Luke 2:22-32 ~ And behold

Luke 2:22-32 

 King James Version

22 They brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Simeon helps us to remember recognizing the Light of the world. As Simeon recognized Jesus, he took the baby into his arms and blessed God.

Simeon was so in touch with the Holy Spirit, he fully grasped and held God.




In 2009, I had a coincidence I very clearly remember.  I received my first email from a Christian book store offering really spectacular savings on books. Because they were in the $1 range, I bought one written by Carole Lewis called ‘A Thankful Heart’. She lost her daughter and discovered that gratitude brings hope and healing into our lives. I thought it would help me, having lost a daughter at birth.

That day, my husband suggested I travel with him to Galveston as he saw a client. As I waited for him, I opened the book for the first time. Amazing. As I opened the book In the first few pages of the book, I realized that the author lives in Galveston and I was reading the book in Galveston. One of the opening points of her book is from:

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Carole Lewis writes, “I promise you that an attitude of gratitude is not already part of who you are, God can change your heart. When we begin to thank God in the middle of our situations –no mater what we’re going through – our situations no longer appear hopeless, and we’ll begin to see change.

Our tribulations have a purpose, Scriptures says. God has an end product in mind for us, and God’s end product is like the finest oil or a nourishing drink. That’s what God wants for our lives. God has an amazing plan for us, and He uses the moments of our lives to fulfill His plan. God wants us to become like His Son, Jesus Christ.

God calls us to give thanks not only for our comforts but also for our afflictions. We’re to give thanks, even if our child died, even if we’ve been the victim of sexual molestation, or (as Corrie Ten Boom discovered in the concentration camp) if there are fleas in the barracks.

God is never a God of coldness or heartlessness.
He doesn’t look at us when we’re going through troubling times and tell us simply to buck up or put on a smiley face on our most heartbreaking situations. Giving thanks always recognizes the greatness and compassion of a God who loves us so intently, so passionately, so wonderfully that words can barely express it. Giving thanks is part of God’s design: when we look closely at this design, we see something of the majesty of His Being and of His care and concern for us –even in the most trying times.”

And we will not stop there.
We will not stay in the Stable, Jesus did not Stay in the Manger. Jesus did not stay in Nazareth.

We are in a Season.
Edward had Bronchitis for his Birthday in September. Alexander then had Bronchitis. And then Edward had it again. When I got Bronchitis and then, like Edward, got Bronchitis again. 6 weeks of whooping.

Edward has an illness including skin issues. A very fast growing ear Skin Cancer Basil Cell. Taking Motrin gave him two black, utterly black, bruises the size of Salad Plates. I've never seen something like this. He had a wound just weeks ago, from every day life, requiring debridement.

Last week, Edward clipped the coffee table and his ankle bled. We asked him to not play, yet he was eager and played on the foot/ankle. This last Friday, Edward' had an X-ray and, now, we believe he has a Hematoma which has left him with a swollen ankle,foot and toes are black and purple bruised and swollen. Like a broken foot. We will be home more, limiting time Edward leaves the house - for time to heal. Christmas will be taken up by me and our sons to help Edward recover.

For my son's 30th Birthday, exams and Christmas week count-down - his very loyal, elderly, arthritic Siberian Husky fell down his flight of stairs and as my son tried to rescue him was bitten with 3 punctures to his nose - seriously bleeding. Then driving 23 hours home. We were so very glad to have them home.

We all prayed and our son's nose is much better. Thank God. Our family dog is probably going to stay with us to avoid those steep student stairs. Pray for his good dog leg to heal, thank you so much.

This last week - my brother is finally convinced my mother does have Alzheimer's because she has announced to us both my father died. In 1993.  Other disturbing events have occured this year.

What will we do with this Season?
We will know we are Blessed. Edward is well to do the things he loves. He is enjoying every day. Edward and I have honest and real conversations about the length, the blessing, the suffering and Life moving for us all to eternity.

We will know we suffer. To have very serious illness is to suffer. Life rarely announces the changing of seasons, we are supposed to only see these by years.

We have seen our family have fear, to draw back, to suffer, to draw together, to tire of suffering, to be angry. To gather and look out the window and talk about blessings of God. We draw together and tell each other as we are. And I have read Government Studies on families with this type of illness who fall apart and fall even after illness passes on.

