Advent – day 9 – Scepter

Advent day 9

light the 9th candle on the Advent Log.

Advent Candle 9

The scepter.
Second only to the crown as a symbol of power.
Rulers hold the scepter.

I have read the story of Esther with a unique perspective. This feels a bit like sexual assault to me.
I am not sure that I would appreciate being kidnapped – so to speak – to become one of the King’s potential mates.
Probably to be used once, and then thrown aside, potentially never to be free again, and definitely not able to get married and have a family.

Anyway, in the story, in order for Esther to save her people, she must risk her life by boldly going into the throne room, and requesting an audience with the King. King Artexurxes(sp) was known for his having people killed on a whim. If he did not reach out his scepter to her, and welcome her into the throne room, she would die.

Putting her life on the line, to go into the throne room of a great and powerful King, in order to intercede for her people. Amazing. And this she did after three days of prayer and fasting.

Genesis 49:10 says that the scepter shall not depart from Judah:

The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,[a]
until he to whom it belongs[b] shall come
and the obedience of the nations shall be his.

Isaiah 9:6-7, the great Christmas passage, talks about Jesus ruling:

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.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

I get Jesus being King of Kings – which was why yesterday’s symbol was a crown.
But the scepter? How does that apply to me? I go back to Esther’s story.

Because I have sinned, and I am not holy, I cannot enter into the throne room of a Holy God. (Hab 1:13) God is too holy to look upon sin, which is why sin brought death and separation into the world.
Because Jesus died on my behalf, paid my death penalty, In Christ, I can enter into the throne room with no concern of a Holy God destroying me for my unholiness.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:14 & 16

Because of Jesus, God the Father, on the great white throne of Judgement(actually, that will be Jesus), extends His scepter and welcomes me into His presence for fellowship.

We just bought a new house.
Because I am not able to see all the doors from everywhere, very unlike the RV, we put in a security system.
This security system has a code to enter, and only those with the code may do so, without sounding the alarm, and having the police called.
During our Thanksgiving trip to Ohio, we needed someone to look after our cat, Purrl. Because we trusted her, she had her own code to enter into the house. She also had a key, but that is a different symbol.
The security system let us know every time she entered and exited. Her freedom to enter in was given to her by US, because of her commitment, and the freedom was based in that code.

Another Bible story is about the High Priest serving in the Holy of Holies. He had to go through much purification prior to, be committed to His service, and bring the blood of the sacrifice to the altar. Because it was so dangerous, that God might strike the person dead for entering in without purification first, they had ropes tied around their waists so that their bodies could be pulled out. They knew about those that died that touched the altar, even by mistake. The purity and holiness of God was a serious issue, and going before him with sin in your heart was a deadly issue.

In order for me to enter into the Holy of Holies, where God presides, I must commit my life to being Christ’s servant, and embrace His blood sacrifice on my behalf.
The blood of Jesus is the code to unlock the door to the Holy of Holies!

Gal 2:20 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1John 1:7

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Eph 3:12

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet 1:11

Jesus is the rod of Jesse, the scepter holder, and He extends the scepter to, well, whosoever will!

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16

And I say – “I WILL!”

Sadly, sometime prior to 2007, I lost my scepter ornament. We had made several, one with a dowel rod and a styrofoam ball. It was spray painted gold(not good for styrofoam) and sequins and such. Those fell apart. The other was made with shrinky dink – paint plastic and then put it into the oven and it shrank, and became intricate. Such is the crown from yesterday, and the following ornaments.

The thing is, the scepter of God has been extended to me, and you, and we have been given full access into the throne room, and one of those reasons is to obtain GRACE. Through Christ, we already have favor.
Another is to obtain Joy – because in His presence(when you are a welcome guest) there is fullness of Joy! I confess that I need Grace to deal with the daily struggles, and Joy to defeat depression. Who doesn’t?

Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the price, and giving me the code to enter into Your Kingdom. Give me grace to remember your gifts daily, and mercy for my faults. I confess that I yield to the depression, and forget to enter in to be filled with Joy. Thank you for all the reminders in this season for JOY! Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Amen.

Advent Day 9

More Advent Devotions

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

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 2015 – Day 8, Second Sunday of Advent

Advent Day 8, or the Second Sunday in Advent

Advent Day 8 – light the eighth candle on the log

Advent Log, 8 candles

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

Second Sunday of Advent – light the second candle on the wreath

What is the purpose of the Advent Wreath?
What is the purpose of any of this?
Symbols! Symbolism!

The prophecies talked about signs.
But we were also given symbols to explain more completely the aspects of God.
The wreath – well, that is a relatively recent symbology.
But people have been using candles as a symbol of incense, our prayers rising to God.

