Thursday, December 9th, 2021

Verse of the Day

“We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
— John 6:69 —

Hello friends —

Today we unwrap another name for Jesus, “Holy One of God.” Have you you ever been around someone famous, royalty or presidential? Most people get nervous when meeting someone that has been elevated in popularity whether by name or position. I have had the opportunity to meet a few people of celebrity and I remember being “star-struck” and a bit nervous, mostly excited. But thinking about being face to face with the “Holy One of God” I can’t imagine, Isaiah writes this:

“And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Now the house of David was told, “Aram has allied itself with Ephraim ”; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.” Isaiah 6:3-5,7:2 —

“There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” —1 Samuel 2:2

We are made holy only through the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross. Jesus paid the debt of sin for all people. Before Jesus came, the only person who could enter the “Holy of Holies” was the high priest. The high priest could only enter after a painstaking process to purify himself from any sin, known or unknown. (Exodus 19:21-22), further reading on the process of entering the Holy of Holies can be found by clicking this link: Leviticus 16:1-34 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Leviticus%2016:1-34&version=NIV

Exodus 19:21-22 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Exodus%2019:21-22&version=NIV

No one could have done what Jesus did, no one else in the entire history of humanity is holy, except for Jesus. He is morally perfect. He has never sinned. He has never tempted anyone else to sin. The writer of Hebrews refers to Jesus as “holy, innocent, unstained and separated from sinners. (Hebrews 7:26).

We do not need to fear. Jesus’ holiness does not threaten those who love him. In fact, it is His holiness that gives us hope. Jesus is able to clothe us in divine righteousness, this is not even possible on our own.

You and I, brothers and sisters have been made clean through the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus, he knew no sin, became sin so we might become the righteousness of God, even as we grow in this holiness day by day through the power of the Holy Spirit.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” —2 Corinthians 5:21

CHALLENGE

Each time we confess our sins, known and unknown, we grow a little more into His holy likeness. Today, let us take time to meditate and confess any accumulated sins to Jesus. Thank Jesus for His faithfulness in forgiving and cleansing from all our sinful deeds, words and actions. Rejoice in the holiness Jesus confers to us, walking humbly in His holiness today and always.

Prayer ~

Jesus, you are indeed the Holy One of God! You are present to all who seek you. Lord, help us to see goodness today, give us patience as we may encounter annoyances and or problems. Help us to pause before speaking, texting, calling or emailing. Help us to extend the same mercy and forgiveness you give to us. You Lord Jesus are the Holy One of God, we pray in you name, Amen.

➡️ • ➡️ • ➡️ • FOR FURTHER STUDY

Leviticus 9:1-10:20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Leviticus%209:1-10:20&version=NIV

Psalm 16:10-11 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2016:10-11&version=NIV

Isaiah 41:14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2041:14&version=NIV

Mark 1:24 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%201:24&version=NIV

John 6:69 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%206:69&version=NIV

Acts 3:14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Acts%203:14&version=NIV

1 Peter 1:19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%201:19&version=NIV

1 Peter 2:22 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%202:22&version=NIV

1 John 3:5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%203:5&version=NIV

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Wednesday, December 8th, 2021

Verse of the Day

“Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
— Revelation 5:5 —

Hello friends —

Most of my followers know that I am a huge fan of C.S.Lewis. I was reminded today after reading my daily devotional “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus” of the beautiful stories of Narnia. The King of Narnia is Aslan and the name of Jesus for today is “Lion of Judah.” The stories of Narnia are filled with imaginative allegories of biblical truths and exemplifies many characteristics of Jesus. If you have never read the Narnia book series, I highly recommend them. Below is a video I found that beautifully and artistically explains Narnia and Aslan.

Jesus, the humble and gentle. That’s one way of describing him. A common picture displayed in church when I was a kid is Jesus standing at a wooden door, knocking.

Jesus is standing at the door, have you let him in? Jesus is gentle, kind, humble and loving, all the great qualities of a King, the King of Kings! The Bible tells of His fierceness when He cleared the temple of money changers and merchants.