And in learning too much information - learned how blessed we are to continue together in love. To find valor in continuance. To see bravery in drawing together. To see sheer bloody minded stubbornness to continue and wonder again at God putting His Plan in us. To allow the stock market variations of life to learn to surf the ups and downs. And in the surfing - to discover the putting down of fear and trust. Even when new symptoms keep us awake at night.

Reading the Scriptures to find God to Completely Challenge by His Own Authority to put down and squelch fear. To rise to Trust God in all seasons.

Nasa

The God of blessings and God of woe. We have the circumstances God wants us to have. The best place - being mindful of what God would teach - to bloom exactly where we are planted. To think of the Glory of His Plan.

Father God tells us there is nothing new under the sun. The Cloud that filled the Temple David planned - is God's Cloud. To see - to find out - to have clarity - and to wonder.

Bringing the Wonders of God to our mind, heart, body and soul.

Learning something new in the Seasons of Life. To listen with better compassion to those who have or had illnesses. To tell the Lord our Father God in prayers - I remember when You healed and did something completely impossible and I will hold this hope in my heart. Being able to pay attention to those who have had illness and give compassion.

In this Season.

We will follow the Path God is giving us.

We will all have Hope. God has called us all to have a Hope and a Future.

God is providing for us all. Edward has hope. God makes a path.

We will have Prayer in this Season.
We will pray over every difficulty. We will pray when we hear hopelessness. We will pray when we see sickness. Anw we will know the Power of Scripture - The Word of God. We will rejoice every time we ask Father God for help and remind Him of Miracles in our Lives. God is Sustaining all who call on Father God's Great Love.

The Most Important and Greatest of All Things - Maker of All Things is the God of All. God of Love. The Joy of the Lord is our Strength.

And in God's time - in God's Plan - we will find the Wonder of God each day is unfolding the miraculous in the every day.

Our Father God is saving all the world in Jesus Christ. God is still working and so is His Son, Jesus Christ.



Abba, Father God,

We would have Your Willing Blessings upon us all. Giving thanks for the comfort and the challenges of each day. You are always with us.

Isaiah saw with total clarity - the Vast Goodness of You, our Father God.

Isaiah 40

A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. 

Every valley shall be lifted up, 

and every mountain and hill made low; 

the uneven ground will become smooth, 

and the rugged land a plain. 

And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, 

and all mankind together will see it. 

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

We do the work of God as we believe in God's Son Jesus. Jesus is the exact nature of God. Knowing Our Father God, You make our prayers possible. You speak to the wind and the waves and we rejoice in You being God. We remember the miracles of our lifetime as well as the Living Scriptures.

Where we go in the real parts of every day life - You will always be with us. This is - Alleluia.

You have given us a Son. And this is Christmas. He is Wonderful. Counselor. Jesus is Almighty God.

We pray the Words of Jesus for more Heaven on earth. Pouring out a blessing upon us - so willingly. Pouring out to the ones we Love. Pouring to the Nation Trusting in You. Pouring to the Nations You give Your Light. Jesus the Light of the world and to all the people asking God for more Heaven on earth.

Jesus our God. Wonderful. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Matthew 2 ~ they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy

Matthew 2

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" 

 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him."

 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 

11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son."

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 

17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." 

21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.

 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: "He shall be called a Nazarene."

Matthew 2 is Alive.

How can we possibly say the Word of God is Living and Active if Matthew 2 is not alive?

Peter would say a Day to God is thousands of years and this might be God's Good Morning.

God's Early, Early Morning, Good Morning.


Father God is not going to let His Living Word in Matthew 2 be something we can remember and not be engaged and alive with. This is God's Living Word.

We journey with the Magi journey - a Spiritual Journey. The Magi rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. These Children of God were reaching out to God. As they grew into their lives, the beginning of the Spiritual Journey - we can all remember and know - having no idea what is in head of us. The Magi - wise men understanding the signs - knocked on the Door of King Herod.

Starting out with hopes. And finding God was with them. Emmanuel. Rejoicing with Joy.

And in each step God gave them provisions to continue. We can find this Good News, God considered the Magi Wise.

The Magi Depart. And again, as always, this is the Story of Christ - God's Son, Jesus. Others will become part of God moving His Plan along. Life brings in new people and new places. With the familiar aspect of God - Comfort is arriving with changes. And with the comfort comes the call, the bravery and the necessity to go with Father God's Plan again.

This isn't just Christmas and the Journey with Jesus Christ, we are finding God's Plan moves far beyond this season. And the familiar Teaching of the Holy Spirit. God is making a path for each day.

