Friday, December 31, 2021

Did You Get Your Invitation to the Wedding Feast?

Meditate. Want to go to a wedding reception dinner?

And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he added, "These are true words that come from God."       

This post completes ten years of blogging the Banquet With The King blog. Ten years! Where has that time gone? We can never feast too much of God’s word, but we still have to wait for that big banquet—and it appears that the only place a banquet is mentioned in Revelation is in chapter nineteen.

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, shouting to the vultures flying high in the sky: "Come! Gather together for the great banquet God has prepared. Come and eat the flesh of kings, generals, and strong warriors; of horses and their riders; and of all humanity, both free and slave, small and great." Revelation 19:17-18 (Underlined for emphasis.)

God prepares that banquet, but it is one for vultures surrounding death, not a banquet for the God’s chosen people.

The wedding feast of the Lamb is the banquet that we want to attend! It doesn’t happen at the rapture—so don’t expect a feast then. Jesus used parables about wedding feasts when He was describing the Kingdom of God (see Matthew 22, Luke 12, and Luke 14). Read and study about wedding feasts for yourself.

Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear." For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God's holy people. And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he added, "These are true words that come from God."  Revelation 19:7-9

Those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior will be “invited” to the wedding feast of the Lamb. Will you be invited?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus Christ, I look forward to sitting down to wedding feast of the Lamb—it will be an awesome banquet. Thank you for being the Lamb of God…and for taking away the sins of the world.

Verse of Salvation ~ And they were shouting with a great roar, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!" Revelation 7:10

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone…. How about a traditional food for New Year’s?

Is one of your goals for 2022 to eat in a more healthy and responsible way? If so, how about considering a Mediterranean or Keto menu? You can start with this great salad.

 

Balela Salad

1 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed or about 2 cups cooked chickpeas

¼ green bell pepper, chopped

½ jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)

1 cup grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), slice in halves if you like, or leave whole

3 green onions, both white and green parts, chopped

¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (jar with olive oil)

¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives

¼ cup pitted green olives

¼ cup freshly chopped parsley leaves

¼ cup freshly chopped mint or basil leaves

 

Dressing

1/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and black pepper, a generous pinch to your taste

¼ tsp dried red pepper, optional


In a large bowl, mix together the salad ingredients: chickpeas, vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs. In a separate smaller bowl or jar, mix together the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper, and spices.

 

Drizzle half the dressing over the salad and mix gently to coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes before serving, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to serve, give the salad a quick mix and taste test. Adjust seasoning, if needed. It can be served over chopped romaine lettuce or in a pita bread, if desired. Enjoy!

 Last Bible Trivia Question for 2021: Who is the King of kings and Lord of lords?

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Underlined below for emphasis.)

Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him." Revelation 17:14

 

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:11-16

 Jesus is the Lamb of God…

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

Jesus is the Word of God…

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. ... So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son. John 1:1-5, 14

 

Good-bye to 2021. See you next year.

Happy New Year—May God bless you as you continue to seek and serve Him in 2022!


© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://www.blueletterbible.org

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins of the Bible: New Testament Stories

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Get you devotional today for 2022!

Thursday, December 30, 2021

The Lord is Always With Me

Meditate. Are you alone?

King David said this about him: 'I see that the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.' "Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn't referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David's own descendants would sit on his throne. David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah's resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave. "God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. Acts 2:25-33

 

This passage is referring to David and what he wrote in Psalm 16. The Message gives us a very readable version.

My feet are on the life path.
The light of the world is shining on me.
Hold my hand.

My choice is you, 
God, first and only. And now I find I’m your choice! You set me up with a house and yard. And then you made me your heir!  The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.  I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell—that’s not my destination!  Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way. Psalm 16:5-11 The Message


Not only is David aware that the Lord is with him…and us…always, but we are told that we are God’s choice. How special is that? Did you know that as you search for God…He is drawing you to Himself? He chose you…even before you were born. There is a classic verse in Jeremiah which we can apply to every person. God knows everyone before they are born even if they are not prophets of the Lord.

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

I like how Eugene Peterson paraphrased the verses in Psalm 16. I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell—that’s not my destination! I guess everyone who doesn’t choose God, chooses hell. But as David said…You canceled my ticket to hell! What a great promise. Hell, as I understand it, is a horrible place. A lake of fire. Gnashing teeth. Ugh! I certainly don’t want to go there. Do you? Knowing that we will be with the Lord Jesus Christ always is so much better. My heart is happy, is at peace, and is full of hope. The Lord is always with me.

