Manger

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Memorable Scripture: The Manger

Luke 2:8-12
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Continue reading →

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Memorable Scripture: Tower of the Flock

Micah 4:8
And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.” Continue reading →

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Breath of Heaven

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7 Continue reading →

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Christmas Gift

Nearly every nativity scene contains three wise men. Though this story is not included in any other Gospel other than Matthew and follows immediately after the birth of the Christ.

It is unlikely that the Wise men showed up at the birth since the star was over a house and Jesus is called a young Child.

One thing for sure,

And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matt 2:11

Of course, gifts are given at Christmas and justified by this story. More than that, the gifts are evidence of God’s provision.

The little family will be traveling to Egypt to escape the tyranny of King Herod, who orders the killing of all male children two-years old and under.

A trip to Egypt could not have been cheap; plus the time spent living there. Like you, they may have had some money to live day to day but a sudden trip is an extra expense. The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh could have been used to finance such a trip and stay.

God provides!

I have many stories of Him providing for us and I am not alone. I have heard many stories of providential provision.

I like to give gifts. I love to make someone happy with a small gift. But if I pray earnestly before getting a gift for someone, I would find myself getting a gift of provision by being led by the Holy Spirit.

Abba, Your gift of Salvation through the Babe of the manger is the best ever. YES&AMEN

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Christmas Crowds

I don’t like Christmas shopping. There are way too many people in the same store at the same time, trying to buy the same things.

When I have to go shopping I entertain myself by watching other shoppers.

Some are oblivious to the world around them. They’ll block the aisle without any thought to the other people that need to get by them.

There are mom’s with kids and it’s a juggling act to keep them all under control.

The comparison shopper stands around the same area and looks at different varieties of the basic same product.

Some others, like me, are happy to just sit down and wait while watching others go by.

Some areas of the stores or mall are so crowded that I just avoided it.

All of this reminds me of another crowd.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Bethlehem was crowded when Joseph and Mary arrived and were “shopping” for a place to stay. The streets were crowded. The doorways were crowded. The restaurants were crowded. There were people everywhere.

And there were so many that no rooms were available for the night.

The innkeeper did his best to offer the couple some type of shelter.

I doubt the stable was very comfortable but it did shield them from the elements and gave a place for the King of kings to humbly be brought into the world.

So next time you are in the crowd’s, think of the crowded town of Bethlehem where the Savior was born.

Next time you’re out in the crowd’s, remind yourself that Jesus came and died for all of them.

Abba, everyone I meet today needs you as Savior; whether it’s a crowd of a hundred or just one person. I want to be the light to shine the way to You. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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What will you endure?

mary and josephAt that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. Continue reading →