Matthew 21:12-13, “Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

The truth is Jesus has restrained his power, the Lion of a Judah has been gentle and tame, He has already won the battle at the cross. The Lion of Judah will return to settle with the father of lies, the one who kingdom is darkness and will unleash His fury against all enemies. All who stand against the Lion of Judah will fall, all those who are gathered behind Him will rest in safety.

Isaiah 34:1-8, “Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you peoples! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, the world, and all that comes out of it! The Lord is angry with all nations; his wrath is on all their armies. He will totally destroy them, he will give them over to slaughter. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will stink; the mountains will be soaked with their blood. All the stars in the sky will be dissolved and the heavens rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; see, it descends in judgment on Edom, the people I have totally destroyed. The sword of the Lord is bathed in blood, it is covered with fat— the blood of lambs and goats, fat from the kidneys of rams. For the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah and a great slaughter in the land of Edom. And the wild oxen will fall with them, the bull calves and the great bulls. Their land will be drenched with blood, and the dust will be soaked with fat. For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of retribution, to uphold Zion’s cause.”

Jesus exhibits the sovereign power and position of a great Lion towering above his pride.

Many men and women throughout history have dedicated themselves to God’s Kingdom, we admire and appreciate these individuals. Only one is worthy of our worship, praise and adoration.

Philippians 2:9-11, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The title “Lion of Judah” reminds us of Jesus’ valor, sovereignty and His faithfulness. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, it’s pages are filled with allusions to the Lion of Judah, each pointing to the one who would rule the nation. First, David and later Jesus, David’s descendant. God always fulfills His promises.

Jesus is the triumphant Lion of Judah.

His enemies scatter in fear.

We know, He is Good!

CHALLENGE

Is He safe? Have you adopted the cultural view that Jesus as “safe”? Today, take time to meditate of His power and glory as the “Lion of Judah.” Seek Him and ask that He awaken you to the reality of His grandeur and respond in humble worship.

Prayer ~

Jesus, you are the Lion of Judah. You are power, strength, and gentleness, You alone are worthy to be praised. Teach us again how awesome and majestic is Your name. May we respond to you with humility, praise and adoration. In Jesus name, Amen.

➡️ • ➡️ • ➡️ • FOR FURTHER STUDY

Genesis 49:8-12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Genesis%2049:8-12&version=NIV

Psalm 2:10-12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%202:10-12&version=NIV

Hosea 5:14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hosea%205:14&version=NIV

Matthew 21:12-13 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2021:12-13&version=NIV

Revelation 5:1-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%205:1-14&version=NIV

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://anderson.edu/galleries/warner-sallman/collection/

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Tuesday, December 7th, 2021

Verse of the Day

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
— John 14:6 —

So, What is Truth?

The BEST definition I found after reading several articles is this:

Truth is the self-expression of God.

I found this definition written by John MacArthur. *https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/grace-to-you/read/articles/what-is-truth-11521.html

As Christians, when we think of truth, it’s easy to say that God is TRUTH. We also easily think of Satan as the “father of lies.” But when thinking of these two examples of truth and lie, it would not be fair to say they are opposite of one another. Jesus/God is not the opposite of Satan, just as truth is not merely the absence of a lie. Truth is the construct that defines reality, this is a stark contrast to a lie. Truth can and does exist on its own. Truth does not need props or affirmations. A lie, and how Satan works at perpetuating lies is through twisting truth, casting shadows of doubt and whispering half truths in our ears such as ‘no one will ever know’ ‘no one cares, it’s just this one time.’ Satan will tempt us to question the very things we know to be true, his only goal is to simply to distract from God. Satan does not care about you, he only wants to hurt God. He’s a bully and thinks of himself to be better than God. When we have our eyes fixed upon Jesus it’s like seeing with new eyes, new glasses that gives us 20/20 vision. Satan on the other hand, passes out thrift store glasses with rose color tint and scratches on the lenses. When our gaze is on Jesus, we see life through the prism of reality, all that is true.

“The best defense is a good offense.” This was first said by George Washington in 1799, “…offensive operations, often times, is the surest, if not the only means of defense.”

The only was to recognize lies is to be intimately acquainted with TRUTH, much like connoisseur know something real from something fake. Only those who hone their skills can quick spot an imposter.

