personality - and trusted God as he passed on gently the day he went Home. Isn't that what we want to do - live meaningful lives blessing others - gathering real Love and Joy - and bringing Salt with reality on what we need and expect of one another - Light for the affection. Leaving loss in life - time to grieve Love and then be the garden where more Love will be gathered again as seasons provide.

The Words of God instruct us to build upon a firm foundation.


Trust God to be our Rock and Salvation. To make our vows to be secure. Regardless of the winds prevailing upon the framework and house. This is a personal best. God instructing us to respect our inner hearth and home. God gives us the self-esteem to be pleased within ourselves pleasing Him. And allows others to trust us as well.

Jesus the merciful provides a place for us all to find this redemption and reclaim this goodness. Drawing up His Grace to try again to rebuild. One of the most gracious men I've had the privilege to know through Church is a man who spent the 1970's in disco bars. He said he calls those his purple hat days as he wore a purple hat complete with large purple feather impressing disco women. He worked his way out of 3 marriages and had 4 children with 3 mothers. One day he realized hoping from good time to good time - was not the way of a truly meaningful life. And he found he did not like - himself. Really at all. The smooth decider of good times was a fake - a liar - a cheat and not loving.

And he sat down on the curb outside of a good time facility and realized there was not joy here. And he began to wonder why he expected love when he did not provide love. His children had grown up without him. The sons of the one mother had fouing tears to his eyes, decades later.


And to the two daughters who wanted him as their father - they found he would arrive with groceries, set the table with flowers, help cook the meal, take the grandchildren seriously and do homework, athletics, lessons and -of course - where real redemption comes from - Jesus. Jesus was the reason for the new season of Joy. Jesus provided the means explaining the new open door Father was here to stay - to be relied upon. Jesus was the strength to give when funds were low, jobs scarce, and not withdraw into bitterness or 'good times'.

And in being the man who could be relied upon - life became good and rich and filled with the strength to overcome.

I had another honest conversation with someone I have admired for years. This is a strong person of faith .And see with their eyes of dedication - we all wonder at the ebb and flow of life. They were weeping at the ebb and flow of life - the need for heart and soul and meaning from one another. One day life is rich and good with plenty to feast upon. And another day feels our basic needs have been looked over - no one to rely upon. And for this wonderful person, God opened a door of opportunity and another. And a miraculous healing only of God Himself. And God creates another blessing and we go forth.


Jesus is the Reason for our Joy. Jesus is the reason for our endurance with patience. Jesus is the reason we can draw up hope for today and tomorrow. Part of our burdens can be what will the future hold - in Jesus we can believe He will arrive.

This year, miracles. I have seen my mother survive death of pneumonia. The joy of living becomes like "90 Minutes in Heaven" - life is always a challenge of family, friendship, health, money, and the balance of attitude. A real miracle of God to be met with the dedication of living. To wisely see our circumstances and create joy and life. Salt and Light.


And another miracle. I have seen a friend find a much needed new home, recovering from a severe accident, and addiction to alcohol with family disturbances. And we will find in this 25 year miracle, like my mother's, tell us participation in life is required. God requires us not to think He is going to fly us over the Red Sea straight into the Promised Land - we call that - passing on.

The miracle of our plumber who was fixing the sink. He was pressed with family concerns and driving a plumbing truck with expired plates, bald tires and no insurance on the way home from our house. 5 Children. We'd had an odd conversation about being picked up by the police and both had left a bit rattled. On the way home, pressed with bills and concerns of marriage and family - our plumber rolled through a stop sign to create - a 20 mile slow motion police chase. Officers modeled correct procedures and 'pit bulled' the plumber truck to stop. Suddenly a brief hopelessness, a rolled stop sign, became potentially 10 years in prison. Enter a Christian defense attorney, Celebration Recovery, 3 different people, apart, with the same message of hope, a new Church, a willing parent, a willing wife. A willing employer. A new minister. A friend who would listen. And God began answering prayers for 21 days of county time and no probation. God is working. A new Celebration Recovery hope. Will the miracle continue? Again, this is up to us individually to realize God did not part the Red Sea with a magic carpet ride to the Promised Land. God expects the effort of faith and diligence every day of our lives. To depend and trust in him.




Today we live life with courage, care and consideration, the foundation of love yourself and build on a firm foundation. And set our expectation on the Lord.


Our Joy and Faith and Love has a name - Jesus Christ, God's Only Son. Savior.



Thank You, Abba, Jesus and Holy Spirit.

We lift up family gathering times. We lift up health to hold firm for gathering times. We lift up communication. We ask those who are ill to have the blessing of health. We ask to find time to exercise and look forward to the New Year. Speak the Word of Peace, Jesus, and we will have peace! We will see Your Goodness!!!

