Love One Another

We have all heard the Biblical principle: love one another. We know we should love one another but we do not always do it. Recently, I have been challenged about the importance of loving one another as Christians and, seeing as it is Valentines Day, I thought I would share a few simple thoughts on loving one another.

I searched where the actual phrase 'love one another' is found in the Bible and discovered it in John's gospel and John's epistles. Who was he? John was one of Jesus' twelve disciples and is known as the 'Apostle of Love'. What a wonderful title to be given!

John did not start out being known for his love. He did not start out showing love. He and his brother James were known as the 'sons of thunder' (Mark 3v17). They must have been loud, full of fiery zeal, sometimes displaying extreme reactions and perhaps even quick tempered. On one occasion when the Samaritans did not receive Jesus, James and John wanted to call fire down from heaven to consume the Samaritans (Luke 9v51-54). Another time, they were so filled with self importance that they asked for the two most prominent positions with Christ (Mark 10v35-37). 

However, John learned love in the school of Christ as he walked with Jesus, listened to Jesus teaching and as he followed Him, so much so, that John became known as 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' (John 13v23; 19v26-27; 20v2; 21v20-24). As we read his epistles, we realise that Christ's teaching and examples of love had so truly transformed him into the Apostle of Love.

I want to use the references for the phrase 'love one another' to help us understand some reasons why we should love one another.

1. Christ commands us to love one another

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13v34)

"These things I command you, that ye love one another." (John 15v17) 

John reiterates this commandment in his epistle. The impact of Christ's teaching had so gripped his life and soul that he exhorted fellow Christians to love one another in obedience to Christ's commandment. 

"And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." (1 John 3v23)

It is not just a good option to love others. Christ expects us to do it. He has commanded us to not only believe on Him but also to love one another. I am not referring to sexual love or ecumenical love. This is genuine love that cares for, helps, encourages and seeks no evil upon other Christians. Read 1 Corinthians 13, particularly verses 4-7, for a definition of godly love towards others. 

2. We must follow Christ's example

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." (John 15v12)

We are to love as Christ loved us. We can never love as much as Jesus loved but we are to follow His example. There is no greater love than HIS. His love is sacrificial love. Just think of what it meant for Him the Holy One to bear away your sin when He died on the cross at Calvary. His love is unconditional. There is nothing we can do to make Him love us or to love us more. 

Loving one another as Christ loved us means sacrificial love. This does not come easy, especially when we may not even particularly like a person or their way of getting on. I am not suggesting that you must allow yourself to be used or worn out. However, loving others will entail helping to lift up the fallen rather than kicking them when they are down and wounding them deeper. Genuine Christian love means following the principles outlined in 1 Corinthians 13.

3. Loving one another is evidence that we are Christ's disciples

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13v35)

May our love for other Christians be a sweet fragrance that will attract others to Christ. Being hard hearted, critical and judgmental towards others is not attractive. But sitting down and listening to the broken hearted, feeling their pain, showing that you care, even though you feel there is nothing else you can do but pray, will demonstrate to those around you that you are a child of God and that you follow Christ. 

Seriously, think about it: how can we expect sinners to turn to Christ as Saviour, if all they can see is Christians bickering and fighting amongst themselves? Do you honestly think that all your hard preaching will convince them to turn from their sin if they see more love in the world than in church? 

4. God is Love and Love is of God.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (1 John 4v7+8)

God loves us with an everlasting pure love. God's pure love ought to so permeate our souls that it just flows out of us to others. 

5. Loving one another is evidence that we are born of God and that we know God

"Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." (1 John 4v7)

Loving other Christians is evidence that we are born again and shows that we know God. People expect born again Christians to show love and be compassionate. If we truly know the Almighty Loving God as our Saviour people will see the love of God through us. Hateful, spiteful, envious words and deeds are not compatible with God's love. 