I grew up Episcopalian. This church broke off from the Roman Catholic Church.
Methodists grew out of the Episcopal/Anglican brothers, John and Charles Wesley.
Of course, there are many permutations of these specific denominations, but these three, and the Lutherans, are what I call Liturgical.
Yes, the liturgy is the worship program.
What I am talking about is the Church Calendar.
Everything has a time and season.
Everything has symbols(I should have listened more closely in catechism!).
Speaking of symbols, there are whole courses that can be taken for the symbolism in art – much because art has always been a form of worship of one’s God.

There are so many variations on symbolism that I searched for something to give me a little bit of focus this year.
Circle of Light provides multiple Advent Themes for using on the Four Sundays of Advent.

Advent 1 – Hope, Expectations, Prophecies
Advent 2 – Love, Hope, Angels
Advent 3 – Joy, Joy, Shepherds – this candle is often pink
Advent 4 – Peace, Purity, Magi
Christmas Day – the Christ Candle(sitting in the middle)

There are books galore by almost every Christian author for celebrating Advent.
I even have one that goes through Handel’s Messiah, and it includes great works of art depicting that story.

My point is, this is a good time to look at some more symbolism.

Today, I am meditating on Christ as King, and the symbolism is a crown.

19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords. Rev 19:16

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zechariah 9:9-16

A king.
At that time, and even in some monarchies today, the King’s word was IT. Obey it, or be killed.

Zechariah 9:9-16 gives a beautiful description of what kind of King Jesus is, and what he will do for his people. Jesus is no ordinary King.

What is the purpose of a King? To guide, protect and care for those under his rule.

Jesus will do that, if I let him.
Do I let him?
If I say that Jesus is my King, do I act like it?

The Bible gives me so much to guide my life, like a constitution, or rule book, or guidebook for my life as the servant of the Most High King.

I know many things that I should do – like embrace the fruit of the Spirit,

Love,
Joy,
Peace,
Patience,
Goodness,
Kindness,
Faithfulness,
Gentleness and
Self Control.

I know some things that I should not do –

Idology,
Graven Images,
Defame the Lord’s Name,
Ignore the Sabbath,
Dishonor my parents,
Murder,
Adultery,
Steal,
Lie,
Envy.

I am neither consistent in doing what I ought, nor not doing what I ought not.

In the Anglican Prayer book, in the confession, it says:

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is nothing good in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto men in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grant that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of His name. Amen

No, I do not honor the Lord as King in my Life.
So often, I end up on the throne of my own heart, after saying that I want HIM to sit on the throne of my heart. The beauty in Christ is that He is a loving, forgiving KING – and I cry out for His mercies often.

The Symbol? A Crown.

Simple Crown Ornament

Crown Him

This particular photo, of a very nice ornament, will not rotate into the media part of WordPress. This is another situation where I have to allow Christ to be King in my life. I do not know how to do many things, and sometimes, it becomes very evident in a very public way. This whole photo has been a study in practicing patience, because things just didn’t want to work right.
I THINK that God should have everything perfect.
I KNOW that I am not perfect.
Because of these to points of view, I tend to quit.
I give up.
I cannot be perfect, therefore, I do not serve my King in the ways in which He asks of me.
Lord, again, I come to you and crown you as Lord and King of my life.

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

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 2015 Day 7 – The Colors of Christmas

Advent day 7
Light the 7th Candle.

Advent Log, 7 candles

Advent Log – 7 candles

In 1987, I proposed to my husband that I wanted to start celebrating Christmas. This was smack in the face of our position to not celebrate holidays. Period.
The previous decision really caused a huge rift in our families.

Jim told me that I had to do it in such a way that it totally focused upon Jesus, and not Santa Claus. I’m not sure he believed that I could do so. I had been given a ‘vision’ from God, and I’m remembering that first Christmas.

First – the colors. Why Red and Green?
Red – the blood of Jesus that was shed for us
Green – the new life that we receive when we embrace his gift.

But, what about the other colors?
we started with Red and Green – and then added the other colors for our children:
Yellow – for the glory that shines from Christ’s face.
Blue – for the water that washes us clean
Purple – for the royalty of God, and that in Christ we are priests and kings.

At one time, we created bracelets that were witnessing tools, with colored beads that stood for the way of salvation.

Power Bracelet

Eventually, The Wordless Book showed up in our churches, and because of this part of the story of Christ, we embraced it.

Here’s the Pinterest Post for how to make a wordless book.

Wearing something, like the bracelet above, reminds me of the path to heaven.
I confess, there are many times that I forget that I am focusing, or at least, I desire to focus upon, the path to Christ – likeness. I want to be like Christ.

The colors remind me of my God and Savior.
but they also remind me of when we started taking 25 days to talk about Jesus with our Children.