Father God, Jesus and God's Word are alive today
Father God, Jesus and God's Word are Working today.

Father God heals the blind. Jesus is the exact nature of Father God. The Magi travel blindly with faith and announce the birth of Herod's worst fears. God Himself feels their joy and God finds their path for them. Creating not just their path, but of the Holy Family. History records the infants were few in number the villainous Herod killed. The Path of Father God reveals hearts. The Heavens provide direction for the Magi to return with clear sight.

Father God works with us - just as Jesus worked with His Disciples and their blindness.

Father God heals the deaf. After listening to Herod, the Magi went on their path. And God gave  correct direction. God is known to speak to the deaf - personally. Their experiences in the Gospels - are nothing short of increasing our longing for God's time and care.

God listens to us pray, just as Jesus sat and healed the deaf - personally and with great care and obvious compassion.

Father God heals the lame. Jesus was not counted as much in the Temple and with Sadducean Council because He was from Nazareth. God used this place to raise Jesus as the Christ of God. God makes disadvantage His Glory.

We are blessing seekers and finders with God our Father. Turning disadvantage into His Glory. Finding more Heaven on earth.

Father God brings Good News to the poor. In the millenniums- so many years, we consider ourselves far from Jesus - impoverished. And we find the Living Word of God is for us today.

Today God's Story is our very own. In Jesus, we are the Children of God by the Will of God. Today. We want to be and we are sealed in Jesus Christ as His own now and forever.

Abba, Holy Father,

We ask Your Living Word to Bless us each day.

We ask Your Blessing is willing for us and for those we Love.

We ask to be Blessing Seekers. Seeing the Blessing in each day. Building our lives to be meaningful. As we Trust You, Father God our eyes, ears, path and Victory are more clear. Trusting You we have more Joy and clearly see more meaning walking with Jesus.

With Hope, Faith and Joy knowing our Nation Trusts in You. The Good Pew Reports telling us prayer is increasing with certainty of Your Love and Willingness. You have Given, Given, Given us Jesus.

Your Children praying for more Heaven on earth. What a Blessing for us all. God blesses us, everyone.

Praying for our elderly dog, Jackson, falling down stairs and biting our son Cal on his nose, drawing blood at Cal's birthday time and Christmas season the day after final exams. For the poor nose and the poor, 14 year loyal dog to heal.

The Blessing of God flowing all around us. Merry Christmas.

Amen in Jesus Christ.

James Tissot

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Zechariah 8:9-17 ~ Truth

Zechariah 8:9-17

9 Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

10 For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor. 11 But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts. 12 For there shall be a sowing of peace.

The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew.

And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. 13 And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong." 14 For thus says the LORD of hosts: "As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent, says the LORD of hosts, 15 so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not. 16 These are the things that you shall do.

Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; 17 do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD."

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 10:28
The hope of the righteous brings joy

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Proverbs 24:14
Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Job 22:28
You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.

John 1:4,5,9
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.


Abba, Our Father,

Today is my oldest son's Birthday. We ask for God's Blessings upon us and for my son's Blessing.

Our Willing Father this Christmas Season Bless us with all Your Blessings and upon our Loved Ones. Covering this Nation trusting in You. All Your Children around the world asking more Heaven on this earth.

Christmas Blessings. We ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. 
Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Matthew 25:14-30 ~ Journey

Matthew 25:14-30

14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 

15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.

17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.

18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'

22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'

24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'

26 But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.

29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Life.

One of the most widely held concepts worldwide - the Laws of the Early Scriptures. When we encounter someone telling us this about Father God, "'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'

Deism
We find someone telling us God is not just, life is too hard, God takes away, God takes for Himself, and Fear. Views of a very harsh God do not cling to the tenderness of God. Abraham was willing to ask God of The Universe for mercy over sinner's lives. And God made the Views of Abraham - Father of the Nations.

Deism is a Monotheism belief one God exists, however God does not intervene in the world, or interfere with human life and the laws of the universe. A non-interventionist creator who permits the universe to run itself according to natural laws. And in Scriptures God tells us to pray with hope. Jesus tells us God is not an unjust Judge.

When we encounter harsh views of God, we encounter a bumpy road ahead with this person. The views of the universe observed are going to be demonstrated by word and deed.

This entire passage is about building Life.

