Pexels Photo by Andreas Resch
The world celebrates a Christ-less Hallmark Christmas and it seems to be getting darker and darker, just as it did before the first time Christ came. Yesterday I spent two hours with a pickleball friend going to a very secular Krismas Kringle Market: it was crowded, sad people pushing to get through the various little booths, and it all seemed so empty. As we were waiting for the bus to take us back to our cars, I finally asked my friend if she believed the Christmas story.
“No. Those are just fables. People wrote letters to King James and he made a book. All the translations disagree. God didn’t create the world, science did. And though I like to think Someone up there is watching out for me, I also see he is doing a terrible job. No, I don’t believe. I see it in you, Dee, in your face — and that’s fine. I don’t begrudge you that. But, no, I don’t believe.”
I felt so sad. There is so much work to do and time is so short. Yet I know Christ is able to pierce the deepest darkness with his light:
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
Tim Keller says the above word for “overcome” is also translated “grasped” and both are true in the Greek. Our dark world has not grasped the light, yet neither have they overcome it. (He recommends subbing the word “mastered” which has both meanings. The world has not mastered the truth, but neither has their darkness mastered overcoming the light.)
How I pray the wonder of God becoming flesh for us will shine in our hearts this Advent and that people will see that light and love in us and want to question the lies they have been told, and the light will overcome the darkness. I think about how my family did go to church regularly, but it was a liberal church that did not preach the Bible. Yet, at Christmas the light pierced the darkness through the music. I pondered the words, those tiny seeds falling in my young heart, that one day, a decade later, would come up in tender young blades. Here are some of the words I pondered:
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing…
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
One Christmas Eve my mother, a gifted soprano, sang from the back of the candlelit church. A holy hush descended on me:
I thought, Could it be?
Sunday:
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can.
2. Thoughts on the above? How have you experienced the light of Christ recently?
Monday: No Fairy Tale!
I sense the disciples believed, yet doubted too, and then there were moments of assurance. I think the transfiguration was one. Read this from the apostle Peter:
For we have not been telling you fairy tales when we explained to you the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. My own eyes have seen his splendor and his glory: I was there on the holy mountain when he shone out with honor given him by God his Father; I heard that glorious, majestic voice calling down from heaven, saying, “This is my much-loved Son; I am well pleased with him.
1 Peter 1:16-21 (TLB)
3. Luke gives an “orderly account” beginning with the birth, then of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, and then, in chapters 4 through 9, some of His miracles. List some of the miracles the disciples have witnessed so far.
4. Now, read the account of the transfiguration, which Peter described above in his first letter. Read it in Luke 9:28-36. Describe the wonder, and how this might have been such a strong assurance.
Tuesday: Heard, Saw, Touched
5. Read 1 John 1:1-2 and describe all the ways the apostle John experienced “the Word made flesh.” How do you see wonder?
6. Why is John so insistent we believe this according to 1 John 1:3-4? Meditate!
7. Meditate on these familiar passages and share anything that beomces radioactive:
A. John 1:1-4
B. John 1:14
Wednesday: Made Flesh by Luci Shaw
Read aloud, slowly, thoughtfully:
After
the bright beam of hot annunciation
Fused heaven with dark earth
His searing sharply-focused light
Went out for a while
Eclipsed in amniotic gloom:
His cool immensity of splendor
His universal grace
Small-folded in a warm dim
Female space—
The Word stern-sentenced to be nine months dumb—
Infinity walled in a womb
Until the next enormity—the Mighty,
After submission to a woman’s pains
Helpless on a barn-bare floor
First-tasting bitter earth.
Now
I in him surrender
To the crush and cry of birth.
Because eternity
Was closeted in time
He is my open door
To forever.
From his imprisonment my freedoms grow,
Find wings.
Part of his body, I transcend this flesh.
From his sweet silence my mouth sings.
Out of his dark I glow.
My life, as his,
Slips through death’s mesh,
Time’s bars,
Joins hands with heaven,
Speaks with stars
8. Find all the ironical paradoxes you can from her first stanza.
9. What can happen to us if we take this to heart, according to her second stanza?
Thursday: He Became Killable. Why?
10. Read Philippians 2:5-11 slowly aloud and share what stands out to you and why.
11. Christ had everything in paradise – so why did He do it?
12. Tim Keller often said that we don’t know the reason for suffering, but we know what the reason is not. It is not because God doesn’t love us. Do you know this in your heart of hearts?
Friday: Optional Keller Sermon
13. Click below to listen and then share your thoughts:
https://gospelinlife.com/sermons/?ep_filter_speaker=tim-keller&ep_filter_book-of-the-bible=john-1
155 comments
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can. Around age 10 my family received a Christmas card with Isaiah 9:6 on it My family was not particularly Christian or Christ following, but I memorized that verse. It gave me peace and a good feeling inside. Thank God He continued to build on that small step.
2. Thoughts on the above? How have you experienced the light of Christ recently? I would have been stunned that someone said “It’s a fable” and yet could see the light of Jesus shining in your face. The scripture that came to my mind was If then the light within you is darkness, how great is the darkness. Lord, remove the veil from her eyes and darkness from her heart. Yesterday I thought about this year and how God has been so faithful to me. I am so grateful to Him. Who am I that He is so good to me. I also look forward to being able to open your blog on Sundays to see where you will be leading us for the week. Thank you for doing this, Dee.
Oh how I love that as a 10 year old God wooed you with Isaiah 9:6!!!!!
Wow Judy, that Christmas card impacted you greatly. I remember a card someone gave me when I was 14, and she wrote “Jesus loves you; you are special in His sight.” I had never heard that before, and I still have that card.
I love both Judy’s and Susan’s stories of how the simplest things made such a lasting impact on them.
WOW Judy that was a God appointed card, and for a 10 year old to even care about reading it. Definitely God.
Christmas cards! Not too many people send personal thoughts along with them anymore and I treasure every one I am getting lately!
How wonderful God placed that verse in your life at such a young age and then you memorized it…awesome!!
It is pure joy to read this, Judy. How God yearns for our hearts, even as children. Love Susan’s story too. He is dwelling in our hearts, we just need to have eyes to see Him and His wonder.
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, or of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can.
Well, this morning at church at our adult class, we’re talking about Advent and we were asked the question what memories do we have surrounding Advent…something we learned perhaps in Sunday school or in our home? A couple people had some thoughts, but I felt like am I the only one here who didn’t go to church when I was growing up? I didn’t really know the real meaning of Christmas. My mom put up the tree in the living room and I remember going out there and sitting by the tree, smelling the fresh pine smell and looking at the lights and the tinsel. It seemed special to me somehow, but I didn’t connect it to God. Probably the first really meaningful Christmas for me was when after I got married and I had converted to Catholicism, I went to midnight Mass with my husband.
2. Thoughts on the above? How have you experienced the light of Christ recently?
Right now, for reasons I cannot share here, my family is walking through a very, very dark time. I’ve felt numb inside, empty, guilt, confusion, sorrow, and even anger at God. I didn’t think I was going to be able to stay at church today. My few, short prayers were very raw. They even included a swear word. The sermon was on John the Baptist. I couldn’t imagine it would have anything to say to me, but it did. A little bit of light. Some warm greetings from my fellow Alpha group members.
Thank you for sharing this Susan. I will be praying that His light will pierce the darkness of what you are going through.