6. God's Love for us should compel us to love one another

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." (1 John 4v10+11)

By nature we were enemies of God and did not love God. Yet, God loved us and sent His Only begotten Son into this sin cursed world to die on the cross to save us from our sins. The Blessed Sinless Son of God was beaten, spat upon, mocked and nailed to a cross. As He hung upon the cross in agony He endured the full wrath of God for us. As we understand more of what it meant for Him to suffer in our stead, the depths of His sacrificial love ought to compel us to love others.

Christ's love caused Him to willingly endure God's wrath so that we could have forgiveness and peace with God. Consider how great His love is. Even in the midst of all His suffering on the cross, He took time to forgive others and to care for His mother when her heart was breaking. There is just no greater love but it should compel us to love one another. Yes, God's love should compel us to have a forgiving, loving, caring and gracious spirit.

7. God's Love is Perfected in us

"No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." (1 John 4v12)

We cannot see God but we can see the love of God lived out through loving, godly Christians. A mature Christian will be marked by love.

Read 1 John chapter 4 and discover some more beautiful truths about God's love and loving others.

Paul and Peter said Love One Another

I feel I cannot finish this blog post without mentioning the exhortations to love one another given by the Apostles Paul and Peter.

• Loving one another fulfils God's law

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13v8)

• Loving one another produces good relationships with others

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." (Romans 12v10)

"Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love." (Ephesians 4v1+2)

"By love serve one another." (Galatians 5v13)

• God makes our love for others to increase and abound

"And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you." (1 Thessalonians 3v12)

• God teaches us to love one another

"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another." (1 Thessalonians 4v9)

God will teach us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ as we read and study His Word and through experiences in life.

• Have unfeigned love with a pure heart

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." (1 Peter 1v22)

Unfeigned love means that it is genuine, sincere love. It is not a pretence. It is not fake. Note we are to love one another with a pure heart fervently. Our heart motives will be right. We will do it passionately. This is not an insincere love that pretends to love and care for you but behind your back they mock, laugh or gossip about you. Also, genuine love is not about receiving the praise of men.

Conclusion

There are many saints of God who are hurting and need genuine love. Yes, they may put a smile on their face and they may, even, sit beside you in church but inside they are broken. The heartache of bereavement, family troubles, health problems and perhaps even deep wounds by other Christians is weighing them down. They may even feel that no one cares or understands. They need love, not criticism.

I have written this post after being challenged from God's Word about loving one another and, also, by listening to some lovely Christian ladies open up about how they are hurting. 

I am not suggesting for one moment that we expel repentance from our preaching and dealings with others but I feel that sometimes keeping up appearances can be more important to us than loving our fellow Christians.

May these few thoughts be an encouragement to you to love one another as Christ loved us. Taking time to selflessly love fellow Christians will involve listening, caring, helping and praying. 

Let the love of Christ dwell in you richly and overflow to love one another. 

Looking back on 2023

This is a short summary of where we have been in 2023 and a few family photos from our experiences.

 

We started 2023 with Isaac in hospital with a broken jaw, owing to an accident while playing football. He persevered with the diet and recovery and God answered prayer. Now Isaac owns his own gym which he opened in September 2023 after lots of hard work and planning. We are so proud of him.

2023 was Adrian's Big 60 year. So, a birthday meal and, then, a city break in Edinburgh to celebrate it were thoroughly enjoyed. Adrian spent a couple of years in Edinburgh studying when he was young and we had not visited this beautiful city since about 1993, so quite a few changes since then! 

Adrian and I, also, enjoyed short breaks to Exeter and Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. It was my first visit to Malin Head and Mizen Head. Both are worth seeing on clear days. Another place we got to visit in 2023 was the Dark Hedges before some of the trees had to be cut down. 

Adrian was able to stroke another thing off his bucket list ie climbing Slieve Donard. Jemima and Josh, the 3 dogs, Matthew and Adrian all made it safely to the top and back down again. 

The year ended with Adrian, Jemima and Josh and the 3 dogs climbing Slieve Loughshannagh. I enjoyed dandering around Newcastle while they were up the mountain.