We lift up those apart from loved ones due to jobs and travel expenses. For the comfort of the families. We ask hospitals experience seeing new health. We give thanks for optimism for the Nation. We give thanks for the Churches expecting the C and E people that souls will be so nourished more Church going will bring new comfort and joy to all.

We lift up gift giving to please the recipient and the giver. We ask for safety in our travels as people fly on planes and sadly as they change lanes in cars. Instead! Let us find patience and care on the highways. We lift up the Nation as we anticipate the first burst of cold weather and hope all will be well. We give thanks for the weather reports saying the weather should be normal for Christmas time!!!

We celebrate new destinations. And hopes. Asking You to help these be pleasing to You. We give You Worship and Thanks for Your Mercy, Love and Willingness to bring Your Beloved to You. We draw near to You, Abba, for Your Love. The Blessing of Jesus, now and always on our Loved ones, our cares and concerns, health, Jobs, Schools, Communities, and the Nation of ours having hope to pray about.

We Pray for Merry Christmas across the Nation and Believing World. The Light of Christ Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Luke 1 ~ Because of the tender mercy of our God

A great deal of change occurs in 30 years. In fifty years, almost all things are noticeably changed, particularly in this life time.

And still for millenniums, there has been the Steadfast Love of Christ Jesus. God's Only Son. The Church was unknown when Jesus stood in Caesarea to tell His Disciples of the Church to come. After 2,000 years and 2 millenniums - Jesus is still King of Kings and the Church of Jesus is His.

Imagine Caesarea, 62 miles from Capernaum, Israel. Jesus was making a journey to make memories.

The longest surviving government in the History of the world - would fail. Jesus was going as close to Rome as He wanted to go to make this prophetic talk to His Beloved Disciples. No one would have really wanted to say that on the day Jesus spoke to them. This was bedrock. And Jesus was giving something far, far, far stronger - the news that the Church of Jesus Christ would exist and continue past the gates of hell. To the very Keys to the Gates of the Always Open 12 Gates of Heaven. And here we are today. What is the same?

Herod is long gone. We have the Scala Sancta - the stairs Jesus walked upon in Herod's Palace - and even Herod's Family Tomb. And the tomb of the man Herod employed to be in charge of the Herod Rebuild of the 2nd Temple.

Like Herod, most of this is long gone.

What is the same? The sky. The blue sky we believe keeps us safe from the vast empty spaces of the universe - the lid. The lid. Disappears at night and reveals the vast universe of God's Creation of All Things.

What the Heavens would tell us they witnessed. The Exodus was so magnificent to our Vast and Powerful God Almighty - He asked His Son to relive the Exodus.

The Heavens might tell us of Gabriel visiting Mary.

The Heavens might reveal seeing a worried Mary traveling to and from visiting Elizabeth and Zechariah.

We might learn of the Heavens witnessing the conclusion of Joseph's separation from Mary. And her relief. And their joy.

We might see a very uncomfortable Mary riding a Donkey

We might see the Heavens display the sight of the barn in Bethlehem the Shepherds found. This Light of the World. Zechariah witnessed of Jesus and spoke to us through the years until this is today:

Luke 1

Because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.

True God of True God. Light of Light.

When you look at the artists and visionaries discussion - their work - telling of their faith in the Birth of God's Only Son, they Proclaims this of God :

… Thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1: 21

…His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Might God,

…The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6

… God hath made that same Jesus… both Lord & Christ Acts 2:36

…Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world! John 1:29

…they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, the song of The Lamb Revelation 15:3

…Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah Revelation 5:5

..and the Bright & Morning Star Revelation 22:16

..and our hands have handled, of the Word of Life 1 John 1:1

…we have and advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ The Righteous 1 John 2:1

…whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us. Luke 1:78

…Before Abraham, I Am. John 8:58

…And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. John 1: 34

…are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25

…We have found the Messiah which, is being interpreted, the Christ. John 1:41

…I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

…through the knowledge of the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. II Peter 2: 20

..a name written King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Revelation 19:16

…I am the Light of the World. John 8:12

…The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world… John 1:9

…I am Alpha & Omega the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come

The Almighty Revelation 1:8

Luke 2:10

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. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

What you will not really find easily ---- is an aerial of Jesus' birth. We might see from far away and want to see the look on Mary's face and the warmth, but not really an aerial.

Emmanuel - God with us.

1 John 3:5
You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.

God's Beloved Son Jesus. God said to believe upon the One God has sent. This is His Beloved and Righteous Son in Whom there is no sin. The blind would see. The deaf would hear. The lame would leap and walk, The leper would be touched and healed. The Poor would Have His Good News.

Romans 5
More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.



Our Loving Abba,

You have given us Your Son. To raise our hearts to Eternity. Today. Jesus invites us to belong to His new Heaven and new earth. Receiving the God of Love to live within us, just in our asking and in our faith.

