Jesus came as a baby and was laying in a manger. A manger is a feeding trough for farm animals. The fact that Jesus came and was so meek and mild caused much difficulty for the rulers of the Church of his day. First, Jesus came as a lamb.
Lamb
Lamb
The stories in the Old Testament about sacrifices force us to talk about the meaning of blood sacrifice. That sacrifice needed to be a perfect, no scars, no warts, no wrinkles, but perfect ram or lamb. In the New Testament we are told about Jesus going to the cross as a lamb going to sacrifice. This is one of the key differences in the Christian faith, that we have a Savior that chose to pay the price for our sins.
John 1:29
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
1 Cor 15:20-22
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
(Gen 22:8; Ex 12:5; Is 53:4-7; 1 Pet 1:18-21)
Rev 5:12
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Lion
Lion
The other part of this is Jesus as the lion, the ruler that roars and protects and fights. This is what the people of Jesus’s day expected the Messiah to be. They did not understand that first the Messiah had to pay the price for sin and death, be resurrected and given back all the glory he put aside in order to be a baby human, and then he shall come again to judge the quick and the dead. At that time the lamb has become the lion and will make all things right.
Rev 5:5;
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Num 24:9
He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
(Hos 11:10; Hos 13:7-8)
Revelations 17:14 – the Lamb goes to war(the Lion)
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
The other key is that our savior has risen from the dead, and sits at the right hand of God, to intercede for the brethren…and, then, He will come again.
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.
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.
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.
On the 9th Day of Advent, I thought about the scepter, and how it being extended out to the servant was the code for entering into the King’s Presence. This is similar to a code to enter in for security.
On the 8th Day of Advent, I was thinking about the Kingship of the Father God. He owns the ‘house’, and He gets to say who comes in and who does not.
Today, it’s the key.
Key of David
There are so many ways to focus upon the word “key”.
A noun – the keys of David.
Revelation 3:7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
The keys of death and hades.
Revelation 1:18 – I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
As an Adjective, Analogy, Symbolism in concept – Jesus is the key to Eternal Life:
John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
A key opens up something.
Usually, it’s because someone wants inside!
As I said on the 8th, for our security system, we have a code, but you still need a key to enter in.
There are keys to blessings – treasures – such as in Malachi 3:10:
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Deuteronomy 11:13
And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,(and then follows many blessings, also listed in Deuteronomy 28)
Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Often, I get told “that is old testament, it isn’t appropriate now! We are under Grace!”
We are under grace because humans could not keep the laws! But that does not mean the laws are not good! Who would eliminate the Ten Commandments? Most faith’s have some form of code of behavior. What does the Christian Bible say? What does the Christian Lord Jesus say?
John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.
And, the dear Apostle John wrote that it is KEY to the proof of the love of God! 1 John 5:3-4
3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
But, in a noun sense, Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection are the KEY to enter into the Kingdom.
The Website GodVine.com has a list of scriptures that explain the concept of entering into the Kingdom of Heaven, also known as Salvation.
2 Timothy 1:9-10
9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
John 3:23
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
But there is one other key mentioned – the Key of David, as in RULER.
Isaiah 22:22
I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (also Revelation 3:7)
JESUS OPENS THE DOOR! or shuts the door. Because he has the KEY to the ruling house of Israel! Jesus is the reigning King!
By applying the keys to salvation, He opens the door, and welcomes us in.
Luke 11:9
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.(also Revelation 3:20)
My heart soars to think that my King and Savior has provided me the key to enter in to the Holy of Holies, to be able to come boldly before the throne of the Most High God!
He died for me so that I could be free of the price of my sins!
The Father rose him from the dead to break the bands of death!
Jesus sits on the right hand of the Father interceding for me!
Oh what Joy fills my heart! I have goosebumps, and heart shivers thinking of how much God Loves me – and knowing that my comprehension of His all encompassing love if so small because of my finite mind.
Today, I celebrate Jesus as the key, code, and deliverer of my salvation.
And I confess that Jesus is my Lord, and I will follow Him!
