Jesus is the True LIGHT

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

(John 1:1-17, KJV)

As wrapping paper and gift tissue flies as we tear into the presents others have

thoughtfully given, I pray that we will remember the greatest gift of all: Jesus

Christ, God's Son who became flesh for us and took on the sins of humanity

in His death on the cross. No longer veiled in flesh as a human baby, now He

is the resurrected Lord. 

Have you received the gift of salvation, which while Jesus paid dearly for it,

He offers it freely to you? All your troubles won't dissolve, but you can have

confidence that your sins are forgiven and you have hope for a new, eternal life

in Christ! Ask for his forgiveness and give your life to Him!

Lilybits and I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas!

L -- 12/24

Saturday Spiritual Uplift - More Advent Thoughts

Advent Thoughts: A Down-to-earth Message

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, NLT)

Nativity scene in Bronner's entrance in Frankenmuth, Michigan

The shepherds were considered lowly in ancient Israel. Their clothes became dirty and smelly from working in the fields with the sheep, herding them and protecting them. If a shepherd walked by someone in town, the average citizen sidestepped them. They didn’t garner attention like the Pharisees and scribes, dressed well and scented with expensive oils, people who took pride in following the law, so that others could observe.

The Lord didn’t send his angels to the rich and religious the night Jesus was born in a room kept for animals. He sent them to the lowly shepherds, telling them to “fear not” and giving them a message of great joy and salvation to come. The account of the shepherds visiting Christ at the time of His birth speaks for itself. It’s simply this: Sinner or saint, worship the one who loves you and was willing to sacrifice His life for you, when you’ve done nothing to deserve it—myself included. He reaches out to you, wherever you are in life.

Father, open our eyes to see that we need to trust in You, to receive your love sent to us, your glory wrapped in the body of the baby Jesus, who came to live among us and give His life for us. Thank you for the best gift of all. Amen.

Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas!

Please leave a comment below or follow before the morning of Dec. 23^rd, to qualify for the drawing of our Christmas gift basket, filled with Christian romance books and other goodies. When you leave a comment it means so much to me! Thank you for stopping by to read this post today.