This year may be the simplest Christmas we’ve known, but that may get us closer to the One who made Himself nothing for us.
Perhaps you will be with some relatives who aren’t the easiest. I know I can get passive-aggressive, instead of giving grace. I need to allow His living Word to come in and melt my proud heart!
Emily Elliott wrote Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne in the 1800’s in Brighton, England to help children understand the big picture of Christmas. It is saturated with Scripture and is perfect for the week of Christmas. She continually contrasts the glory He left for the unwelcome He found (no room)! Then, the chorus asks us to respond differently to Him.
Whether we are with extended family or not, we all need to be reminded to “let this mind be in us, who, being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing.” (Philippians 2:5-6)
Here is one rendition of the hymn:
A contemporary carol with the same message is this one, sung by Evie Tornquist. When Steve and I were brand new Christians we saw her in concert, and I was always impressed with how she laid her great fame and popularity down when she married and became a mother. I’m not saying you have to do that, but it was a commendable picture of Philippians 2. This too, is good for very small children to help them understand the heart of Christmas.
I’m so thankful for each of you, for the fellowship we share, and I do, indeed, pray you will experience His presence during this celebration of His holy nativity!
Sunday: Getting Started
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- What are you plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him?
Monday/Tuesday: In Humility, Consider Others
3. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:1-4
A. According to verse 1, what are some of the riches we are given by being united to Christ?
B. Take just one of these riches and share how you have experienced it recently.
C. With verse 1 in mind, what is the exhortation of verse 2?
D. List the commands of verse 4 which we must live out if we are to live like Christ.
E. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
4. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
E. Why are You telling me this today?
Suggestions to do separately: Make a list of specific questions you could ask individuals to show you are paying attention to their lives. Put names with questions.
5. Part C. Prayer
Use what He has shown you as a springboard for prayer — and you might want to close with the 1st verse of Thou Didn’t Leave Thy Throne.
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
Chorus:
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus!
There is room in my heart for Thee!
Wednesday/Christmas Eve: He Made Himself Nothing
I always have a book of the year in my Christmas letter, and this year it was Another Gospel by Alysa Childers, for it was the most readable and clear book on apologetics I’ve read, partly because she told a riveting story of how she, a child raised in a very strong home, was brought low by her pastor who tried to lure her into Progressive Christianity. But God held her and she did enormous research to refute this false teaching, this “other gospel” that is everywhere in our churches — it is in 2/3 of the churches where I live. One of the things that is taught is that if the cross was true, it was cosmic childhood abuse for the Father to make the Son die. Yet Philippians 2 tells the true story. I love how Childers points out that the early creeds were memorized by the eyewitnesses to be passed down. Paul was most likely repeating an early creed or hymn in this passage. It is magnificent poetically as well, taking on the form of chiasm, beginning with the descent of Jesus and closing with the ascent of Jesus. I will try to show you here, unless technology foils me! Here is Philippians 2:6-11.
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing
taking on the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself and became obedient to death —
event death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.
6. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:6-11
A. Find all the ways Christ lowered Himself, according to verses 6-8.
B. Find all the ways God exalted Him, according to verses 9-11.
C. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
7. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
E. Why are You telling me this today?
8. Part C. Prayer
Use what He has shown you as a springboard for prayer — and you might want to close with the 2nd verse of Thou Didn’t Leave Thy Throne.
Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
Chorus:
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus!
There is room in my heart for Thee!
Friday/Saturday Merry Christmas!
9. For what can you share thanks this Christmas? Think back both over Advent, and then Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
174 comments
“There is room in my heart for thee” stopped me this morning because as I dwell on that, it hit me differently. Do I truly receive him? I thank him for who he is, thank him for the gift of what he did on the cross, I am thankful for all he did for me, but to receive him brings about a humility in my interactions with others, it is all inclusive of who I reach out to. “Room in my heart for Jesus” does not allow me the choice to pick and choice who I allow and what situation I choose to accept. “Room in my heart” means my heart is tender and compassionate, comforting others, not selfish, but humble. “Room in my heart” means “Yes, God, who and what you bring to my day and in my life, there is room. I have a lot of changes going on right now and I want to find comfort in control, but “room in my heart” says I trust you and I will follow.
This is SOOO good, Becky. If He’s flooding our heart we will see and receive people with such care and other-centeredness!
Love this, Becky- “Room in my heart” means “Yes, God, who and what you bring to my day and in my life, there is room.”
Exactly what I needed to read on this cold, dark night in Eastern Europe. Thank you.
4. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
Thank You Jesus for showing us how to love each other.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Lord, help me not be so self centered. Help me think of others.
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
When I think of myself only, I tend to digress into loneliness, sadness, and depression.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
I am trying to be more Christ-like; thinking of others and humbling myself.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
It is that time again…to think and act about and for those around me, not myself.
I’m not sure why this posted where it did 🤷🏻♀️
What stands out to you from the above and why? How you continually point us to Him and remind us how to use the word to speak truth to ourselves especially in the times that we are with ‘difficult’ people.
What are you plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him? We have a pre Christmas party with family on the 23rd and beyond that pretty much nothing except a Christmas eve service. I hope to increase my contemplation time along with my bible reading during this time (and beyond).
Dawn–I agree with you about how Dee continually points us to Jesus and reminds us to speak truth to our soul! So thankful for this place.
I agree, Dawn. Dee blesses me with how she balances vulnerable honesty and truth. The latter is so needed in a world where falsehood is tolerated so we can be approved by man.
I love that about Dee too. Her balance of truth speaking in grace, with living out the truth in grace herself.
Day 1
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I have been following in the background this past week and so encouraged by all that was shared. O Dee, listening to Evie brought tears to my eyes…one of mine and my in-laws favorite singers and when I played her song it brought flooded memories of the Christmas Eve services Don always had, they were very important to him. It was always a wonderful way to prepare the heart for the real meaning of Christmas. After Jim and I finished listening to it, I turned to him and said, my Christmas has just been made! My prayer is that I make room for Him in my heart each and every day during the business of this season and all year long.
Thank you so much Dee for your perseverance in preparing these studies, they have been a lifesaver for me durning this “weird” year!
2. What are you plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him?
It seems the older I get the less I get caught up with all the decorating, baking and pleasing everyone. My kids are making their own Christmas traditions, but one we have and still do together is find a Christmas Eve service, which will probably not happen this year, then we all gather at our home, have pizza, share the Christmas story, open presents and then have a birthday cake and sing happy birthday to Jesus. Christmas Day we gather for a meal and just rest.
Oh Sharon — you made my day. I love that we share some of those memories too.
I was such a baby Christian when your father-in-law was my pastor. I didn’t want to go to the Good Friday service because I said it was too sad, too hard to think about — and he called me and urged me to come saying it would do me good!
I so loved the Good Friday service at my Anglican church. The very first time I attended a Good Friday service there (and ever), I ended up speaking to a lady attending, who also lost her mother to the very same cancer (which is super rare) and who works in a hospice, with dying people. She recognized the peace I spoke of on my Mum. She feels it upon all believers at the hospice. We cried and talked of how precious the Cross is to us both.
Thank you for reminding me of this, Dee.
I love that you have a birthday cake and sing happy birthday to Jesus. I think that would be a great tradition to start with my girls.
Sharon – I love your Christmas tradition. If you can’t find an in-person Christmas Eve service, there are plenty that could be found live-stream. 😀
Sunday: Getting Started
What stands out to you from the above and why?
The song “No Room”. That was a throwback for me personally because I haven’t heard that song for years and it was a favorite of mine. I remember singing it in a trio at Christmas time. I loved the refreshing reminder and it is so beautifully done by Evie. The reality of how simply and humbly Jesus came into this world. In his message this morning my son talked about at the time Jesus was born it was a world wrought with chaos, racial tension, disease, people starving and political strife. It was a dark time and He came bringing peace and hope to sinful man. The comparison was made that today we live in a world in chaos, racial tension, disease, people starving and political strife. It is dark time but He still comes to sinful man bringing peace and hope. The important thing is for us to make room for Him in our hearts snd lives
What are you plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him?
Tonight we have one of our granddaughters home who works as a lab technician in a hospital and she works Christmas weekend and can’t be here with us. So we will celebrate with our daughter’s family and our youngest son’s family tonight with a meal and games. then on Christmas Eve my husband and I will spend the afternoon with my 96 year old mother at her apartment in an elderly facility. Christmas Eve our church has a 5:00 service. Then Christmas Day we’ll have Christmas Dinner late afternoon here in our home with the two families that live close by. We still have the younger grandchildren here so we’ll have fun opening gifts. My husband reads the Christmas story from the Bible sometime during our time together.
Your son’s Christmas sermon sounded wonderful — as do your family plans!
Wow. That’s amazing how old your Mom is. What a gift to still have her with you.
I was recently reflecting on the choice of God to have Jesus be conceived by an unwed mother. I never realized that illegitimate means both “unfathered” and “unlawful”. Jesus became an “illegitimate” baby to make us “fathered” and “lawful”. It is so incredible how low He stooped. Also in becoming a refugee baby and a foreigner in Egypt, as Mary and Joseph were forced to flee. He truly did enter into every human weakness, rejection and wounding.
It is beautiful you get to hear your son preach on Sundays.
Bev, I love the reading of the Christmas story. It will be good t hear it anew especially this year.
1. What stood out in the introduction?
The need to make room for Jesus every day, even when He lives in me. Made me think about when we studied Songs, and we discovered what a shy Lover we have. He comes to us gently and quietly, and if we don’t respond right away, He backs away.
2. Last week totally escaped me. I lost two days when we traveled to NE for a Christmas program some of our grandkids were in. My husband started a major remodel the end of August, promising to have it done before Christmas. Tomorrow, both the flooring people and the tile guy will be here to start their parts. The plan for Christmas is having our daughter here starting Thursday. Not sure how long she will stay, or if she will come back for New Years Day, when our son and family are coming. We have a family of three from town, and the young gal I mentor who will join us Christmas Day. Our tradition for Christmas Eve is church, a finger food meal, and then discuss how we see Christ in the decorations. We don’t have any decorations up this year, but I still look forward to discussing Him. As far as making room for Him, it is a moment by moment effort. I’m not ordinarily stressed by prepping to host, but I don’t know when I will have my kitchen back. It continues to be a unique year!!
Sounds like you have one busy week ahead. May God fill it with the gift of laughter and good stories and a finished kitchen. Bless you for inviting the young woman you mentor. What a gift you must be to her.
She is also a gift to me. Thank you for your kind words.
Mary, I pray for things to fall into place this week for you.
Thank you for your prayers, Bing. I can feel them being answered.
Oh Mary! I so empathize with you in this remodel and understand your stress. I pray that even in the midst of all you’ve got going on, you will find Jesus in the chaos and 2020 will be a most memorable Christmas.
Mary, I get the remodel! I will pray for calm in the midst of the storm. Merry Christmas!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The humility of Jesus. He made Himself nothing. I’ve been reading Paul Tripp’s Advent book and this passage from Phil. was in the devotion a few days ago. He said that Jesus did what He did not because of something special He saw in us, but because of something holy in pure in Him. I am sickened when I think of how easily I fall into pride. Even in my quiet behind the scene nature, I still want appreciation, glory. He, as God, emptied Himself, for me. His humility should forever bring mine.
2. What are you plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him?
We are states away from both our families, so we will be here alone. We will have Christmas Eve service and just a sweet time of the 4 of us. Growing up, we spent every Christmas Eve at my grandmothers, with a house full of extended family. Now my mom carries on that tradition. I miss her. The Lord has given me a tremendous gift over the last few months though–my mom and I have grown close as never before. There is such a tender sweetness, I can’t describe. I feel I love her more every day. The older I get the more I look at the past and see how much she had to carry, and I give grace to her for the places that used to hurt. I look up to her now, and it has been such a change, such a gift. I spoke with her today and cried that I will miss her but she was just happy that we can talk by phone and feel close.