Oh Susan — so glad you shared — your dear to me.
Father, how I pray for You to comfort and bring light to Susan and her family. In Jesus Name I pray
Prayers, Susan, for direction, guidance and that the peace of God overwhelm you. May God bless you and your family with healing.
Oh Susan, praying for God to shine some peace on and in your family. Hugs my friend.
Praying for you Susan. We are about the same age, maybe married a similar timeframe? Our family, too, is having overwhelming struggles. Hugs (( )). ♥️🙏
Thank you, Laura. I believe you and I have been here for quite some time now! I’ve been married 34 years. This current struggle has been very overwhelming and devastating. My daughter very much needs prayer as well. My heart is breaking for her for what she is going through.
Oh my! Our wedding anniversary is Dec 22. We will be married 34 years too! So delightful, but oh so hard as well. I will pray for your daughter specifically. It is difficult to watch our children face this ugly world.
Will you pray for our family? We are a mess right now. You know a lot about Sarah from here, the blog. The saga continues and none of us are well. Doing my best to manage.
Oh, Susan! I am sorry to hear that your family is experiencing a very dark time. Praise God that you received a little bit of light.
Susan I add my prayers with the others for God to shine through the darkness of this time in your family. Our hearts are heavy for you.
Keeping you in my prayers dear Susan and may you feel His presence regardless of circumstances…He does love you so❤️
Oh, Susan. I am reading this and my heart is breaking for you. I will be praying for you and your family. God knows where the darkness is and I pray that He will bring light and love into your heart and your family. I join the others in praying for you, in Jesus’ Name I pray.
Thank you, Patti, and I pray for you as well as I know you’re walking through your own grief and sorrow too. How we all desperately need His light in our dark times.
So sorry to hear you and your family are going through a dark time. I understand. It is so hard! Praying for you that God will bring peace and hope in Him. Hang on, sister!
Oh Susan, my heart breaks for you! I will be praying for Christmas to be real and Christ to be so close to you! My son and I are singing a poignant Christmas song on Christmas eve at our church. “I Still Believe in Christmas ” by Anne Wilson. I believe it will touch your heart as it has mine.🙏❤️🙏
2. Thoughts on the above? The hope that comes from your friend’s comment that she sees it in your face, even though she doesn’t believe. How have you experienced the light of Christ recently? It’s kind of strange, but we had an Angel Tree event at our church. All of the angels were chosen, gifts were bought and we had a very festive and abundant feast prepared for the families…and not one of the Angel tree recipients came. It was a bit of a let down at first, but the attitude of the church has been to continue praying for these children and their families and we are going to deliver the presents to them this Wednesday. It was one of the best gatherings that our church has had in a while.
I think it is great you will deliver them. Perhaps they didn’t have transportation or were embarrassed.
Prayers that barriers are broken when gifts are delivered and that you see some at your Christmas services.
Dawn, what a sweet gesture from your church. I can agree with Dee, that perhaps they were embarrassed, I know I was when I was a single mom struggling to make ends meet.
So good to deliver the gifts and pray for them, in their unknown circumstances. What a wonderful event.
That is a wonderful gift to the Angel Tree recipients! They probably didn’t have a way to get to your church, keep them in prayer. God will work through your gifts.🙏❤️🙏
Sunday:
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can.it – For me I think the true meaning came when I was being told about Jesus. I always knew there was a God and grew up knowing of Jesus, but it wasn’t until I was older that I really was told ALL ABOUT Jesus. Hearing people’s testimonies of things that only could have been of God and not just a chance meeting. At that time, it made me want what they had, it was at that time that my life was finally really His.
2. Thoughts on the above? How have you experienced the light of Christ recently? – I’ve been thinking about this, and our Life Group has been too. During the summer we studied verse by verse through Revelation and now we are studying verse by verse through Genesis. We have been saying time is short, we need to be bold in proclaiming just who Jesus is and all that he can offer us, especially eternal life. How sad for your friend Dee, that she can see it in your face and I’m sure through your actions, but yet still thinks it’s just a fairy tale. I’m so grateful, that I was able to see His goodness. Our prayers do not go unanswered, and I know if we continue to pray for those who are lost, someone, maybe not us, but someone will come to them. Their hearts must be ready, so I will pray for that.
Julie, your testimony encouraged me so much. We have a family of 4 who have been going to our church and I am not sure they are Christians. I know the mother said she believes in God but that is pretty much it. I am glad that they still come each Sunday. They have heard the Word of God preached and I pray that the light will penetrate the darkness and God will open their eyes to the truth.
This so encouraged me… “Our prayers do not go unanswered, and I know if we continue to pray for those who are lost, someone, maybe not us, but someone will come to them. Their hearts must be ready, so I will pray for that.”
Julie, I trust y’all came through the recent storms ok?
Sharon, thanks for asking. We are 5 hours east of Clarksville so only had rain and distant thunder. Such a sad thing for the loss there.
So happy you were not in the storm center, Julie. What a lovely thought on prayers ~ we must continue to pray. I love that “their hearts must be ready.”
Monday: No Fairy Tale!
I sense the disciples believed, yet doubted too, and then there were moments of assurance. I think the transfiguration was one. Read this from the apostle Peter:
For we have not been telling you fairy tales when we explained to you the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. My own eyes have seen his splendor and his glory: I was there on the holy mountain when he shone out with honor given him by God his Father; I heard that glorious, majestic voice calling down from heaven, saying, “This is my much-loved Son; I am well pleased with him.
1 Peter 1:16-21 (TLB)
3. Luke gives an “orderly account” beginning with the birth, then of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, and then, in chapters 4 through 9, some of His miracles. List some of the miracles the disciples have witnessed so far. – Luke 5. 12-13 Healing the man with leprosy; Luke 5.17-20 Healing the paralytic man; Luke 8.22-25 Calming the storm
4. Now, read the account of the transfiguration, which Peter described above in his first letter. Read it in Luke 9:28-36. Describe the wonder, and how this might have been such a strong assurance. – They probably were standing there in amazement, unable to talk or move, maybe with mouths hanging open. What a sight it had to be for them. To see Jesus in his glory, to hear the voice of God talking to them. WOW and to see two great men from the OT which they knew all about. They probably thought they were in a dream. All these things should have wiped any doubt out of their minds for sure, but they still had some it seemed, since they didn’t want to tell anyone what they saw.
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can.
As a tender hearted child I looked forward to watching the movie, Jesus of Nazareth every year. Though I didn’t understand the gospel, seeds were planted for I was attracted to Jesus. Every year on Christmas morning I sensed there was something Holy about Christmas so I’d kneel before the Christmas tree wishing Jesus a happy birthday feeling sad that His birthday became more about presents than him. Looking back I see how He made my heart tender as a child wooing me to Him, and also as a teen through adult hood. He did this by showing me the same Jesus in Jesus of Nazareth was illumined in the lives and faces of the believers He put in my life. I’m grateful for His tender mercy, and grace!
Rebecca, I can just imagine you as a young girl kneeling before the Christmas tree wishing Jesus a Happy Birthday. He has indeed wooed you long before you knew what that attraction was all about!
Such a beautiful testimony, Rebecca. His hand has been on you from the time you were so young. Your life has been hard, but you have pressed in. I’m so grateful for you.
What a beautiful picture of you wishing Jesus a happy birthday. You have such a precious heart for Jesus, Rebecca. I continue to pray for you. So thankful you are here.
