Stepping Forward In Life

With all that is going on in the world today, have you ever thought about what I would be like yo go back a year or two with what you and I know now?

I have and i would make a few changes. But the past is what makes us who we are today. Our past shapes our present and helps us identify who we are and where we are headed.

It’s natural to use our past experiences as a point of reference for our current situations. The choices we make for ourselves today are often influenced by our past. If we are using healthy judgment to guide our choices, then we can use past regrets, mistakes, and pain to be used as markers for what we do not want in our lives.

For some people the past is not seen as a place of reflection but as a destination. People who struggle with letting go of the past pain or regret – for those that feel trapped by there situation and unable to move forward in their lives, there is a solution. It’s called faith.

Romans 10:17 tells us, “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

We can go and look for all kind of answers to help us through the pain of life, but the best solution and the only real one is faith.

The pain in our past and in our present life has a way of making us feel stuck. In times of emotional pain, we may find ourselves thinking back to when we felt happier which can help motivate us in the present.

If in the past we were proud of an accomplishment we achieved, thinking of our past successes can help motivate us in moving forward in life.

Looking back and remembering our past positive experiences can be a healthy option for setting goals for focusing on our future. While a little reflection can be healthy and even foster creativity, too much reflection or ruminating on past negative experiences can drift into depression and leads to feeling stuck.

This is where Faith comes in to help us through the trials for the day.

Remembering the past and seeing God at work in our lives is something that we need too put as the best habit to have.

Our past experiences can affect our current mindset and our choices in how we interpret our lives. If pain or trauma has been experienced in our past, it can impact how we view our current circumstances or even prevent us from living in the present.

There is research that exists that says, how past negative experiences are often associated with in increased incidences of anxiety, depression, impulsivity, low self-esteem and poor changes. For example if we have suffered betrayal from a loved one in a relationship, we may re-live the traumatic experience as it plays in our mind.

Certain smells, foods, places, or songs may “trigger” re-experiencing the pain. Which often results in trying to push away the intrusive thoughts or feelings. This can head to other symptoms including social isolation, distrust in others, self-sabotaging behavior and an inability to move forward in our lives. In other words, still living in the past.

But we can ask and receive from God in our daily walk, the new life He has given us freely when we put Him at the center of our daily living.

My Pastor always says, to pray and ask God before you make a decision, and then obey what He tells you and you can’t go wrong. But, how many times do we just act and not ask God first?

When we take the step to have a true relationship with God, the past in something we can talk back on as a learning experience to get he in the direction that God had for us in life.

Healing from the past or traumatic experiences is not something that happens overnight. It is a process that requires patience, dedication, and a strong commitment to change. Humans are wired to want to feel good and minimize feeling bad, which often triggers self-sabotaging behavior in an attempt to avoid pain. When we experience a painful event such as betrayal or other traumatic experiences, it can re-wire us for self-preservation. We may live in fight, flight or fawn mode, constantly anticipating more pain in our lives which can be unconsciously welcomed through our actions.

Or we can put the past in the past and live with the for Jesus.

To live in the present,

Establishing boundaries, this means something different for everyone, but the main point is to give yourself time to heal and to move ahead at your own pace. Maybe establishing boundaries for you is being more selective about who you welcome into your life. With boundaries, consistency is let in helping let go of the past and living in the present.

Step Forward Not Back.

Accepting that the past is a done deal. We can’t change it. And being stuck in the past is only hurting your potential in the present. By accepting that the past is over, it allows us to grieve and release the pain that we may be carrying with us a long time. Be honest with yourself in your acceptance and take the time you need to grieve. You don’t have to do it alone. Do it with Jesus. Isaiah 41:10 says,

“Fear not, for I am with you. Be not displayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Practicing mindfulness. Which is teaching ourselves how to stay in the present and to calm our minds when experiencing emotional triggers that come along during the healing process.

It’s important to have a “reset button.” We are human, and that means we are perfectly imperfect. As with any new skill, they take time to develop and master. Be kind to yourself if you slip up and find yourself removing the past or reverting back to old behavior patterns. Use the reset button to help gauge where you are in your personal development. The reset button can be reading the Bible, practicing mindfulness, or anything that breaks up those old behavior patterns.

Work on developing new habits to move on in life. Try being a light in our dark world,

Balance is key when working on self-improvement. Being okay with being disconnected from social media or from friends or family for a while as you work on healing yourself and focusing on self-care. When we are alone, we are able to get to know ourselves and give ourselves the attention and love we need to stop living in the past.

Spend time with Jesus, not only praying but listening. Each day is a new day in our lives, let the old pass and the new be on its way.

Benefits Of Trusting In The Lord

When we trust in the Lord He will give us the desires of our heart. Psalm 37:3-5 tells us, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwelling in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Also delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass.”

God’s ways are not our ways. When we begin to trust in Him, things change for the best.

Trusting in the Lord brings greater happiness and joy into our lives. Proverbs 16:20 says, He who heeds the word wisely will find good. And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

Why is God’s Word important? What difference does it make? If God has not spoken. His promises are replaced only by our wishes. If God has not spoken, His truth is replaced by our opinion.

My journey through life has been a difficult one. I have seen things happen in life that can only be done by God Himself. That is why I trust in the Lord.

Your mind stays in peace when we stay focused on the Lord. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep whoever‘s mind is steadfast in perfect peace,because he trusts in You.”

You will be fruitful, not anxious in the year of drought or famine. Jeremiah 17:5-8 tells us, “Thus says the Lord, cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength. Whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord, for he shall be like a tree planted by the waters. Which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes. But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”

Those who trust in the Lord will be delivered from wicked schemes and plans of evil people. Psalm 37:39-40 says, But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them. He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.”

Those who trust in the Lord will be prospered. Proverbs 28:25-26 says, He who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the Lord will prosper. One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

How Do We Trust Him?

With all your heart trust and do not focus on your own understanding. -Proverbs 3:5-6

Learn to dwell in the secret place of prayer and worship and His presence. -Psalm 91

Learn to say with your mouth, and heart that you really believe. It’s in the fire of what you believe that comes out of your mouth. -Matthew 15-11

Learn to trust Him as a Father with humility. -1 Peter 5:6-7

Favorite Automobile

What is your all time favorite automobile?

More than one million people bought the Toyota Corolla models in 2022 making it the most automobile. But as for me until recently I was a General Motors Chevy gal. I’ve bought Chevy vehicles since I was 20 years old. I don’t particularly have a favorite.

Recently I bought a jeep which is a Chrysler model. And have to say I am quite impressed with the way it drives. I pretty sure it can get me out of mess I could put it in.

In reality I don’t have a favorite automobile, I just want it to last me a while. I could get excited about a Dodge Hellcat if I could ever afford one, meaning I would be paying speeding tickets. That thing is made for speed.

Unmasking The Ego

A mask of ego prevents us from being our true selves by trapping us in a false self. If you wear that mask long enough, you begin to forget who you are beneath it.

We all have an idea of who we are. It’s often our ego that defines our identity rather the our true self. Our egos can be mistaken for our personality. It’s our mind-altered state that makes us believe that we are what we think we are. But that’s rarely the truth.

“The ego, however, is not who we really are. The ego is your self-image. It is your social mask; it is the role you are playing. Your social mask thrives on approval. It wants control, and it is sustained by power, because it lives in fear.” -Depak Chopra

Although that may be true in parts when we become attached to this false sense of self we try to live our lives as this “version” of ourselves, unconsciously trapping ourselves in the prison of ego. This mask of ego that we wear makes us persuade others that we are this person we are not. The problem with that is we become unable to be genuine selves.

Being validated and approved is what makes the mask so powerful, and well-fitted. It provides us with a predetermined role and a script that we follow to feel and appear valuable and successful. It gives us a false sense of satisfaction.

“These false masks are by their nature unrealistic. We can’t live up to them. This can leave us feeling like fakes. We become terrified that we will be ‘found out.” So we do even more to look like we’re perfect.” -Cindy Wigglesworth

The false self that originates due to the mask of ego can result in stress, anxiety, depression, fear, anger and other negative emotions. So our mask of ego give is a greater sense of identity, security, and importance to protect ourselves from the pain of our past.

Taking off the mask of our ego would leave us feeling increasingly frightened, out of control, uncertain, and isolated. And while all of these emotions are surfacing, there comes a time when we become tired of pretending to be someone else. Which can lead to nervous breakdowns, and our true self being exposed.