Conclusion

As the New Year has dawned and I reflect upon 2023 I find myself thinking about things that, humanly speaking, I can and cannot do: 

• I cannot climb mountains but I can walk. Praise God.
• I may not be much use keeping physically fit but may I ever keep spiritually fit.
• I cannot control life's circumstances but I can trust God to bring me through them.
• I cannot fix other people's problems but I can listen and pray for them. 
• I cannot solve the world's problems but I can pray. 

I am interested in the situation with Israel, God's special people, and I am watching how Biblical prophecy unfolds as Russia, China, Iran, Turkey and some North African countries are among those who will gather against Israel. I cannot but ask the question: How close are we really to the end of the world? But I am not filled with fear for my trust is in the Lord God Almighty. 

As I go into 2024, I take with me a blessed promise from God's Word. It is found in Deuteronomy 31v8:

"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."

Do you know my Saviour? If so, you can claim this promise too. 

Wishing you every blessing for 2024 

Rhonda 

Step Forward with Christ into 2024

 

As we start 2024 I want to leave you with some simple encouragement. I am very aware that, for some of you, 2023 has been a very difficult year when you have had to deal with some crisis, trouble or death. Perhaps you have been left scarred or broken. Well, this short blog post is to help you get your focus on the LORD as you enter 2024.

The Bible verse that I want to leave with you as an encouragement to help you face whatever lies ahead is found in Deuteronomy 31v8.

“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”

Who is the verse speaking about? 

It is the LORD, JEHOVAH. When 'LORD' is written in the KJV in capital letters, it means that the Hebrew word is JEHOVAH. This is the great Eternal, Sovereign God who appeared to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3). He is the Only True Living God. He is the One who was trusted, loved and obeyed by the godly prophets, priests and kings in the Old Testament. JEHOVAH is still the same today and can still perform His mighty wonders amongst His people. So, this verse is telling us some wonderful things JEHOVAH will do for us. 

He goes before you

This makes me think of the words of Psalm 23 where it says that the LORD (JEHOVAH) is my Shepherd and He leadeth me. 

The eastern shepherd would go before his sheep and lead them. He would not go behind them and drive them. He would face their foes and dangers before they would and he would make sure they were kept safe and all their needs were provided for. 

The Lord Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd in John 10. He leads His sheep (Christians) and they follow Him because they know His voice and trust Him. 

Dear child of God, this is the One who goes before you into 2024. There is just no situation that He cannot lead you through. Just listen to HIS voice and follow Him, trusting Him implicitly. 

He will be with you

There is no question or doubt about it. The LORD will be with you. He will be with you in the dark, hurtful and dreary times as well as the joyful, hopeful and successful times. So, throughout 2024 He will be with you. Enjoy His presence. Do not doubt it. He is far more exceedingly able to help and comfort you in your every situation than you can even imagine Him to be. 

He will not fail you

Friends, church, organisations and even family may fail you but the LORD will not fail you. He will not fail you morning, noon or night. People may let you down many times, perhaps when things get difficult in life, but the LORD will not fail you even once. So, you can believe every promise that the great Eternal Sovereign LORD makes to you. Enter 2024 expecting great things from the Lord who will never fail you wherever you go. 

He will not forsake you

People may forsake you and leave you alone but the LORD will not. He says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13v5). He does not just bring you so far and then leave you to face life situations alone. He will never forsake you. So, you can enter 2024 with contentment and assurance, depending on the One who will never forsake you, no matter what family or financial problems you face. He has you in the palm of His hand and no one, not even the devil, can pluck you out of it (John 10v28). 

Conclusion

Fear not. Why should you be afraid when you have this wonderful promise from the Lord? 

Be not dismayed. There is no reason for you to be disheartened or distressed as you enter 2024. Go forward with the strength and courage that Christ gives. 

Focus not on the negatives and problems in life. Focus on the LORD and you will get a heavenly perspective and divine power to help you face 2024. Claim this beautiful promise from the Lord as your very own. 

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour, then repent of your sin, having faith in His finished work on Calvary for your salvation. Then, you can claim this wonderful promise, too, as you enter 2024.

Wishing you a peaceful and blessed New Year. 