We must fill our hearts and minds with the TRUTH, envelop ourselves and all of life in God’s presence, so that we can immediately recognize Satan’s lies when he tries to deceive us.

It is Jesus, the TRUTH, who sets us free!

CHALLENGE

Are you battling lies today about God, yourself, emotions, work, children, relationships?

1. Write them on an index card.

2. Do some research and find scripture to find truth. Write the verse on the back of the index card.

3. Spend time reading the verse(s).

4. Pray and ask God to reveal His truth to you. Ask Him to transform the way you view this particular thing in you life so that you can walk in the freedom of truth.

Prayer ~

Dear God, thank you for being Truth, help us as we embrace your love and keep us ever so close. I ask for comfort and healing for those battling with lies, open their eyes to see you, to see Truth. Fill us with your Truth so that we are able to recognize the lies perpetuated by the father of lies. May your words of Truth be planted firmly in the gardens of our lives and bring forth hope, joy, peace and love to all we encounter. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

➡️ • ➡️ • ➡️ • FOR FURTHER STUDY

John 8:32 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:32&version=NIV

John 17:17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2017:17&version=NIV

3 John 1:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=3%20John%201:3&version=NIV

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/grace-to-you/read/articles/what-is-truth-11521.html

Monday, December 6th, 2021

Verse of the Day

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1 —

Just yesterday I had a beautiful conversation with a friend of mine about the verse for today. I am fortunate that I can also call my friend, a wonderful coworker. I had been reading and preparing for this post and I shared with him, “your favorite verse is the verse of the day in my blog.” He and I have talked about the power of this verse on many occasions, and today he helped illuminate my mind to even a deeper level of understand. So the verse today (John 1:1) tells us that from the beginning the Word was present. John 1:2, tells us “He was with God in the beginning.” And John also references “Him/the Word/Jesus as, “Light has come into the world.” (John 3:19). I unfortunately can not quote my friend word for word, about the Word 🙃 but I did find an article that is fairly close and I hope it helps to explain this better than I can properly articulate…Barry I may need a remedial lesson. 😉

✝️ • 💜 • 🛐

The Bible is the story of God’s plan to redeem His people. It reveals who He is and who we truly are in Him.

The whole of Scripture tells the story of Jesus Christ, the ultimate expression of God’s love for us. When John refers to Jesus as “the Word,” he speaks of the Word that was made flesh, and came to live among us (John 1:14). This Word, manifested in the person of Jesus Christ, is the fulfillment of the covenant God made with His people, giving them and all who believe the promise of life with Him.

“God is not a God of coincidence or chaos, and Jesus was no coincidence. John’s words show us that Jesus was with God in the beginning. He is God, one with God, and the life He came to live on this earth was a part of a glorious plan from the beginning.”

— Meg Bucher

CHALLENGE

Usually when we hear someone say they are “spending time in the Word” we generally think of reading the Bible. What if we took a more literal stance and actually spend time with the Word, much like we spend time with our friends (?). Simply speaking and mediating with Him/Jesus/the Word. I love studying the Word and learning from others about the Word and just as we like spending time with friends and family in fellowship, don’t you think Jesus/the Word wants that too (?). And most important of this interaction, actively listen to the Word, live into the things that the Word is teaching us to do. The best relationships work because both parties are actively engaged and keep the lines of communication open. Take time to actively communicate and actively listen during your devotions today.

Prayer ~

Dear God, thank you for the Word, please bless the person reading this prayer, I ask you to open our hearts to hear your Word, use our voices to spread the news of the Word, strengthen our sight to see beyond our own expectations and help us to hear your small still voice above all the noise that surrounds us. I ask these things in Jesus name, the name above all names. Amen

➡️ • ➡️ • ➡️ • FOR FURTHER STUDY

Genesis 1:3-31 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Genesis%201:3-31&version=NIV

John 1:1 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%201:1&version=NIV

John 12:49 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2012:49&version=NIV

Romans 1:20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%201:20&version=NIV

Revelation 19:13 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%2019:13&version=NIV

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/in-the-beginning-was-the-word.html?amp=1

Sunday, December 5th, 2021

“Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
— Isaiah 40:3 —

Prayer ~

Dear Lord, we ask that you quiet our hearts and mind as we prepare for this second week of Advent. Help us to empty ourselves of the noises that distracts us. May we be open to new discoveries of your love, grace, mercy and compassion. In Jesus name, the name above all names. Amen.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:4-5

Why Do We Light The Second Candle?

