The Christ Child grew

So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Luke 2:39-40 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Home in Nazareth

 Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.

 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Matthew 2:19-23 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Flee to Egypt

As many times as I've read this, I just recently caught "from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men." I always wondered why 2 years old, but I guess I just glossed over the rest of the sentence. I'm assuming Jesus was nearly two at this time, then.

 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:

 “A voice was heard in Ramah,Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,Rachel weeping for her children,Refusing to be comforted,Because they are no more.”

Matthew 2:13-18 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

The Wise Men

Going back to an earlier post, There was no innkeeper, when we've heard something over and over, it becomes locked in our minds, even if it doesn't exist. This time, I'm talking about the Three Wise Men. I've been taking note of how many pictures and nativity scenes show three wise men in the manger with the shepherds and sheep and Mary, Joseph, and newborn Jesus...nearly all of them.
     When we read the event in Matthew, though, we learn that isn't the case. There's also no mention of how many wise men. Chances are, there were several and they traveled in a large group to the place where Jesus was. We assume three because of the three gifts. As you read the following, note that they arrived "after Jesus was born in Bethlehem," "where the young Child was," (not the baby) and "when they had come into the house" (not manger).
     I'll have a little more on this tomorrow. I'm not trying to burst anyone's bubble, and I'm not saying to remove the wise men from your nativity scene, it's just that as I learn and grow in the word, I'm trying very hard to take it at face value. I don't want to be one of those people who pick and choose the parts of the bible that I like and that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. There is plenty in the bible that is hard to swallow, impossible to comprehend, and that is, frankly, disturbing, especially in light of our present culture. I try to imagine what it was like back then. If I can't imagine it, that doesn't matter either because what does matter is that this is what God has chosen to be in the bible. These are His words. He had a reason for each word, and it's up to me to read His word without impressing my own views and values on it. I believe that's the responsibility of all Christians. I hope you agree.

 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;For out of you shall come a RulerWho will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Matthew 2:1-12 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Christ is Born!

My husband and I attended the Christmas Eve service at our church last evening. We were unable to go last year because it was a year ago yesterday that my dad had a partial hip replacement surgery after a fall. That was weighing heavily on me all day. This is our first Christmas without him although last Christmas kind of foreshadowed this because he was in the hospital. We tried to have a normal Christmas anyway, but it just wasn't the same. This year will, of course, be different also as it will for many, many people around the world. If you're one of those people, my heart goes out for you.

Anyway, I so wish I could relate the whole experience of last night's service to all of you. Remember in yesterday's post I said something about imagining what Mary and Joseph must've felt at having giving birth to our Lord and Saviour? They had a young woman acting as Mary convey what she was going through just after the birth. I was moved to tears. The whole service helped me feel what it must have been like to be there. I wish I could describe it better, but words can't adequately convey such a deep, spiritual feeling.

The second to last song, though, evoked all of the emotion of the evening, and so I'm sharing that here. "Mary, Did You Know?"

May you ponder these things throughout the day and remember why we're celebrating.

Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

John 12:44-48 NKJV

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”

Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

John 18:37 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Baby Jesus Presented in the Temple

Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.  Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Luke 2:22-35 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

His name was called Jesus

This week as we rush around trying to get all of those last-minute Christmas gifts bought, grocery shopping done, houses cleaned, and meals cooked, let's take 5 minutes each morning to read about why we're celebrating the holiday. Let's continue praying for our focus to be on Jesus. He came to save us. He came because He loves us.
     Imagine being Mary and Joseph and try to envision what they were experiencing. Childbirth in and of itself is an incredible miracle, but add to that the incomprehensible fact that they not only witnessed but actively participated in giving birth to our Lord and Savior!

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:15-21 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

The Word became flesh

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, 

and we beheld His glory, 

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, 

full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Linus shares the true meaning of Christmas

I think this is my absolute, most favorite part of any Christmas special. Even as a child, Linus reciting the biblical account of the birth of Jesus meant something to me. When I heard him tell it, I could see the shepherds in the fields and I could feel their fear of seeing the angel appear to them. I could imagine their awe in hearing that Christ was born and at seeing the multitude of angels. I love that Charles Schultz included this in a cartoon and showed us the true meaning of Christmas back during a time when non-believers were trying to remove religion from our schools. What a wonderful lesson to be learned from the mouth of a child (even a cartoon child), whose heart is innocent and not wrapped up in the commercial side of a holiday that's supposed to be focused on our Lord and Saviour.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, 

keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, 

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, 

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, 

which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; 

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host 

praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, 

good will toward men.

Luke 2:8-14 KJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

There was no innkeeper

Our brains are funny creatures. They are not only the server room of our bodies, but they also give us the ability to make sense of nonsense. For example:

CNA OYU RAED TIHS?

I'm sure that was easy for most of you, and the ability to do that is called typoglycemia and happens because we look at words as units, not the individual letters. It's my belief that we do the same thing with stories, or, in the case of the Bible, with events. This coupled with being told something over and over again, even if it's wrong, will become truth in our minds.

For example, did you know that there was no mention of an innkeeper turning away Mary and Joseph? I didn't either! Read it for yourself:

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7 NKJV

Do you want to know why Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem and wrapped in swaddling clothes? (Trust me, you do). Then please take the time to read this blog post by Dr. James Dickey:

The Christmas Story You May Have Missed

You'll be glad you did. I'm always so amazed at how God orchestrates life. Often, it gives me goosebumps. This is one of those goosebump moments.

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Joseph visited by an Angel

 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

The Song of Mary

 And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name.

 And His mercy is on those who fear Him

From generation to generation.

 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

And exalted the lowly.

 He has filled the hungry with good things,

And the rich He has sent away empty.

 He has helped His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy,

 As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.

Luke 1:46-56 NKJV
What a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving!

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Mary visited Elizabeth

When Mary was with Child, she went to visit her relative, Elizabeth who was pregnant with the one who would proceed Christ and prepare the world for His coming. We know him as John the Baptist.

 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Luke 1:39-45 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray about the Gift

I get frustrated during the Christmas season. Not for the usual reasons of shopping and cooking and baking and parties but because so many people celebrate Christmas who aren't Christians. Therefore, they aren't celebrating the birth of Christ, they're just in it for the pagan aspects of the holiday. I know a lot of people may look at it differently, but that's how I see it. It breaks my heart when I think about the fact that the two MOST important Christian holidays are marred with paganism.
     So, I would like to spend the next two weeks praying diligently about the "Reason for the Season". Let's pray that our own focus during this time is on the birth of Jesus. We can also pray that others come to know Jesus through the miracle that is the true Christmas story. My plan is to share the whole story between now and the 25th, so you can share it with others.
     Let's begin:

 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom 

there will be no end.”

 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” 

And the angel departed from her. 

Luke 1:26-38 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying about the true meaning of Christmas. Let us pray for focus on the birth of Jesus and that our focus may touch the hearts of non-believers. Let us share the event of the Virgin birth and spread the Good News of what this historical event means to each of us. Let us emphasize that the only gift that matters this Christmas is that our Lord and Savior was born into this world, one hundred percent human, to rescue His fallen children.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power