Lizzy — this is wonderful to learn about you and your mom!!!
Oh Lizzy, what a wonderful story of your Mom and you. God has brought that between my Dad and me too these past few years. We had the most amazing conversation over the phone recently. He is so good to us, so full of mercy and compassion.
Lizzy: I was listening to this song and it made me think of your story with your Mom and mine with my Dad-
https://youtu.be/WFVmrdik5i8
Anna–this is beautiful! and I loved what you shared about your dad and you. There is an extra sweetness that comes with such a long awaited gift.
Yes! So much so.
Lizzy, so touched by the story of you and your Mom. Similar to mine before Mom passed away this past April. Treasure those moments. I have a short clip of Mom’s voice that I listen to periodically. I think Susan shared something similar with her father as well.
oh Bing–thank you. I know you miss your mom and sister so much. love that you can still listen to her voice.
Lizzy, that is truly beautiful and a gift, that you and your mom have grown close as never before. I am so happy for you….the empathy that you can feel for her as you consider what she has had to carry in her lifetime….that comes from wisdom and maturity in you.
susan–you know better than most the journey it’s taken for me! I was always so moved by how well you loved your parents. I am thankful for this “2nd chance” to put aside differences, even in our faith, and just choose to see the good and love. You know my dad died over 20 years ago and we were never close, but after he died I prayed for God to remind me of the good things about Dad, yet my memories were sparse. Then yesterday my husband pointed out how my older son (14) has all the best qualities of my Dad–he loves to fish, draw, sports, he’s a deep thinker…and it’s opened my eyes to see the tender parts of my dad that were always hidden to me behind the alcohol. Thankful for the peace and healing.
Oh Lizzy, wow….isn’t that amazing, that you see the good qualities in your son that are just like your dad! “The tender parts of my dad that were always hidden to me behind the alcohol.” Your story reminds me some of something my dad shared with me. He had a brother that had some kind of mental or developmental problem (it was never named, back in the ’30’s and 40’s). He could never attend school. He and my dad shared a bedroom, and my dad loved him. As he grew older, he grew increasingly violent, and had to be institutionalized. When he got violent, my dad would just hold him tightly (or try to) and refused to hit him back, because he knew this was caused by whatever was wrong with him. His brother died in his early 20’s. My dad’s parents were divorced, and his mom remarried. He didn’t get a lot in return, in the way of love, from his mother, but he told me once that he considered the kind of life his mom must have had, raising his brother, and the abuse from her first husband. He felt compassion for her, and always did his best to help her when her 2nd husband died. I guess he, too, saw the good in his mom that was hidden behind the harshness of her life.
I so love how God is bringing healing, Lizzy!
It is so tender to hear that you have a growing closeness to you mother and that you are able to give her grace, seeing how much she had to carry. I’m sad with you that you cannot be together with her this Christmas. Both my parents are gone now yet I carry sweet memories of them in my heart.
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
That Jesus made Himself “nothing”.
2. What are you plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him?
We are spending the day with my in-laws. The last two years, I have taken my girls to a Catholic mass for Christmas Eve, but I am not sure that will be possible with Corona measures (we are in semi lockdown). I will most likely also be calling via Viber with my Dad in Germany, my sister & her family in Australia and my other siblings & their kids in New Zealand too.
I will make room for Him through celebrating all He’s done for me. He’s given me a new Word to focus on in the new year: celebrate. And I want to to honor that command as I move toward 2021.
Incidentally, for this year the Word He gave me was “go”, from the verse:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should GO and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
The Word means in full: “depart under a new authority”. Isn’t it beautiful how He has been fulfilling that in my heart. Praise Him!
And I wanted to share one last thing. Tonight, what had me weeping so much was a cry for help on another blog I follow. An elderly man deeply concerned and asking for prayer for his firefighter son, a husband and father to four kids, suffering from PTSD. He was absolutely desperate for prayers for his son Aaron and family.
I cried and cried and cried, as I prayed for him. I cried and cried and cried that all this time I would care more about being “something” than standing up and speaking for those who cannot speak. For standing up against another gospel – a fake gospel – that seeks to shame, rob and tie up those who are crying out to be held by Jesus, like this man’s son Aaron. Those suffering from the trauma of this world.
Love your Word! I’m going to be asking people next week to ask God, if they feel so led, to give them a Word or phrase for 2021.
May God anoint that invitation you extend and move in His Spirit to draw your congregation to Words that prophecy life over them and bring transformation in their hearts and lives to the glory of our Father in heaven.
Sunday: Getting Started
What stands out to you from the above and why?
“Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown When Thou camest to earth for me
But in Bethlehems home there was found no room For thy Holy Nativity
Oh come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for thee.”
I can still picture in my mind the choir loft and us children singing this song in the Philippines. We sang it so many times I have memorized it! This song is very special to me as it reminded me of the initial stirrings in my heart for Jesus. This leads me to this other song:
“He left His home in glory Knowing His destiny
Was the lonely hill of Golgotha There to give His life for me.
If that isn’t love…”
Christmas is here to make way for Easter!
I love Evie-my husband introduced me to her songs early on in our marriage.
What are your plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him?
My husband and I will do Christmas Eve service for a few families in our church. We hope my extended family in the Philippines can join us through Facebook. Then we will make the 50-minute drive home to look at the lights in our city. Christmas Day will be a quiet day for both of us and we hope to zoom with our daughter in Seattle. Then we will listen to Christmas music throughout the day and have some extended time talking and praying for the year 2021 for our family and our church. I am retiring at the end of this school year and we are moving to my husband’s hometown where he will continue to pastor our small Baptist Church.
Oh that’s so interesting to hear you come from the Philippines. When we moved back to New Zealand from Germany, we did a stopover in Manilla and went to visit missionary friends there. I still remember it so well. I was almost ten then. It was so different than any place I had ever been to.
Oh how you must miss your family and other home. Especially at Christmas.
What a big thing to be retiring soon. Are you looking forward to it? Or are you sad? Or a bit of both?
Anna, what a gift you are to us here! Thank you for taking such interest in each of us. Yes, I do miss my family in the Philippines. My husband was with the Navigators when we were in the Philippines. A couple with the Navs were from New Zealand-Goeff (or Jeff) Garton was the name of the husband.
I am looking forward to retirement but will surely miss the classroom setting, the students, and my co-workers. But I know God has other plans for me and my husband.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Christmas was a quiet time for the royal family. It was small and humble and sweet. That’s what I see in the images of the song from “Evie.” Don’t know anything about her!
2. What are you plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him?
We will be alone except that Sarah is coming. I can’t lie…just trying to get through it. Our family is spread out over the world. The youngest will be alone and that makes me sad. We plan to light a candle on our coffee cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus with the tods on Christmas morning. They are sweet and love Jesus. We have made it a point to make sure they know that Christmas is His birthday. They have a small performance at their school on Tuesday, our 31st anniversary. We will attend our Christmas Eve service at church. Thinking of surf and turf for our Christmas dinner. I also need to watch my two favorite Christmas movies, “A Muppet Christmas Carol” and “White Christmas.”
Will pray for your time with Sara. Understand how conflicted your feelings must be. Praying for God to make His presence known to you.
Happy anniversary, Laura! Hope the little performance was a blessing. Are those your grandkids you are talking about watching?
Lord, please be a palpable presence for Laura while Sarah is there. May Laura experience the entire time through Your eyes and heart. And, Lord, if You would please speak to Sarah in a way she can comprehend and respond positively to, that would be oh, so wonderful….
Happy Anniversary, Laura! May you receive special blessings today.
I will pray for the time with Sarah. I don’t know the background with her but from your words, I imagine it’s painful and hard to be with her. Oh Lord, please prepare the way for Sarah’s arrival and please let there be a tender heart in Sarah that will make room for You. I pray that Laura, her husband, and her little ones will see You this Christmas even in the hard places. Please don’t allow the thief to steal, kill and destroy this Christmas. Rather, Lord Jesus, will you give this family life, and life abundantly? Please, Father, may you grant a very special time remembering You, enjoying Your and each others presence. We give thanks and praise. Amen.
Thank you everyone for the sweet well wishes and prayers. The tods ended up being chosen for the Mary and Joseph roles! So sweet. Grace was so nervous she kept biting her lip. Cooper was mesmerized by the fact that he was being filmed! It was cute. Here’s the problem with the adults…Sarah said Mike (Grace’s dad) thought it was “racist” that they were chosen to be Mary and Joseph. Can you believe this? Ugh! This is the garbage these people are being fed by the media. I asked her why he couldn’t see them as being the leads in the play and then she ended up calling my mother racist. This is not cool. My mom was an angel who loved all people. I am sick to my stomach about this. So ridiculous! I have never seen such madness. Satan is definitely near. He has taken over the 23-30’s. I will be polite this week, but I will not invite them back in the future. My deceased mother does not deserve such hatefulness. There is a point where you have to draw the line. Even Jesus did that….think the woman at the well; go and sin no more.
Laura: What about this comment makes your heart hurt? How is the enemy seeking to steal, kill and destroy in your midst through that comment? Are you letting the enemy do so?
How could Jesus be wanting to take what was sent to steal, kill and destroy and turn it into good? What invitation is He extending to you to join Him in turning something that hurts your heart into something good that brings life and healing to your heart and others?
Praying for you and for myself, as we learn to seek Jesus through the pain of this world. Hugs!
Yes Anna, you are correct. He might be using this situation to make me stretch. I just can’t believe she would say such a hateful thing about my mom who never did anything but good for her.
And yes, these are our grandkids we are raising because our daughter is just not equipped. Long story. I wish I could post a picture of them here somehow. They are sweet.
Laura: what a gift you are to those children: the love of Jesus to them. May God strengthen and comfort you so much through His Word. May He fix your eyes on Him and the hope of eternity, where all broken pieces are woven together into a whole.
I read this yesterday afternoon crying so much…I pray it fills you with hope that the stars declare God’s power to save even the most hardened by pain heart (hurtful comments are born in wounded hearts that need God’s healing touch):
Psalm 147
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.4 He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.
And BTW don’t be afraid to tell them how hurt you were. I think it’s also important to speak the truth in love, whether it is received or not. God wants us to boast in our weakness, to be genuine in our affections. By doing so, it allows you to release the pain and invites Jesus to move in your midst. It may cause more friction, but as Jesus said:
Matthew 10:34-35 ESV
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
The sword of truth brings all into the light. It breaks open fake unity and brings true unity, piece by piece by piece, as God exposes hurts to heal them. Sending hugs.
Anna, you give such thoughtful answers. Thank you for scripture that helps me struggle through. I think you are right…I need to tell her that it hurt me (her words). I will wait a few days to do so though. Merry Christmas!
Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:1-4
A. According to verse 1, what are some of the riches we are given by being united to Christ?
Encouragement, comfort, fellowship, and compassionate and tender hearts
B. Take just one of these riches and share how you have experienced it recently.
During a recent bout of feeling very low, a friend from church gave me a Christmas card. I waited to open it with my husband later that night. She gave us a very generous gift card for a local restaurant! We were stunned. It was an encourager for sure! Thank You Lord for sweet Christian friends.
C. With verse 1 in mind, what is the exhortation of verse 2?
As a faith community, when we are together, we are to use the characteristics to be in unity with each other. For example, when we encourage each other we love each other in doing so. We have kind hearts to each other and because of that we are working together with Him in mind. This is the best way to live our lives.
