Category: Advent 2015

There are so many amazing prophesies in the Old Testament about the coming Messiah. In the verses in Is 11:1-5, the author tells that out of the lineage of Jesse, a Branch shall grow, and the Holy Spirit will rest upon Him. It is pretty amazing who all are in the line of Jesus. Jesse was David’s father, and Jesus was born to His line all those generations later. All of the names from generation to generation are listed in Matthew chapter 1. We are now in the bloodline of Jesus through salvation. We can now be found in Him, in His royal bloodline, and He in us. It was also prophesied that the Holy Spirit would rest on Jesus. Even before Jesus was born, the Holy Spirit was upon Him in his mother’s womb. Since the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the earth, we now have the same opportunity. The Spirit of the Lord can rest upon us. We can be filled with the Spirit of God, just like Jesus was! Today and everyday, we can yield our life to the Holy Spirit. During this season of Advent, we can be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and be at the right place, at the right time, so we can minister to people in our world. In Jesus’ Name, I thank you God 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.
Word of the Day; Is 11:1-5
Song of the Day: Here with Us

The dramatic events that led up to the birth of Jesus, demonstrate how intricately God orchestrated this world altering event. Before Jesus birth, there were angels, one who came to Zacharias in the temple (in Luke 1:5-10), one who came to Mary, and multitudes who came to the shepherds abiding in their flocks through the night. In the heavens, not only did angels light the sky, there was a new star in the sky that led worshippers to the place where the baby lay. Even getting Mary and Joseph to the little town of Bethlehem, where it was prophesied as the birthplace of the savior, took an act of the government. They were required to register in that particular town, just as Mary was about to have a baby. Amazing how all of these events lined up, to bring the living Word to this earth. All of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus were facilitated because of obedience. From Zacharias and Elizabeth walking in righteousness before God, and obeying the word of the Lord brought to them by an angel, to Mary’s words of submission to the will of the Lord, even to Jesus submitting to the will of His Father in heaven, each one lined up their will with God’s, so that Jesus could be born in a stable, in the little town of Bethlehem, to human parents who could have no earthly idea how this little baby would change the world.

Word of the Day: Luke 1:5-10
Song of the Day: When Hope Came Down

In John 1:1-5, the Bible tells us that in the beginning was the Word, and that Word was a person whose name is Jesus. He was the light that shone in the darkness, and in Him was life and that life was the light of men. My theme for all of this Advent season is Believe. We believe that Jesus shines brightly in the darkness, and he has given us His life and light to carry to our world. In the darkest part of the year in our hemisphere, it is beautiful to put up lights and burn candles to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. When He comes on the scene, darkness has to leave. In a world where darkness seems to be gaining a greater foothold, as believers we need to remind ourselves that we carry the light, and wherever we go we bring light and life. So as you prepare for the big day, remember that the Word of God, became flesh, so that we could know Him personally. In Revelations 19, the Bible says that Jesus’ Name is called the Word of God. We believe Jesus is the Word made flesh, and because of Him, we can have hope.

Word of the Day: John 1:1-5
Song of the Day: Emmanuel, Hallowed manger ground

There is a scripture in Isaiah 1:19 that says if we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land. We’re beginning a journey to Bethlehem this first week of Advent. I want you to think about what Mary must have felt like when she was told as a young woman that she was going to be the mother of Jesus. When the announcement came to her through the angel Gabriel, she didn’t reply with “no way”, or “I don’t think so”. She said without hesitation, I am the Lord’s servant, be it unto me, just as you have spoken. She believed. Then she sang this song:
This version is from the Message Bible
I am bursting with God news, I’m dancing the song of my Savior God
God took one look at me and look what happened
I’m the most fortunate girl on the earth
What He has done for me will never be forgotten.
Mary believed! Because she willing followed the will of God, she experienced great joy in her life, and a new song in her heart.
Word for the Day: Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land.
Song of the Day: Hallelujah, (He is Here)

Be it unto me according to your word. This is one of my favorite in the BIble. It was said by a young girl who had a big mandate on her life. Her name was Mary and you know her story. She told the Lord when she was asked to do something way out of the ordinary. She said yes Lord, “be it unto me according to your word.” Mary visited and stayed with her cousin Elizabeth who was also pregnant and would soon have a baby boy who was John the Baptist. After speaking with Elizabeth, Mary sang this beautiful song.

