Day 6 of the Christmas story

 Luke 2:15-20 is the passage for today's highlight

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

An...d when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

In His Service

Vilma

Day 5 of the Christmas story

Tonight our scripture is from Luke 2:1-14
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
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.

In His Service

Vilma

The Christmas story- day 4

Today's passage is found in Mathew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

In His Service,

Vilma

Day 3 of the Christmas Story

 

Today's passage highlighting the Christmas story is also from the book of Luke

Luke 1:67-79

 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

In His Service,

Vilma

Continuing the Christmas story- The good news

Today's passage highlighting the Christmas story is
Luke 1:39-55

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

In a loud voice she exclaimed: ...“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

In His Service

Vilma

The Christmas Story

As the Christmas season approaches, let me encourage all of you to become familiar with what I love to call the "Christmas story" It is also important that your children become familiar with this epic story. If as parents we push the Christmas story, our children will understand that Christmas is not about them and all the gifts that they can get. Instead they will have a better understanding of why Christians make such a big deal about Christmas.

 So what is the Christmas story? It is a "good news Story" a "glad tidings" story a story of love, hope and compassion. It is the ultimate story of a Savior who redeemed us from a life of destruction and gave us eternal life. Well, don't just take my word for it. Starting today and for the next 9 days I will post a passage of scripture that very nicely unfolds the Christmas story. Please take a few minutes to read these daily. Today's passage is from Isaiah 40:1-11

In His Service,

Vilma

Happy Thanksgiving

 I wish for all of you a great and HAPPY thanksgiving day. I do realize that for many of us the holiday season can be extremely difficult especially for those of us who have lost loved ones- spouses, children, parents. The pain for some is still very piercing, as this may be the first, second or third holiday without our precious loved ones.

However, let us make the best of today and:

Give God thanks for those that are still with us and for a chance to still let them know how thankful we are for them.

Give God thanks for a place that you can call home, where you are sheltered from the cold and wind.

Give God thanks that He woke you up this morning and that you are in your right mind.

Give God thanks for the food that He has provided for you today, whether in your own kitchen or in someone else's kitchen.

Give God thanks for all the leftovers you will have for days and the creative ways that He will allow you to use up your left over.

Give thanks that He keeps His word and the spirits of your loved ones are secured in His arms until He returns when you will all be united once more.

In His Service,

Vilma