3. Luke gives an “orderly account” beginning with the birth, then of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, and then, in chapters 4 through 9, some of His miracles. List some of the miracles the disciples have witnessed so far.
He walks through an angry crowd.
He heals a man possessed by a demon.
He heals a woman of her fever.
The catch of fish!
Many others….
4. Now, read the account of the transfiguration, which Peter described above in his first letter. Read it in Luke 9:28-36. Describe the wonder, and how this might have been such a strong assurance.
I think I would have thought I was dreaming. To see Moses and Elijah AND Jesus, all together?! Then the booming voice of God. Wow. How could you not believe? It reminds me of when God spoke to me at my dad’s deathbed as a child. I knew it was Him. He wasn’t booming, just kind.
Sunday:
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can.
I would have been in about 5th grade when we moved to a different city to be closer to my mother’s side of the family. Christmas was always a big gathering with food, games, and lots of conversation. But we made time for sing-alongs (Karaoke in the Philippines). I remember the Christmas carols we sang as our parents would encourage all cousins to get together and sing special music for the adults. My favorite was “O Holy Night”. As a child, I was touched by the lyrics “It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth”. He came to save me and to love me. I believe that is when the truth of Christmas began to shine in my heart.
2. Thoughts on the above? How have you experienced the light of Christ recently?
We had a favorite hymn sing this morning at church. One of the requests was “O Holy Night”. As we sang the verses, a warmth enveloped me as I thought of my childhood experience as shared above. I thought also of that first night when Christ was born. And our pastor’s message was on peace. Later at a nursing home service for the residents, one of the song requests was “O Holy Night” (again!) A myriad of things I need to do for this month flashed across my mind, I felt the same warmth enveloping me again and a sense of peace that passes all understanding. Jesu is my Savior and Lord. He shines his light of truth, and all is well.
Our worship leader was sharing how the composer of O Holy Night wasn’t a believer — yet God anointed him mightily for that. He used Balaam’s ass, He used Cyrus — it’s quite amazing.
Dee, I had no idea…what an amazing God we serve!! Thanks for sharing.
Dee, that shows that anything and anyone can be used by God. Nothing he created is wasted.
Oh, I did not know that! I love this, Dee. My favorite Christmas hymn. I love how God can use unbelievers!
Dee, what do you mean by this? “He used Balaam’s ass, He used Cyrus — it’s quite amazing.”
Bing, loved hearing how your family celebrated…so special and the impact O Holy Night had in your life. One of my favorites.
Bing, that definitely was a God shot for you. To be thinking of your childhood favorite Christmas song and then for it to be played. Love that.
3. Luke gives an “orderly account” beginning with the birth, then of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, and then, in chapters 4 through 9, some of His miracles. List some of the miracles the disciples have witnessed so far. Called out evil spirits from people, healed a leper and a paralytic. Raised a man from the dead. Healed a centurion’s servant from afar. Calmed a storm. Woman with blood issue healed Girl awaken after death Fed 5,000
4. Now, read the account of the transfiguration, which Peter described above in his first letter. Read it in Luke 9:28-36. Describe the wonder, and how this might have been such a strong assurance. AWE this is who He is, God is speaking audibly, Am I dreaming or awake? Can my companions see and hear it also? Agreement that God said this is My Son, listen to Him. Falling down in wonder of the privilege to witness this.
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can.
When I was an adolescent, my dad was choir director at our church. He was a very good musician, and would have a Christmas “cantata” each year. Hallelujah Chorus and all! I remember that Christmas was quite the production both at home and at church. We had a live nativity! At home, there were 3 Christmas trees. An artificial one in the fancy living room, and a “Partridge in a Pear Tree” with silk fruit from Japan, where dad was stationed in the 60’s. Then, Christmas Eve, Santa would bring a real Christmas tree for the family room, fully decorated!! My dad loved Christmas. He made beautiful angels one year that fit on either side of our front doors.
2. Thoughts on the above? How have you experienced the light of Christ recently?
Our church is doing a music service next weekend and I am dancing as well as singing in the choir. It has been a blessing to be part of the production. Each moment is special in the rehearsing. Trying to relish each moment.
Yesterday I “lost” an earring that I had “stolen” from my sister over 40 years ago. I treasure the earrings and wear them often. I prayed, saying, Lord You know where the earring is. Please help me find it. In less than 10 seconds I checked one more place and voila! That is where is was!! I knew it was a kiss from the King. Thank You Lord!
That’s wonderful and how God answered so quickly knowing you treasure them
Such a neat story about your Dad, Laura. and I love the story about you losing and finding one of your earrings!
Now, are you going to return the stolen earrings to your sister? 🙂
Laura, I know this will be a great time for you. Your love for dance and singing. Hope you can video it to have it all the time.
The earring issue, does your sister even know you ‘borrowed’ them? Hmm!!
Hahaha! I told her a few years ago. My sister is probably one of the kindest people I know, in fact I want to write a children’s book about our relationship (being sisters). When I told her she said something like, “I’m so glad you enjoyed them.” This is the second time I have misplaced one of them in the past couple of years. They keep turning back up! Here’s a picture of them:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uZw7gm217pmDP7Xu7
Those are lovely. I think one of these years, you will find a special pair to gift her. 🙂
Very pretty Laura!
Wow Laura! What beautiful memories you have of Christmas! And the lost earring…found after you asked the Lord for help to find it! A definite “Kiss from the King”!
Sunday:
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can.
Being raised in a Christian home, Christ was always the center at Christmas. In fact we opened presents Christmas Eve so the focus of Christmas Day would be Christ (which turned out to also be my husband’s family tradition)! So, I really don’t have a moment or moments other than as I grew older my relationship with Christ became my own and therefore more important.
2. Thoughts on the above?
Love how Christmas music pierced the darkness in your heart and tiny seeds were planted.
How have you experienced the light of Christ recently?
We attended a Christmas program this past week called The Sacred Story. It opened with a man saying, Jesus is the Son of God, not just a man or a prophet and this is His Story. The gospel was intertwined throughout the whole performance. The kicker to me telling you this, is my sister, whom my husband invited and went with us, is Buddhist and believes that Jesus was just a man and prophet, and she shared that she really enjoyed it! My husband and I shared with each other later that we were both praying through out the whole performance that God would soften my sister’s heart to the gospel message. I have to trust a seed was planted.
May God nurture the seed He’s planted
Sharon, what a blessing to read about your sister going with you to the Christmas program. This is always encouraging to me as we receive women coming to our church who think they do not need Jesus. Seed planting and God will bring the fruit.
Oh I agree with your prayer, Sharon!
WOW Sharon, what a blessing that your sister went with you and loved it. The seed has been planted!
So happy to read this, Sharon.
Good chills reading about your sister enjoying the performance. I will pray that her heart will be opened.
Sunday:
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can.
—I was a young married and had just given birth to my first child a few weeks before Christmas. It was then that I began to understand and relate to the humanity of Jesus and his physical birth as I considered Mary and all her circumstances surrounding that event. It just simply took on whole new meaning for me personally.
2. Thoughts on the above?
—This paragraph you wrote about your pickleball friend stood out to me.