Recently I encountered a fictitious movie called, "About Time." And my younger son's girlfriend said it is her favorite movie. The father and son are sent two by two with a very precious talent - time travel in their own lives. Awkwardness and unhappiness are made smooth.

Isaiah 40:3-5

A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; 

make a straight highway for our God in the desert. 

Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low;

 the uneven ground will become smooth, 

and the rugged land a plain.

And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,

The son discovers from his father the path of Life. With this type of talent - two by two - and direction is a beautiful and Biblical approach. The first discovery is of the son requiring money. And the father points to the Chronicles of the Family and explains this, really, can dramatically ruin life.

The son is promptly asked what does he really, really want? And the answer is Love. This becomes a very beloved marriage and three very loved children in a very messy world with a messy life. And is R rated. Sad.

The film would have made more to have been PG.

However the Holy Bible is Holy and is R rated just as Aaron is invited into the Holy of Holies and will spill blood. Chronicles tells us Life is R rated. Romans 7 explains life is R rated. 1 Corinthians 5 explains life is R rated. Revelation explains Life is R rated. God sums this up saying we need Jesus Christ and all are sinners. We need preachers to find our way out of the muck. And the Scriptures go there with us to understand the Goodness of Father God giving us Jesus.

I would not show this to a youth group. The movie begins with remember not the sins of my youth. But Tim Lake, the young man, is always very earnestly guided to loyalty and marriage.

Tim finds Love makes a stable and meaningful life. And begins to hone the talent of Life given to him.

Anxiety.
Tim Lake discovers worry is good for nothing. One day is highly anxious for career and bills and children and marriage. Dull, worrisome and tedious. His father had taught him to relive the day seeing God had provided for him. Returning without worry the next day (which is a completely re-lived day) he discovers without anxiety, he tells his wife, "It really, really was a good day." The same day lived with Hope, Faith and Love.

Matthew 6:33-34

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, 

and all these things will be added to you. “

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, 

for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. 

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

The man with five talents trusts God to help him make ten talents. And Abundant Life is going to occur.

The Talent of Claude Monet - a very vivid display of Talent.

The Child of God we are discussing has two talents. Claude Monet - we will never know until God shows us His Home how many talents Claude Monet had. It's not our pay grade in this life.

James 1:7

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation

or shadow due to change.

As he aged, Claude Monet knew his talent was waning. And he and Matisse created new styles to retrieve and surf to let the Blessing of God flow.  Claude Monet used his Blue Period to overcome cataracts.  Matisse would have similar eye problems and would create a new form of modernization to paint a Chapel in France using his skill to give Glory to God. Both men supported one another in the changing of talents.

Spring is coming sooner than we think

Claude Monet talent left us more eye for colors hidden in life. He did not live in the antibiotics generation having died in 1926. He experienced many of his dearly loved people died. His first wife Camille. Tuberculosis found his family. He remarried a very good friend of theirs and began to experience at least 10 periods of deep seated grief for losing someone he loved.

Even when Claude Monet was blinded by cataracts - he painted. To paint was Glory. Not effort. And as these people died in Claude Monet's life - he found he was unable to produce any paintings for two years. This would add up to being twenty years of being unable to find joy enough to paint.

Grief was far heavier than physical aging and talent changing. Psychology today tells us grief is a two year period. I noticed when my father, Daddy, died I had grief and then later I had the work of grief recovery. It became two separate things. The second year was the climb back to normal life. I doubt this is avoidable. Or even healthy to avoid.



Finding the Next Two Talents

We find our emotions have two parts - loss and recovery.
Depression is a sense of loss. If we focus on recovery entirely, we cannot attain the recovery.

Compassion.
Abraham demonstrated compassion. When we can focus on those we love - we begin to recover. When we can focus on little things for joy - we recover. Grief is angered when life makes us do the work of life. The work of life is recovery.

Giving compassion to others is part of the 12 Step Plan for AA. Compassion for others is placed with mental health recovery. Out-patients go and feed the homeless. And in giving - we are healed.

The Joy of the Lord is My Strength

The man with two talents put forth his effort. Giving Grace, mercy, gives us mercy for ourselves. Joy is fuel. The Joy of the Lord is my strength. On cloudy days, I believe the Son will Shine. And reflect His Love and mercy believing life is going to always have it's troubles and Jesus overcomes.

I find this is true. Doing for others creates what we do for ourselves. Spring is coming.

Seasons of winter where the earth rests.
Seasons of sun and warmth of sunshine on the firm, concrete path.

