December 21, 2018

Matthew 2:13-15Matthew 2:13, “When the magi had departed, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod will soon search for the child in order to kill him.”

Joy:

• the emotion evoked by well-being

• success

• good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires

• the expression or exhibition of such emotion

• a state of happiness or felicity

• a source or cause of delight

• to experience great pleasure or delight

What if I told you that true joy can only come from God. It is true, we can experience limited expressions of joy through our actions and accolades but lasting joy is found in knowing God as Lord and Savior. True joy is a state of security like no other, it’s knowing that God holds you within the palm of His hand. True joy is not the absence of bad things, it’s the strong foundation to withstand bad things. Joy is rising to meet each new day even while surrounded by uncertainty, joy is giving to someone in need, knowing that you have needs as well; trusting in God for deliverance. Joy is a righteous response to an uncertain world and mysterious future. We all have the opportunity to choose joy each new day. My hope and my prayer is that you experience “JOY” during this Christmas season and more importantly that you know Jesus as your personal Savior. He loves you, He created you and you most definitely have a plan and purpose! Let “joy” start with you! I’m letting “joy” start within me. ~Blessings to you~

Bible verses that speak of Joy:

“I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete.” -John 15:11

“Now I’m coming to you and I say these things while I’m in the world so that they can share completely in my joy.” -John 17:13

“and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.” -Hebrews 12:2

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13

The Joy of Jesus’ Birth:

“The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people.” -Luke 2:10

May the joy of CHRISTmas,

ring in your ears

may the hope it brings

rid you of your fears.

For unto this day,

a Child was born

a Savior to the world

one glorious morn.

May the joy of CHRISTmas,

fill you with cheer

may the peace it brings

last all throughout the year.

For unto us this day,

God sent us His Son

loved and begotten

to bring joy to everyone.

May the joy of CHRISTmas,

ring loud and clear

may the love that it brings

draw Jesus to you near!

~~~~~~

Luke 2:10

“And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold,

I bring you good tidings

of great joy,

which shall be to all people.”

King James Version

Public Domain

Copyright 2017

Deborah Ann Belka

Prayer: Lord Jesus, my heavenly King! May I be your faithful and loving servant! Amen.

~Peace and Blessings~

References:

The C. S. Lewis Bible NRSV

https://www.biblegateway.com

http://www.abingdonpress.com

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2015:11&version=CEB

https://poetrybydeborahan

December 20, 2018

Matthew 2:1-11

Matthew 2:11a, “They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him.”

Star:

• a natural luminous body visible in the sky especially at night

• a self-luminous gaseous spheroid celestial body of great mass which produces energy by means of nuclear fusion reactions

• a planet or a configuration of the planets thatis held in astrology to influence one’s destiny or fortune

• a waxing or waning fortune or fame

• a conventional figure with five or more points

Why do you suppose that the telling of Jesus’ birth is told so differently by the four gospels.

Matthew begins with explaining the lineage of Jesus, mentions King Herod of Jerusalem and the magic seeking the birth of the King of the Jews. And, then to the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the wise men/magi.

Mark’s Gospel starts out talking about “Good News” of Jesus Christ the Son of God referencing the prophet Isaiah telling of John the Baptist. John would prepare the way for Jesus. Mark skips the birth completely and goes right into Jesus being baptized and starting this ministry.

Luke thought it important to share the relationship of Zechariah, Elizabeth and their son John with that of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Luke also explains how and why Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem.

John, he takes a totally different approach towards Jesus’ existence. John places Jesus at/before the dawn of creation. Jesus has always been and will always be, He one with a God as the Holy Spirit is one with God, all 3 separate yet equal. John refers to Jesus as “the Word.” John then explains John the Baptist and his role in preparing the way for Jesus and the baptism of Jesus and His ministry.

Just as all Christians come to Christ for different reasons and cling to specific parts of His ministry, so did the writers of the four gospels. They each had a particular viewpoint of Jesus and because of these we are able to experience each of them. It is so wonderful to experience the birth of Jesus, the story is new each time we hear it and we are refreshed as we are able to continue to learn and recognize things that sometimes gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the season.

As we search our hearts and minds during this season of Advent, let us also be mindful of the “Star” God is still reaching out to all individuals, the lost, the down hearted, the least of us…

May you find rest and peace in Jesus this Advent Season. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Prayer: Lord, may all the world worship the King of Heaven! Amen.

~Peace and Blessings~

References:

The C. S. Lewis Bible NRSV

https://www.biblegateway.com

http://www.abingdonpress.com

https://www.merriam-webster.co