“For all that is secret will be eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all” – Luke 8:17 (NLT).

Being Creative

How are you creative?

Creativity is at the core of human knowledge building and helps lead to human social , cultural, economic, and intellectual progress. Writing is a creative way to help build knowledge.

I love to write because it clears my mind. And is relaxing for me. I also like to invent recipes. concocting recipes. I find it rewarding to mix ingredients that naturally go together and reaching a recipe that tastes delicious.

Even though I don’t think my Photography isn’t that great at times. I enjoy taking pictures and sometimes have taken some great pictures.

I think everyone is creative in one way or another, they just need to find their niche. Whether people recognize it of not. A lot of people tend to think creatively in binary: Either you have it, or you don’t. It comes down to it, it’s just a matter of how we interpret it.

Who Is My Biggest Influencer

Who are the biggest influences in your life?

The number one person that I am influenced by would be my Pastor. He is down-to-earth and would help anyone that came his way. He is not preachy but honest to the core.

He is someone I know I could call in the middle of the night and he would be there. He had influenced my life in many ways. I know I would not be where I am in life without him. He has taught me so much, not just the about the Bible but life. I was in a dark place, and he helped me out of that.

I absolutely love that he is Hungarian, because I have Hungarian roots. We can relate in our ancestry which means a lot to me. Not only is he my Pastor but he is a dear friend.

God’s Version Of Prosperity

Have you ever thought about what it means to truly prosper in your life the way God designed you to prosper?

The holistic vision for prosperity we find in Scripture goes way beyond financial prosperity. It is an experience that impacts every part of your life.

What would a more prosperous life look like for you? How would it change if you started to grow in relational prosperity with the people who mean the most in your life? What about spiritual prosperity? How do we become stronger and more able to handle the storms of life if our spirit is prospering with an overflow of faith, hope, and love?

It begins with laying out the perspective God has in prospering with Him, we open doors for change and transformation that we have never noticed before. If you are a child of God, you must be willing to pursue the Biblical perspective that God provides.

Ultimately prosperity is not just about us, but about being better equipped to live lives that truly imitate and glorify God.

There are 7 different types of Prosperity that are available to us through Christ.

1. Relational Prosperity

Relationships are some of the biggest joys and the biggest pains in most of our lives. When our relationships go well, it brings a wellspring of life to us. Genesis 2:18 tells us that God believes it is not good for us to be alone. But sometimes, it feels much easier to be alone than to navigate the challenges that certain relationships bring. Sometimes relationships can be downright hurtful, and heartbreaking. But God’s vision is for relationships to bring us blessings. His Word demonstrates that He values relationships with us, and is willing to endure pain, loss, and sadness for the joy of pursuing reunion and better relationships with mankind. His perfect vision for us is that the lonely are in families and our relationships are fruitful and multiply in every way.

2. Spiritual Prosperity

Spiritual prosperity is all about proximity to God and His spirit. Our spirit is powerful and even scientific research is beginning to recognize the positive impact of spiritual practices on our health, mind, and relationships. Philippians 4:13 points out that our access to the ability to do “all things” comes through God who gives us the strength to do all things we cannot do on our own, A relationship with God also brings us hope. We increase our spiritual prosperity as we draw close to God and allow Him to have priority in our lives. When we talk to Him about relationships thoughts, and feelings He gives us strength to make necessary changes.

3. Emotional and Physical Prosperity

Unfortunately, many of us have a history of valuing other areas of our lives more than our emotional or physical health. When we look to Jesus, we see someone who greatly valued emotional and physical health for Himself and His people. Jesus often went away to rest His body. In Mark 4, He somewhat humorously demonstrated valuing good sleep more than stress during a storm. If we truly believe that we are made in God’s image, then we must believe that God has just as much emotional capacity as us. He had experienced all the emotions we have. He wants to nurture and support us through them. He wants our emotions to bring us good fruit in our life. God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus all are connected with bringing us better emotional health. With Him, we can be led out of fear and discouragement, be comforted, and receive rest when we are burdened (Deuteronomy 31:8; John 14:26; Matthew 11:28).

4. Financial Prosperity

Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus.

It would be biblical to shy away from a discussion about finances, in fact, we see Jesus never did. Both the Old and New Testament are filled with examples of God’s thoughts on money. The key to remember is it’s a tool that God gives us to help see heaven come to earth and the fulfillment of His will. In heaven, we will not be struggling for finances, we will not be living as paupers, and we will not be lustily after money. God desires us to have enough, and we do not honor Him by rejecting this. By focusing on finances in the way Jesus did, we can grow to have a healthy, thriving perspective of money. In the world today 45% of people do not have a saving fund. If the last few years taught us anything, it should have taught us to put money in a savings account for emergencies.

5. Professional Prosperity

Jesus worked as a carpenter for years before continuing to work for God. Jesus said in John 5:27 that “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.”

Work is a gift given to us to imitate Christ. There are blessings wrapped up in work, that sometimes, our culture does not always acknowledge. There is divine purpose in why God has called us to work. Scientific research has shown when we work in a healthy way and in a healthy environment, it often improves our self-esteem, improves our physical and mental health, and improves our access to resources through connection with co-workers, and other people we meet through work.

6. Mindsets the Create Prosperity

The mind is a valuable asset, but it can also be a liability. One-off the most popular and effective forms of therapy is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This therapy asserts that the way we think about ourselves, others and our future determines how much we will thrive in our lives. Sometimes we unknowingly limit ourselves, others and our future simply because of the way we think. But God knew this long before CBT. We are encouraged to have the mind of Christ, set our minds on things above, and dwell on things that are good and helpful (1 Corinthians 2:16; Colossians 3:2; Philippians 4:8). No matter what we feel is true, if we start replacing unhelpful thoughts with ones that are helpful, we can actually change our whole lives. Change your perspective change your life is really all it boils down to.

7. Social Prosperity

God demonstrates the value for community in Himself through the Trinity. He also demonstrates this value in the way He created the world. He desires for the church to operate as a body working together within unity (Romans 12:4-5;Ephesians 4:2-3). It is called “good and pleasant” when we get alone (Psalm 133:1). These days we face lots of division in our world, and with that division comes pain, anger, and lack of fulfillment. But God knows the things that bring us together and as we look to Him for vision and ideas, we can start to see transformation on a global scale.

As we focus on prospering in the ways God designed, we get to know more about Him and His heart. True prosperity starts and end’s with a relationship with Jesus. He came to earth and boldly announced,

“I have come that they may have life, and that they have it more abundantly” -John 10:10

He had given us access to abundance through Him, and if we partner with Him we are meant to seek out the pursue the abundance He has given.

1967

Share what you know about the year you were born.

What was happening? The Vietnam War was going on because John F Kennedy wanted to expand the military aid program it had with South Vietnam. It was a war going on to fight communism. In the U.S. there we many who protested. Many people were against the Vietnam war.

Singer Elvis Presley was married to Priscilla, on May 1, 1967. And Apollo 1 was planned, the first crewed mission to the moon.

The Little Things

We are told, “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff.” Yet small things have the power to influence the direction of the day. Lost keys can put the whole household in an uproar. A leak under the sink can lead to a big mess. A dandelion in a child’s hands can be a treasured gift. A short text can bring heartache or bring a smile. The little things matter.

The Power Of Little Things

God repeatedly used insignificant people, places, and things to accomplish His great purposes. But scripture warns us to beware of small things that can have dire consequences.

The Bible calls the tongue deadly and many have felt this awful truth. Words are such little things but they can wound or heal. How many reputations have been destroyed by rumors? How many children have been forever scarred by the harsh words of a parent?

Little things can have a cumulative effect. Most of us have felt overwhelmed by an avalanche of little things we’ve let pile up until we feel like we’re being crushed. If we become paralyzed to inaction by the small things, they can cause serious damage in the long run. Little things have an incredible impact.

Little things have the potential to grow and mature. In the natural world, a seed becomes a tree, an egg becomes a chicken, and an embryo becomes a human being. Jesus took advantage of this phenomenon. One of His parables was that of a mustard seed that starts out as the smallest of seeds but grows to become a great tree (Matthew 13:31).

God delights in giving us opportunities to grow our faith. Small things require our trust and His power. Despite appearances, we must believe that He is working in the small things so they will grow into big things, God uses inconsequential things to illuminate His ability to work in miraculous ways in spite of us. These small things remind us that self-sufficiency is not a virtue. God wants to receive the glory when we see the way He has moved through the little things. “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” -1 Corinthians 1:27. He is the God who gets glory in the little things.

While God can use little things for our good and His glory. Scripture also warns of the many dangerous circumstances that start with something tiny. A haircut had some serious repercussions for Samson. A lustful glance led to David’s downfall. An act of disobedience and distrust by Eve brought sin into God’s creation. The whole world still bears the consequences of what seemed to be just one bite of fruit. A seemingly insignificant thing can destroy our faith, damage our reputation, or ruin our relationship with God.

Little things reveal the nature of our true selves. Jesus said, “He who is faithful in a very little us faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” -Luke 16:10. Faithful attention to obedience in the little things opens the door to further kingdom responsibilities and leads to our own peace.

Little things can reveal our attitude towards others. It’s easy to in our own sin by bringing attention to the fault of others. Sometimes we do so with great eagerness. Jesus asked the question, “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:3. A not-picking attitude can reveal a huge spiritual problem.

A steady drip of water will eventually wear away the hardest stone, and the most solid believer can slowly be eroded by little things.

Our life is like a jar of little things. Maybe it’s filled with treasured moments, good habits, love, obedience, and trust or perhaps it’s filled with ugly little words, sharp attitudes, and tiny hurts that need healing. Maybe we could spill out our jars and let Jesus take a look once in a while We could trust that He would be gentle and kind. He will faithfully take the time to help us deal with each one.

There’s an old gospel song that calls us to surrender all the little things that we hold deep within ourselves:

“Give them all, give them all. Give them all to Jesus Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys Give them all to Jesus And He will turn your sorrow into joy.”

The Symbols Of Christmas

When it comes to Christmas, certain symbols pop up over and over again, like stars, bells, mistletoe, Christmas trees and more.

And while Christmas is an event with religious origins that celebrates the birth of Jesus, there is also the secular celebration of Christmas, where wreaths are hung on doors, Christmas trees, Christmas carols, candy canes, stockings on the mantle.

No matter how the secular world tries to remove Christ from Christmas the decor that fills our homes has deep roots. Believe it or not, there is a special meaning behind traditional Christmas decorations and rituals.

The trees we decorate each December with tinsel, bright lights, and festive ornaments are typically evergreen varieties like spruce, fir, or pine trees that retain their lush green foliage year-round. Evergreens have been used in winter festivals for centuries by Christians and pagans, with Christians believing the trees represent the birth and resurrection of Jesus and their everlasting life with God, That belief is further carried out by the tress triangular shape symbolizing the Holy Trinity (God, Jesus and Holy Spirit).

One of the holiday’s more religious symbols, the Christmas star represents the bright star the shone brightly over the town of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. The Christmas star had also come to represent hope and peace.

A light candle during Christmastime also traditionally represents the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the three wise men to Baby Jesus. Before electricity or Christmas tree lights families would decorate the branches of their Christmas trees with candles. Candles are also a significant part of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Tinsel though not used much anymore, is derived from the Old French word which means sparkle. It was used in the trimming of trees to enhance the flickering candlelight. The light reflected off the tinsel reminded people of the brightness and warmth of the Christmas season, and how Jesus was a guiding light to the world.

Over time, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree with candles was replaced with other things, like paper roses, fruits and nuts. In the mid-1800s, German glassmaker Hand Greiner began manufacturing hand-blown glass Christmas baubles, in the shape for fruits and nuts that typically decorated Christmas trees at that time. Eventually the trend spread across Europe and them America, giving birth to our modern tradition of decorating Christmas trees.

A ringing of a bekk during the Christmas season represents the proclamation of joy and happiness for Jesus’s birth. It was also like the ringing of the bell used to herd errant sheep back into the fold, the Christmas bell signifies that Jesus is always looking out for us and protecting us. The presence of bells can also be traced back to pagan winter celebrations, where they were rung to drive away evil spirits.

Candy canes shaped like a shepherd’s staff, represent the shepherds who searched for Jesus on the night He was born. Another meaning behind the hook-shaped can’t is that Jesus called Himself “The Good Shepherd” and His disciples His flock of devoted followers (the sheep).

The wreath, a circle with no beginning and no end, a wreath symbolizes the strength of Jesus’s love for all. It also reminds us of the circle of life, love, and rebirth, and Christians believe that a wreath represents the crown of thorns with by Jesus as He hung on the cross as well.

Gingerbread men, represent God’s creation on Adam, the first man, and therefore the rest of us.

The red and green colors are not arbitrary. The crimson shade of red associated with Christmas symbolizes the blood that was shed by Jesus during His crucifixion. The color green is the hue of the evergreen plants like pine trees, holly and mistletoe that retain their leaves throughout the winter represents Jesus’s everlasting life.

Mistletoe because mistletoe blossoms even in cold winter. It a believed that people back in the 1st century AD viewed mistletoe as a symbol of vivacity and fertility. It’s not wonder that it became known as a romantic part of Christmas fittingly taken on the life of it’s own when it comes to Christmas tradition.

The Christmas bow on top of gifts that we bestow on our loved ones honors the three wise men (Magi) who visited baby Jesus in Bethlehem, bringing Him gold, frankincense and myrrh. A gift bow that sits on top of a wrapped present symbolizes unity among mankind and how we all should be tied together in goodwill.

Angels. There is a good reason why angels, like stars, are traditional Christmas tree toppers, and that is because these messengers of God played prominent roles in the Nativity of Jesus. Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary, delivering the message from God that she would bear His son. Another angel visited Joseph in a dream that He should trust Mary. Later the three angels appeared in the sky over Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds

Stockings on the fireplace filled with goodies are believed to be the story of Santa Claus. Back in the 4th century, somewhere around what is modern-day Turkey, there was a poor widower who couldn’t afford a dowry for his three daughters and thought that selling them into servitude. A local bishop, St Nicholas was known for his charity, but the father refused to accept any gifts from the monk. As the legend goes, Nicolas secretly tossed bags of gold into the many house, and the pouches landed in the stockings that were hanging to dry over the fireplace.

The Poinsettia plant can be kept alive all year long, while the shape of the petals resembles a star. The colors of the Christmas plants are symbolic as well. The bold red reminds us of the blood of Jesus on the cross, the white poinsettia is a symbol of purity, good cheer, and happiness.

Holly was dark green leaves and bright red berries, another evergreen shrub that is synonymous with Christmas. The pointed leaves represent the crown of thorns placed upon Jesus’s head at His crucifixion while the berries remind of us if His blood shed for us.

The dove represents peace, freedom, purity, and love. It is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and represents forgiveness.

When people says Happy Holidays, Holidays stand for Holy Days. So they are saying have Happy Holy days.

All these Christmas traditions are connected to Jesus’s birth and death at the cross. There is no way you can take Christ out of Christmas.

May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the wise men, and the peace of Christ, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.

Happiness

When are you most happy?

I think happiness comes from outside things. Happiness is an emotion that dwells on material things. I was happy when I bought my Jeep. I am happy when I am able to pay my bills.

I focus on having joy. Joy is revived from soul-satisfying and emotional well-being. Joy is a light that fills you with hope, faith and love. Joy comes from our inner self.

The Story Of Christmas From The Bible

Christmas is a season of spiritual reflection on the foundations of the Christian faith. It’s also a celebration of the arrival of Jesus. Christmas is a time when believers praise God’s love for the world through the birth of Jesus. The Bible tells of His birth hundreds of years before, fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament.

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” – Isaiah 9:6

The Angel Gabriel Visits Mary

The Birth of Jesus Foretold -Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will call his name Jesus. He will be great and be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and to His kingdom, there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called Holy -the Son of God. And behold your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing is impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.

The Birth Of Jesus In The Bible

The Nativity of Christ in Luke 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Agustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and linkage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Birth of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joesph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to hun in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.

All of this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Angels Visit The Shepherds

The Shepherds and the Angels – Luke 2:8-21

And in the same region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and the Shepherds were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news and great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and 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 among those with whom he is pleased.” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The Three Wise Men

The visit of the wise men – Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, the wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the King heard this, he was troubled, and all Jersuywith him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Isreal.” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way, And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was born. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Bible Meaning Of Christmas

The Word Became Flesh – John 1:1-18

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John (the Baptizer). He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, not human decision husbands will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, Reno came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out saying “This is the One I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me’) Out of his fullness, we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the One and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Jesus Announces The Good News

Mark 1:14-15

After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time had come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.”