“No. Those are just fables. People wrote letters to King James and he made a book. All the translations disagree. God didn’t create the world, science did. And though I like to think Someone up there is watching out for me, I also see he is doing a terrible job. No, I don’t believe. I see it in you, Dee, in your face — and that’s fine. I don’t begrudge you that. But, no, I don’t believe.”
—I felt your sadness for her. It is heartbreaking to see and hear the lies she believes. She has her narrative kind of down pat as if it is fact but yet there has to be some ambivalence as she sees Christ in you. Praying God somehow challenges her heart with truth and that his light will shine into her darkness.
How have you experienced the light of Christ recently?
—My Mom continues to reflect the light of Christ through her smile. She was finally released from isolation due to having Covid. The nurses and staff were so delighted. She had kept testing positive but was doing ok. It was frustrating to them having her kept from the dining hall and commons area. Sunday morning was her first day out and she was all smiles. She is losing ground and has lost weight now but they all keep talking about her smile. Several have told us she is their favorite. A little 99 year old woman who can barely hear and says very little lovingly reflects Christ to others. She can do nothing for herself but hates to be a bother to them. She seems to have won the hearts of staff and other patients alike. As much as we have wanted God to take her home to Heaven it is becoming apparent He is shining through her for as long as He choses to keep her here with us.
What a loving tribute to your mom!
Oh Bev — thanks for your prayers. She really kind of broke my heart. She’s very nice — but wow. Her words stunned me.
Bev, love the story of your Mom, she sounds like a very sweet loving woman. You are blessed to still have her with you. My Mom just turned 96 in November.
Oh, what a beautiful story and tribute to your mom, Bev. God has a plan and she is a sweet star shining for all who know her. She doesn’t need words, they sense her inner beauty. She has the light of Jesus in her heart.
Bev, that’s so sweet about your mom. How hard it is when the elderly especially have to be isolated due to Covid. Your mom sounds so dear and sweet and she’s reflecting Him in a beautiful way!
Monday: No Fairy Tale!
3. Luke gives an “orderly account” beginning with the birth, then of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, and then, in chapters 4 through 9, some of His miracles. List some of the miracles the disciples have witnessed so far.
—Cast a demon from a man in the synagogue.
—Healed Peter’s mother-in-law
—Healed many sick people from the village
—Healed a man from leprosy
—Healed a paralyzed man.
—Healed a man with a withered hand.
—Raises the widow’s son from the dead
—Jesus calms the storm.
4. Now, read the account of the transfiguration, which Peter described above in his first letter. Read it in Luke 9:28-36. Describe the wonder, and how this might have been such a strong assurance.
—Seeing Jesus in a glorified state and realizing they were seeing him talk with Moses and Elijah had to be beyond imagination for the three disciples. Then to hear clearly the actual voice of God the Father present in the cloud struck fear in their souls. It left absolutely no question as to Who Jesus was. And it was such a holy experience they couldn’t really talk about it.
5. Read 1 John 1:1-2 and describe all the ways the apostle John experienced “the Word made flesh.” How do you see wonder?
He is the One who existed from the beginning.
He and others had heard and seen Him.
He and others had touched Him with their hands.
He is life.
He was revealed to them.
He is eternal life.
6. Why is John so insistent we believe this according to 1 John 1:3-4? Meditate!
He wants us to understand so we may have fellowship with them. It reminds me of Communion Sunday. The entire Christian world takes communion together! So sweet, so fitting here. Love it!
7. Meditate on these familiar passages and share anything that beomces radioactive:
A. John 1:1-4
He was always here, with us. God with us. We are and have never been alone. In the darkness of our lives, in the light part of our lives, He is here.
B. John 1:14
God came to Earth!! How sweet that is. He lived as we live. He knows our pain and joy. He felt as we do.
Hi to all my friends here. I’m following this Advent series along silently here. I appreciated Tim Keller’s sermon “The Begats” from last week. I have just been reading some excerpts from myths and legends from a children’s book so his point that Jesus is REAL and not a myth, jumped out to me. My son’s family have forsaken the truth of Jesus and only accept it as myth now. So sad! And it is so sad that your pickleball friend has also accepted this lie that Jesus is a fable and the Bible only “stories”.
I also love Luci Shaw’s poem this week. Good to ponder.
I am wondering which sermon you meant for us to listen to this week! When I click the link above, I come to a page with several sermons. Did you mean the first one “The Word made flesh” using John 1:1?
Hi Diane, so glad to see you pop on. It is sad that people are so easily accepting to ‘fables’ but the truth is not even considered. I will be praying for your son and his family to realize the lie and turn back to the truth.
Thanks for your prayers, Julie. Honestly, it fills my heart with sadness that my loved ones are forsaking the Truth. I’m having a hard job celebrating this Christmas. I guess I need your prayers too.
Prayers your son and family’s heart soften and they return to worship. May you not lose hope, God is a miracle worker, and may you find His peace to worship Him. A couple of years ago I wasn’t even to read Bible stories to my grands or pray with them. Sunday night I attended the grands church Christmas program. My son and wife also now host a small group in their home. That was all God.
Judy, praising God with you for his mercy on your family.
So nice to see you here Diane. I understand the pain you are feeling. We can only pray. I will do so for your family.
I enjoyed Keller’s sermon too! I listened a few times.
Merry Christmas my friend! Judy is right, God can do anything!
Nice to see you too, Laura. I’m missing all the news. How are you and your family doing? Merry Christmas! Yes, I know God can do miracles, but my feelings are discouragement right now! How I pray for a miracle (and that I would recognize it when I see it!)
Diane,
I am so sorry for the heart ache going on in your life now with your son’s family rejecting truth. I feel like I am hearing this scenario way too much in the lives of families and that the enemy of our souls is working overtime with his lies. Having wayward children is so painful to a parent’s heart. We give you space as you deal with this hurt but I want you to know you are missed in this place. I pray God will encourage your heart somehow during this Christmas and comfort you with the reality of his presence.
Thanks, Bev, for your prayers and kind words. I always feel so welcomed and accepted here! It’s just like a long hug that helps me keep going. I’m so grateful that Jesus knows our weaknesses and prays for us as well!
Yes — it is the first one — the Word made flesh. I couldn’t figure out how to single it out since I can’t attach sermons on the format.
Thanks, Dee.
Diane, that must be so hard and cause you a lot of sorrow in your heart that your son’s family has forsaken the truth, that Jesus is real, and not a myth. Just keep winsomely sharing how God is working in your life with them, and how real He is to you. Prayers for you and your son’s family.
Diane, I am so sorry to read about your son’s family. I will join the others in praying for your son and his family. God is. And God is able. I will pray.
3. Luke gives an “orderly account” beginning with the birth, then of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, and then, in chapters 4 through 9, some of His miracles. List some of the miracles the disciples have witnessed so far.
The healing of the demon-possessed man-Jesus commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man.
Simon’s mother-in-law healed of her fever Luke 4
Healing of many, demons coming out of people
Catch of large amount of fish-both filled two boats
The healing of the leprous man
The healing of the paralyzed man
The healing of the man with a shriveled hand Luke 6
The raising of the widow’s son Luke 7
The calming of the storm Luke 8
The restoration of a demon-possessed man
Jesus raises a dead girl
Jesus heals a sick woman
The feeding of the 5,000
Wow-it was good to have these miracles listed. How can people not believe?
I think of what John the apostle said, “That which we have seen and heard, we proclaim to you.” I john 1:3
4. Now, read the account of the transfiguration, which Peter described above in his first letter. Read it in Luke 9:28-36. Describe the wonder, and how this might have been such a strong assurance.
The accounts of healings and miracles before this passage were with other disciples. The transfiguration was only witnessed by Peter, James, and John. The three saw Jesus in his glory as well as Moses and Elijah. The three also heard the voice of God. I thought about the verse John 8:17 “In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true.” When I think of this event as a “wonder”, I also am in wonder over its “correctness” so there are no contradictions throughout the OT and NT. And maybe I am off-kilter here but just a thought.
Nobody can refute the transfiguration as there were three disciples present to be witnesses. Now, that is a true assurance not only for the three but also for me and also for those who are reading the account at the present.
There’s my honors student! 🙂
Oh, Dee! Thanks! Your teaching and leadership create in me a desire to be more “studious”. I feel like this blog is not only a loving place but a space where my mind (given by Christ) is also challenged, not for knowledge accumulation but so I can know Him better. And that makes a whole lot of difference! As Paige said, “to see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly Day by Day.”
I love that you included John 8:17, Bing. 🙂 and Nobody can refute the transfiguration as there were three disciples present to be witnesses.
Tuesday: Heard, Saw, Touched
5. Read 1 John 1:1-2 and describe all the ways the apostle John experienced “the Word made flesh.” How do you see wonder? – He heard it, saw it with his own eyes, touched his flesh. They were there, in amazement they actually had it right there with them. They had prayed and waited and now it was theirs.
6. Why is John so insistent we believe this according to 1 John 1:3-4? Meditate! – They were so excited and grateful to have the True Word made flesh with them. To be able to experience his goodness they wanted everyone else to have a taste of what was theirs. Their joy was to share Jesus with everyone, they didn’t hold back what they had heard, seen and touched. My husband and I love watching The Chosen, and when we do, we get such a sense that we are there walking right with Jesus. What a feeling that had to have been for them. Just utter amazement I would think.
7. Meditate on these familiar passages and share anything that beomces radioactive:
A. John 1:1-4 – It amazes me that people still think there is no God, that Jesus never came. Everything we see and have in front of our eyes came about because of God and Jesus. Our own lives are because God wanted us with him. I’m grateful he does, but still surprised he chose me.
B. John 1:14 – It was the plan right from the beginning that Jesus would come and be the truth we needed. God loved us so much before everything he created became real. Makes me sad that his love isn’t enough sometimes for us to remember just all that he did and be more like him. To want to please him. This world we live in pushes it all a side and thinks nothing of where they will be at the end. I know I struggle daily with how I handle the journey I’m on, but each new day, each new study and thought makes me want to try harder so I don’t waste His sacrifice.
Not sure what I did but I posted my Tuesday lesson and was trying to edit it when a message popped up and said it appeared to be spam and was sent to the administrator. So I am posting it again and if it shows up twice I apologize 🥴
Tuesday: Heard, Saw, Touched
5. Read 1 John 1:1-2 and describe all the ways the apostle John experienced “the Word made flesh.” How do you see wonder?
From the NLT version
”the one who existed from the beginning”
—Jesus is eternal in that He always existed. He was in eternity past and will be forever.
“whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands”
—John lived up close and personal with Jesus in his humanity. Face to face with Him and actually physically hugging and I’m sure even kissing Him as would have been the common form of greeting each other in that culture in that time.
John at the last supper was the disciple who while they reclined at the table eating together leaned against Jesus and put his head on his chest.
“one who is life itself”
…..he is the one who is eternal life.”
—Jesus is life itself. There is no life physical or spiritual without Him. He created life and is the light of life.
“He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us.“
—Jesus told the disciples and actually the Jewish religious leaders as well that he came from God his Father.
This is what Jesus responded to Phillip when he asked him to show them the Father.
”Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?“ John 14:9 NLT
6. Why is John so insistent we believe this according to 1 John 1:3-4? Meditate!
—Because the deep truth and reality of Who Jesus is totally anchors us in fellowship with other believers and with God the Father and Jesus the Son. And it is from that fellowship we can experience and fully share in the joy of personally knowing Jesus as John knew Him. That’s an amazing gift from the Holy Spirit.
7. Meditate on these familiar passages and share anything that becomes radioactive:
A. John 1:1-4
—Jesus as part of the Godhead was eternal before taking on a human body and becoming flesh like us in contrast to our own beginnings we never existed before we became flesh. It is Jesus who created us and brought life to us. He is the source of all life. And now by my surrender of my life to Him He has given me life eternal. I don’t deserve it but his grace is beyond description.
B. John 1:14
—As Jesus lived his life in human form here on earth John says He was full of “unfailing love and faithfulness” (NLT) or “grace and truth” (ESV) John had experienced the way Jesus lived out those perfect characteristics. As a brother to James they were called sons of thunder by Jesus because of some of their rash and impetuous ways. But John along with Peter and his brother were on the Mount of Transfiguration and he saw and experienced the glorified body of Christ first hand. So here in this verse he is literal in saying he saw Jesus’s glory. I think it is hard for us to identify with that experience he would have had that in the end left the three of them speechless. I think very few experiences in my Christian life have left me speechless. I have only had small tastes of Him and it has left me desiring more. To truly see Jesus in his glory will be the most amazing and awe inspiring thing ever! I long to see Him. 💕
From Bev:
I think very few experiences in my Christian life have left me speechless. I have only had small tastes of Him and it has left me desiring more. To truly see Jesus in his glory will be the most amazing and awe inspiring thing ever! I long to see Him. 💕
5. Read 1 John 1:1-2 and describe all the ways the apostle John experienced “the Word made flesh.” How do you see wonder? Amazement, they were blessed to know Jesus, to believe in Jesus as Messiah, to witness His miracles in life, and then be part of those He came to after His resurrection. So the excitement then to be able to tell others. How John must have delighted to have those memories. .
6. Why is John so insistent we believe this according to 1 John 1:3-4? Meditate! We are invited into this glorious adventure of knowing Jesus. I should be consistent in telling others about Jesus so my joy is complete and they have the opportunity to know and love Him.
7. Meditate on these familiar passages and share anything that beomces radioactive:
A. John 1:1-4 in Him was life, and that life was the light of mankind. It brings such peace to read those words. Short daylight hours and yet we have the light of the world
B. John 1:14 such a glorious verse the Word becomes flesh and dwelt among us who came from the Father full of grace and truth. Immanuel God with us Showing us the Father’s grace and wisdom. It warms my heart.
8. Find all the ironical paradoxes you can from her first stanza.
Bright beam, dark earth
sharply focused light, eclipsed
cool splendor, warm space
infinity, earth
9. What can happen to us if we take this to heart, according to her second stanza?
We are free!
Wednesday: Made Flesh by Luci Shaw
Read aloud, slowly, thoughtfully:
8. Find all the ironical paradoxes you can from her first stanza.
—AFTER:
•bright beam / dark earth
•sharply-focused light / eclipsed
•cool immensity of splendor / small folded in warm dim female space
•the Word / dumb
•infinity / walled in
•the Mighty / helpless
9. What can happen to us if we take this to heart, according to her second stanza?
NOW:
As I surrender my life to Him and because of his coming in flesh bound by time He becomes my open door to forever and I find freedom from my imprisonment to my flesh. Out of his sweet silence coming as a babe I am given a voice to sing praise. As my life joins with Him death and time have no hold on me and Heaven becomes the reality of my life where He sits on his throne at the right hand of God.
As Laura simply said “We are free!” 😊
3. Luke gives an “orderly account” beginning with the birth, then of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, and then, in chapters 4 through 9, some of His miracles. List some of the miracles the disciples have witnessed so far. Turning water into wine, He passed through a crowd of people who wanted to throw Him off a cliff, He cast out demons, He healed the sick.
4. Now, read the account of the transfiguration, which Peter described above in his first letter. Read it in Luke 9:28-36. Describe the wonder, and how this might have been such a strong assurance. How could it be anything but a strong assurance? To see His radiance and Him talking to Moses and Elijah. Then to be surrounded by a cloud and hear God’s voice.
1. Can you remember a moment or moments when the truth of Christmas, of God becoming flesh for you, began to shine in your heart? If so, share what you can.
Since I was small, I always loved the songs of Christmas and that is what spoke the most to my heart. I loved hearing the Bible story of Jesus’ birth, but especially through Silent Night and other Christmas songs. As a child, I could see the Christmas story through those songs and I could remember the words. So thankful for the gospel put to music.
2. Thoughts on the above? How have you experienced the light of Christ recently?
My computer modem died on Sunday morning. It was a total “crash and burn” day for me in so many ways…so much went wrong and my youngest dog felt the stress and had 3 seizures. I was at the lowest point I have had since I lost my husband. Thankfully, I was able to get some help on Monday and Tuesday from some wonderful Tech people. My Piper is better and I am thanking God for his mercy and His forgiveness of my attitude.
Right before all that happened, I read the Blog and I was so saddened about your pickleball friend, Dee. I have been praying for her eyes and heart to be opened to the Light of Jesus. May Jesus soften her heart. So thankful that she can see the Light of Jesus in you. My granddaughter had a similar experience at a Christmas Market here. And the Target stores make a point of having no lights, even on the outside of their buildings, here in our outdoor strip malls. They do not mention the word Christmas in their ads. The world has tried so hard to remove Him, yet HE is Here. It filled my heart with hope to read all that you dear sisters in Christ have written and I am praying for each of you during this Holy Season.
Oh, Patti, when you are grieving the troubles of life seem almost unbearable, and yet you cling. Thanks for praying for my pickleball friend. It just shows the vacuum of knowledge in America now — and is so sad. Interesting about Target and no lights. I love you and am praying for you.
Oh Patti,
We haven’t forgotten you in your very fresh grief and now it is Christmas time and as you have observed the world is denying or at least trying to ignore it. I pray God will move in a strong way on your behalf to encourage and strengthen you. You are much loved by Him and by us. 💕
Patti, I am sorry you had a “crash and burn” day last Sunday. Life is so hard sometimes. All those years ago, when our teens were out of control (and so was I), Dee’s blog was a life saver for me. I could come and rest. No judgment. Only sweet love. I’m glad you are here. ♥️
I had a similar experience when we visited a mall a few weeks ago. There were no lights, garland, etc. throughout the mall, only where Santa was seated. It felt strange. I will say though, malls are lucky to be in business now, with all the online shopping. Maybe they can’t afford it 🤷🏻♀️. I don’t shop at the big box stores any more (like Target). They have offended me 😉. I find small shops online (Blains Farm and Fleet in Iowa!) from which I purchase . They need our support. I also am probably the only person who doesn’t use Amazon. They are also on the naughty list! Hahaha….
Oh Patti, I’m so sorry for the struggle with your computer and glad you got the help you needed. Grateful that Piper is doing fine now as well. I’m glad God was right there holding you as you struggled, such a comfort to have Him.
Patti, I groaned inside when I read about your computer problems and Piper as well. Our enemy sure uses inconveniences to affect our attitude. But God is always faithful to bring us back to Him. He is ever ready to work things out for our good!
Oh dear friends, Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. The enemy tries to steal our joy. I Praised God over and over, after my stressful meltdown….He got me through it. I prayed before I spoke with each person who helped me get reconnected to the world. I will not let my sorrow steal the Joy of our Father or of the Birth of Jesus. I know my husband is now in His Presence and seeing the Wonder we can only imagine.
I have been doing this week’s study silently, because I feel a bit overwhelmed, but I am reading the verses and reading your beautiful answers. I am praying for each of you and and the needs you each mentioned. My daughter and I share “Godwinks” each day when we sit down and say grace at dinner.
I had a beautiful kiss from the King at Costco this week. A lady was giving samples of a new chocolate truffle. There were a few ladies there tasting the treats and as I took my treat I thanked her and she said “Happy Holidays”….I smiled and said “Merry Christmas”….and went on my way. She came running across the main aisle and ran up to me, putting her arm around me and said softly, “We are not allowed to say that, but you are right! It is Merry CHRIST-mas!” I started to tear up and said “Amen, it is Merry CHRIST -mas!” She gave me a huge hug and said “Yes it is!” Only God!
8. Find all the ironical paradoxes you can from her first stanza. Fused heaven, dark earth Cool immensity of splendor
9. What can happen to us if we take this to heart, according to her second stanza? I in him surrender .
3. Luke gives an orderly account beginning with the birth, then of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, and then, in chapters 4 through 9, some of His miracles. List some of the miracles the disciples have witnessed so far.
Jesus cast out a demon from a man in the synagogue in Capernaum. He healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law of a high fever illness. He healed others with various diseases. He drove out demons. He caused such a great catch of fish that it took two boats to hold them, and the boats began to sink. He healed a leper. He heals a paralytic. He heals a man with a withered hand. When in a great crowd, power came out of Jesus and healed many who only touched Him. He calmed a storm on the lake.
4. Now, read the account of the transfiguration, which Peter described above in his first letter. Read it in Luke 9:28-36. Describe the wonder, and how this might have been such a strong assurance.
I think it was wonder, amazement, confusion and dazed-ness! I can’t imagine what it was like for them as they had been sleeping, and they wake up and see His glory, and Moses and Elijah in their glory, and then a cloud forms and covers them and they hear God’s voice. It says that they “kept silent”. I’m sure they processed what had happened for quite some time. And they never forgot it, nor what God had spoken, word for word. It was a testimony to them that this was real.
10. Read Philippians 2:5-11 slowly aloud and share what stands out to you and why.
He was equal to God but humbled Himself. He experienced our life, as we would experience it.
He is the glory to God! In all of Earth and beyond, He is the King!
11. Christ had everything in paradise – so why did He do it?
He did it so we could know God. So that we could live with Him forever. We were His creation lost. He saved us. Thank You Jesus.
12. Tim Keller often said that we don’t know the reason for suffering, but we know what the reason is not. It is not because God doesn’t love us. Do you know this in your heart of hearts?
Oh yes! He does love me. My mom would say that to know good, we need to know evil (suffering). It’s unfortunate, but then we can look forward to the gift He gives when the suffering is over.
A quick example is that I gave up an idol on September 1, and wondered what God’s response would be if I obeyed. I prayed for him to help me and bless me for my effort. The answer?? 9.2 pounds lost!! I had a desire to lose 10 pounds before my 60th birthday and looky here, I may actually do it! God does bless us when we do the right thing with Him in mind.
Great testimony!
Oh, Laura! I love how God blessed you when you did the right thing with Him in mind.
Oh Laura, how exciting for you and to see the hand of God at work in your life along the way. YAY!!!
Wow-Laura! That is so cool! God does bless us when we do the right thing with Him in mind.
Praise God! He is so faithful.
Thursday: He Became Killable. Why?
10. Read Philippians 2:5-11 slowly aloud and share what stands out to you and why.
—These verses provoke in my mind the wonder of Who Jesus was as God the Son in Heaven in perfect relationship and fellowship with God his Father but in an attitude of humility and surrender to the will of his Father he gave up that place and in a voluntary act condescended to a place in a fallen broken world into the confines of a human body. And from there it only got worse. He died a cruel death on a cross as a criminal. But praise God his Father has raised Him up and exalted him back to the very highest place of honor and has given him the name above all other names. But now it only gets better because the day is coming when
”at the name of Jesus every knee should (will) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should (will) declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.“
11. Christ had everything in paradise – so why did He do it?
—“he humbled himself by becoming obedient” to his Father.
Out of that perfect relationship to God his Father he practiced humility to carry out the plan He and God had made from eternity past to bring Salvation to humanity and to provide redemption from our sin. Not our sinful actions but the inherent sin of our flesh. That is why he had become flesh like us. There had to be a perfect sacrifice for sin and only He could be that. In unbelievable humility He condescended to become one of us.
I feel here like I am only writing words that don’t begin to capture the depth and meaning of Jesus coming and dying for me. Wonder is hard to explain.
12. Tim Keller often said that we don’t know the reason for suffering, but we know what the reason is not. It is not because God doesn’t love us. Do you know this in your heart of hearts?
—my heart feels wonder and amazement as I consider the love of God revealed in Jesus his Son.
The humility of being born as a baby.
The humiliation of dying on the Cross.
The exaltation of sitting on the Throne.
I am grateful to be living in the time after the Cross and feel privileged to understand the plan of God to save my soul because of Jesus.
Thank you for your thought provoking answers. Particularly like this “ I am only writing words that don’t begin to capture the depth and meaning of Jesus coming and dying for me. Wonder is hard to explain.”
Wednesday: Made Flesh by Luci Shaw
Afterthe bright beam of hot annunciationFused heaven with dark earthHis searing sharply-focused lightWent out for a whileEclipsed in amniotic gloom:His cool immensity of splendorHis universal graceSmall-folded in a warm dimFemale space—The Word stern-sentenced to be nine months dumb—Infinity walled in a wombUntil the next enormity—the Mighty,After submission to a woman’s painsHelpless on a barn-bare floorFirst-tasting bitter earth.
8. Find all the ironical paradoxes you can from her first stanza. – I’m really not sure on this one, but here is what I think…Bright beam/Dark Earth; Sharply focused light/Eclipsed in amniotic gloom; Cool immensity of splendor/Small folded in a warm dim space; The Word/Dumb; Infinity/Walled; The Mighty/Helpless
9. What can happen to us if we take this to heart, according to her second stanza? – Oh we can have it all if we believe the 2nd stanza. If we surrender to His birth, he’s our open door to forever. Death will slip past us. We will join hands with heaven.
Thursday: He Became Killable. Why?
10. Read Philippians 2:5-11 slowly aloud and share what stands out to you and why. – vs 6 & 7 made me stop and think that none of us are better than the next person. I need to never put myself above someone who may have less or think differently than I do. We should all be serving each other to honor the love Jesus shows us. Vs 10 also jumped out at me. People think that by not believing in God, they’ve got it all together, that they have outsmarted him. But in the end, they will still have to bow to His name and get nothing for it. They will never have eternal life for not accepting Jesus in this life. They will never experience His goodness and love and be able to walk with Him. They will sense his presence from a distance. How very sad this is.
11. Christ had everything in paradise – so why did He do it? – He did it because he loves us and wanted to honor his Father. This was the end he was born for.
12. Tim Keller often said that we don’t know the reason for suffering, but we know what the reason is not. It is not because God doesn’t love us. Do you know this in your heart of hearts? – I definitely don’t always understand why someone is suffering, but I truly know that God is as sad as I am when suffering is needed or comes into our lives. I picture him being just as I am when my child is hurting. It hurts me to see them struggling or hurt, but I know that that struggle and hurt will also help them grow.
So true from Julie:
I picture him (the Lord) being just as I am when my child is hurting. It hurts me to see them struggling or hurt, but I know that that struggle and hurt will also help them grow.
Amen to Dee, Julie. I love this picture of God. And this: He did it because he loves us and wanted to honor his Father. This was the end he was born for.
8. Find all the ironical paradoxes you can from her first stanza. Paradox in bold.
His searing sharply-focused lightWent out for a while Eclipsed in amniotic gloom:His cool immensity of splendorHis universal graceSmall-folded in a warm dim Female space—The Word stern-sentenced to be nine months dumb— Infinity walled in a wombUntil the next enormity—the Mighty,After submission to a woman’s painsHelpless on a barn-bare floorFirst-tasting bitter earth.
9. What can happen to us if we take this to heart, according to her second stanza?
The great exchange, his life for my life. If I take this to heart, I will be in wonder. I self-recorded this poem and hope to listen to it every time I drive to work!
Thursday: He Became Killable. Why?
10. Read Philippians 2:5-11 slowly aloud and share what stands out to you and why.
He made himself nothing. I thought of my word of the year “emptied” and was reminded how the Lord is teaching me to empty myself in big and small things. I could not be like Jesus but His example is something I strive for.
11. Christ had everything in paradise – so why did He do it?
For the joy set before Him- us! Me!
12. Tim Keller often said that we don’t know the reason for suffering, but we know what the reason is not. It is not because God doesn’t love us. Do you know this in your heart of hearts?
Yes, but need to be reminded often especially when I do not understand His ways.
Dee, I had another thought about the pickle ball friend who doesn’t believe. It’s so weird to me that people think Jesus’ story is a fable. I have never heard this before! My parents, who took me to church, would not lie to me. We went year after year after year as a family. It was important to them, and they were well educated people; both had master degrees. Why would I have reason to think otherwise?
I know Laura — I am so grateful my children are teaching their children the truth. These lies are things my pickleball friend was taught — I appreciate your prayers for her — her name is Katy and I really like her, I just see she was brought up in a vacuum and exposed to lies. I am praying about asking her if I could give her the movie The Case for Christ. I don’t think she is a reader.
Oh, how I have been praying for Katy, Dee. I will pray that the Lord speaks to you about giving her the movie to watch. (It is a great movie and very compelling, since Lee Strobel was an atheist….so he is approached it from where she is.) I am praying for God to open her heart and mind to His Word.
How ‘funny’ Dee that you mentioned the Case for Christ. My friend’s daughter is an atheist, and I just had that same thought, that maybe she could watch it with her and have some deep conversations.
Paige Brown is going to do nine weeks in Daniel beginning in January. I haven’t decided if the Lord would have me do it here or not, so I appreciate prayer.
I know listening to her is a lot of work. One idea is to a study drawing from her, but making listening to her optional. Or do something different. Please pray for the Lord to show me. I learn so much from her that I plan to do it with some women locally in any case.
I will be praying for the Lord to show you what to study. I agree, I always learn so much from her. The time listening is worth it, though I know it is hard for many to have the time.
I will be praying for wisdom for you regarding Paige Brown and her Daniel study. I do love Paige, but don’t seem to find time to listen to her and do your study.