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant
From now on all generations will call me blessed
For the mighty one has done great things for me.

This humble servant girl had the most important thing God was looking for – a heart that BELIEVED. She believed even when presented with circumstance that were unbelievable. Her answer was, “Be it unto me according to your Word.” This holy season, let’s have that same attitude…be it unto me according to Your Word. We believe.
Word for the Day: Luke 1:37 For with God, nothing shall be impossible
Song of the Day: Exceeding Joy

Oh Come, oh come Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel. Whenever I hear this song during the holidays, I am always so thankful that we are not waiting for, or still looking toward our Savior coming to earth. There are many who don’t know this truth. In fact there are people all over the world who are still awaiting the first arrival of their Messiah. We BELIEVE He already came! The prophecies of old were fulfilled. He is here! Emmanuel means God is with us. The waiting and the search are over. Jesus found us and now we can find Him! He came to us, now we can come to Him. He offered His life to us, now we offer our lives to Him. His loved was demonstrated, so that we can demonstrate our love back to Him. He was a willing vessel, and God’s plan was perfectly executed because he was willing and obedient to every part of God’s plan. The Bible says “with GOD, nothing is impossible.” The opposite of that is, without God there are lots of impossibilities. But God is with us. He is here, so now what was once impossible, is possible. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. He has come. He is with us. Emmanuel. We believe.
Word for the Day: Isaiah 7:14 …A virgin will conceive and bear a son, and His name will be called Emmanuel.
Song of the Day: O Come Oh Come Emmanuel

Intro: I believe. Believe is a word that is popular at Christmas time. It is associated with believing in the Magic of Christmas, or even believing in Santa Claus. We call ourselves believers as Christians, and Advent and Christmas are at the heart of what we believe. We believe in the virgin birth. Mary gave birth to a baby named Jesus who grew up to change the world forever. He brought hope into a hopeless world. We believe that! We have experienced that. Let’s strengthen our belief this advent season, and proclaim with boldness that we BELIEVE Jesus brings HOPE. Here is your daily eword.

In Last years Advent Devotional, I gave a bonus section from Dec 28th to January 3rd where we discussed the hidden meanings behind the fun Christmas song called The 12 days of Christmas. The last day is “twelve lords a leaping”, and it reminds us of the twelve basic beliefs of the Apostles Creed. We believe some powerful things as Christians. We have been given hope through the birth of Christ and in Him, we have the power and authority to live the glorious, abundant, hope-filled life that Jesus provided. As we start this Advent Season, my prayer for you is that you would grow deeper in your faith, and BELIEVE for more this season. And as we incorporate seasonal songs into our advent time, my hope is that your home would be filled with music that draws you closer to our savior and makes this Advent season especially meaningful. WE Believe! Let’s say it, and let’s sing it . Most of all, let’s live it!
Here is a song we sing at church called The Creed, or This I Believe for you to recall what WE BELIEVE.

I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in One
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the name of Jesus
I believe in life eternal
I BELIEVE IN THE VIRGIN BIRTH
I believe in the saints’ communion
And in Your holy church
I believe in the resurrection
When Jesus comes again
For I believe in the name of Jesus.

Since salvation starts with belief, if you have never committed your life to Christ, today can be the day that you begin your life as a Believer. A simple prayer like this, is your invitation to have Jesus be your Lord and Savior. Jesus, I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, and today, I ask you to come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. I will live for you all the days of my life. What a great way to start this season of Advent.
Word of the day: Eph 2:8,9
Song of the Day : The Creed – I Believe