 

Prayer ~ God…please be merciful to me, to my family, and to my friends. For as You said to Moses, "I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose." So, it is You who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it. From Romans 9:15-16

 

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

 © 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://www.blueletterbible.org

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins of the Bible: New Testament Stories

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Meditate. How are you living your life today? How will you live your life tomorrow…next week, next month…or all through the New Year?


My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:1-6

 

Living your life like Jesus? That is a tall order. Jesus was sinless—and although we can never be truly sinless, we can make choices that result in holiness. God had rules for living a pure life—that included what the Israelites were to eat and how they were to treat each other. We would do well to observe that advice, too. Peter wrote about holiness in his letter to the church…which applies to us.

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16

Sometimes when I am reading scripture I just get caught up in verse after verse. I think that is a God thing. He wants us to treasure His word. May a share a few more verses with you? We can never have too many reminders about God’s love for us…and Christ’s sacrifice for our sin.

And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as "foreigners in the land." For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 1 Peter 1:17-23

We are in the last days. Peter’s words remind us that eternal life is just that. It will last forever—and my question for you today is…where will you spend eternity? I have the assurance that as a believer, I will be with Jesus forever. If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior—you’ll be spending eternity with Him. Live your life today as Jesus did.

 

Prayer ~ Lord God, You have a plan…For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time--to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. - 2 Timothy 1:9. Thank You for including me in Your Plan.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. - 1 Timothy 4:16 NLT

 

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://www.blueletterbible.org

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins of the Bible: New Testament Stories

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com 



Do you have a daily devotional for next year?

May I suggest the Parenting Day by Day? 


Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Do You Know Where You Are Going?

Meditate. Where are you going?

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8

 

Abraham was faithful and obedient—like Jesus Christ. Abraham didn’t know where he was going until God led him step by step to the Promised Land, but Jesus went to the Promised Land as a baby. Remember we just celebrated His birth. He lived obediently in that Promised land for thirty-three years. Day by day in perfect obedience to the Father. He sought out the Father’s will and followed it imperatively. Early in the morning…and late into the evening…Jesus prayed. He went about doing good…healing the blind, lame, and demon possessed…just as His Father expected. He was faithful and obedient to do the Father’s will. Do you faithfully seek out the Father’s will for your life and obediently do it?

What could God’s will look like for you? It might not be healing the sick, blind, lame or possessed. It is likely that God has a ministry for you that includes kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, love, joy, peace, patience and self-control. As we read God’s word daily, we see what He wants us to do…as servants of the Lord. Good reason to read the Bible every day!

 

Personally, I find it hard to be a servant…an obedient slave. I have to remind myself to serve others, as if serving Jesus. Actually, we are freed of being slaves to the Law. Jesus has set us free. In some of His last words to His disciples Jesus reminded them to love one another…one of His main messages…and that they are no longer slaves, but friends.

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:12-17

Paul taught about Christ’s followers not being slaves, but belonging to God’s family. I like being part of God’s family, better than being a servant…or slave.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7

We know where we are ultimately going…heaven. But a day by day, week by week, month by month…have you got a plan for your life? Do you know where you are going?

 

Prayer ~ Lord, guide my thoughts and words, and especially my actions as I faithfully seek to do Your will, obediently pleasing You.

 

Verses of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance--an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:3-5

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://www.blueletterbible.org

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins of the Bible: New Testament Stories

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 


Monday, December 27, 2021

My Goal is to Please God

Meditate. What are your goals?

Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant. Galatians 1:10

 

This year is drawing to a close. What is ahead for next year? Life is in some regards is what we make of it. If we fail to plan…we plan to fail. What are your plans for the coming year? For the rest of the winter…for spring…for summer…for next fall? How about just your goals for January, for the first week, or first couple of days of 2022?

So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 2 Corinthians 5:9

Goals are important. We need goals in lots of areas of our lives to challenge us—at work, at home, with physical fitness, and with diet or nutrition (how many pounds or inches do you want to lose this year?). Without goals we have no vision and we are more likely to be tossed about—wishy washy. That could be an opportunity for sin to enter. Keep the temptation of sin away by having Godly goals and concentrating on them. Once you have a goal, then there must be something done monthly, weekly, daily to achieve that goal. When you reach your goal—celebrate. Party! Then set a new goal. Don’t let any joy in your life be taken away by sin. 