The second candle reminds us that the prophets waited for a Messiah to come and save the people.

“A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
— Isaiah 40:3-5 —

CHRISTMAS STORY • LUKE 1:26-38

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

🔘 God wanted His people to be ready for the coming Messiah, so He sent prophets throughout history to remind them to prepare their hearts. He also sent John the Baptist to prepare the people for Jesus’ coming. What does this tell us about God?

God is a relentless in His love for us. God loves all and wants all to be redeemed. God wants us to have every opportunity to know and experience His unconditional love. God has chosen to love us.

🔘 How can we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth Jesus?

We can read God’s Word. Read both Matthew and Luke’s narrative of Jesus’ birth. Compare the things that are the same and those that are different.

Consider watching a movie or documentary of Jesus’ birth.

Listen to some Christmas music, try traditional and contemporary.

Go for a walk, talk with God. Spend time is quiet prayer and reflection.

🕯*As we continue to do daily devotion this week, light the first two candles and thank Jesus for being the Answers to our preparation. 🪔

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Saturday, December 4th, 2021

Verse of the Day

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 15:13 — (NIV)

HOPE IN ACTION

The author of the book I’m reading through Advent gives the following suggestions to put our HOPE into action.

🔅 Decorate a Christmas tree. This can be done alone, with family. 🔅

🌲•🌲•🌲•🌲•🌲•🌲•🌲•🌲•🌲•🌲•🌲•🌲

Reflect on how the evergreen trees symbolize life in the middle of winter as Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.

🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄

When you see twinkling lights, remember that Jesus is the Light of the World and He calls us to be shining lights in the darkness.

⭐️ • 🎄 • 🔔 • ✝️ • 🎁 • ✝️ • 🔔 • 🎄 • ⭐️

You might want to consider making ornaments to remind you of Jesus’ names we have learned so far on our journey through Advent. Also, color printable ornaments are available at unwrappingthenames.com now known as https://onethingalone.com/advent/

🍪 • 🥠 • 🍪 • 🥠 • 🍪 • 🥠 • 🍪 • 🥠 • 🍪

Bake cookies, write the names of Jesus on them and share them with people who regularly care for your needs with little thanks. These could be your mail carrier, garbage collector, land/leasing offices. You can also extend to include family, neighbors, coworkers, or deliver persons. Celebrate the birth of the King of Kings, who was born for the high and the low.

✂️• 📝 • 📫 • 🖍 • 👩‍🍼 • 👨‍🍼 • 🙏🏻 • 🛐

Make Christmas cards for families with small children in the hospital, the holidays can feel very lonely. Share hope with them. Pray that Jesus, the One who saves, may fill their hearts with hope.

🎄 • ✨ • 😇 • 🎄 • ✨ • 🎄 • ✨ • 😇 • 🎄

Participate in an Angel Tree buying gifts for children in need. You can also find links and more information at unwrappingthenames.com now known as https://onethingalone.com/advent/

🛐 • ⛪️ • 🎄 • ✝️ • 🌟 • 🎄 • ⛪️ • 🛐

Help decorate your church or you workplace if allowed. While decorating listen to Jesus-centered music or sing Christmas carols. A playlist is available at unwrappingthenames.com now known as https://onethingalone.com/advent/

BONUS CONTENT

Go to unwrappingthenames.com to download a free printable activity sheet and other fun resources to celebrate Advent.

Thank you for joining me during this first week of Advent, I look forward to spending each day of Advent with you.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Friday, December 3rd, 2021

Verse of the Day • Matthew 2:4

Jesus came not as an anointed one, but as the Anointed One. In the Old Testament “anointed” meant [being set aside for service] specifically as a king or priest. Jesus came as the Anointed One, both King and Priest, set apart not by man but by God Himself.

