Author: princessleah

It is week three of Advent, and this week’s theme is The Gift of God. This is gift giving season, and as many of you are out shopping this week, preparing to give gifts to others, I want us to concentrate on the wonderful gift that was given to us. Hi, this is Dorette Schaal with your dailyeword. This week I hope you continue to read along with the Advent Bible Reading guide available online at agf.org. My hope and prayer is that every Christian would become diligent Bible readers! What a gift we have received with the written Word of God. The Word made flesh who came in the form of a baby in a manger, is your gift from God. Here is your daily eword…..let’s celebrate the greatest gift ever given.

Luke 2:8-12 News of great joy
What is the favorite gift you have ever received? There have been several lists on facebook recently that asked that exact question. The posts were everything from family, to faith, to actual toys and gifts. What was the best gift you ever received? Let me give you a hint! It wasn’t ice skates, legos or a cabbage patch kid, that you asked Santa for as a kid. It isn’t your mate, or even your children, although they rate up very high on the list. The best gift we have ever received came from heaven to earth, and was born in a manger. Jesus was the best gift, and the most precious gift that we could ever receive. The Bible says, that every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights. This first gift from God is the reason all the other gifts in our lives feel like such a blessing. God gave His very best, all because He wanted us in His family. Once we are in the family, every thing just gets better and better. Even if life has it bumps, and even though our earth has a curse, we still get the very best life! Not only do we get to experience life abundant on this planet, we have the hope of heaven when we die. When we receive The Gift, we have received Hope, Joy, Peace, Rest, and Love. Nothing is better than that.

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God is with us. That means he came to live on planet earth. He was first welcomed to our planet not with open arms. In fact, when his earthly parents went looking for a room to rent for the night, there were none available. Didn’t the hotel know that this couple was special? They would be the earthly mom and dad to the Son of God. The hotel manager didn’t roll out the red carpet, he told them, there were no more rooms, and that it they were really desperate, they could stay in the stable out back. Let’s read that in Luke 2:6-7 “So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” The son of God, Emmanuel, God with us, baby Jesus was welcomed to earth, in a stable. What an ordinary way for an extraordinary baby to be born. But he made it! God’s love was delivered to us, to be God with us, in a manger in a stable.

Prayer for the Week: Father, In Jesus’ Name, I give you praise for a God that was willing to live among us. I pray for the same attitude Mary had when she found out she would carry the Son of God, be it unto me according to your Word. I pray for the same kind of song of joy during this season as we magnify you. Thank you for making room for me in your family. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

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I must say that I am thankful that never in my lifetime have I had to go back to the place of my birth to be registered for taxes. April 15 is a tough enough day for most hard working Americans, praise God we don’t have to travel to hand deliver the money we owe to the government. Mary and Joseph weren’t so lucky. Not only was Mary great with child, and due to deliver at any time, her mode of transportation was on top of a donkey. Bless Joseph’s heart, he walked to Bethlehem, with a pregnant wife, to register with the government. He was part of David’s lineage, and the city of David was called Bethlehem. So they made it there. Ready to pay their dues, and Mary came due. Jesus was ready to be born in Bethlehem who would be called Emmaunel, God with us. They were at the right place, at the right time, and soon the right result of God’s great love manifested on earth would happen. Jesus came into our realm so that he could be with us, and we could be redeemed. What a blessed event, that rocked the world forever. Jesus came in a very unusual way to be very present in our lives. We get to be the beneficiaries of God coming to earth, so God could be with us.