 

What spiritual goals have you reached this past year? What spiritual goals are you considering or making resolution plans for 2022? Here are some things to consider when setting Spiritual Goals for the New Year:

1.      What would you like to accomplish spiritually this year?

2.      What attitude or habit needs to change?

3.      How would you like God to use you?

4.      What ministry could utilize your unique gifts?

5.      What ministry could benefit from your leadership?

6.      What level of intimacy would you like to have with God?

7.      What friend or relative would you like to lead to Christ?

8.      Who do you want to be your mentor…and who do you want to mentor?

As you consider these questions, think about what steps you can take on a monthly, weekly and daily basis to attain these goals.

 

Let me challenge you to seek to set some spiritual goals for 2022. Without a goal we fail to attain anything. As Lawrence J. Peter said…

Where are you going?
Signpost in Israel.



If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.

Is your goal to please God?

 

Prayer ~ Guide me, Lord, to see what You want me to accomplish for You in the coming days, weeks, months, or years until You call us to be with You…forever!

 

Verses of Salvation ~ So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

 

 

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://www.blueletterbible.org

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins of the Bible: New Testament Stories

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Christmas is Over…Now What?

Meditate.

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:5-10

 

God is light. Since Jesus is God…He is the light of the world—just as He said.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

So—live in the light, not in darkness. Follow and promote the truth. Encourage others to find and follow the truth. What or who is the truth?

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

So now that Christmas is over…what now? Seek the truth…Jesus. Seek the way…Jesus. Seek life…in the light of the world…Jesus. If you seek Him, you will find Him, just as David told his son, Solomon.

Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. - 1 Chronicles 28:9

Wise men--and women--still seek Him.

Where will you look for Jesus? How about the Bible? The shepherds looked for Jesus in Bethlehem…and the wise men followed the star…looking for the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-2).

Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

So, now that the holiday celebration is over. Keep looking for Jesus—the Savior over whose birth we just rejoiced. Keep on rejoicing…and looking. Now what?  Seek Jesus…the light of the world.

 

Prayer ~ Jesus, You are awesome. As I seek You daily, inspire me to live to please You. Light up the world with Your truth…the only way to the Father…to eternal life…is through You. Thank you for forgiving my sin and cleansing me from all wickedness.

 

Verses of Salvation ~ For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

 

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://www.blueletterbible.org

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins of the Bible: New Testament Stories

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Saturday, December 25, 2021

Celebrate the Birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ

Meditate. How do you celebrate birthdays?

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." When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:8-20

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Let’s go to Bethlehem…and there was the baby, lying in the manger. That is my Savior who was born in a stable…in a manger. Seems like an unlikely place for a king…the King of kings and Lord of lords to be born—in such a humble place. Animals—of the barnyard. Cows, donkeys, sheep, doves, and then the camels came later. Could it be that the animals were praising the new little Lord, too? His mother, Mary, and His stepfather, Joseph, must have been exhausted from their long trip from Nazareth, and then the birth of Jesus. They must have been in awe. Here was the baby through whom the angels had promised that God would bless the world. Shepherds came to the stable and believed because it was just as the angel had told them. They believed because they saw Him. Can you believe without seeing Him in person?

God had a plan…that began even before it was revealed in the Garden of Eden…and now was beginning to be fulfilled in Bethlehem. Salvation was the goal. Jesus, the baby, would grow into a man who would die on a cross—just as God had prophesied—for the sins of all mankind. Glory to God in the Highest. Celebrate the Birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, for being obedient in Your part in God’s plan. A little baby born in a crude and humble stable…and then dying on a crude and wicked cross. Salvation to those who believe. Glory to God in the Highest. You are an awesome God…and You are my God, my Savior, and my Lord. I praise You—on Your birthday…and every day.

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

 

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: What does mean to swaddle a baby as Mary did?

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. Luke 2:6-7 

Even today, babies are wrapped tightly in receiving blankets—swaddled—to keep them warm, snug and help them transition from the womb to the real world. Being wrapped snuggly is security and a sign of love—for babies now—and for Jesus when He was born.

Tradition has it that the shepherds tending the perfect, unblemished new lambs of the flocks that were destined to become sacrifices at the Temple  wrapped  the newborn lambs in swaddling cloths. These little lambs were laid in a food trough…a manger…to keep them safe and secure.

Bible Trivia Question for next week: Who is the King of kings and Lord of lord?

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://www.blueletterbible.org

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins of the Bible: New Testament Stories

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com