God also sent John the Baptist as a forerunner to Christ. John the Baptist was an interesting individual in the New Testament, “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.” (Matthew 3:4). John was preaching to the people and baptizing them, calling people to repent and making preparations for the Messiah. Many of the people who gathered believed that John was the Messiah and he repeatedly told them he was not, he was the forerunner, the messenger sent from God. The story of a Messiah is foretold in prophecies throughout the Old Testament. Upon the arrival of the Anointed One, many were in disbelief. Jesus was not at all what the people had expected. He was not a warrior with a large army that would defeat the Roman rule and oppression placed on the Jews. Nope, Jesus was a man with a quiet spirit and a meek disposition. He was born under suspicious circumstances, and He had no possessions. He was welcoming, He spent time with outcasts, sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes. He was not their idea of a great Jewish leader. Many were just plain disappointed in Jesus. After all, this Jesus is the focal point of their belief system, the hinge of all their history. God had answered the prayers of the Israelites, Jesus is the Messiah and they rejected Him.

Today, all people who are believers in Jesus as the Christ, as the Anointed One can celebrate Him. The season of Advent is a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.

“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
— John 1:11-12 —

https://www.etymonline.com/

🔺 🔻 CHALLENGE 🔻 🔺

♦️ Have you ever tried to fit Jesus into your idea of who He should be or how he should act?

I have no doubt that I had tried to fit Jesus into what is convenient in my life on more than one occasion. It is interesting to me as I look at my life and the different stages it has gone through to include the straying away from God and failure to do what is right [sin]; I have found it’s always best to return to the foundation of my faith. Specifically, I have a focal point that takes me back to the night I ask God to forgive me and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I am immediately taken back in time and I’m asking my mom about salvation and she drives me to our pastor’s home where we talked and prayed.

🔷 🤔 🔷 🧐 🔷 🤔 🔷 🧐 🔷 🤔 🔷 🧐 🔷

💬 Take time this season to read through the Gospels.

💬💬 Reacquaint yourself with Jesus.

💬💬💬 Marvel at His miracles.

💬💬💬💬 Chuckle at His witty responses to the Pharisees’ snide remarks.

💬💬💬💬💬 Weep as His people reject Him and as He walks towards Golgotha.

Go beyond surface familiarity with the stories and engage with the Anointed One as He is revealed in the pages of Scripture.

Prayer ~

God of Heaven and earth, thank you for sending your son Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One. Forgive us for assuming we have all the right answers, for trying to fit Jesus into “into a box” our idea of who we want Him to be instead of who He actually is. Thank you for the privilege of being called your children, your sons and daughters. Continue to feed us with your word, you are our Hope. Please bless the person reading this prayer, I ask all these things in Jesus the Anointed One, the Messiah. Amen.

➡️ • ➡️ • ➡️ • FOR FURTHER STUDY

• Job 19:25 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Job%2019:25&version=NIV

• Daniel 9:25 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Daniel%209:25&version=NIV

• Matthew 2:4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%202:4&version=NIV

• Matthew 16:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2016:16&version=NIV

• Luke 9:20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%209:20&version=NIV

• John 1:41 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%201:41&version=NIV

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog space today. I hope you will consider joining me as I continue to journey through Advent. 🤍

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References :

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/?amp

https://www.etymonline.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

An Advent Devotional — Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

Thursday, December 2nd, 2021

“Everything becomes more and more itself. Here is joy that cannot be shaken. Our light can swallow up your darkness; but your darkness cannot now infect our light.” C.S.Lewis, The Great Divorce

The Bible gives us so many examples of “light.” Jesus is described as the light of the world in today’s verse. As the sun in our solar system gives light, Jesus is the light source of our spiritual lives. Our faith and devotion to God allows the light of Jesus to shine not only in us but also through us. In being faithful servants of God, we have the ability to spread the light of God’s goodness and grace to our hurting world. In the surrendering of our own selfish desires and asking God to use us for what He created us to do, we are furthering the kingdom of God.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” —Martin Luther King, Jr./Strength to Love, 1963

Personally, I have never been a fan of the dark, I don’t like being scared and I don’t liking watching scary things, it’s a choice and I am completely okay with it. Jesus illuminates everything, nothing can be hid from Him, sin has no hiding place though we try nonetheless. Sin cast a gloomy darkness over our lives, it is the absence of illumination, this illumination is the absolute presence of God. It is through our repentance and God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness we can shine for Him. Jesus will light our way, he will turn our dark crimson sin into a shining reflection of His light, He will cleanses us from our transgressions.