D. List the commands of verse 4 which we must live out if we are to live like Christ.
Look out for others not just yourself.
E. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
We are to remember how God wants us to behave (fruit of the Spirit), and relay that to others. We should especially strive to work together for all believers.
What a blessing to receive that gift card. God is so good.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Just like to contemplate how Jesus came to us, as a tiny, helpless, at times – crying infant. I thought about what his birth might have been like. Did Joseph find a midwife in the town to help? Did he have to cut the cord? How long was Mary in labor? Jesus would’ve been born with “cheesy vernix” all over his body that needed cleaned off. He was wrapped up in cloths….maybe more like rags. He certainly left a lot of glory behind when he came to earth.
2. What are your plans for Christmas and how do you plan to make room for Him?
Our son and his girlfriend, with whom he lives, are both coming from TX to spend a week here for Christmas. We’ve not met her before. I reached out to her in the Fall, sending her a little gift of pumpkin soap and lip balm made in Ohio, and wrote her a little note. I wanted to “break the ice” before December. She sent me a lovely thank you note. My in-laws will also be with us on Christmas Day, and we will go to their home for Christmas Eve. I will make room for Him privately by spending time with Him….in my husband’s heart, for example, there is no room for Him. Honestly, the past few years I feel more like a “heathen” on Christmas….several years have passed since I could do the Advent wreath and readings with my children.
Oh Susan: hugs from afar. You know, when I read other comments here, I at first began comparing myself and seeing myself as on the “outside” looking in – a kind of “heathen” too. It just is different, not being able to share what is so precious to us in the way we would like to.
One thing God keeps reminding me over and over of, is His Word that my husband has been made holy through the faith He’s birthed in me. And He keeps reminding me to look for proof of that. My husband says he doesn’t believe, but I see the love and truth and grace of Jesus growing in his heart.
Satan works overtime to discourage us through times like this that attention is given to the outward practice of our faith. But Jesus wants us to see His pride in us as we quietly seek His face and shine His love. We are living out the great commission in our very own home: that is such a privilege and honor Jesus has entrusted us both. Praying for us both and sending love.
May God’s love be so palpable in your home, in your husband and your extended family through these days. May we be in awe of a God who works in mysterious ways.
Anna, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement! It is hard when a husband doesn’t share your faith, as you say, “not being able to share what is so precious to us in the way we would like to.” And I am happy that you didn’t believe the lie that in coming here, you are on the “outside” looking in….you’re definitely IN!
I love that God put you in this group to show me His withness. Your presence is a gift, Susan. God recently invited me to again pour out my deep pain. He reminded me that He sees the burden I carry daily and reminded me to keep bringing it to Him, so He can comfort me and encourage me. I cried and cried and cried and cried. And felt His love cover me.
He sees. He knows. He understands like no other.
Thought you’d love this too: it’s a video of the place Jesus was born-
https://youtu.be/M5R4wOymh5Q
Anna, thank you for this video. It brought tears. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Laura! I was so blessed by it also. Every detail matters. So thankful it blessed you also.
I shared it with others and got many thank yous back! So good.
You do make room for Him, Susan, and you are such a joy to us here. May the Lord work in the heart of your son and girlfriend through your loveliness.
Don’t give up, Susan. You aren’t responsible for others. God wants your heart, and He will work everything else out. Remember all those who did finally receive what they had so long labored in prayer for, and take courage…
Susan – it is amazing to think of Jesus in the way you describe. He certainly did leave a lot of glory behind when he came to earth. I have often pondered, similarly, that He enjoyed all of heaven only to be enclosed in Mary’s womb until the time to be birthed.
How kind and thoughtful of you to send your boy’s girlfriend a gift to begin a new relationship/friendship. I pray that you all will enjoy this Christmas season together and that your love for Jesus will be evident through your actions even if not spoken in words.
A. According to verse 1, what are some of the riches we are given by being united to Christ?
love
participation in the Spirit
affection
sympathy
B. Take just one of these riches and share how you have experienced it recently.
Participation in the Spirit. I have two older American women (my Dad’s age), who are dear friends and like Spiritual Mamas to me. We write each other often (email and cards), and call on skype at times also, and it always stuns me reading/hearing how God is touching our hearts in very similar ways, with us praying Scriptures and singing/listening to songs that speak into each other.
C. With verse 1 in mind, what is the exhortation of verse 2?
To be in union with Christ and through that in one accord with each other through Christ’s mind and Christ’s love being at work in us.
D. List the commands of verse 4 which we must live out if we are to live like Christ.
Look not only to our own interests, but also to others.
E. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
Christ calls us to humble ourselves, not looking to advance our own cause or position, but preferring others above ourselves. He calls us to be united with Him (leaving nothing – no sin – between us) so that His mind and Spirit of unity, love, affection and sympathy flows out of us to bless others.
4. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
Thank You, Jesus, for the precious gift of your Body this year. Thank You for how You have surrounded me and my family with love, sympathy, affection and unity in mind and Spirit through women living so far away and through friends nearby.
Thank You for the handmade weighted wool blanket, the handmade wool shawl, the crocheted plant holder for my husband, the crocheted purses for our girls, books and handmade cards that You have sent us through Your Body, showing me and my family the love of Your Body for us from afar.
Thank You for the gift of Dee, the weekly Bible study and her group of women here.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Father, forgive me for my selfishness and pride this year. Forgive me for favoring control over surrender, and self-importance above humility: for thinking of myself before others.
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
When I forget to prefer others above myself and when I forget to live in unity with God and through Him with His Body:
Wrong behavior:
I procrastinate, become slothful, complain, worry, get grumpy and tired. Preferring myself, I rehearse all the things that could go wrong to and hurt me, rather than focusing on the blessing God wants to bring others through my obedience.
Harmful emotions:
Self-pity, pain, fear, shame.
False attitudes:
Serving becomes all about me, me, me and not the people I am called to serve.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
Listening to what God says to me through His Word and speaking that over myself moment by moment, to cut through the self-obsessive thoughts the enemy sends my way. Receiving God’s grace moment by moment, rather than marinating in shame and getting stuck in a vicious cycle of sin: self-pity, pride, unbelief and worry.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
To declutter my mind, clearing out self-obsessive thoughts, to make room for me to be more alert and present with and to my family.
Anna, Dee and the community of women here really are a wonderful gift, aren’t they? I am so grateful for this place. It is a place for iron to sharpen iron!
Yes. God’s Presence in our midst here is such a gift. Unique pieces of His heart are shining here. Iron sharpening iron indeed and unveiling God’s heart in each one of us, more and more. Thankful to Dee for making room in her heart and on her website for us.
Monday/Tuesday: In Humility, Consider Others
3. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:1-4
A. According to verse 1, what are some of the riches we are given by being united to Christ?
Encouragement
Comfort from His love
Fellowship in the Holy Spirit
Tenderness & compassion
B. Take just one of these riches and share how you have experienced it recently.
Encouragement. I have a close friend who suffers from a number of serious health issues. She has a powerful testimony of coming to know Jesus at the age of 33 out of considering herself an atheist by reading the Bible (to disprove it). She has a deep walk with Jesus and she and I have weathered a lot together over the last 30 years. We email on almost a daily basis and through our communication have a very real fellowship in the Holy Spirit in praying for each other. Encouragement in our walk with Christ goes both ways for us. We both find great comfort in God’s love. This week in sharing with her about a wayward grandchild she brought encouragement to my heart by knowing she understands and prays with a depth of heart to seek God’s will.
C. With verse 1 in mind, what is the exhortation of verse 2?
To have the same mind as Christ.
D. List the commands of verse 4 which we must live out if we are to live like Christ.
To not just be concerned with our own interests but to have a real concern for the interests of others.
E. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
Based on what Philippians 1 says about living a life worthy of the Gospel and the relationship we have with Christ we are commanded to have the same mind that He has. We are to set aside our selfish ways and our own interests but rather practice humility and concern ourselves with the needs and interests of other people.
4. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
How can I not praise Him based on Who He is as One who gives loving comfort, shares his Holy Spirit and is tender and compassionate.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
I recognize my often failure to to imitate His humility in my relationship to others. I desire to repent and turn to His ways in my life.
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
Wrong behavior: Thinking the way I want to think and doing what pleases me with out regard for others and their needs.
Harmful emotions: Hardness of heart, Self pity
False Attitude: Pride and Selfishness
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
The mind of Christ as displayed and emphasized in his Word.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
Because I am prone to wander!
What an interesting story about your friend coming to Christ. I talked to a man once who came to Christ from reading a Bible also. He said he couldn’t stop returning to it because it gave him such incredible peace.
As a preteen/teen, I helped a family friend of ours out with her two young kids and I remember yearning for the deep knowing of grace that she had. She grew up in an unbelieving home and went through horrific abuse. As she stood there telling me her story and that she wanted her kids to grow up like I did, I distinctly remember thinking: I wish I knew Jesus and His grace like you do.
Now, looking back I see Jesus giving me what I so yearned for as a little girl. If I’d known the suffering I had to go through to experience that grace, I am not sure I would have still wanted it. But I am so thankful for God giving me that knowing of grace that I so yearned for.
I will be praying for your granddaughter and for you as you love her.
Bev, there is a phrase you used here, that you also used last week, that really stood out to me. You said, ‘how can I not praise?’ I get what you’re saying, because it should be such an automatic response. A day is coming when everyone, without exception, will praise God. In that day, they really will be compelled to praise. But today, we get to choose. What an awesome thought. The God of all creation holds Himself back so that we praise by choice and not from force. But… when, by faith, we see Him for Who He is, your comment is the only logical one… how can I not praise Him? Thank you for the phrase!!
Oh yes, we are prone to wander!
3. Part 1. Phil 2:1-4A. In verse 4, what are some of the riches we are given in Christ?
Encouragement. Actual unity with Jesus. Comfort. His love. Fellowship with the Spirit. Tenderness. Compassion.
B. Share one, and how you’ve experienced it recently.
When we were in NE last week, we got to spend time with our 16year old grandson. Things at home there are very tense, and he has been significantly adding to that. We were able to have a pretty open and honest conversation with him, and I think I received every one of the above from the Lord during that time. That he was even willing to meet with us was such an encouragement. Because of unity with Jesus, I knew we weren’t alone in meeting, and I could have a continual communion and communication with Him the whole time. I could feel God’s comfort that we were there for a purpose. We were able to see that young man through the eyes of God, and funnel His love on. I knew we were on the same page with the Spirit, wanting the same thing, which is for Dillen to walk with Jesus. God was so tender and compassionate during the whole time. It made the whole trip worth it.
C. The exhortation in verse two, with verse one in mind.
This might not show up well in text, but to exponentially add to all the things listed by participating in them with others. When we enjoy something, our joy in it swells when we not only get to share it with someone else, but when they get just as excited as we are. As fellow believers, what we have in Jesus and how He wants to experience life in and through us, doesn’t just swell. It bursts. It explodes. It isn’t just joy, the word Paul uses, but God’s joy…and it does really make ‘complete’ in more ways than one.
D. The commands in verse four, if we are to live like Jesus.
Not to neglect our interests or concerns, but to have the interests of others be just as important to us.
E. Summarize the main thought of the passage in two sentences.
Everything you have from Christ and in Him should work it’s way through you so that you affect the people around you just like Jesus affected the people around Him when He walked on earth.
4. Part 2. Contemplation.
How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
O, Lord! How great You are! You give me all these things so freely, while they were so costly for You. And then You allow me to participate with You in Your being, touching the lives of others in a way that lets me feel a little of what You feel, completing Your joy and making mine multiply.
How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
I confess to You, Lord God, that I take for granted the incomparable riches You’ve given me. And even when I’m somewhat aware of them, I act like they are my due. I forget about all those around me that You love and died for who don’t know You, even yet. Cleanse me and cause my heart to beat as Yours does.
If this is really true, what happens when I forget it?
Instead of loving people and using things, I love myself and use people.
What should I be aspiring to?
While never losing the wonder of His life in me, I should be reaching out to others. With ears straining to hear His directions. I should be trying to bring Him to the lost people everywhere in my world.
Why are You, Lord, telling me this TODAY?
So I have it fresh in me tonight when I meet with someone who is struggling to see Your goodness.
5. Part 3. Prayer, and the first verse of ‘Thou didst leave Thy Throne”.
Father, You have set an opportunity in my lap for tonight. You know this woman’s story. The parts I know, the additional parts she knows, and the entire story, which only You know. Work through me to bring her encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship, tenderness and compassion. Make this time one where You and Your Spirit shine. Make her joy in You complete, chasing out the darkness she sees and feels. Sometimes, to have room for You means taking something out. I pray Lord, that she would allow You to remove her raging and extended grief and let Your nativity reign within her.
What a precious testimony of you with your grandson. God is so good, so faithful. It was such a blessing to read and be reminded of God’s nearness in every little detail.
May God give you keen discernment in meeting the young woman. May you see what He sees and speak what He speaks. May His peace move in your midst and His hands too, bringing every broken piece into a beautiful whole. May you leave that meeting refreshed by the gift of God’s love working in and through you.
So good you could see God meeting you in all those ways with your grandson. May the Spirit woo him, Mary.
Mary, I’ve been praying about sharing something extra with you and finally realized my main reason not to was fear of what you’d think of me, and my main reason for was God’s deep compassion in me for the woman you are reaching out to.
God keeps reminding me that His people perish for lack of knowledge. As a little girl, I believed that being angry was wrong. I learnt to suppress anger that was caused by grave injustices I was a witness to almost daily. That anger came back a year after losing my Mum. It was God who encouraged me to express it. He welcomed it.
At a Bible study, a woman responded similar to how you did to this woman. She thought I shouldn’t be grieving so intensely and told me if I put my trust in God’s Word I wouldn’t be feeling as I did. I tried to explain to her, that God was the one uncovering my emotions but she didn’t listen.
That same afternoon God had a Finnish member of the Bible study group invite herself over to my home. She asked me to tell her my story. She held my hands and cried and cried and cried as she listened and told me that what I had walked through was devastating and that how I had shut off my emotions to be there for my family: incredible.
Then, she told me that ten years ago her very good friend was killed on missions: murdered. She told me anger still rises within her at times. She told me to let the emotions come. To welcome them and be real with God.
Then, in therapy, I saw Jesus holding me as a little girl. He asked me to get angry: to kick, scream and flail. He promised He would hold me as I did so. I saw myself do that and felt His strong arms hold me. As He held me, He told me He was angry also and repeatedly told me it wasn’t my fault. And then He told me: “You don’t see this now, Anna, but I am working everything into good. Every single thing.” He then showed me glimpses of heaven.
After kicking, flailing and screaming I began to cry and cry and cry and cry.
Anger is one of the first symptoms to become visible in trauma. Often, the trigger (e.g. a death) will not be the real issue. The anger is the body’s natural mechanism to suppress pain: to not feel. I was so so angry and so so tired from trying not to be angry. That session Jesus had me let out my anger, tension flooded out of my body. I felt so so so at rest. I couldn’t ever remember feeling that rested. There was no tension left in my body.
So: can I please please encourage you not to encourage her to put away her anger, but instead to express it before God openly and honestly. And try to think of examples you have been angry too. Shame is so crippling and just exacerbates the anger. By making room for anger, you are drawing her into the arms of Jesus just as she is.
Anna, sorry I didn’t see this until today. Things continue to be a bit crazy at my house. I appreciate everything you shared with me. My time with the woman and another friend ended up being much more lighthearted than I anticipated. We talked about her late husband, but whereas earlier in the day she burst into tears at the mention of him, in the evening she was just able to talk about him with peace. I for sure agree with you that God can handle our anger! He always wants us to come to Him with all of our emotions, as raw as they can be. How He leads each of us through our journeys is precious! I am so grateful that you were able to have that time with Him that brought you peace. When I said her ‘raging and extended grief’, that is my assessment of a blockage in her processing out with God how she feels about her husband’s death back in 2007. It has been my personal experience that, exactly as you referred to, when we don’t let God have full access to us, things fester in us. I would never tell someone not to grieve, or that they need to ‘get over it’. What I hoped to do was open up her eyes to hope and joy and peace. And I think God answered that prayer. Differently than I anticipated, but that’s OK. Just for her to have a relaxing time on the anniversary of his death was a very, very good thing. I think she still needs to get honest before God. Just with all the rest of the picture I know, I suspect she blames God. I’d love to see her find freedom in Jesus. But it is in His timing. Thanks so much for sharing your concerns. I think we would find our stories have a lot of similarities, if, or when, we actually got to sit down together! Love you, sister….
Oh that’s so wonderful to hear. I was praying so much for your meeting. God surely knows best what we each need, doesn’t He? It’s so often not what we think others or we ourselves need. Praise Him for gifting her such peace through His Spirit in you and in her meeting in unity of love.
Thank you for your sweet reply and explanation. I will continue to pray for God’s love to continue to soften her heart and bring healing and hope. And for continued wisdom and discernment for you as you love on her. God bless you!
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – This will be what I am praying for myself, to find grace in everyone’s actions “Perhaps you will be with some relatives who aren’t the easiest. I know I can get passive-aggressive, instead of giving grace. I need to allow His living Word to come in and melt my proud heart!” I will definitely need the power of the Lord and his love to come through. Emotions can be high at this difficult time. Not because it is Christmas but because of all the personalities in one place at one time and how some are fearful of the virus. I will be doing my best to accommodate everyone that is coming. I also like the two songs and a great reminder that I need to make room in my heart for Jesus at all times. The more I’m studying the Advent season and reading different things, I am amazed at how I have realized that Jesus was truly a baby. I know he was, but I never really thought of him being breast fed by Mary or that Joseph may have changed his diaper and that he needed their help, his parents help here on earth. I’ve been listening to Why the Nativity by Dr. David Jeremiah what a great series this is. And a friend bought me In The Manger by Max Lucado. WOW! Just so many ways for my eyes to be opened this year and at this time. So with this study and the others, I’m seeing Jesus is a whole new way.
2. What are you plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him? – My family always celebrates on Christmas Eve and we never get to go to church service because of us hosting. But due to COVID this year, our church will be having the service on line so I can finally see it. Once everyone leaves and I’m on the couch relaxing, I will get to see what others got to see. I am finding ways to be thankful during this pandemic and when I say things to some, they look at me strange. I guess it’s just me trying to find Jesus, the positive in the craziness of this world right now. Christmas Day will be quiet, so I will get to just relax and read or watch another Christmas service that I may find.
MERRY CHRISTMAS LADIES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. MAY YOU FIND THE PEACE OF OUR LORD IN YOUR CELEBRATIONS! I will be praying for all of you and your families to find some happiness and to stay safe and healthy.
Merry Christmas to you too!! Thank you for your prayers. May God bless you and your family too.
I love that you will get to see the Christmas Eve service. It is amazing thinking of Jesus as a baby, isn’t it? There is truly no more vulnerable way to come to earth than as a tiny baby.
And merry Christmas to you, dear Julie. You are a blessing here.
Have a very Merry Christmas, Julie! May it be like a fragrance that lingers long, and may you be encouraged by it…
Merry Christmas Julie! You are loved. Thanks for being you.
Greetings from Albania, Eastern Europe, where I’m in my 3rd week of a likely 3 month in-country international adoption! This is truly a very different Christmas for me, and not what I would have chosen for myself. This particular Bible Study on this Christmas hymn really touches me just now. Being a single mom of adopted and foster children, and in my mid 50’s, this particular adoption has been very trying. It has taken almost 5 years to get to this point, and now God chose to bring me to the other side of the world during a pandemic, making it more of a challenge than it already is! I had heard from many people of the behavior issues with this child but chose to proceed with the adoption because he is the biological brother of my already adopted daughter. Now I have seen firsthand the behavior issues. Today was his 13th birthday and my daughter and I prepared his favorite foods and purchased some gifts we thought he would surely love. He was shaking with delight at the prospect of opening his gifts. To our horror, he opened the most expensive nice gift and said, “I don’t want it. Take it back!” He then proceeded to pout and put his hat over his head and refused to talk to or listen to us. We finally left with heavy hearts. My spirit was at an all time low. My daughter made it worse by saying, “Just stop the adoption! We don’t need him ruining our good life.” There are so many other contributing factors to the despair I felt in my heart, but this is how the Spirit comes to me….”I was in prison and you came to me. I was hungry and you fed me. I was sick and you came to me. I was naked and you clothed me.” “When did we do these things to You, Lord?” “Inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of these, you did it unto ME!” He was not welcomed by His creation. There was no room for Him in Bethlehem. Yet, He came. Oh, come to my heart, dear Lord Jesus, in the person of this disrespectful orphan waif , the one who might just ruin my good life. There is room in my heart for Thee!
oh Miriam. My heart was so heavy for you as I read this. But then your ending, your turning back to Him, is beautiful and a strength that I know could only come from Jesus.
Lord, please cover dear Miriam and her children–protect them with your wings. Bring healing to this child Lord as only You can. It’s a hard, long road–but there is super natural comfort in knowing You hold her hand and walk through every step with her. Please cover them with Your mercy and blessings.
Thank you, dear Lizzy.
Miriam, I pray for God’s clear leading as you seek to know His plan in this very difficult situation. I ask God to encourage your heart as you lean on Him for strength to minister to a very difficult troubled boy. God’s voice is the most important one for you to hear at this time of difficult decision. May you find His peace in the midst of this.
Dear Miriam,
Isn’t it precious how Jesus is allowing you to walk out His birth, like Mary. She too obeyed her Heavenly Father’s call and was thrust into more and more impossible and trying circumstances, all to fulfill the Promise spoken so long ago. May unfathomable peace and rejoicing fill your heart and soul as you obey God. May you see the face of God in that little boy, more and more in every rejection. May you see the Father’s great love for us all that He would become nothing to call us home to Him. The Gospel is offensive to us humans, isn’t it?!
God bless you and thank you for sharing here. Your story is a gift and it is an honor to now be able to pray for you. Just like your namesake in the Bible, may you one day see the beauty of your obedience to save a child who is destined for life, despite everything being pitted against him.
Love from a sister in Christ,
Anna
And may my friend Debbie’s story encourage you that you are doing the right thing, no matter what you come up against:
“Older adoptions are more complicated, when neglect has had time to complicate a young child’s psyche. For a child to spend the first seven years of life in a setting we can not imagine leaves an impression and an impact that have consequences.
But never for another nanosecond do I regret claiming the jackpot that is Roma. It would be like saying I wish I had never been born. Because of God’s impact on my life through Roma, I have been born again. We thought we were saving a little boy from Russia, yet we were the ones who were saved!”
https://consideritalljoyblog.wordpress.com/2019/06/07/refined-by-fire/
BTW Roma has gone to heaven since she wrote this post. His birth family’s story is absolutely stunning. God was in EVERY single detail of the adoption and now continues to bless Debbie with the new family that has become hers since she lost Roma. God’s ways are SO beyond our fathoming.
I will ask Debbie to pray for you also. She is an intercessor and truth speaker full of grace and has been such a gift to me (also as a sister of an adopted brother from Romania).
