Archive for the ‘Jesus’ Category

Simeon

December 26, 2018

The Christmas story did not end with the birth of Jesus. That was just the beginning. The Bible records little about baby Jesus. We know He was taken to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord when Mary’s time of purification was over as the law of Moses commanded. A sacrifice of a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.

While at the temple Mary and Joseph met two people. Today we will talk about Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:29-32

The Bible says tha Joseph and Mary marveled at what Simeon had said.

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2018

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

The Wise Men

December 22, 2018

The account of the wise men who came to worship Jesus is found in Matthew 2:1-12. Tradition says they were three kings who came from the east but the country they came from is not mentioned. They were thought to be 3 because of the number of gifts and kings because of the value of the gold, frankincense and myrrh.

They followed a star which appeared in the heavens until they came to Jerusalem and inquired of Herod where the King was born. Herod wanted to know more about this baby and asked the wise men to bring news of His whereabouts when they found Him. They continued to follow the star, presented their gifts and worshiped Jesus.

Jesus was not in the manger at the time the wise men found him, as is often pictured in Christmas cards and manger scenes, but was now a young child as the Bible states. Probably about 2 years old or a little younger and was in a house with Mary his mother. Then being warned in a dream the wise men went a different way back to their country and did not report to Herod.

There is a saying,”Wise men still seek Him”. Are you seeking Jesus? What He wants is our desire to follow Him as the wise men followed the star and to worship Him and give the gift of ourselves to Him. Are you wise?

Matthew 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him

No Room For Jesus

December 20, 2018

December 21, 2017

Joseph must have been frantically looking for a place to stay for the night. Mary was probably already in labor. She was young, it was her first child and she was going through the same pain in childbirth that every mother has when giving birth. Bethlehem was full of travelers. It was a small village with a very limited number of inns. Maybe only one, and the was no room. The innkeeper took pity on Joseph and Mary and allowed them room in his stable.

Most people look at the innkeeper as unfeeling but if you think about it he really did an act of kindness, plus scripture was being fulfilled.

If the innkeeper had known who was to be born in his stable, maybe he would have given up his own room for JESUS.

JESUS wants the best from us. Our gift to Him this Christmas should be giving Him every room in our heart.

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

Bethlehem

December 19, 2018

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus was foretold by Micah 700 years before Christ’s birth. Micah named the exact town and Matthew records the event. Bethlehem is still standing today and both Biblically and historically is proven to be the actual place where Jesus was born.

The journey to Bethlehem took Mary and Joseph about 4 days. It was not an easy journey for a woman about to give birth. Tradition says she rode on a donkey but that is not in the Bible account. She may have had to walk that distance.

Today take a few minutes from your busy Christmas preparation and think about the obedience of Joseph and Mary. They were willing to sacrifice time, ridicule, and hardship to bring JESUS into the world.

Two humans that made a difference to everyone from that time for all eternity.

Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Mary, Mother of Jesus

December 16, 2018

Mary, a young virgin, was engaged to Joseph. God chose her to be the mother of the Lord Jesus. When Gabriel came to her she was frightened at first, listened to his message and then was humble and honored. In those days being pregnant without marriage was a great disgrace but Mary was willing to obey.When the angel told her of Elisabeth’s pregnancy, Mary, went to stay with her. Elisabeth confirmed what the angel had told her because the baby leaped in her womb.

If you have not read and thought about the people in the unfolding Christmas story it would be good to read it again. We learn much about obedience and love of God as we realize that every person was human and had the same emotions, fears, joys and problems we do. Mary is a great example to us and she surely was blessed among women.

Luke 1:30-31 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary:for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

The Angel, Gabriel

December 13, 2018

Only two angels are mentioned by name in the New Testament. Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel was an archangel who was a messenger sent by God to deliver news to Zacariah and then later to Mary. Gabriel is also mentioned in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. Angels had an important role in the birth of the Lord Jesus. Their presence brought fear into the hearts of the people they appeared to according to scripture.

We tend to forget that people like Zacariah, Mary and Joseph were just ordinary people that God used in extraordinary circumstances. If Gabriel appeared to us today we too would be afraid. As Christians we can look forward to the time when we will see angels in Heaven. What a wonderful future we have and there will be no fear, only wonder and beauty as we behold Heaven and meet Jesus face to face.

Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

(It has been a blessing to see the symbols of Christmas and we look now to the people that the Bible recorded about the birth of Jesus)

Gifts Symbol of Christmas

December 12, 2018

The next 12 days for a lot of people will be the busiest time of year preparing for that perfect Christmas gift. Shopping in crowded stores, looking at catalogs, shopping on line.

The best gift you can give anyone is telling them about Jesus. For your unsaved friend, coworker or relative their best gift would be receiving Jesus as their Savior.

For your Christian loved ones a time of fellowship, a phone call or a message. Your time is more precious than any gift you could possibly buy.

Enjoy the Christmas season but don’t forget the best gift ever given…..Jesus.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that HE gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Stockings Symbol of Christmas

December 11, 2018

If you think about it, it’s a bit strange for someone to put goodies in an old sock. But like many Christmas traditions, the tradition of Christmas stockings comes from an old legend. A long time ago (so the story goes), a poor man had three daughters and couldn’t afford to give them a dowry (money or goods given to the groom’s family by the bride’s family). In those days, it was very hard for a woman to get married without a dowry. A Christian bishop named Nicholas heard about the problem and wanted to help, but the man refused to accept money. One night, Nicholas threw three balls made of pure gold in through the open window of the man’s house. Each one landed in a stocking hung by the fire to dry. The next morning, each daughter found a gold ball in her stocking. With this bounty, they were all able to get married. Stockings can remind us of the importance of service. The greatest example of service is Jesus Christ. He always “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Take some time to think about the Savior’s selfless acts of service. How can you give Christlike service and show kindness to others?

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Star Symbol of Christmas

December 9, 2018

It’s hard to go anywhere during Christmas without seeing stars hanging from street lamps or sitting on top of Christmas trees. The star is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It represents the star that appeared in the sky when Jesus Christ was born. The star led the Wise Men to Jesus and reminds us to follow the light of the Savior just as the Wise Men followed the light of the star to find Him.

Matthew 2:1&2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.