Just as we do not know the talents we have or the talents someone else has - we give honor. Honor the season we are in. In all seasons - God can bring seed, rain, sun, strengthening and fruit is going to occur.

Joseph had seasons in prison. Saul had seasons holding the coats, agreeing with opinion around him. Abraham lost Lot who traveled with him - to a new country. All of these people, including the Prodigal son - had seasons to learn from being eluded and talent free. The older son of the Prodigal felt his talents had been overlooked. In these seasons of lack of fulfillment and frustration - this it the time to ask God for help.


LORD GOD, THANK YOU FOR OUR BLESSINGS.

Father, we know You to be steadfast, encouraging faith, hope and love. We know You give us Jesus for our eternity we could not attain. You will gather us because of the Righteousness of Jesus.

When I was afraid, You comforted me and let me place my cares on You as You cared for me. All I have is Yours thank You.

Please in Your Abundant Life bless those I love. Encourage, guide, strengthen and give Joy and Love.

Rejoicing in Christmas the Beloved of Father God encircle the creation asking for more Heaven on earth.

Jesus told us to ask for more Heaven on earth. 
We can anticipate His Blessing.

Merry Christmas. The Blessing of our Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit for us, our Families and Loved Ones. For our Nation Trusting in Him. For the Nations who see the Brightness of His Light. And the Creation our Father God calls good, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Amen in Jesus for His Word and His Birth Merry, Merry Christmas
Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Luke 2 ~ for my eyes have seen Your Salvation

Luke 2

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, 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!”

 Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

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;

for my eyes have seen your salvation

that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a 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.


41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

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

We go so fast in life, if we don't stop and enjoy and say thank you for every blessing. Our blessings fly past us without being appreciated and our hearts do not melt and have times of joy. We just truly need to see the blessings in what is presented and unfolds around us. We need to open our ears and see with our eyes of expectation.



How deeply did Jesus Love?


Ok, sure we have every Sunday School Lesson we have ever heard. Remember Albert Einstein, a Jew, said he loved the Gospels and saw so much rich emotion in Jesus. These are the new eyes to the Gospels.

Luke's Gospel in the first Chapter closes with this beauty:

Luke 1:78-80

because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall dawn upon us
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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

Wouldn't you expect the Gospel of Luke telling us of the life of Jesus Christ, Son of God would explain Jesus and end explaining Jesus instead of John the Baptist?  Jesus explains about his beloved John the Baptist. Running parallel to His life.

The Love continues for the second expected child in Luke 2.

His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

News was brought to Jesus of John's death. Jesus has a response. There is no body to bury. No bier to touch.

Matthew 11:12
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.


Matthew 14 and Mark 6 congruently tell of the 5,000 fed as a response to a funeral is required. John the Baptist's life held vast meaning for Father God. Not just another man Father God could see gave his life. Truly.

Jesus said people in Heaven were greater than the living John the Baptist. Jesus knew something of going to Heaven and being utterly, astonishingly, completely and totally filled with the Joy of God revealed. Jesus was somewhat giving John grief for asking if Jesus really was the Messiah as John faced death, but Jesus was living in expectation of seeing the John the Baptist Live The Reality of The Kingdom of My Father and Yours..

2 Samuel 12:23
But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.

John 16
23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.


Did Jesus Laugh? Laughter and Joy go completely and fully in unity!!!

Jesus takes time to be separate from His Disciples after feeding the crowds He had such compassion for. We can understand this completely.

And Jesus comforts Himself by "not seeing" the disciples as he walks at night upon the waters and surprises them with His visit. Remember with me - Jesus says He is Life in all men. Life Abundant! Because Jesus sees the conclusion and expects Joy.

(Point to ponder! The mystics of the 14th century explain the star was not above Jesus until Jesus was born - almost as if Jesus' own Light created the Star. The mystics go on to say that the Light in Jesus Shone in the dark explaining why Nativity scenes have a halo glow to them. I would wonder, in awe of God, if Jesus walked upon the water letting His Light Shine Forth.)

Did Jesus mourn John the Baptist? See how lovingly John is spoken of for preparing a path for Father God and making a path for Jesus. John the Baptist opens in the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and John.


1 Thessalonians 4:13
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

Father God,

Jesus spoke Your Word telling us always to Pray and Have Hope.

We lift up to You, Father God, our most pressing prayer request, knowing You have heard and answer.

Thank You, Father God, and Blessed be the Name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †