Category Archives: Holidays

Advent 2015 – day 6 – Why did Jesus Come?

Advent Day 6.
Light the 6th candle.

Why did Jesus come?
Because, He had to.
Out of the loving heart of God, Jesus came to earth to pay the price for my sin.

Romans 3:23
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Anyone that is honest can agree that they have not walked perfectly in accordance with the laws and commands that God put forth. We’ve fallen short of the GLORY of God – and we can’t even conceive of that Glory!(Romans 3:10-24)

Romans 6:23a
The wages of sin is death…

This is what was set in motion when Adam and Eve sinned – sin came into the world, separating us from God. At that point, humans started to slowly die. If that wasn’t bad enough, God separated us from the tree of life – so that we would not choose evil AND eternal life. That was part of the consequence of our sin, separation from paradise and God. Therefore, they were dead in their sins, and going about dying. The same with us – and it is a struggle I have every day. I want to choose life – and yet, I often choose my own wisdom or knowledge, and end up messing up – and I am separated from the close fellowship with God through Christ. That fellowship is life! Without it, I am dead.

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love for us(me), For while we(I) was yet sinners, Christ died for us.

The price to pay for sin is death. It’s a death sentence. Either I die for the sins, or a sacrificial lamb, perfect and holy, dies in my place. There is much talk among Christians about ‘death to self’.

My flesh hungers – for foods that are not good for me.
My mind hungers – for stimulation that does not propel me towards my God given goals.
My emotions hunger – for having my needs met over others.

I must crucify the flesh – but the only way I’m able to do that is by taking part in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I can’t do it on my own.

Because of Christ dying for us:

Romans 6:23b
…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23b

By Jesus dying on a tree, He opened the door back up for us to participate in the fellowship with God, and gives us eternal life. When we cross over, we will see the tree of life. I have seen the gardens of Heaven, they are beyond imagination. It was not my time, so I did not see the tree of life. based upon what I saw, I can declare that this tree will be beautiful in ways that no tree on earth can express.

While the crucifixion of my own flesh is hard, receiving the gift of God is simple.

Romans 10:9 & 13

9 That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart
that God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved.

13 For whoever calls on the name of the LORD
shall be saved.”

I believe that Jesus is my Savior.
I believe that I am a sinner saved by Grace.
Daily, I need to confess my beliefs, not for the devil, but for me to remember.

another great song is

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see.

Thank you Lord Jesus for drawing me near to your heart, and saving me out of your great mercies.
Thank you for daily giving me mercies that are new every morning.
Thank you for giving me examples of those that have fallen, and gotten up again, by your gracious hand.
This year has been hard to remember that I believe.

But I do believe. And that not of myself, lest I boast – that is a gift from you, God.(Ephesians 2:8-10)
As I spend this month remembering, I am thankful most for this gift of faith, that has given me eternal life.

The ornament for this day is a cross, a savior.

The Cross of Christ

A savior is Born

More Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
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Soon, we will have a gallery for the art I have created by the hand of God.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Advent – day 5 – Jesus’ Birth date?

Advent Day 5, Thursday following the 1st Sunday of Advent, light the fifth candle.

New this year is a Facebook group Advent at the WildBerry Patch, where we can discuss ideas, recipes and photos of our advent preparations!

Is Christmas, December 25, Jesus’ birthday?
No.

ChristianAnswers.net explains many of the myths around Christ’s Birth, including the date.

There is also the whole aspect of December 25th being associated with Saturnalia.

Biblical Archaeology delves into the Christianization of a Pagan Holiday as one of the possible theories.

There are those that hold that we are not commanded to celebrate Jesus’s Birth.
To those, I say, are we celebrating the ones we have been commanded to celebrate in the Old Testament?
If told the Old Testament no longer has any value for us, I say, are we giving up the Ten Commandments as well?

If told that we should obey Jesus’ commands, I say:
We are commanded to participate in the Lord’s Supper (as oft as ye shall eat of this).
Bread and drink? In remembrance of the Lord’s death and resurrection. Do we treat all bread and drink as communion?

I could go on and on. I have studied and thought about and prayed about so many aspects of celebrating Christmas(and for that matter, Easter, but that’s another waiting story). I have refused to celebrate Christmas, and I have embraced it. What I have been settling in my heart and spirit is that the holy days that were commanded by God were all about remembering.

What is a birthday party?
A party to celebrate, remember and be thankful for the coming(birth) of this person.
There is no one in my life that more completely effects my whole being, for whom I am thankful, and of whom I need to celebrate and remember his actions in my life than Jesus Christ.

Celebrate? Praise!
Remember? meditate!
Thankful? Give thanks!

I see nothing wrong with committing a day to doing such to honor my Lord and Savior!
And, there are many times that we do not celebrate someone’s birthday on that exact date! We just choose a day for remembrance, celebration, and thanksgiving. Why? Because we love them, and because we are thankful that they are part of our life.

This year, He has held my hand when I wanted to take my life.
He has brought to mind scriptures and songs that speak of deliverance from the darkness.
He has turned the heart of my husband and my own back towards each other – to actually remember the day that He impressed both of us that we should marry. My joy was so full at that moment that I couldn’t help but laugh!
The Lord has done miracles, including a grandbaby that was born 5 weeks early, and was perfect and complete.

2016 note – the same is true, including another grandbaby, that was born completely healthy, with a beautiful, redeemed birth after two scary previous births. In addition, Jesus has held our hands, during a prostate cancer battle. He is still worth celebrating!

2021 note – Jesus held my hand as HE birthed a new me out of the passing of my partner in life and love. It’s not a baby, but there’s been labor pains, and birthing, by the grace of God, in order to create a new life.

Is 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Whether he was born in December(probably not), April, May, September or any other month, I choose to remember the year past, and celebrate that Jesus has come into my life.

There is a saying around this time of year:
“let us celebrate Christmas all year long”

I say, let us celebrate Christ in our lives, all year long! He truly is the Best Gift ever!

Lord Jesus, please help me to remember the gift that you are in my life.
Please help me to share the gift of your love with others.
Thank you for being in my life, even when there were times I didn’t want to be in my life.
Thank you for not giving up on me.
Thank you that you are not done with me yet.
And, whenever the date was – for what it’s worth – Happy Birthday, Jesus. I love you!

More Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi and Jim(1959-2020)
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!
Copyrights and Legal-eze

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
Project Based Missions, Global
The son of a friend is with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Compassion

Advent 2015 – Day 4

Advent 2015, day 4, Wednesday after 1st Sunday of Advent.
If using an Advent Log or candles, light the 4th candle.

Fourth Candle

New this year is a Facebook group Advent at the WildBerry Patch, where we can discuss ideas, recipes and photos of our advent preparations!

From our original Advent Devotional:

What! Are We Waiting? (light the fourth candle)
“What! – are we waiting!?”
Yes, we’re waiting.
“But I just can’t wait….!”
Oh no? Why not? What makes waiting for anything – or anyone – hard to do? Why are we so impatient?
Think about some of the instant things we enjoy: instant Kool-Aid, instant coffee, instant touch-tone “dialing,” instant …(make your own list).
What are some things for which we must wait, besides Christmas? (Make your own list…) Are any of those things worth waiting for? Why or why not?

In 2022, I heard an Advent Hymn that I’d never heard before – People Look East.
Here’s the People Look East Lyrics!

For many years, I worked with a devotional called “Celebrate While We Wait” for Advent. We wanted to clearly move away from Santa, which we did not agree with, towards celebrating the gift of Christ, and remembrances. Advent means to wait.

400 years between the Old and New Testament.
40 years wandering in the Wilderness of sin before entering into the promised land.
40 months – I need something for this one.
40 weeks – for a mother to give birth to a child, such as Mary.
40 days – Jesus fasting in the Wilderness, Noah waiting for the rain to stop.
And Daniel prayed.
And Moses was on the back side of a mountain.
so many people in the Bible were waiting – not for some temporal gift wrapped in a tree killing, un-recyclable paper and bow – but for God to move on their behalf.

Here are some of the Arch books that we read about people waiting.

Since the day that Adam and Eve spoke with God in the garden about their sin, God promised them a savior.
God promised Abraham a savior.
God promised Israel a savior.
God promises us a savior.
Here’s the book we unwrapped to read about this concept.

Christ-mass is so much more than a baby in the manger – and the baby in a manger is such a series of miracle stories in itself. There was only one reason for the birth of the Christ Child…but that’s not my remembrance today.

Waiting takes patience.
Patience is a virtue.

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE….
Love is PATIENT and kind….

Patience – this is not something that comes easy for me…or for many folks.

But, waiting IS the precursor to seeing.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for (as in, waiting for), the evidence of things not seen(things that aren’t here yet).(Hebrews 11:6)

Anna and Simon waited for the arrival of the savior…many years in the temple. They were both patient.

The ornament for this day is a Noah’s ark I found.

Noah’s Ark

The song I sing for remembering to wait is:

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles
they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint,
teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait.

This happens to be a song version of my life verse, Isaiah 40:31, and a promise I was given in 1978. It’s 2015, and I’m still waiting to see the full manifestation of this promise. Every time I doubt – I hear this song in my head, and my only choice is to deny my faith that God spoke His word (and healed them), and His word is alive, to to ask forgiveness for my lack of faith. Like the father in the gospels, I say, “Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief!”. Though my heart fails me, the Lord is the strength of my heart, and He always brings me through.

I waited patiently for the Lord; He …heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1)

Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

The Lord is the everlasting God…He does not faint or grow weary…They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28,31)

Lord, continue to help me with patience.
Continue to encourage my faith to grow, and also to grant me the grace when my faith stumbles as I wait to see the manifestation of any of your promises.
Help me to be patient with others, as you are patient with me.
Amen

More Advent Devotions

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.

Advent day 3

Advent day 3 (Tuesday following 1st Sunday in Advent)

New this year is a Facebook group Advent at the WildBerry Patch, where we can discuss ideas, recipes and photos of our advent preparations!

What are we?

This is the day we celebrate family.
We wrapped up books and opened them on the specific days of Advent…For this day, we have two books.

These are vintage Arch books, and you can buy them in collections at Christian Book Distributor.

I believe that family is the earthly example of the Godhead – and also the perfect example of how we are NOT God.

The Father God – loves us, cares for us, protects us – as our earthly fathers should. There is much more about this, but, we don’t usually focus so much on the Father part.
The Holy Spirit – comforter, teacher, guide – this is the mother role, as she should be.
Jesus – the Son – symbolizing, obviously the offspring, glorifying his parents as he fulfills his destiny.

We are made in the likeness of God!

Genesis 5:1-2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5:1 These are the family records of the descendants of Adam. On the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God;
2 He created them male and female. When they were created, He blessed them and called them man.

We are supposed to live up to our potential as Loving, Godly people. Of course, we, don’t, and that takes forgiveness as well.

God created the family in Genesis 2:18

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him

Adam and Eve messed up in their roles in the garden – but God the Father had a plan for forgiveness of sin.
Then, after they messed up, God reports the birth of sons…Cain and Abel.
The story of Cain and Abel is a sad one – of family relations gone wrong. But, even in this story, God gives hope.

The whole Old Testament is about families and family matters. Always, someone messes up, and someone needs forgiveness.

Christmas celebrates the Holy family, Mary, Joseph and Jesus. This family didn’t just “poof” everything is perfect! Mary, a virgin, found with child was going to be stoned for her indiscretion. Joseph, through divine conversation – chose to not divorce, but to stay with her. From that point on – difficulties, danger, and death. A basically normal family.

This is the day we pull out the family photo ornaments – to thank God for the gift of family.

Obviously, ornaments of the Holy Family!

nativity stain glass

Laser wood cut nativity

Spun Glass Nativity

We made the new ornaments(or, I did, with the kids’ help) for that year.

This is also the day we celebrated the individuality of the children, and they hung their personal ornaments. Each child had a color and an animal to signify their uniqueness. We had wood ducks, rabbits, bears, kittens and bunnies (these are not easy to find all the time!). We had Green, Yellow, Blue, Red and Purple ornaments. These were hung around the tree at the appropriate height per the child’s height.

A cute ornament that our daughter, Faith Gibson, created this year was hands on an ornament from Barbie Bieber and Beyond.

Here’s some cute paintings my daughter-in-love created with her children! Done on canvases, with their hands and fingers, and even some feet!

This year, I am focusing on my uniqueness, and Jim’s uniqueness.

Ps 139:15 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

I think I will make a photo ornament of something joyful that occurred this year in our life. and, I think I need to go back in the past few years and create ornaments for those years, as well.

Father God, thank you for having a plan from the beginning of time – for our lives, and for your purposes.
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to deliver us from our sins, and reunite us with our Father.
Help me to remember daily, the graces and mercies that are bestowed upon me through your presence in my life.

2015 Family Ornaments

2016 Family Ornaments

2017 Family Ornaments

2018 coming…not quite done yet!

More Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I’d love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
Project Based Missions, Global
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Compassion

Advent Day 1

Advent day 1 (The first Sunday of Advent – often the first Sunday following Thanksgiving, or the fourth Sunday before Christmas)
If using an Advent Log, light candle one.

One candle in the darkness

If using an Advent Wreath, light candle one.

New this year is a Facebook group Advent at the WildBerry Patch, where we can discuss ideas, recipes and photos of our advent preparations!

My first thing for Advent is the tree.

For many, Jeremiah 10 describes a Christmas tree, and
Psalm 135:15-18 and following warns against similar idols.
I do not sing “o Christmas tree”.

So, Why a tree?
An evergreen tree remind me of the gift of everlasting life given to me by Christ. Evergreens seem to endure all weather and still show the growth and greenness of life. The giant redwoods are evergreen!

We used to buy living trees and then plant them, as a reminder, but that tradition fell as we lived in rentals.

Evergreen in Batelle Darby Metro Park

Jesus Christ, everlasting, eternal, life. Is 9:6-7

Now, we use a representation, because of the ornaments that I use to represent the story of Christ.

Then, our Advent devotions. Based around an Advent Log.

Jim reading the devotional

One candle in the darkness

Father God,
Please help me to remember that each and every day is a gift from you.
Help me to remember that my life is eternal through Christ Jesus.
Help me to remember that Life is precious, growing, and to be rooted into the source, I can be green and weather every storm.
Help me to remember that even one flickering flame, in the darkness, can be a source of light and guidance for those lost.

Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

Advent Resources
Advent Tree Crafts

More Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

My Christmas Confession

Star

I missed Jesus this Christmas.

This Christmas I was filled with awe,
the lights, the candles, the gifts and all.
I spoke of Jesus, I declared his day
but I didn’t sit down to hear him say:
“It’s my birthday, do you know if I’m here?
Is there time to discuss what I want this year?
The colors are pretty, The lights are so bright,
but where is the manger? there’s no silent night!
What were you doing on this midnight clear?
the pretties are hung, and the stockings with care
But did you invite me to be with you there?
Come all ye faithful…or did you forget,
that I must be invited to be with you, yet.
The first noel, the angels did sing,
but what sort of praise to me did you bring?
What is the purpose of CHRISTmas this year?
Did you even notice if I was near?”

I’m sorry, dear Jesus, I left you alone,
I’m sorry that I was too full of my own.
There was no candle light service to remember you came
There was no Christmas Day singing, now, only my shame.
No singing of carols, to remind us of you,
No reading the story that makes Christmas true.
No prayers of repentance, no prayers of rejoice
Just lots of people with flashy new toys.

The tinsel was sparkling, the lights, they did shine,
But my focus was messed up, and the fault is all mine.
There were gifts, and food and candles galore,
and symbols of your birthday were somewhere, I’m sure.
There were people to talk to, and gifts to unwrap,
and even the time to take Christmas day naps.
I gave gifts that I chose, and they loved gifts that shone,
I took photos a plenty, but my focus was torn.
The papers all flew as they tore into boxes,
and that thank you’s all flew, but who knew which was what’s it?
Gift cards are lost in the bright whistles and bells,
and labels were lost as the trash was dispelled.
Who gave me this? What was in that bag?
Oh, forget it now, let’s go play more tag!
Santa did this, and Santa did that…
Who’s birthday is it? No one said that!
It’s my celebration of Jesus the King,
I’m responsible for forgetting him.

I celebrate Christmas because He’s my King,
It is His love in my life that makes me to sing.
The King came to earth so that I could be free
He gave me new birth, and helps me be me.

The Story does not end on Christmas Day,
It ends 33 years later in a dark ugly way.
It doesn’t matter if there’s a virgin birth,
It doesn’t matter if He did great works.
It doesn’t matter if He raised the dead,
It doesn’t matter if He healed someone’s head!
The key thing that matters is that HE gave of Himself
And that’s more than any stupid elf on the shelf!

He knew when he came what he needed to do,
He planned to die for me and for you.
And no matter how many gifts that you get….
The gift of salvation is the most best gift yet.

A savior is Born

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have been struggling with this since I got home, 12/26.
This is my confession – only mine.
There is no judgement on anyone else, because I do not know anyone else’s hearts…only mine.
I am horrified by how I handled Christmas this year…and I have asked my Lord’s forgiveness.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

Some artwork is from me – ChristArtist. It is copyrighted – by me. Please do not share it without my permission.
The same goes for my written work.
Some artwork is from ChristArt – not me! I have purchased a membership, and the art is copyrighted by them.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Naomi’s Heart Ministries
Obed’s House Ministries
Project Based Missions, Global
The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.
Compassion

Advent – Christmas day

Christmas Day!
If using an Advent Log – light ALL of the candles!

Christmas Eve

Christmas on the Advent Log

If using an Advent Wreath – Light all four candles and the Christ Candle!

Read The story of Christmas:

Luke 2:1-21
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Here are a few of my favorite Christmas songs!

This may have duplicates, but here are all the songs from the Advent Devotions!

May your celebration of Christ’s birth be full of peace, joy and LOVE!

Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Advent 2015 – days 19-26 part 2

Advent days 19-22 dealt with Mary, Joseph, Jesus and Bethlehem.

Part 2 deals with The Star, Angels, Shepherds and Magi. That actually takes us to Advent day 26.
25 days in December until Christmas, but Advent usually starts before December. I explained that in part 1, linked above.

Star Day 23

Star

Why the star before the Angels?
well, since the Magi were coming from the East, or was it the west…
(if the star is in the east, do you walk east or west to Bethlehem?)
(westward leading still proceeding…as well as the appropriate verse: Matt 2:2 & 9),
(See how I figured that out?)
and it took them(Magi) some time to get there – it may have been seen by the magi BEFORE the birth. Maybe it was lit for them at just the moment of his birth – and since their journey was not ended at the stable, right after the birth(spoiler!) – they may have started then. Either way, the Star proclaiming Christ’s birth was at least at the same time, if not before the Angels and the shepherds. It’s my Advent study. If you don’t like it…you can change it up for yourself!

Star

The Star.
I did some research on this, since just this year ‘they’ were saying that we could see a repeat of Christ’s star! With my naked eye I could see that it was three different stars…so, I don’t buy that explanation. It was neat to actually be able to experience one of the possibilities.

There are some very interesting scientific research going on, to prove or disprove this star. Sort of like that sun standing still miracle, but that’s another story.

Ray Pritchard, on www.jesus.org, describes four possibilities in this post.

Dr. Henry Morris, from Institute in Creation Research has an indepth discussion about the Star of Jesus within his article about the Star and the Magi.

Whatever the star was – it was important enough to the Magi, wise men, potentially astronomers, to know that something important had happened. Just as Dr. Morris did in his post, Edersheim speaks a little bit about the magi and why they might know of the coming King.

Next – The Magi Day 24

Magi

Because they share these two research posts, and this song! The Magi and the Star go hand in hand.

They probably weren’t kings.
There is no indication that there were only 3, there were only 3 types of gifts.
But still, the song, We Three Kings tells the story of Christ, and gives an indication as to what the three gifts would be for in his life.

And, my take on this is, Am I wise enough to still seek HIM? And would I give him such expensive gifts? Or only leftovers?

https://youtu.be/k8mjRxkMBkE

Shepherds Day 25

Shepherds
Simple working folk.
Mostly unlearned.
Oddly enough, King David was a shepherd boy before he was anointed to become King.
The Messiah was to come from David’s lineage.
Jesus is the good shepherd, such as Psalm 23 describes.
So, who else would deserve the first proclamation, other than his brethren, in his ancestral home?

These shepherds heard the news and ran…to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
But first – they were scared out of their wits!!! A nice, quiet night out with the sheep. The usual stars in they sky (or they would have noticed), and everyone was settled in to watch for the night and suddenly! or in KJV speak:

Lk 2:8-9

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

https://youtu.be/X4kAQs7KAHM

silent Night

Luke 2:15 & 25

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
~
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Those they told just wondered. It doesn’t say that they went to see.
Now, granted, the shepherds heard it from angels – the townspeople just heard it from, well, shepherds.

My take away? Would I drop everything and run? Do I despise the messenger?

Angels

Hark the Angels Sing

Angels
messengers from God.
warriors from God.
protectors from God.
In this case, I believe they were just so full of Joy that their star quarterback was now in the game!
They were there when God created the earth.
They were left in heaven when satan and the other angels fell.
They were there when Adam and Eve brought death into the world through sin.
They knew that God the Father had a plan, but they didn’t know what it was.
All they knew was what they were told when they were sent as messengers.
And today was the day – The Son of God was going into the world to make everything right! Lucifer had not won. The great plan, that had been foretold in multiple prophecies was being unfolded right before their eyes. This was the beginning of Peace on Earth, good will towards men!

Crocheted Angels

Luke 2:10-12

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

This was the message they had been waiting to give! And once it was given:

Luke 2:13-14

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Piano Guy Version – a must watch!

Hark the Herald Angels

And, then, just bust out singing!

hark and Joy

and some fun

https://youtu.be/bHgPlC7wph4

The next blog will be thoughts for Christmas Eve – and Christmas Day.

For now – I am thinking about the ones that were part of the declaration of Christ’s birth. And I wonder, do I declare Christ’s birth, death and Resurrection with my life, as a light Jesus told us to be? He came as the light in the darkness, and I am to be the light of the world – my life should shine the light of Jesus wherever I go. He came and died so that I might live, and declare the glory of God.

Gloria! In excelsis Deo!

nativity

More Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Advent 2015 day 1 – tree craft ideas

Advent Day 1 is the First Sunday of Advent.
From our second celebration of Christmas as a family, we utilized the book “Celebrate While We Wait” by the Shroeder family, published by Concordia. ISBN 0-570-03052-8.

The first Sunday, we put up the tree. I wrote about the Tree in Advent 2015 Day 1.

When the children were little, we would put up the tree, and read “The Jesus Tree”, by Annetta E. Dellinger
For those that might be interested, there is an Activity Book that has many fun activities, but with our other Advent devotional, we never really used it. It does contain the list of scriptures that we used for the Advent Chain! Many of the Activities would also go hand in hand with the Celebrate While We wait, such as creating ornaments for symbols of Christ.

Another craft that we never got to was to do a Jesse Tree Advent.
Searching for the Jesse Tree books and ornaments now brings many options from Christian Book Distributors, and Etsy crafters that have produced the ornaments for purchase.
This Jesse Tree Activity book is very similar to the one I had.

The one I had was for a felt tree, and felt ornaments. With five children under 6 that second year, I just never seemed to have the time! Oh what I would have given for the internet and Etsy!

Our whole purpose was to make the tree the carrier for the symbols that we would be hanging upon it’s limbs.

The other craft is the Advent Log – a log, with up to 28 holes drilled in order to place candles into. Every Sunday is a white candle. Christmas is Purple or Green, depending what color your other candles are.

Advent Log, made from 2×4

2×4 Advent Log decorated

Advent Log completed

When you burn the candles every day during devotions, you end up with a triangle, with the peak at the day we celebrate Jesus. Hint, turn off all fans – they cause the candles to burn unevenly. There were years that we would sit around trying to burn the candles in hopes of getting that triangle!

I hope to copy the instructions from the book here soon.

Another tool that I utilized from the beginning was Music books by Wee Sing.
I have one for Christmas, and one for Children’s Bible Songs.
These were invaluable for grasping the melody of some lesser known Carols! While that is true, the $77 low price for a copy of the Wee Sing for Christmas is really steep!

I don’t know who may ever read these, but I wanted to make some of the items known that have helped our family celebrate Advent.

I pray that any family that is trying to celebrate Christ would be blessed with His presence this season, and in the year to come, unto eternity, In Jesus’ name. Amen.

More of my Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Advent Resources

MUSIC
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Christmas Caroling book at Amazon
Christmas Caroling Songbook at Christian Book Distributor
A free Printable Caroling Songbook by A Moms Take

Some Books:

AdventWeeSingChristmas007

AdventWeeSingBible008

AdventTheJesusTreeAB010

AdventTheJesusTree009

Advent Patterns
AdventPatterns003

AdventLog001

Advent Readings

AdventShoemakerNVP004

AdventShoemakerCTB2006

AdventShoemakerCTB1005

And, some History – to help you make your choices.
Ten things about Christmas You might not know

My Advent Devotions

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

I want to thank

for the ability to search the Bible online.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here is one that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

The Wildberry Patch

Be Engrafted into the VINE to produce Eternal Fruit

Category Archives: Holidays

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