The four of us

Our first Nativity

Stars with the story of Christ’s Birth

We did our first Advent with the paper ring garland. If we were going to participate in Christmas, it was Jesus all the way. (though, to be honest, stockings have to do with Santa, not Jesus – not sure how I’ve missed that for so many years!)

2016 edit – this year, I am painting ornaments – and I have chosen to put the colors of Christmas on them. This one is not complete, but it shows how I have incorporated the colors of Christmas.

Thank you Lord, for all the colors that you created.
Thank you, Lord, for giving Noah the rainbow, the symbol of your promise, there will be an end to trials, storms, and waiting!
Thank you, Lord, for giving us our five children, and helping us to teach them about Christ.
Please, Lord, help our children with children to pass on the truths of God’s word to their children.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

More Advent Devotions

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

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

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 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!
Or choose to LIKE me on facebook, or other social media!
I’d love to stay in touch with you – we are working on email subscriptions…sign up!
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

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 2

Advent day 2 (Monday following 1st Sunday of Advent)

Advent Day two invitation

Advent is the season of waiting.

Everyone has a Christmas countdown,(here’s a very cute one from Redbird)

But for me, ours is the end of the year countdown with reminders of the past year, looking forward to the next year and remembering how Christ has helped me through the year.

In church history, advent is about waiting for the light in the darkness…Jesus Christ is that light.

We have done an advent log that had up to 28 candles,

Advent Log in progress

Advent Log, made from 2×4

Advent Log completed

2×4 Advent Log decorated

and we lit one candle an evening. It was always fun when we could read by the light of the candles. But in the beginning, it was dark.

The lights on the tree, I prefer pure white, remind me out that light that comes into my life in my darkest moments, and gave me hope. That light is Jesus, the light of the world.

John 8:12 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

This year(2015) started out very dark, suicide last Christmas, marriage in crisis, Jim’s cancer, and my pain issues. But one thing brought us through those dark times, the light of Christ that shines in the darkness and gives us hope.

2018 started out with new darkness – I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer with the prognosis of losing a whole kidney. I wrote about that in March and I wrote about how God was with me in a series of posts titled Surgery Scuttlebutt.

Day two is the day to turn on the lights, and light candle #2. It’s amazing how much more light 2 candles are than one. There’s a sermon right there!

Advent Day 2

To remember about the Light – we have candle ornaments – because, we need to remember that We also are lights –

Matt 5:14 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

laser cut candle

bead kit candle – white

bead kit candle wreath

bead kit candle – large

Lord Jesus, please help me to remember that your light is available in any darkness I face. Father God, You have delivered me out of the kingdom of Darkness into the kingdom of your dear Son. I have only to open my eyes to see your light.

Lord, help me to remember that I am a light – that the light of your love can shine through me if I choose to let it. Help me to not get so bowed over by the darkness that tries to destroy me that I forget there are others in darkness that need to see a light of hope.

Thank you, for your light in my life. and help me to share This little light of mine –
https://youtu.be/QCN893hzueQ

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.

Depression is as depression does

Depression is as depression does
Is that how the saying goes?
Or can depression just be
And I can choose what I will see?

Depression comes and depression goes
And for why, no one knows
But when it comes my thoughts go dim
And my choices planned, become Slim

Depression muddies up the brain
And makes me think that I’m insane
Sometimes I think it’s just a game
Other times chemistry’s to blame

If left alone, it might subside
do I have the strength with it to bide?
And if I tell someone my fears
Will they fill me up with cheer?

Depression is not being sad
And cheering up not always bad
yet sometimes, there is just no clue
What help for me can come from you.

Biology may need one cure,
Triggers can trip me, that’s for sure!
sugar load can cause a crash.
Overdoing it, though it was a blast.

Pain is often a main event
That steals my hope and makes me vent.
Emotional wounds can lead to downs
But even exhaustion makes a sad sound

The joy of the Lord is my strength
But when ears are dull, I’m on the brink
My mind and flesh are often too weeak
But the spirit of God, will often speak

Sometimes in a song, sometimes in a verse
Sometimes in a place that I just traverse
Sometimes in a breeze, sometimes in the still
Sometimes just a touch to strengthen my will

I have stumbled and fallen and needed help to get up
I have struggled and clawed to not drink this cup
I’ve hated the way my body is formed
But I can’t hate the One for whom I was born

I believe I was known in my mother’s womb
I believe there were plans before my parents were two
I believe there’s a purpose for me to be here
And I know God has saved me to share of that cheer

It isn’t about Christmas it isn’t about works
It isn’t about where you call your church
It’s about knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord
And filling my heart with his wonderful word

Because when the darkness comes in like a flood
When my mind can’t remember the love of his words
The Holy Spirit descends like a dove
And reminds me of his Heavenly love

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

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

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

The Wildberry Patch

Be Engrafted into the VINE to produce Eternal Fruit