Thank you so much, dear sister Anna. It is sweet to see the face of our dear Lord Jesus in the face of someone rejecting you. God has given us another chance at bonding. The child stayed awake most of the night and refused to come inside the orphanage but waited at the gate. He thought we would never come back to him and was waiting to see us coming down the road. He was sorry for his attitude and I believe he has started the process of unlearning some very bad habits related to his traumatized little life. I love him so much. Thank you so much to you and everyone else here who is praying and encouraging me. This is the best group ever! I wish I had time to write more! I would love to know more about you, Anna!
And a song for you:
https://youtu.be/LoHHKorCy5Q
Miriam, I also felt your heaviness as I read this. That moment when he rejected your gift and refused to talk anymore must have been a devastating and crushing blow in that moment. Maybe I am taking this wrong, but the Scripture that came to you….this boy is, in a way, a “prisoner”, “hungry and sick” due to circumstances beyond his control. Praying for you.
Wow, Susan! I never thought of it like that before! Thanks so much as that add deep meaning to ‘prisoner’ in so many of our interactions with others!
Oh my, Miriam! Thanks so for sharing this here so we can come alongside you in prayer for wisdom, strength, and help. I know how hurt people hurt people, and how they test to see if they will be abandoned. I do not know what to tell you to do, but I do pray that He will make it clear!
Hurt people hurt people. Oh, so very true. Thank you for bringing that out to me, dear Dee.
Miriam, I have been following on the Facebook page, and praying for you. Kids, I think, are our biggest window into what it means, and costs, for God to come after us. Like Dee said, none of us can tell you the right path forward. But we stand with you in the presence of the One who can. Hugs to you, dear sister….
Thank you so much, dear Mary. I truly do believe this journey has taught me much about the heart of God and how much He hurts at times. Thank you for caring.
Miriam: Debbie is praying. Her words: “Anna, I am in tears praying for Miriam and her family, and her new son. I was never so challenged, because little Roma was so happy and thankful for everything. I pray God break this teen’s hard heart and give him a heart of flesh. He is so afraid of being loved.”
Thank you so much, Anna! It means so much to have complete strangers praying for me. I’m very interested to read Debbie’s blog and would like to know more about you as well. My email is miriammatson@outlook.com.
Oh Miriam – what a struggle and burden you carry. My heart is also heavy for you. I am thankful, though, that the Spirit came & spoke to you. I am praying you will continue to hear His voice in your soul and be obedient to His will and calling. Bless you, dear sister.
Oh my goodness Miriam, so hard to have to be going through this. I will be praying for peace and for God to intervene in this situation. What a great thing you are taking on. God sees the love you have and will guide you along the path he has for you.
Merry Christmas Missy! How hard it is being so far from your home and struggling. Thank goodness you have your daughter with you. She seems level headed. I’m sorry your son is being so self centered. Sometimes this is the way it is because we are human. He is so lucky to have you. You are doing what you should do. It doesn’t matter how he reacts. Jesus would want you to help others. Love and hugs 😘
Thank you everybody! Much love and Merry Christmas to all!
Miriam, I too have been following your story of the adoption process and knew something major happened at one of your meetings with your son. Thank you for filling in some of the details and being open here in your spiritual journey. I too am praying for you and your needy son. Hugs to you!
3. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:1-4
A. According to verse 1, what are some of the riches we are given by being united to Christ?
Paul asks four questions in this verse, with the obvious answer being “yes”. We do have encouragement from belonging to Jesus. We are comforted from His love. We do have fellowship together in the Spirit. Our hearts are (or should be) tender and sympathetic.
B. Take just one of these riches and share how you have experienced it recently.
I experience fellowship here, on our blog, and in the weekly faith sharing (live on FB) with Fr. James Martin (when I am able to be there in real time). There is a sense of community, fellowship, and prayer for one another. I do not go to public worship at this time, since the start of the pandemic, so as not to gather with large crowds of people.
C. With verse 1 in mind, what is the exhortation in verse 2?
Paul exhorts these believers to make him truly happy by uniting, by coming together, by agreeing with each other, and not half-heartedly or “because I’m supposed to”, but with their whole hearts. They should function as a team, working together for a single purpose. The source of their ability to do this is Jesus.
D. List the commands of verse 4 which we must live out if we are to live like Christ.
The commands begin in verse 3….don’t be selfish, don’t live to impress others. Be humble, and think of others as better than yourself. (That doesn’t mean putting yourself down or the comparison game – “compare and despair”) I think it means shedding a sense of self-importance. Take an interest in others and what they are doing.
E. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
The goal, or purpose, of your life is to display the Good News to a watching world. Do that by drawing on who you are (a child of God), Jesus’ love for you, and the support of other believers, and keep your focus outward on others.
So good: “and not half-heartedly or “because I’m supposed to”, but with their whole hearts.”
Susan–I was able to reply to you there, but the story of your dad’s love for his brother just brought tears. How beautiful that you are a nurse and in that same way you are such a comfort and strength for those who are weak and ill.
6. Phil 2:6-11. Part 1. A. Find all the ways Jesus lowered Himself in verses 6-8.
He stepped aside from His deity and equality with God the Father and God the Spirit. He took on the form of a human, and not a great one at that, but a servant. He went from calling the shots to being obedient to the Father’s will, even to dying on a cross. The part where it says, ‘ and being found in appearance as a man,’ has always intrigued me. Is this an explanation of what it was like for the God of all creation to suddenly be in a womb? For the first time ever to be confined to time and space? To be an infant, and not even have a means to communicate, except through a cry? To be utterly dependent, when He was the One we are all dependent on?
B. Find all the ways God exalted Him in verses 9-11.
God gave Him the highest place, whatever that exactly means. It has to be something more than what He experienced prior to the incarnation, unless Paul is referring to the highest place possible for a human being to possess, since it is a place for One who is both totally human and totally God. That same line of reasoning goes to the name above all names. The fact that Jesus is a common name in Hispanic culture, and was a common name back in the first century always blows me away. I take these verses to mean more than the word Jesus, but to His status. Like when we say of someone that they have ‘made quite a name for themselves’. Only in this case, it is God Who has made a name above all others for Jesus. And because of this status, at the end of time, every created being from ever during the existence of creation, will bow, confess His glory and worship Him. I know that some who worship then will be doing it because they can’t stop themselves. Those who rejected Him and will suffer eternally for it will worship but not benefit from worshiping. Oh, how much greater is our position! We know and acknowledge Him now! Our worship comes from grateful hearts, freely given, and at that time it will be a consummation of all we’ve believed and been waiting for.
C. Summarize in two sentences.
Meditate on what it was for God to become man, and praise Him for it.
7. Part 2. Contemplation.
How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
Keep exploring the wonder of the incarnation, feeling it and letting it come out of me in words, in song, in changed attitudes and priorities.
How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Oh, Lord! How prone I am to wander from Your truths! I let the world around me squeeze me into its mold, taking away the breadth of all You are from my awareness. This frequently is not my attitude, nor my intention, to be a servant, even as You were. Help my feeble mind to hold to You and Your truths.
If this is really true, what falsehoods happen when I forget?
I start expecting to be the master, to be served rather than to serve. I think I should always have an easy and comfortable life. I quit thinking about the bigger picture of God against evil. I get satisfied with here instead of longing for heaven. I don’t seek His presence.
What should I be reaching for?
Him. Always Him. Not so much in the doing of stuff like Him…the ‘what would Jesus do’ mindset, because that will happen naturally as an outflow of just plain being with Him. Moses’ face was changed by being with God, and until others reacted, he wasn’t even aware. My changed attitudes and actions should be similarly unconscious, with my awareness taken up in Him only.
Why are You, Lord, telling me this today?
I burst into tears at this question. I don’t know what You have for me in this day, but whenever it seems like You are giving me a clearer picture of servanthood, and serving out of Your presence, I confess my first reaction is a fear of the fire or water You might be preparing me for. Yet I don’t want to stop because of that. I want to cling to You all the more. I want to see, in experience, what it is to be Your servant in Your presence, today.
8. Part 3. Prayer, and the second verse of Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne.
The angels sang about Your true worth and position, even while You were being born in a stable. Help me, Lord Jesus, to sing of Your worth and position while I walk through the stable of my life and world today.
Mary — I too find “Why are you telling me this today?” a profound and helpful question! Love your heart.
So true about Moses and God’s Presence. I love this: “exploring the wonder of the incarnation”. Oh give us childlike hearts of wonder, oh LORD.
I love that God moved you to tears and showed you the fear in your heart that He sees. He is so kind and so compassionate, so near in our weakness. Thank you for sharing this. It touched my heart.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The hymn, Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne. I haven’t heard that hymn for a long time and so looked up the lyrics and thought you all might enjoy the rest of this hymn if you’re not familiar with it. (Not sure why it’s formatting the way it is, but oh well. 🤷🏻♀️) It’s incredible to me that the Lord God Almighty, King of Glory, would leave His throne, His heavenly home, and come to earth in such lowly circumstances. And yet, His home is my heart. Come to my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for Thee. May He continue to enlarge His borders in my heart so that the world sees more of Him and less than me.
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown, When Thou camest to earth for me;But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room For Thy holy nativity:
Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus!There is room in my heart for Thee;Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, come, There is room in my heart for Thee.
2
Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang, Proclaiming Thy royal degree;But of lowly birth cam’st Thou, Lord, on earth, And in great humility:
3
The foxes found rest, and the birds had their nest In the shade of the forest tree;But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God, In the deserts of Galilee:
4
Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word That should set Thy people free;But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn, They bore Thee to Calvary:
Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus!Thy cross is my only plea;Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, come,Thy cross is my only plea.
5
When heaven’s arches shall ring, and her choirs shall sing At Thy coming to victory,Let Thy voice call me up, saying, “Yet there is room, There is room at My side for thee!”
And my heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus!When Thou comest and callest for me;And my heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus! When Thou comest and callest for me.
2. What are you plans for Christmas and how do you hope to make room for Him? My husband and I will spend Christmas together – just the two of us. This will be our first Christmas – EVER – that we are not physically with our family. We plan to deliver the gifts and goodies, though, to our kids & grandkids before Christmas and so, at least, we will see them from a distance. Then we’ll join our church in the live stream of the Christmas Eve program. We’ll also just be able to have more time to spend in His word and ponder the precious gift given in His birth.
Praying God will make it sweet for just the two of you, Karmen.
Praying this with you:
“May He continue to enlarge His borders in my heart so that the world sees more of Him and less than me. ”
May God bless your and your husband’s time of intimacy with Him.
Monday/Tuesday: In Humility, Consider Others
3. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:1-4
A. According to verse 1, what are some of the riches we are given by being united to Christ? – we are encouraged, comforted, have fellowship with the Holy Spirit, have been given tenderness and compassion
B. Take just one of these riches and share how you have experienced it recently. – Encouraged – Just when I am feeling fed up and that I’m done with being a Life Group leader, I get encouraged by my fellow brothers and sisters in the group. I receive either words of encouragement or monetary encouragement and it means so much. It helps me to keep going and to keep being obedient to God’s leading and placement of my life right now. I need to remember how this makes me feel and definitely work on giving it out to others.
C. With verse 1 in mind, what is the exhortation of verse 2? – Because I receive these things by being in fellowship with Christ and the Holy Spirit, I need to pay these all forward to others. I need to show everyone I come in contact with the same courtesies as God has given me.
D. List the commands of verse 4 which we must live out if we are to live like Christ. – I need to look to others interests and respect them and lift them up before myself.
E. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences. – We have been given a lot because of our fellowship with Christ and the Holy Spirit. And those things, encouragement, comfort, love, tenderness, compassion and joy, all need to be given away to others. We need to lift them up and think of them and treat them as Christ treats us.
4. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text? – I can praise him by showing love and compassion to others no matter how they react to me.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text? – When I don’t do the things that God instructs me to do, I can ask him to forgive me and to be with me as I work on being more aware of others and their interests. I can ask him to make me aware when someone needs to be comforted or shown love.
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this? – When I don’t put others in front of myself, I will become prideful, think that I’m better then them. I won’t be aware of the hurt they are going through because I’m focused on me and not others.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for? – I need to always be aware of my surroundings. I need to see people like Jesus sees them and find the compassion that is needed when they aren’t exactly like me, or think the same way I do.
E. Why are You telling me this today? – I feel that this is for my daughter in law, who recently said she was helped by a friends church financially and has found God. She’s not completely there yet, but knowing that I need to show tenderness, compassion and love to her as she grows closer to the Lord will help me know how to respond to her.
Suggestions to do separately: Make a list of specific questions you could ask individuals to show you are paying attention to their lives. Put names with questions. – I love this idea. I’m going to try this with our Life Group and my family that will be coming on Christmas Eve.
5. Part C. Prayer – Lord, thank you! Thank you for showing me love, compassion, tenderness, encouragement and joy. I couldn’t find these things without you. You are the only one that can bring them to me. I’ve tried on my own and have failed, but when I turn to you, when I seek you out and find all that I need. You are my everything. I ask you Lord to help me give these feelings away. Help me be to others, how you are with me. I want the joy I’ve received from you to be given and received by others who I come in contact with. Help them see YOU through me. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen!
1st verse of Thou Didn’t Leave Thy Throne. – Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown, When Thou camest to earth for me; But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room For Thy holy nativity. Chorus: O come to my heart, Lord Jesus! There is room in my heart for Thee! – I just love this chorus!
May God so bless you as you love on your daughter. May He return the blessing you are to her on your own head. May you see His love birth new things in her heart and through that in your own heart too. May hope and faith grow in both your hearts as you fellowship with Him in each other.
4. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
The Lord Jesus modeled perfectly the unselfish life, being humble and thinking of others, taking an interest in their lives and circumstances, joys and heartaches. I think about the night before He was killed, how He was so sorrowful and troubled himself, yet He cared for his friends, washing their feet, sharing a meal with them, trying to encourage them. Who was unselfish…who did not live to impress others, who was humble, who served others, taking an interest in the welfare of others? Jesus.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Just this morning, I was telling myself that the next couple of days are going to be busy. I will have extra work to do with cooking and cleaning. But how will I go about it? Will I complain, sigh, draw attention to “poor me”? I thought of my mom, who always had Christmas until she was about 84 and it got too much for her, then we took turns having it at our homes. I never heard her complain about all the work she did to make it special. I confess that I can focus on “my own affairs”, feeling put-upon, over-burdened. I am not here to try to impress, but just to be with my family. Lord, help me to not be selfish and focused on me.
C. If this is really true, what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
If it’s really true that belonging to Jesus, having his love to rely on and encourage me is enough to sustain me, give me comfort, empower me to love and get along with others, then if I forget this, I will try to do it all in my own power, and fail. I will look to impress others because I will believe I must have their approval. I will draw attention to myself, believing that I must have their affirmation. I will rely too heavily on people to give me comfort and security, placing an enormous burden on them.
D. What should I be aspiring to – reaching for?
I should be reaching for, to grasp firmly, His love, His approval, His comfort. I must start with that, and not try to “obey the rules” of being unselfish, etc…
E. Why are you telling me this today?
Because it’s Christmas-time. Though family gatherings may be smaller, they are still stressful. I am prone to get tired, hungry, and irritable. I need His help.
Hugs! Oh how I recognize this in myself too:
“I will look to impress others because I will believe I must have their approval. I will draw attention to myself, believing that I must have their affirmation. I will rely too heavily on people to give me comfort and security, placing an enormous burden on them.”
LORD help us both to receive Your love, affirmation and security that we may live out of that and not seek to grasp what the world cannot give us.
6. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:6-11
A. Find all the ways Christ lowered Himself, according to verses 6-8.
Emptied Himself: means “render void, make unreal, without value or recognition”.
Took on human form/resemblance.
Obedient to another (His Heavenly Father).
Obedient unto death: dying for us sinners.
Died on a Cross (meant for murderers).
Became a bond-servant (without any ownership rights of His own, belonging to another= His Father).
B. Find all the ways God exalted Him, according to verses 9-11.
Bestowed the Name above all names on Him.
Causing every knee to bow before Him.
Causing every tongue to confess that He is Christ the LORD.
Causing mankind to glorify the Father through Him.
C. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
Christ became nothing – the lowest of the low (being put into the position of a tiny vulnerable refugee and illegitimate baby and dying in the position of a “murderer”, next to real murders) to save us and glorify His Father. He joined the lowest of the low in our society to show us what love and truth and grace is.
7. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
Father, thank You for becoming nothing for me. Thank You for dying for me: a murderer in my heart. For, You tell me that all who hate a brother or sister are murderers and have no eternal life residing in them.
Thank You for reminding me of how You descended in power upon me as a 12 year old, as I hid in my room to pray with tears streaming for the family of little two-year-old James Bulger, who was murdered by two ten year olds in 1993. Thank You for exchanging the hatred in my heart for those two murderers for anguish and weeping for their souls and their parents.
Thank You for turning my idea of loving You upside down. Thank You for showing me that to love purely from Your heart is to confess the impurity of my human heart, so that You can wash away my hate and fill my heart with love, so I can stop pretending I love all others and instead confess I don’t, so You can wash away my sin and love purely through me.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Father, forgive me for reading the stories of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson (the murderers of James Bulger) now and again being filled with hatred for them. Thank You for convicting me heart and drawing me to notice the childhood story of one of them: of his father being an alcoholic and his mother suffering from depression.
Forgive me for my hardened heart, for not being willing to see that I am a murderer too, when I allow hatred to rise up in me and when I refuse to be like You, who joined murderers on the Cross, to bring them into Your Kingdom. Father, create in me a clean heart. Take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation and renew a right Spirit within me.
Forgive me for all the times I have tried to love others in my own strength, not being willing to humble myself and admit the hatred and judgment in my heart toward them. Forgive me for denying the power of the Cross, for turning away from You and hypocritically puffing myself up as one who loves You and serves You, when I have loved and served myself: my desires to be recognized and my desires not to join in Your suffering to the glory of Your Name.
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
When I forget that You became nothing for me and joined the least of these to be near to me also, when hatred infects my heart, I harden my heart toward others in their sin, turning to sin myself. I become hateful, judgmental and hypocritical as I hide the true intent of my sinful heart.
I refuse to humble myself and admit I can’t love. I refuse to receive God’s love and compassion in my own pain, when others reject me and ignore me. I refuse to confess my sins, becoming grumpy and tired, “trying” to love others around me in my own strength. I become embittered and begin to doubt God’s love for me. I begin to focus on the wrongdoing of others, rather than seeing my own need for God’s grace.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
Coming to God every time I feel hatred or judgment for another rise up in me. Pouring out my pain and inviting God to cleanse me of my sin and fill me with His love.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
Because I have been “trying” to love my girls in my own strength. Because You want me to confess my sins and make room for Your love to grow in my heart and flow out of me, without me “trying”.
8. Part C. Prayer
Use what He has shown you as a springboard for prayer — and you might want to close with the 2nd verse of Thou Didn’t Leave Thy Throne.
Father, thank You for teaching me to come to You just as I am. Thank You for continually uncovering sin in my heart and drawing me into Your light. Forgive me for all the times I have tried to grasp equality with others, trying to make them see me and love me.
Thank You for teaching me to get angry and express my very real pain before You. Thank You for showering me in love and kindness in my sin and convicting my heart of my sin and of Your righteousness covering me in my confession.
Thank You for showing me that when the world abhors us, You wrap Your arms around us, like You did Zacchaeus, when everyone only saw his sin, but You saw his need to be loved into freedom from sin. Oh LORD forgive me for not being willing to extend the love and grace You have given me.
Descend again in power upon me to exchange my sinful desires for Your pure and good desires. Lift away my hatred, my fear, my doubts and unbelief and move my hands, feet and mouth in love, bold truth, compassion and grace.
Oh LORD I pray the same for every heart gathering here. Remind us again and again not to “try” to love others, but to come boldly before Your throne of grace, so You can empower us to love those who hate us, forgive those who hurt us, pray for those who persecute us and join the least of these, seeing ourselves in their plight and Your manifold grace to us, again and again.
Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
Make room in our hearts for You. Descend in power to transform our hearts. Amen.
It’s lovely to have you here, Anna — you have plunged in with your whole heart!
Monday/Tuesday: In Humility, Consider Others
3. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:1-4
A. According to verse 1, what are some of the riches we are given by being united to Christ?
Encouragement, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, and affection and sympathy
B. Take just one of these riches and share how you have experienced it recently.
Encouragement-The loss of my Mom this year and a very dear friend plus not being to see our daughter due to the virus have saddened my heart for the Christmas season. I needed the encouragement of Jesus and His Word.
C. With verse 1 in mind, what is the exhortation of verse 2?
Because of what we have received in Christ, we can show/give the same to our brothers and sisters.
D. List the commands of verse 4 which we must live out if we are to live like Christ.
Look at the interest of others not only my own. I have found that when I look at the interest of others, my own interests are taken care of as well by God. There is a warm feeling of being able to please the Lord through the ministration of other people’s needs.
E. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
We are able to give to others what we have received from being united with Christ. We need to give in humility, looking to the interests of others.
4. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
I am in union with Christ. Praise God!
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Look at my motivations in serving others.
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
Selfishness, prideful, ungrateful
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
To serve in humility not expecting anything in return.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
To think of others at this time especially those who are hurting.
Suggestions to do separately: Make a list of specific questions you could ask individuals to show you are paying attention to their lives. Put names with questions.
This is such a great exercise to do, Dee! Thanks for your prompt.
5. Part C. Prayer
Use what He has shown you as a springboard for prayer — and you might want to close with the 1st verse of Thou Didn’t Leave Thy Throne.
Lord, you are worthy to be praised. You have given me so much and when life seems scary and uncertain, all I have to do is look to Jesus. My perspective sure does change and for the better in light of things eternal. May the room that you occupy in my heart be ever open to having fellowship with you and with others you bring into my life.
So glad you are doing that exercise, Bing -let us know how it goes!
Dee, I have started writing down names and questions for specific individuals. I have a co-worker who I love dearly like a brother. His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer the week he was diagnosed with COVID. Ugh! I have been discreetly doing some follow-up questions with him and the latest update from him was the surgeon ended up doing a mastectomy. My co-worker is starting to look like he is aging overnight. He is due to retire after the next school year (2022) and told me he wished he was retiring with me at the end of this school year. He is also having a rough year with his PM class. That is saying a lot because this co-worker is a great teacher -one of the most patient teachers I have ever met. It took a lot for me not to cry in the hallway. I told him I am praying for him and his wife. Please pray for Steve and his wife.
Bing–praying now for Steve and his wife to sense God’s presence and for His mercy poured out over them. They are blessed by you.
Oh my. Praying now!! May they know God’s deep love, comfort and compassion for them in this place, where He has chosen and appointed them to suffer with Him to see His Body restored. May His nearness be so so palpable, like never before, also to you, as you suffer with them, helping to carry their burden before Jesus. May His Word continually lift each of you up.
Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
I’m praying for them.