Live within us always Jesus the Lord. Forgive us for what we cannot do and what we should do and what we have failed to do. Thank You Your Heavens display how vast and magnificent You are. You have become one of us and teach us each day to cast our cares and hopes in Your Love and Mercy.

Only by Grace to we know in prayer and in some day, reality, we have access today to walk through the Heavenly Gate, past the shining waters to Your Throne and hold You knowing how much You Love me and all of Your Creation. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Jesus is Mine. Jesus is Yours. Alleluia.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Abba for so many answered prayers. To You be the Glory, the Majesty, The Awe, The Wonder. You are the God John walked with declaring God Is Love. Jesus is Love. You draw us near. You draw us to Love. Father You alone are God. Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Isaiah 45:8-10 ~ Salvation bear fruit

Isaiah 45:8-10

Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, 

And righteousness spring up with it. I, the LORD, have created it. 

9"Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker-- An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands '? 10"Woe to him who says to a father, 'What are you begetting?'


Luke 1

13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived




Luke 1

37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.


Psalm 37:3
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Father God,

We have Your Word for the Child of God,us, we grow toward Jesus.


The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. for I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We pray this blessing upon ourselves, our families, our friends, the People God has given. We pray for the health of those who pray for this. We pray for an easier Christmas and for things around us to halt in their brokenness and put on the harmony of Love.

We pray for the Nation. We rejoice around us in those in Good News. And believe God is in control of all things. We are covered in His mercy as we believe and put our lives in His Grace, Love and Mercy. We will look to Jesus, with hope. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Ephesians 3:20 ~ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us



What did Mary think this would look like?

Probably not like this...

Sent to see the cousin for 3 months. We will never know what the voyage 70 miles looked like.

Did Mary see this as sent as a "Betrothed" to Bethlehem. Where no room was found at the inn. (Would Jesus think of His Parents and the donkey on Palm Sunday) - No one would ask a woman about to give birth to walk 70 miles.

Luke 2

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Joseph might not have been used to bringing a child into the world - any more than Mary. I really did not realize Mary was not Joseph's wife. Joseph had decided the Child was from God and wanted this to be remembered as God's Child. Joseph marries Mary after Jesus is born. Matthew 1:25

Surely this did not seem to them as a Holy Adventure now. Probably fairly scary. Where were the beaming grandparents? God Himself had given these young people an adventure many, many, many people could relate to through the millenniums. A very ordinary story of responsibility and worry and physical anguish.

God would provide. More abundantly than all they could ask or think.

Suddenly more than Joseph, more than Elizabeth and silent Zechariah - suddenly more people understood what Mary had been telling people about Emmanuel and Gabriel and God.

Suddenly many, many people had shared in what Mary knew of God as Jesus' Father. And as Mary understood how important this was - they knew how vast and impressive and stunning Jesus - a baby - Son of God is to the Salvation of the entire World. Light of Light. God of God.


Luke 2

17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 


20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

In true belief of a real. merciful God of Love - Mary and Joseph boldly and with confidence take Jesus and their betrothed status to the Temple. Where every boy born is seen to be Holy to God and in the Temple of God - Mary and Joseph encounter more people - who fully - understand - Jesus is God.

Simeon cradles the baby Jesus in his arms and proclaims with confidence his eyes have seen Salvation.

Anna began to speak of Jesus within the Temple for the rest of her life. This is, after all, this is, of course, God's Temple.

And this did not stop. Mary had journeyed for 9 months. Sometimes alone. Sometimes far. And suddenly the Wise Men arrived. Bringing gifts. An echo and a repeat of God the Father bringing the Children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt - with the gold and silver - to be used so support God's Temple.



Exodus 11:2
Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.” 3 And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants and in the sight of the people.

God had not forgotten speaking to Moses. He had not forgotten His Great Signs. God had not forgotten His Promise of the Messiah. God had not forgotten borders cease and Egypt was His Country as well. Jesus would go to Egypt.

Luke 2

Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”


Father God,

Vast God, Creator of all things, with Whom are You Pleased with?

Those who do their best to keep the commandments and understand the true freedom in Jesus Christ. Those who Do the Will of God. Without faith it is impossible to please You, Father God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek God.

Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

By the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

To love God with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength.

To walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

I delight to do your will, O my God.

Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

To know the Word of God is Authoritative. Say the word, and let my servant be healed. When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends.

Blessed be God to Cover Me in The Tender Mercy of Jesus. Blessed be the Lord Jesus to dwell within me. Jesus forgive me of all my wrong doing and Live within me always. I thank You always for Your Salvation. And lift all of my Loved ones and people You have given me into Your reliable Tender Love.

Covering us all in the Name of Jesus in Faith. Son of God. Amen. 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †