by tascha |
As promised: our Advent calendar!
it did not turn out quite as I had planned.
sometimes Life causes time-crunches {smiles}
BUT it was completed before we needed to use it!
And we will read the Christmas Story all-together before we open presents
{we have not decided exactly when yet, since Christmas morning is Sunday-incidentally, the BEST day to have Christmas!}
We turn the card around backwards when we are done reading it so Mommy does not get confused. {so sad}.
ADVENT: the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event
by tascha
Luke 2:17-19
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[I must purpose THIS DAY to TELL of the great tidings! Do you think Mary pondered these things later also? when Jesus was being scorned. remembering how He was so honored at His birth contrasted with how rejected He was in His death. As a mother, I cannot even begin to contemplate how she must have felt during Jesus’ entire life. as a child. His ministry. death. Have you ever wondered?]
originally posted on December 20, 2011
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by tascha |
Matthew 2:1-3
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
[Herod was troubled because he was a wicked ruler. How do you think the leaders of different countries would react if Jesus were born today? the people were troubled also. How would we react?]
originally posted on December 21, 2011
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by tascha
Matthew 2:4-8
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
[The priests and scribes of Israel KNEW about the prophesies for the Birth of the Messiah. yet men from afar were more interested in there fulfillment and the coming of The King.]
originally posted on December 22, 201
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by tascha
Matthew 2:9-12
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
[Hearing from the religious leaders about where they should go, following a star from a far away land, they REJOICED. and obeyed God.]
originally posted on December 23, 2011
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by tascha
Matthew 2:13-15
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
[The Lord could have had them flee to any number of different regions or countries, but He chose Egypt- a picture of the world. Jesus was sent into the world, and the called OUT of the world- an example for so He calls us too.]
originally posed on December 24, 2011
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by tascha
Jesus left Heaven’s glory….
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| to read the full Christmas story: |
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Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Luke 2:1-19
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Matthew 2:1-15
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Have a BLESSED Christmas Day!
originally posted on December 25, 2011
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by tascha
with self.
It is everywhere.
I find it in my own heart,
…and see it in the lives of those around me.
[not just physically around me. I’m on facebook too.]
there are books: self-help. self-awareness. self-esteem. self-improvement. self-happiness. self. self.
self-ISH.
And I am at least as guilty [if not more] than the next person in line- this line of life- in line to be happy, find peace, get that handout of contentment.
But the premise of these guides: the idea that happiness can be found inside yourself, is completely non-Christian & un-Biblical.
This is long, and not meant to ‘tickle’ any ears.
{But I speak to myself first [and always] and [always] with LOVE to any who continue on.}
I looked up the word HAPPY in The Word, and here are all the verses I found:
Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher. [child-bearing]
Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places. [God was their Savior, Shield, Sword]
1Kings 10:8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. [heard wisdom]
2Chronicles 9:7 Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. [heard wisdom]
Job 5:17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: [God’s correction: a proof of being His child]
Psalm 127:5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them [having children]: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Psalm 128:2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. [fear the Lord and walk in His ways. vs1]
Psalm 137:8,9 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. [this has to do with the destruction of a wicked people]
Psalm 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. [God is my Lord]
Psalm 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: [God is my help & hope]
Pr 3:13, 18 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. [getting wisdom]
Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. [show mercy on the poor]
Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. [trust God]
Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. [reverence God]
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. [hear and heed the Word of God]
Jeremiah 12:1 Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? [Jeremiah is questioning God’s allowing wicked people to prosper. In the next chapter God tells Jeremiah that the wicked will be punished.]
Malachi 3:15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. [these words are spoken against the Lord, and rebuked by Him]
John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. [be a servant. follow Jesus’ example]
Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: [Paul was happy to give account of himself, as a follower of Jesus. What a thought!]
Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. [refrain from doing what may be doubtful to new Christians so as not to be a stumbling block]
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. [suffer & endure affliction for the cause of Christ]
1Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; [suffer & endure affliction for the cause of Christ] vs 15 & 16: sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer… [for] a reason of the hope that is in you… having a good conscience…
1Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. [suffer & endure affliction for the cause of Christ]
There are a couple of recurring themes for happiness here:
having/bearing children
trusting God [knowing He is your Help. Savior. Hope]
enduring persecution
heeding the Word
and a few single thoughts:
being corrected by God [proof of being His child]
showing mercy on the poor
being a servant.
giving account of our life as a Christian
not being a stumbling block to new Christians.
Then, of course, there is the word Blessed, and the BeAttitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 {each a study all to itself}.
But the point is that NONE of these Scripture has anything to do with self. at all.
Man does not fully understand nor could he have designed conception, birth, children. And child-rearing? That is not an endeavor I would wish to attempt without God and His Word-His direction. [and child-bearing is something that only a woman can experience. {staggering}]
Trusting God is purely NON-self-related.
If it were not for God there would be no me. I must let go of ME to allow Him to HAVE me. [think of the game where you fall blindly into the arms of the person behind you. that is trust. and there is not one thing you can do to keep from falling to the ground once you start.]
I must let go and let God carry me.
Enduring persecution is probably the height of unselfishness, the overwhelming submission to God’s working through me, through you.
There is not one place in Scripture where we are told to think of ourselves before others, or to ‘better’ ourselves as is the world’s view of happiness. Doing so is not heeding the Word, and does not bring happiness. [speaking from experience]
When I am corrected by God it is often because I have been thinking of myself before others; and have stumbled, disobeyed, been a stumbling block.
But that correction tells me that He is my Father, and that causes happiness. {amazing}
Helping the poor, being a servant- these are not glamorous acts that bring fame or fortune or even comfort and security. Sometimes it means going completely out of the ‘comfort zone’ and even using some of that [already] budgeted cash for someone else. But it brings happiness. {extraordinary happiness}
If giving account of my life as a Christian is to bring happiness, I must be LIVING the LIFE of a CHRISTIAN. {penitent. right now.}
There are some things that I am free to do- actions that I could pursue. They are not wrong. But the mere fact that younger or immature Christians see me and know that I have been saved for many years and have a position of ‘staff wife’ in my church means that I am NOT free to do just anything ‘willy-nilly’ without thought of these spiritual babes.
I am {somewhat} responsible for their reaction to my actions. But being aware and mindful of that brings its own happiness.
So. Are we ready to BE HAPPY today?