I am so sorry for the loss of both your Mom and dear friend and the physical separation with your daughter. May God shower you in His comfort today especially, as you celebrate the birth of Jesus. May the blessing you are to others, as you keep looking outward, pour back into your own lap today. Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Anna. Your prayers have been answered. We had a lovely Zoom meeting with our daughter and my family in the Philippines watched our Christmas Eve service last night via FB live!
Tears. So sweet. Thank You, Jesus, for Your nearness to us. For praying through us and for us. Hugs from afar.
4. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
Thank You Dear Lord for showing us how to love each other. Thank You for making us aware of others more than of ourselves.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
I have not been aware of others more than myself. Ugh. I am self-centered.
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
When you focus on yourself you begin to spiral inward. When that happens then you become depressed and sad.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
I need to focus my attention on others not myself.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
It is possible that I have been too self-absorbed of late…
Laura: God must love you so very much. That piercing you’re walking through isn’t to show up that you are so self-absorbed, but to show up that you belong to Jesus and to show up how loving, kind and compassionate Jesus is for you and through you. It is He who completes us, perfects us, makes us whole. He knows our every weakness and hurts with us through every piercing, only allowing it to reveal His heart of gold in us.
Wednesday/Christmas Eve: He Made Himself Nothing
6. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:6-11
A. Find all the ways Christ lowered Himself, according to verses 6-8. – He didn’t think that he was equal to God; He took on the responsibilities of a servant and made himself nothing; he humbled himself around others and was obedient to the call of death on his life
B. Find all the ways God exalted Him, according to verses 9-11. – God gave him the highest place and put his name above every other name; every knee would bow to the name Jesus, in heaven, on earth and under the earth; every tongue would confess that Jesus is Lord and all the glory would be to the Father
C. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences. – Like Jesus, we need to humble ourselves and not think that we are better than others. We need to honor Jesus and bow to him confess that He is Lord and give glory to the Father.
7. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text? – I can thank Jesus for being obedient to the Father for my sake. Thank Him for taking on the calling of death. I can thank Him for being my Lord.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text? – I can search my life and see if I am acting like Jesus did. Putting myself below others and giving all the glory to the Father. I can humble myself and be obedient and ask the Lord to help me get to these places. I can give myself to him so he can walk along with me.
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this? – If I don’t confess that Jesus is Lord and that he is my savior, I will be the one bowing to him that is under the earth. I will have no fellowship with Jesus and the Father.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for? – As I getting ready to type this, I started thinking of the song by Tim McGraw, Always Be Humble and Kind. That is really where I need to get to. I need to always be looking for ways to help others with no reward received back, just do it because Christ did it.
E. Why are You telling me this today? – I think He knows of course. He knows where my path is going. He sees where I need work, so these verses are coming in to view. For me to see what really matters. Jesus matters, my obedience to him, my actions to be like Christ matter. Nothing else is worth more than Him and that is what he is showing me today.
8. Part C. Prayer – Lord, be with me as I grow to be more like you. Help me to always be kind to others. I want my actions to reflect you, help me get there. Help me to see what really matters. You matter Lord, my obedience to you matters. I need your help Lord to focus on what matters most. Thank you for slowly showing me glimpses of this from your Word. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
So beautiful, Amen: “Nothing else is worth more than Him and that is what he is showing me today.”
6. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:6-11
A. Find all the ways Christ lowered Himself, according to verses 6-8.
He emptied himself (gave up his divine privileges)
Took on the humble position of a slave
Was born as a human being take on human form
Humbled himself by obeying God and died a criminals death on a cross
B. Find all the ways God exalted Him, according to verses 9-11.
God has given him the highest place of honor (at His right hand)
God has given him a name above all other names / a name that everyone who ever lives will Bow their knee to
Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
C. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
Jesus as God gave up his place as part of the Holy Trinity and humbled himself to become human and in obedience to God his Father died like a criminal on the Cross. Because of that God the Gather has exalted Jesus above all others and given him a name above all other names that every knee will Bow to in worship of who He is.
7. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
I praise Him for humbling himself and coming to earth and securing my salvation through his death on the Cross.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
I recognize my unworthiness because of my sinful flesh and my need is to humble myself before Him because of the Cross!
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
Wrong behavior: I forget to humble myself and do my own thing and fail to be obedient to his ways.
Harmful emotions: Feeling like I am ok when I am not. Feeling like I can handle life on my own.
False attitudes: A prideful attitude.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
Constant worship of Him in all of my life as I live live and move and have my being in Him.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
Because it is Christmas and that time of year that we focus on Him and his coming to earth. As a Christian I celebrate in the context of this passage that He humbled himself to come in flesh out of obedience to the Father and died on the Cross for my sin. It enhances my celebration of Him that his name is above all names and He is worthy of all praise to the glory of God!
8. Part C. Prayer
Precious Savior, When I think of you coming as a helpless infant, you the God of all creation and the Creator of all people gave up the glories of Heaven to actually become one of us it all amazes me. You have lived out humility to the fullest and are truly worthy of all praise and honor having a name above all names. I praise your name! I bow my heart to you and confess You are Lord of all.
Thank you for your obedience. Thank you for coming to die a horrible death on a cross for me. For my sin and being the perfect sacrifice in my place. I am in awe of you and your ways. I look forward to your coming again in the power and glory your father has given you setting you above all others.
I look to you for forgiveness for my selfish ways. Forgive me for thinking of my own interests before the interests of others. Forgive me for seeking my own comfort and security in other things rather than You.
Thank you for being faithful and just to forgive my sins and for the wonderful cleansing from unrighteousness. My heart is so encouraged by You. I love this time of Christmas and the richness of it’s meaning for me as a believer. I pray your light will shine brightly in this dark world with hope so many others will see Jesus and find the peace you give through the wonderful salvation you have provided when you came to earth as a baby and died on that cross only to rise again bringing new life to all who will accept you.
I thank you for your Word and the privilege I have to study it with these sweet sisters through technology. I look forward to the time we will meet in Heaven and give praise to you for the wonderful works of your hand upon our lives that we couldn’t begin to comprehend in this flesh. Please bless each one of them with the peace and grace of your presence in their lives as they celebrate You this Christmas.
You are truly worthy of all honor and glory and blessing! In the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen
Such a good daily goal:
Constant worship of Him in all of my life as I live live and move and have my being in Him.
Thank you for your precious blessing of us all. I am always so blessed to read your entries and be drawn to look upon the face of Jesus.
May God bless you richly also with the light of His Presence in places and moments that astound you. May 2021 be a year we are all astounded afresh by His love and grace for us.
BTW what have you been most astounded of in 2020? What has brought you to your knees in awe of God this year? Would so love to hear.
So much Amen to this:
I pray your light will shine brightly in this dark world with hope so many others will see Jesus and find the peace you give through the wonderful salvation you have provided when you came to earth as a baby and died on that cross only to rise again bringing new life to all who will accept you.
Anna, I will have to ponder your question about what has most astounded me in 2020. It has been such an unusual year. There are negatives and positive to what I have seen and observed this past year. I will think some more about it.
I so look forward to your response. Thank you for being willing to ponder this.
5. Part C. Prayer
Use what He has shown you as a springboard for prayer.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the way to live. Your way is the best way. When we live with others in mind, we are peaceful and happy in our own lives. Help me to put others before myself. Help me to be more generous with my time, energy, and money. I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
6. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:6-11
A. Find all the ways Christ lowered Himself, according to verses 6-8.
He did not think He should stay with God although He was equal to God. He became a lowly human, giving up His heavenly place, and becoming a slave. He humbled Himself to God and did on a cross.
B. Find all the ways God exalted Him, according to verses 9-11.
God raised Him to the highest honor. He made His name the Highest above all. All (on earth in heaven and below) would honor Him, bowing at the sound of His name. Everyone would also declare Him the King of Kings.
C. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
The Son became a human on earth. He died to save us and God elevated Him forever because of His sacrifice.
7. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
I can thank God for allowing Jesus to come, in flesh, to make a path for us to be able to be with God in eternity. I can honor Him as God wishes.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Oh Lord, I am so undeserving of Your presence. As a human I continually fall short of being worthy of Your presence. For this, I am sorry. Please remind me that without You I am nothing. You fill a place in my heart that is hollow. I pray this for others who don’t know You. When I sin I forget that You gave Yourself, Your body, so I could have life everlasting. Please help me remember that selfless act by giving You honor when I refuse to give in to sin.
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
When I forget the selfless act of dying for me, as Jesus did, I live for myself and feed the sin that feels good in the moment. I forget that living for Him means that I am joyful and have a fullness to my life that is sweet and good.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
I need to remember that I want to please Him. To do this I need to not sin and honor His sacrifice. Gluttony, selfishness, greed and such need to leave my life.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
I need to be more generous and thoughtful of others and their needs.
So true, Laura: “You fill a place in my heart that is hollow.”
Joining you in your prayer: “I pray this for others who don’t know You.” And praying that He continues to expose the hollow places in our own hearts to fill us there also.
Merry Christmas to my blog sisters! Praying for all of you!
Merry Christmas!! And thank you for your prayers. May God bless you.
Merry Christmas dear sisters! So thankful for each of you and your unique gifts you bring here, so thankful for Dee’s listening to the Spirit that allows us to have this place.
I wanted to share this prayer from from The Valley of Vision.
What shall I render to thee for the gift of gifts,
thine own dear Son, begotten, not created,
my Redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute,
his self-emptying incomprehensible,
his infinity of love beyond the heart’s grasp.
Herein is wonder of wonders:
he came below to raise me above,
was born like me that I might become like him.
Herein is love;
when I cannot rise to him he draws near on
wings of grace,
to raise me to himself.
Herein is power;
when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart
he united them in indissoluble unity,
the uncreated and the created.
Herein is wisdom;
when I was undone, with no will to return to him,
and no intellect to devise recovery,
he came, God-incarnate, to save me
to the uttermost,
as man to die my death,
to shed satisfying blood on my behalf,
to work out a perfect righteousness for me.
O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds,
and enlarge my mind;
let me hear good tidings of great joy,
and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose,
my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father;
place me with ox, ass, camel, goat,
to look with them upon my Redeemer’s face,
and in him account myself delivered from sin;
let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart,
embrace him with undying faith,
exulting that he is mine and I am his.
In him thou hast given me so much
that heaven can give no more.
Lizzy, thank you for this prayer from the Valley of Vision. I have a copy of the book but have boxed some of my books away for our move in the late spring of 2021! Can you sense my excIteMent?!? This is soooo good. I love the line “let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart, embrace him with undying faith, exulting that he is mine and I am his.” O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.
You too are beautiful! And Lizzy gave me The Valley of Vision and I love it.
Oh Lizzy, crying reading your prayers. He is so so so good to us. Praise You, Jesus! So thankful for the gift of His Presence through you here.
This poem is so beautiful, Lizzy. Thanks for the reminder to linger at the birthplace of our Lord and to with Simeon “embrace him with undying faith, exulting that he is mine and I am his”.
Merry Christmas blog sisters! Love you all 🌟🌟♥️♥️♥️
Laura, same to you-Merry Christmas! And to all our blog sisters! And thank you, Lord, especially for Dee!
Merry Christmas, Laura. So blessed by you!
Merry Christmas to all my dear sisters here. I love you dearly and often come here for strength, wisdom, and encouragement, which flows beautifully.
I drove to Nebraska and then Iowa to be with my two youngest daughters and their families who sheltered for me! It was a sweet time. Today I drive home, grabbling the daylight hours and listening to sermons and glorious music. Please know how much I appreciate you!
Dee, safe travels….I am happy for you that you were able to be with your daughters and their families!
So wonderful you could be with your daughters and their families and so sweet of them to have sheltered to make it all possible. Thank you for the gift that you are.
Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you all had a wonderful day celebrating our Savior. Although I have only had a short few weeks with you here, you have been Jesus to me here and blessed me so abundantly, more than you realize.
May Jesus return the blessings back upon your heads also, as an oil of anointing in the midst of our enemy’s accusations. May His Word continually move to lift our stooping hearts into rejoicing and deep reverence of His Ways that are beyond fathoming and yet so much better than we could ever have imagined.
And may this Word bless you today:
Psalm 145:13-14, 21
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
[The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]14 The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
And this word of encouragement. She calls it a prophetic Word: but like Dee, in her sharing, she is not “predicting the future” but reading the Word aloud and pointing out its applicability to our lives right now. She shares of the horrors John the Baptist walked through and the deep pain Mary, the mother of Jesus, was called to bear, but also of the great gift Jesus is to us in that kind of suffering He walks us through and the deep roots of faith He grows in those places, as we come to Him with our honest questions. And Laura: she mentions the Christmas star at the end too:
https://youtu.be/qIJthcwALdE
9. For what can you share thanks this Christmas? Think back both over Advent, and then Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
For the genuine overflow of love, compassion and unity God gifted us through the pain of not being able to celebrate with our in-laws as planned (due to corona). On the footpath outside their house I saw Jesus in my husband for driving out to their house just to love on them outside for those few minutes, in the Kiwi pavlova he and my oldest lovingly made for them, in the flowers God asked me to buy trusting He would move my husband to drive there (even though we couldn’t go inside), in the vibrant presence of our youngest and the smiles she brought Opa and Oma. In the text message, where the usually unsentimental Opa, expressed how much his heart was moved by us coming out.
In how Jesus encouraged me to be real, when I first got the news they were canceling our plans. How the anger that came became a gift for our whole family to express the deep pain that corona has caused us in the separation from all those we love, but how that expression then drew us closer together, as joy entered our sorrows and we were laughing and laughing together at the table.
I am thankful for the beautiful gift God gave us in the meals we share just with the four of us, the conversations we had, the beautiful family walk in the dunes as a rainbow showed up and wild animals brought such smiles to the girls.
I am thankful for the Viber calls with family and the gift of seeing my nephews and nieces full of life and joy and smiles.
I am thankful for last night in bed, when God just kept singing over me with such precious Words and I was so weepy with the gift of His Presence and all He has given me this year.
8. Part C. Prayer
Use what He has shown you as a springboard for prayer (Philippines 2:6-11).
Dear Lord, thank You for coming to Earth as a human. You came to show us how to live and it is a beautiful thing. You humbled Yourself and came as the most vulnerable of us, a baby. How sweet it is! We celebrate Your birth and have a chance to remember Your holiness each Christmas. In this miserable world in which we live, we can remember that You are here, with us, and we have a choice to hold You near, or give You away. In one way, we are given eternal life (thank You Lord!), in another we have nothing (so sad). When You died on the cross, at the hands of humans, You became the ultimate sacrifice for us. You allow us to have a relationship with You. To think if You never came here, we would not know this intimacy, only fear of being too close to God and getting hurt. Thank You for all of this, Lord. Amen.
6. Part I. Observe. Read Philippians 2:6-11
A. Find all the ways Christ lowered Himself, according to verses 6-8.
He made Himself nothing. He took the form of a servant. He made Himself a man just like us; He died for us.
B. Find all the ways God exalted Him, according to verses 9-11.
God gave Him the highest name, exalted Him to the highest place, every knee will bow before Him, (in the earth, under the earth, in the heavens-in other words, everywhere!) every tongue confess, Jesus is Lord!
C. Summarize the main thought of this passage in two sentences.
Jesus humbled Himself by coming to earth for us. God exalted Him above every name and He is Lord over all to the glory of the Father.
7. Part II. Holy Contemplation
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
Thank you, Jesus for coming down to earth for me.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
By acknowledging my pride when I am asked to do something that may be considered lowly or asked to serve others who do not “deserve it”
C. If this is really true what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions, and what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
Pride, judging others, disobedience, showing favoritism, wanting to be noticed
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
Humility; service to others without recompense or applause
E. Why are You telling me this today?
Each day CAN be a day about me instead of Jesus.
8. Part C. Prayer
Let my life be of you and about you, Lord. You know my tendency to consider myself when the going gets rougher. I get weary at times of doing good especially when things/people/circumstances do not turn out the way I expect them to. Let me remember whose I am and what Jesus has done in order that I can become what the Father has desired of me. Let your lowly birth and great humility be ever the crux of the matter for me.
9. For what can you share thanks this Christmas? Think back both over Advent, and then Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
Things were not so hectic this year because our school district gave us Dec. 23 off. I’m usually running around on Christmas Eve trying to get all the trimmings and trappings complete; last minute gifts, and planning for Christmas Eve service. This year I actually had presents wrapped before Christmas Eve night. Christmas Day is usually a very exhausting one because I spend all night wrapping! Emmanuel, God with us. Thankful for peace and quiet.
We still had leftover snow that was perfect for building a snowman, so I helped the tods build a 5 foot one that was probably the best I have ever made ⛄️. The snow was perfect for making humongous snowballs! Thankful for energy.
I “witnessed” to a young man who we see each week (worker) at the grocery store. He always says hi and talks to the tods. He asked us why we were so dressed up a couple of weeks ago. I told him we went to church. He said that wasn’t a place he liked. I said something like, “oh why not? It’s about eternity!” He said, “that’s a very long time.” I want to hope that I gave him something to think about. Thankful for courage.
I literally spent the entire day on Christmas playing with the tods and their toys! I don’t even really remember doing that with our own kids 🤷🏻♀️. I was just led to have a fun day with them. So sweet. Thankful for innocence.
We talked to one son (in Sweden) on Christmas Eve, and another on Christmas Day (the youngest that was alone). I’m still sad about the youngest being alone because he was supposed to work and that would have created a diversion for him, but the company decided to close both days. I don’t know, but I hope God is working there with him. He is not close to God at all. Thankful for memories.
My husband and I celebrated our 31 anniversary. He has really spoiled me this time and it is sweet. We were given a gift card to an expensive restaurant from a friend at church. Totally unexpected! We enjoyed the night together. Thankful for friends.
I am thankful for the season of hope, but I don’t have hope for the coming year. It is a sad time for the world. Maybe Jesus will come soon? We need a savior now just like the Israelites did all these years ago. But then, they had to wait 400 years! This is my prayer, that He comes soon. Thankful for God.
Laura — how I love the joy and contentment I see in this beautiful post.
That is so neat you had such fun with your grandkids playing in the snow and that your school district gave you the 23rd off. What a gift to slow down some.
That’s so sad that young man spoke of church not being a place he likes. I wonder what story of wounding lies behind that. May God keep sending people his way who take the time to chat with him, to listen to his story and love on him right where he is at.
Friday/Saturday Merry Christmas!
9. For what can you share thanks this Christmas? Think back both over Advent, and then Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
There is is so much to be thankful for this Christmas on my part. Advent has been rich for me doing this study with the sisters on the blog. Being focused on scripture and the richness of the Christmas hymns has blessed me repeatedly. I have found writing out prayers to be a very meaningful experience for me personally. I struggle to be articulate in my regular prayer life as my mind wanders so quickly and distractions invade my thoughts but when I have taken the time in this study to consider the scriptures as a springboard in what to pray I have found prayer flows much more easily from my heart.
Christmas Eve was a day of blessing as my husband and I were able to go to visit my 96 year old mother and take her a Christmas gift from my siblings and myself and spend a few hours in her beautiful little apartment. She was very sweet and grateful. She is content to be in her elderly care facility because she is very hard of hearing and her knees are getting very bad and so doing any traveling and getting around is hard. She in no way laments not being with family on Christmas. She is practical and so content spiritually. I see that as the fruit of living her life walking daily with the Lord. Reading his Word and praying has been her habit. We then went to the Christmas Eve Service at our church. Our church was full of friends and families. It was a delightful time hearing children dressed up like angels and shepherds sing Christmas carols and a blessing to hear younger couples in our church read the Christmas story and accompanying scriptures intermittent with our singing traditional carols with updated tempos. Our church has continued to grow in this unusual year.
Yesterday on Christmas Day my husband and I shared a quiet morning preparing for two of our four children and their families who live close by to come for Christmas dinner. Our son-in-law prepared the meat and the girls each brought main dishes and so we had a feast together and a time of opening gifts and then game playing. It was a relaxed day and by our family standards a fairly small group of 12.
So I have so very much to be thankful for as I have listed here just a few things and my list would be even longer with just little kisses from God. I don’t want to just give a Pollyanna look to my life because if I took time I could share a number of hard and disappointing things going on around me right now. I have close and personal relationships that are living in and experiencing great suffering, pain and loss even today. My heart aches over those things but I feel like I was able to take a brief reprieve to really celebrate Jesus this Christmas but now it is back to the real work of prayer and consolation of those around us who are hurting and for those who need Jesus in their lives.
Bev — you are such a joy here. And I love the description of your mother and her contentment as the fruit of walking with Jesus for so many years!
Sounds like you had a lovely day. So neat for you to be able to celebrate together with your immediate family and your church family.
It’s so wonderful your Mom is so content also. God is so good. It still astounds me also reflecting on how at peace and filled with such deep joy my Mum was the months she was so sick and in so much pain. God is so very near to His children.
9. For what can you give thanks for this Christmas?
So very, very much! Every detail is evidence of His love and care. We had a blizzard on Wednesday, which is when the flooring guy was supposed to finish. He said he’d come Thursday am, but with a blizzard, that wasn’t guaranteed. So I was thinking plan B, where we would move our day to if we couldn’t be here. (Our place is the holiday get together for my greater family.) But, he did make it. Finished the floor and then helped my husband set the toilet and put the fridge back in place. By 11pm, I had a kitchen sink and dishwasher. No ice until we’ll into Friday, but that was minor. My daughter is here, from Thursday eve til Saturday the 2nd. This Christmas has looked so different for us. No outside lights. No tree. No decorations. Not even our usual Christmas music. Which has just served to move the focus on to what He was without in order to come to us.
My daughter asked last night what it is that most tells me Christmas is here. There is a cantata from the late 70’s or early 80’s, The Dawn of Promise. When it was new, the Christian stations played the parts where Gabriel sang constantly. It was written by a man named Walt Harrah, who hinted on the album cover (see how old we’re talking!) that he and his wife had been through a trial of waiting. The very first song is a version of O Come, O Come, Immanuel that starts with a drum beating and male voices singing softly and plaintively, ‘how long, O Lord, how long, until the Promised One comes? The cantata spends time on Zachariah and Elizabeth, longing for a son. There are songs by Simeon and Anna, who have been waiting long. The finale speaks to the fulfillment of all our longings, in the Dawn of Promise in birth of Jesus. So she pulled out the album and played it for me today. I was nearly overcome with emotion at the finale, looking forward to the greater Finale that we look for and long for now. The return of our Lord.
Merry Christmas to each of you! Even if we never meet on this earth, the day is soon coming to meet in heaven….
Sounds a little stressful! But so glad it worked.
That album sounds amazing. And what a gift your daughter was in her attentiveness to you. I am so thankful to God the work was finished in time. And I love this: “Which has just served to move the focus on to what He was without in order to come to us.”
Even though this Christmas was like no other, separated from those we love most, somehow the presence of Jesus was even more palpable to me also.
Hi I’m new here I had your workbook for years.
Welcome, Yvonne — so glad to have you!
Merry Christmas to all! I love coming to this blog and reading how you all are doing and the insights as well as the struggles. I always am blessed by this community here. May God bless your Christmas and may it be a time of rest and renewal for us all.
Merry Christmas, Diane! Amen to your prayer.