Rhonda

Christmas Acrostic

  

This is just a simple acrostic of the word 'Christmas'.

C is for Christ

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2v11
The birth of Christ the Lord was announced to the shepherds . Read about it in Luke 2v1-20.

Christ means 'Anointed One.' Kings were anointed in the Old Testament to become the rulers of their nation. God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10v38).

Christ is the Greek word for Messiah (John 1v41). The Jews did not recognise Christ as their Messiah and they crucified Him.

H is for High Priest

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."
Hebrews 4v14

"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 3v1

"For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself."
Hebrews 7v26+27

A high priest in the Old Testament had 2 important roles:
1. To offer sacrifices for the people
2. To intercede to God for the people

Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. He only had to do this once. He has taken all the punishment for our sins and there never needs to be another sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 9v28; 10v12+13).
He is heaven now presenting His blood to God for us (Hebrews 9v12+24).
Christ ever lives to make intercession for us (Romans 8v34; Hebrews 7v25).

R is for Redeemer

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth."
Job 19v25

The word 'redeem' has the idea of 'buying back' or 'paying the price.' Slaves were bought for a price and they could then be given freedom from captivity. Christ has redeemed us by His precious blood. He has paid the full price to deliver us from the slavery of sin.
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."
Ephesians 1v7
Christ gives us eternal redemption (Hebrews 9v12).

I is for Immanuel

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Isaiah 7v14

Immanuel means 'God with us.' Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. He is God's Son. He is truly God and truly Perfect Man. God the Son came to earth to save us from sin. Hence, He is God with us.

S is for Saviour

"The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."
1 John 4v14

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2v11

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."
1 Timothy 1v15

Jesus means Saviour
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

T is for True Vine

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
John 15v1+5

In the midst of all your feasting this Christmas, perhaps you would stop and think about The True Vine. Read John 15v1-16.
We must abide in Him (Jesus) if we are to produce spiritual fruit for His glory. We can do absolutely nothing without the Lord.

M is for Mediator

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2v5

As we consider Mary and Baby Jesus this Christmas, remember that Mary is NOT a mediator between us and God. Christ is the ONLY Mediator between God and men. Our access to God is through Jesus Christ alone on the grounds of His shed blood.

A is for Alpha and Omega

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1v8

Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet. Omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet. Read the context of this verse and you will see that it is Christ who is speaking. Christ is the beginning and the end; the first and the last.

He is, He was, He is to come. This shows He is eternally the Almighty. He has Sovereign control over everything - past, present and future.

S is for Shepherd

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

John 10v11

The shepherds came to visit Jesus when he was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2v8-20). They were actually visiting the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God. No wonder they rejoiced and went telling it all around.

Jesus is also called the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13v20) and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5v4).

There are many other Names and Titles for the Lord Jesus Christ. You can search them out for yourself. I have just given these as a simple acrostic of the word 'Christmas'. However, I would love you to think this Christmas:

Is Christ your Messiah? Is He the Anointed One in your life? Is He your Great High Priest? Have you ever accepted His forgiveness as a result of His atoning death? Is He interceding for you in heaven? Is He your Redeemer? Are you redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb? Have you accepted Immanuel as your Saviour? Are you abiding in the True Vine, bearing much spiritual fruit for His glory? Are you trusting Christ as the Only Mediator between you and God? Is He your Alpha and Omega? Do you follow the leading of the Good Shepherd?

May you have a lovely Christmas.

My 2022 Memories

As we enter this new year 2023, I look back over the past year and think to myself: What have I really done in 2022? What have I accomplished? What have I learnt? Am I any wiser? In this little blog I want to review my 2022. It may not be particularly exciting but I do like to trace God's hand in my life and thank Him for all His blessings to me.

I have put together a collage of a few random photos from events in 2022 and they are in no particular order. Believe it or not, some of the first photos I took in 2022 were of our dogs. 