Praying for God to lead you Dee.
Prayers for guidance,Dee. (I learn her studies.)
Praying for you, Dee, for guidance on how to proceed.
Dee, I will add my prayers for God to give you his clear direction on where to proceed on this blog study.
Since coming on here and requesting prayer for my son and family, he was in a rear-end collision this week. He was at a stop light and someone hit his car. He was not seriously injured – slight whiplash and slight concussion. I wonder why, but I know that with God there are no coincidences. I am grateful that he called to tell us so that we can tell him that we are praying for him. (He lives a long ways from us.) We will not be seeing them at Christmas. Thank you for your prayers. God is always at work.
Oh my, Diane. Scary. Yet you are right, God is in control. Father we do thank you no one was seriously injured and pray You will bring good out of it!
In Jesus Name I pray
Oh Diane, I’m so sorry that that happened, but grateful he is ok. God is always around waiting isn’t he.
Oh, dear Diane. I am so thankful that he was not seriously injured. I join Dee in her prayer for your son and his family.
Diane, agree glad no serious injuries and praying as others have God use this for his good.
Oh, Diane! How scary that can be! and so far away from you. Praying he recovers from his injuries.
Friday: Optional Keller Sermon
13. Click below to listen and then share your thoughts: – WOW so much meat in this 30-minute sermon by Tim Keller, I just shared it on Facebook for others to hear about the real meaning of Christmas. How Tim Keller explained that our words will reveal to people just who we are, and that Jesus is the Word and to know him is to get into The Word and find him. His life and actions will tell us just who He is, love this. I really loved the explanation of ‘dwelled among us’ that it is tabernacled among us. That Jesus is the end of religion as we know it and that pagans are still looking for all the rituals to be done, but Jesus took that all away for us. He closes the gap for us to be able to see the glory of God. It still saddens me that some are still so against having Jesus as their savior. He took on everything for us and came down because he heard our cries and even though he knew it would cost him is life, he did it anyway, because he loves us that much!! This has opened my eyes up even more now.
If anyone sees this could you please pray for our daughter Sarah? She is in the hospital. We don’t know what’s wrong but she is losing a lot of blood. Thank you.
Prayers they find answers and she is quickly treated and healed. In Jesus name.
Oh, Laura! Praying!
Laura, praying right now. I am not sure what time you posted this but how is she now?
Bing, it is 10:15 EST here now. I posted a couple of hours ago. Thank you everyone, for your prayers. She has good vitals and is alert. They think it’s being caused by a medication she takes. She has received 2 pints of blood so far. Continue prayers please. I am staying with her tonight.
Laura, Just saw your prayer request for your Sarah this morning. Praying for answers to what is going on in her body and that God would touch her heart with his Presence.
Thank you Bev. I left around 1:30 am. She finished her last pint of blood and was feeling better. Waiting to hear what the dr says this morning. Trying to check with her but no answer so far.
Oh my Laura — so frightening – -thankful she is out of the woods it seems. May they figure it out.
He led in this morning. No Dr yet, but she is going to need another pint of blood. Please keep praying.
Prayers for healing and wisdom for doctors.
Oh, dear Laura. I am just now seeing this. I am praying right now and will continue today. Please keep us updated. I love you dear friend.
Dear Jesus, Thank you for dear Laura and all she brings to this blog. Thank you for her precious daughter, Sarah, who is going through a very difficult time right now. Lord, I pray that You will hold Sarah close to your heart right now and pour Your healing Spirit over her body. I pray that you will give the doctors wisdom and direction in finding out what is going on and wisdom in treating Sarah. We ask that you bring peace to Laura, Sarah and all of the family, as they deal with all of this. I love You Lord and I thank You for Your care of each of your children. Be with Sarah today. In the Name of Jesus I pray.
Praying, Laura.
13. Click below to listen and then share your thoughts: I like the comparison of Christianity to religion. That in Jesus we get a person. Jesus is our temple, our High Priest and He already made the sacrifice to draw us to God. In other religions you live a certain way to be accepted in Jesus we are accepted and that causes us to live differently. The holiness of God became a baby – safe, embraceable. Jesus closed the gap between God and me. The glory of God can come into my life. Wonderful message to put my focus on the significance and love that went into the birth of Christ. It does bring worship to my heart.
Friday: Optional Keller Sermon
13. Click below to listen and then share your thoughts:
The sermon is classic Keller full of meaning and illustrations to put Christmas and its deeper meaning into perspective. He said because we are so familiar with Christmas that we “get meaningfulness too easily” and we settle for too little when Christmas is full of life changing truth.
—I found and listened to the second sermon Keller gave that year as a followup to the one we listened too. Here are some comments he made from that message.
“Only humble people were invited to the stable. If we think God owes us anything we are not humble of heart. We limit what God can do in our lives. We hang on to other things in our lives. We need to treat him as God and give him everything. Then He will pour out his grace and blessing on our lives. “
Saturday:
14. What is your take-a-way and why?
—I have found my mind this week being prompted to just wonder at what the deeper meaning of Christmas is. This week’s study has been so good to direct my thinking. I am finding a deeper richness in the Christmas songs that come to mind and the ones I hear and the reading and hearing God’s Word. I am reading a daily Advent Devotional by Paul David Trip that is full with truths about the coming of Jesus into flesh. God’s Word is so very rich.
Keller’s sermon:
Your word allows us to know you.
You can’t know God unless it is through Christ. He is the ultimate revelation of who God is.
Jesus is the logic of who God is. He is the compelling proof we are given. We need to look at His life and teachings to know Him; through His Word.
He is the Word made flesh (soft, human, vulnerable).
When Jesus came down because He heard our cries. He knew it would mean His life, but He did it anyway.
He shared in our humanity. The best counselors are the ones who have been through something and were healed.
He tabernacled among us. The end of religion as we know it. Jesus is our tabernacle. Jesus is our sacrifice. He came as a baby instead of a pillar of fire. That is the meaning of Christmas.
14. What is your take-a-way and why? Wonder. Just as you have directed us. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. It’s been too easy for me to be busy and concerned with other things. This time has allowed me to think about the wonders of His love. I’ve been blessed.
Friday: Optional Keller Sermon
13. Click below to listen and then share your thoughts:
He is the Word. If we are to know God, we must know Him in a real historical figure, Jesus. Word in Greek logos means logic. We use our minds and are looking not for a water-tight argument but a water-tight person. Look at the compelling truth of His life and his teaching. Have I done that?
He was made flesh. Jesus was made vulnerable and killable. Jesus came down and He came down not just at the risk of his life but knowing it will cost him his life. He experienced everything we have experienced and was abandoned by the Father when He took our sins on the cross. I can go to him with anything. Do I? Do I trust Him?
He dwelt (tabernacled) among us so we can behold His glory. Unlike Moses who couldn’t look at God’s glory and have to enter the tabernacle where God’s glory resided, we can behold God’s glory in Jesus. Jesus is the end of religion as we know it. We believe in the person of Jesus Christ for our salvation and not in religion.
Saturday:
14. What is your take-a-way and why?
Christmas, the birth of Christ, really happened. And because of Christmas, I also have Easter. He came so I may have eternal life. Christmas is a wonder-full time of the year!
You all bless me as we wonder together at, as Bing says, the wonder-full time of the year!