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There is an interesting cast of characters that God chose to unfold the drama of His Son coming to earth. It involved the angel Gabriel, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, the Roman government, an innkeeper, shepherds, wise men and a host of angels. Not a complicated cast, but each played an important role in fulfilling the prophesies about the way the King of kings would arrive and begin his life’s journey. There is a beautiful tapestry interwoven in every event that took place. How intricately planned was every detail. If you love hearing Handel’s Messiah each Christmas or traditional Christmas carols and songs, you probably appreciate the way melodies and harmonies relate the beauty of the Christmas story much like a ornately fashioned tapestry. For over 2000 years, Jesus’ birth has inspired composers to create beautiful lyrics and melodies that have encircled the globe. One of the familiar songs is Mary’s song. Mary went to see Elizabeth, and in Luke 1:45-56 the song of Mary is recorded, while Jesus was in her womb. She had the son of God growing in her womb, and she knew that her life would never be the same. Here are some of her words. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and rejoices in God my Savior. The mighty one has done great things for me, holy is his name. “ Such beauty was sung by this young maiden. She knew the magnitude of her condition, and was willing giving God praise for using her as a vessel for His will to be done on earth, with the first song of Christmas.

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Whenever I think about being filled with joy, I can’t help but think of Mary, filled with joy as she was pregnant with baby Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus actually leaped for joy in her womb. God’s very supernatural gift was wrapped up in very natural womb and would be brought by special delivery to earth through a very humble girl in very natural circumstances. The baby born in a barn was the King of Kings and Lord of lords. God’s great provision for mankind came in the form of a very tiny baby. We also hold a very special treasure in a very earthen vessel. When we chose to serve and follow Jesus, the Spirit of God came to live on the inside of us. That really is incredible to think about….. our spirit being alive to God! We all live very natural lives, but we are carriers of an incredible, supernatural treasure on the inside. As we celebrate the arrival of a baby Jesus this year, we can also anticipate God fulfilling his work in us. Truly we are all under construction, and each day we can become closer and closer to the masterpiece that He wants to create in us. Each day we can make choices that bring us to the place of reflecting Jesus through our lives. The fruit of the spirit should be evident in us. Each day we can let the joy of the Lord bubble up on the inside of us as we participate in our Christmas celebrations. Don’t forget to let that same joy affect those around you.

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One little child born in a stable was given an incredible name. His name is above all other names. It was magnificent and holy. It has more descriptive words used to define it than any other name ever given among men. It was amazing not only for what it meant, but that this child would grow up to become. Even more amazing is the promise that He would give us, as His followers, His name to use – just as if He were speaking. His name certainly proved to determine His destiny. At the very mention of His magnificent and holy name, every knee did bow…..shepherds and kings bowed in reverence in His presence. A new star came to announce this baby named Jesus. There will come a day when everyone will recognize that the baby born in Bethlehem was the One prophesied about in Is 9:6. “For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and His name shall be called, wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.” This name is the name we call on to be saved. We use His name when we are in trouble. His name is the name we speak when we approach the Father in prayer. His name is the name that brings peaceful calm to situations that need His reassuring presence. There is nothing more reassuring for us as believers during this holy season than to recognize that this magnificent and holy name given to baby Jesus, is still as powerful today as it was when it was given. Through the centuries, it hasn’t become less potent, or been diluted or watered down, or lost any of it’s magnificence or holiness from the day Jesus was given His awesome name. Just like the Man, His name never changes! For He alone is worthy, for He alone is holy. He alone deserves our passionate, extravagant worship. During this advent season, Jesus we worship You…… magnificent and holy is Your name.

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How do you think the world awaited the arrival of the baby in a manger? It is truly amazing that from Genesis 3:15, it was made know that Jesus would be the offspring of a woman that would crush Satan’s head. In Isaiah 9:7 it was revealed that Jesus would be heir to the throne of David. His place of birth was clearly spoken of in Micah 5:2, and Isaiah 7:14 revealed that Jesus would be born of a virgin and that His name would be Immanuel.

Do you think anyone really expected the Son of God to be born of a virgin, in the little town of Bethlehem, and that He would come to save the world? As unusual as it was, that was the plan that God established. We know of at least two who were waiting expectantly and were in the temple on the day when Jesus, who at eight days old, was presented before the priest. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and prophesied that He would be a light for the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel. The prophetess Anna approached Mary and Joseph holding baby Jesus and gave thanks saying that this child would be the redemption of Jerusalem. All that patient waiting paid off……Jesus was born to save the world. What is ironic is that patience is something that we don’t see demonstrated very often this time of year. Since Advent is a good time for introspection, it might be good to ask this question. Are you good at waiting? Hebrews 10:36 tells us to be patient as we do the will of God, and we will receive the promise. Would you like to see more of the promises of God manifested in your life? Could a little more patience in your life make that possible? Maybe today is the day to start.

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It is week two of Advent, and this week’s theme is God with us. The word Emmanuel actually means God with us, and Emmanuel came in the form of a baby, so that we could know God personally. Hi this is Dorette Schaal with your dailyeword. This week I hope you continue to read along with the Advent Bible Reading guide available online at agf.org. To know God in a personal way, we should connect with Him daily. We can do that each day by reading the Word of God, and taking time to talk with God. Here is your daily sword…. about.God is with us.

Sun Dec 8
One of the most amazing responses in the Bible is what Mary said in reply to the angel, when she was told that she would be the earthy mother of the Son of God. In the book of Luke Chapter 1 verses 26-28, she replies, “Be it Unto Me, according to your word. Every time I read those verses, I am challenged by her humble, obedient, faith filled heart. How was she able to reply that way? What was asked of her was unbelievable! How would she explain any of this to her friends and family? She didn’t ask to pray about it, check her schedule, consult with anyone, or even just ask for some time to think about it. She just said yes. How can we reply that same way when God speaks to us? How often do we offer excuses, or delay our obedience, instead of realizing that what God asks of us, He knows we can accomplish. God is with us, living in us! We wouldn’t be asked or required to do something that is impossible. What was asked of Mary was totally impossible, without God. But she still said yes. This week as you do all the things you go about doing, be ready to be sensitive to the Spirit of the Lord. There may be something He speaks to your heart to do. Be ready with a willing yes! Your reply will be saying to God, be it unto me, according to your Word.

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Have you ever had a question like this when you feel like God wants you to do something that is way bigger than your ability? How can this be? That is what Zacharias said in Luke 1:18-25. He knew Elizabeth was past her prime child bearing years, and he knew he certainly was. How on earth could this be that he would have a son who would be a forerunner to Jesus? What happened with Zacharias was pretty significant, he would be the father to the forerunner of Jesus. He didn’t expect what happened next. He was mute until his son was born, and then he wrote, his name is John on a tablet, his tongue was loosened and he could speak once again. Perhaps you are wondering how you can do what God has put in your heart to do? Maybe its to go on a missions trip, or to start a ministry, or to do something you haven’t even told anyone else about. During the holiday season, you may have felt impressed to give a special gift to someone, or to provide a meal for a family, or to reconcile with someone. How can this be? With God, He sees the end result and knows what a blessing will happen in your life if we just obey, when we feel impressed by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer for the Week: Father, In Jesus’ Name, I thank you for sending a light to the world in the form of a baby. Help me to be a light in the darkness around me. Thank you for your Holy Spirit’s help in believing your Word and walking in the truth. I will say yes to the voice of the Spirit of God. In Jesus Name, AMEN.

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December 6th is a special day for our family. In my Swiss family’s tradition, our family celebrates St. Nickolas Day today. We have made it the day that we decorate our big tree in the living room, and each person get a new ornament, and a little present. We always have fun appetizers and finger foods, and a family party, celebrating St. Nickolas and the good he did for the poor. Also, five years ago on this day, our daughter married her wonderful husband, and so now we have more than just one reason to celebrate St. Nickolas Day. Days of remembrance help to bring focus to what really matters in life. St. Nickolas wasn’t a fat man in a red suit that went around the world in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. He was a man who cared for the needy, and found ways to give in unconventional ways to help people anonymously. Wedding anniversaries are a day of remembrance to recall the beginning of a relationship as husband and wife. Celebrating even small things is important. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, just find a way to celebrate. In Luke 1:11-17, Zacharias had just heard the news that he would be a father in his old age. For some that would mean sad tears! But for them it was happy tears! Not only did he and his wife Elizabeth rejoice, but because of the birth of their son John, many would rejoice that their son John would be born to be a forerunner to Jesus

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