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.
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.
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.
There is a saying, “it’s always darkest before the dawn.”
That saying never made much sense to me. Sitting on the beach, watching the sun rise, the darkness flees to the degree the light is coming.
Pre-Sunrise Beach at Ft Lauderdale.
Sunrise Beach at Ft Lauderdale
The one thing I noticed while watching the sunrise in the various resort towns is that prior to the sun rising, there is an almost agreed upon hush. Those that are out at this time, even the workers around the pools and restaurants, speak in hushed tones until the sun rises. There is almost an air of the sacred in those moments.
I know that there are those that worship the sun, and therefore, to them, it is sacred.
For me, it illustrates the light of Christ shining into my darkness.
Isaiah 60:1-3 speaks of the promise of light to those who seek him.
1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Actually, it’s speaking of Zion, and when the Lord will return. Is 9:2, prior to the great Christmas passage, says this:
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Jesus said
“I am the Light of the World; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
In the believing Jews’ world, Jesus definitely changed things from dark to light. For those that did not believe, their worlds changed as well, because now they had to answer to this new development.
In my world,
in 1969, Jesus came into my life, and turned my heart from one of seeking my own will to one of seeking to please Him.
In 1973, I met an evangelist that explained more fully what had happened when I asked Jesus to come live and rule in my heart.
In 1975, I was introduced to a fellowship that believed in following Jesus, and learning by reading their Bibles.
In 1977, I learned that the Holy Spirit was still alive and well and powerful on planet earth.
And year after year after year, I continued to grow in knowledge of the Word of God, understanding of His love for me, and in how to control my appetites.
The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Growing in Christ is growing brighter and brighter, more and more like Jesus.
When Moses saw God, his face shown with a great light.
Which reminds me of an explanation given by a musician from the 70’s Jesus movement, Barry MaGuire.
There is no light IN us.
God is the Sun, and we are the moon, we just reflect HIS light.
This explanation helps me to remember that every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above, from the father of lights, in whom is no shadow or turning.(James 1:17)
Just like I cannot take credit for my own salvation, being saved by grace through faith, and that not of my own, it is the gift of God (Eph 2:1-9), I cannot take credit for any good gift, shining light or godliness in my life. I am merely reflecting the light that God shines into my life.
I’ve had my share of depression and despair – darkness that surrounds my heart and my mind. I am not naive enough to say that the light of Christ causes all those dark shadows to flee, because, they haven’t. Oh how I wish they would! And yet, I daily have to choose to enter into His presence for the light unto my path for that day. I daily have to choose not to embrace the depression that would have me dwell in the dark past, or upon wounds long gone. Yes, there are chemical imbalances within me that God could heal if He chose to. And Yes, I have yelled at him for not choosing to do so. And yes, I have to repent for yelling at my King!
Another saying:
The soul would have no rainbow
if the eye no tear.
Those that have suffered depression, and despair are more appreciative of joy and hope, because they know the lack thereof.
I see it as my calling to share my stories of darkness in order to find others in darkness, and then, help them to find joy and hope. Not always do they find Jesus, but Jesus is my joy, hope and light.
A Sunrise or Day-Spring is the symbol for this day.
A Rising Sun
Dear Lord, please help me to remember your light will rise upon my darkness when it threatens to take over my heart and mind. Please help me to share your hope with those that suffer in the darkness. For me, that darkness is depression and suicide and pain. None of these things are the promised gifts of the cross, and yet, I know that you have never ignored me when I yield to your plan for my life. When I seek you, I have always found you. I may not agree with your plans, but I have always found them to be the best, in my limited hindsight. Please continue to use me, and deliver me from the enemy, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
note – I am fully aware that most would consider this symbol of Christ to mean delivering a person out of the darkness of sin and into the light of the Kingdom of Christ. Obviously, that happened to me in 1969. There are many resources for such symbolism. This is my story, my calling, and my heart cry – to set free the captives of such darkness as depression and mental illness, and if anyone cares to join me in that journey – welcome!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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 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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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!
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.
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.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
