Meditate.
At 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. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." Luke 2:1-14
Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. Good news. The Savior—yes the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Rejoice. This is a wonderful day to celebrate. Be filled with joy and peace. Our Savior has been born. Better yet…even though Jesus was crucified on a cross when He was about thirty-three, He rose from the dead. He lives. Rejoice. He truly is the Messiah. Glory to God. The best is yet to come. He has promised that He will return for His church.
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. John 14:27-28
How will you celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior, Jesus? Did you attend…virtually or in person…a Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service? That is my favorite service of the year. Do you give gifts to others…like the Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus? Will you have a special meal…with a birthday cake or a scrumptious dessert? However you celebrate, rejoice! Give Glory to God!
Prayer ~ Happy Birthday, Jesus! You are the light of the world…and light of my life.
Verse of Salvation ~ In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God! We trusted
in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice
in the salvation he brings!" Isaiah
25:9
Any day with the Lord is a day of rejoicing because He has saved us.
Friday’s
Feast at the King’s Table
I saw a photo of this salad in a magazine and my mouth just
started watering. It just looked so Christmasy, I wanted to make it right away.
It is simple easy.
1 large cucumber, lightly peeled and very thinly sliced
3 radishes, very thinly sliced
Red wine vinegar
Olive oil
Salt & pepper – grind fresh to taste
Combine the cucumber and radish slices. Top with a couple tablespoons red wine vinegar and then a tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle on some freshly ground salt and pepper. If you want some additional options, add raw pumpkin seeds, freshly chopped basil (just a couple of leaves), or some other fresh chopped herbs of your choice. Serve immediately. The color from the radishes may run is left to sit for a couple of hours. Enjoy with a sunny smile—looks like Christmas, tastes like summer!
Unless
otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,
copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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