Will you allow Jesus to light up your life? David, in Psalm 36:9 wrote this, “In your light we see light.”

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
— Philippians 2:14-16 —

🔺 🔻 CHALLENGE 🔻 🔺

During the Christmas season we can see lights of every color adorning pine and evergreen trees. We see stars hanging with garland and bows announcing the Christmas holiday. I encourage you to take time to see the lights and to ponder the one true light. One can become easily distracted with all of fun, festive and sometime short tempered events caused during this season. Be intentional with you words and actions, be a beacon of light to others and show them the purest light of all, Jesus Christ.

Prayer ~

Dear Jesus, thank you for your guiding light in our lives. Please open our hearts so that we may see your light and to share it with all those around us. This is the season and celebration of your birth, help us to be ever so mindful to look up at you light and to follow where it leads, just as the wise men did centuries ago. Amen. 🌟💫⭐️✨

➡️ • ➡️ • ➡️ • FOR FURTHER STUDY

• John 1:4-9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%201:4-9&version=NIV

• John 12:35-36 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2012:35-36&version=NIV

• 1 John 1:5-7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%201:5-7&version=NIV

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Wednesday, December 1st, 2021

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
— Matthew 2:2 —

The wise men who followed the star in the East were the first non-Jews to search for and to worship Jesus. The wise men believed that the manner in which His birth was announced by the cosmos, meant that He must be royalty. Indeed, Jesus is the King of Kings. Jesus was at the very beginning of creation and came to rule what is rightfully His kingdom. Matthew dedicated almost entire chapter showing to the lineage of Jesus, including His birth.

Matthew 1:1-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%201:1-17&version=NIV

In the Gospel of Luke, perhaps one of the most beautiful and triumphant stories of Jesus, King of the Kings is when Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey and the crowd praising God and shouting, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” ~Luke 19:38

Many did not understand that Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world. Jesus did not act like the kings of the region, Jesus did not come to attack the current government or to over-take the government rule. Jesus entered this world a humble king, he loved the unloveable, cared for the forgotten, welcomed sinners and the outcasts. Jesus came to give love, offer a new way of life, to offer HOPE! Jesus will return someday to reclaim the kingdom He created and is rightfully His. In the book of Revelation, John writes this, “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.“ ~Revelation 19:16

Jesus deserves all the honor and glory as our Lord and the King of Kings, not just on holidays but all year long. We will someday join in a chorus with all the angels and with all of creation singing praises to our King!

Who is the King of Glory?

👑 His name is Jesus! 👑

🔺🔻 CHALLENGE 🔻🔺

Being human we so often do not give praise where it’s due. Whenever I think about my own humanness, my sinful nature I think of characters from C.S.Lewis’ works “The Screwtape Letters” and “The Great Divorce.”

“Whatever their bodies do affects their souls. It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out…”

C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape LettersTags: human-nature, temptation

“You weren’t a decent man and you didn’t do your best. We none of us were and none of us did.”

C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

🔺🔻 Today, let’s look and think less of ourselves and fix our eyes on the King of Glory. Worship Him today with our words and our actions. 🔻🔺

Prayer ~

Heaven Father, King of Kings…please forgive me for the times when I am self-centered and I fail to recognize your kingship. You are my HOPE, without you I am nothing. Jesus, thank you for all of creation and for your sacrifice, defeating death at the cross so I can be made new in you. All praise and glory to you Lord Jesus. Amen.

➡️ • ➡️ • ➡️ • FOR FURTHER STUDY

• Zechariah 9:9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Zechariah%209:9&version=NIV

• Matthew 2:2 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%202:2&version=NIV

• Luke 19:37-42,44 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2019:37-42,44&version=NIV

• John 19:15-19 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2019:15-19&version=NIV

• 1 Timothy 1:17 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%201:17&version=NIV

• 1 Timothy 6:16 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%206:16&version=NIV

• Revelation 15:3 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%2015:3&version=NIV

• Revelation 19:16 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%2019:16&version=NIV

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/