It is not hard to conclude that they play a big part in our lives with their antics that range from Bridie fascinated by the fire and yet terrified of fireworks. Izzy howling because she didn't get for a walk with Bridie, begging human food and scared of tin foil shaking. Both of them jumping and barking at animals on the TV. But the biggest laugh we got this year was Bridie burrowing up through the hedge and breaking out. It did not matter how we fenced it, she always found a way out. So, in the end we just had to leave her in to proudly sit on her perch on the back of Adrian's chair to look out the window.

We had 2 weddings in 2022: Adrian's niece Debi's marriage to Tim; and my nephew James' marriage to Hannah. Both couples had put much preparation into planning their 'Big Days'. Marriage of one man to one woman was ordained by God. It was a joy to see these young couples make their vows to each other. We rejoice with them and wish both couples every blessing for their future together. 

Also, two nights in Kilkenny were a treat for us. 

In July we were so glad to get away and have a little break in the North of England. Carlisle holds special memories particularly for Adrian and it was there that we spent our honeymoon in 1986. Views from Cat Bells over Lake Derwent are stunning. However, this time Adrian chose to descend the steep path down to the waters edge. A new adventure for him to discover more beautiful scenery. Of course, the laugh of the week was me missing my step and falling into a furze bush!! I couldn't get out by myself but Adrian had to capture the moment on camera before pulling me out. 

Then, in August we had the big 3 0 for Isaac. We celebrated with some crazy golf and then a meal at Stormont Hotel... a family fun time. It's over 30 years since Isaac entered our lives and it has been a privilege to have him as our son. He has brought us much joy and fulfilment. As a baby, one of Isaac's favourite places was resting his head on my shoulder. And right through life to this very day he still loves to give his mummy a big hug. This loving, kind, handsome young man has been such a blessing to us. I know God has much more planned for him in the days that lie ahead. 

In April 2022 Adrian sliced his fingers with a strap at work. Ouch. One finger in particular was slow to heal, even with care and hospital visits.

New Year's Eve night we spent at hospital with Isaac after a broken jaw resulting from a football accident. Injury causes us to place our trust in Christ the Healer for healing. 

Then, there was a first for Adrian... Climbing up Slieve Doan with Jemima and Josh, with Bridie and Nancy tagging along. I knew not to attempt it, so just enjoyed afternoon chatting with Carol in Newcastle. But they forwarded some lovely photos of the stunning view up there. 

Thoughts for 2023

As I enter 2023, I take these two Bible verses with me:

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

Hebrews 13v8 KJV

"For I am the LORD, I change not."

Malachi 3v6 KJV

• Remember, 2022 is over. It has passed into eternity. We cannot bring it back. However, I have the calm assurance that the God who does not change brought me through it and He will carry me through whatever life throws at me in 2023.
• Christ is the Bridegroom who does not change. His love for me never changes. What a privilege it is to experience His unchangeable love for me every day!
• When the Lord Jesus was on earth He healed many people He met (but not everyone). He has not changed. He is still the Almighty Healer who is able to heal all our diseases. 
• The God who is unchangeable is also All-Knowing, All-Powerful and present everywhere. It does not matter where I am or what situation I am in, I can trust the God who never changes to help me.
• The God who never changes is Holy and will only lead me in the paths of righteousness. I can trust Him to lead and guide me every step of the way in 2023 and HIS way is always the right way.
• I do not always understand the way He leads me or the reasons things happen but I will know one day. It's like Jesus said, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."

I look forward to walking through 2023 with the LORD who never changes. What about you?

Who is the Christ of Christmas?

It's Christmas time! The time we think Christmas decorations, trees and sparkling lights, Santa and presents, turkey and food, dinners and parties, seasonal jumpers and clothes, carols and Christmas songs, and so much more. We dash about seeking to make Christmas so magical for children and enjoyable for all the family. Perhaps we love the carol services and Bible readings about the Baby Jesus at this special time of year. But do we really take time to consider the Christ of Christmas?

Who is the Christ of Christmas? Well, in order to help us understand, let us consider the words of angels and of people who bore witness to the incarnation.

1. Angel Gabriel to Mary

Please read Luke 1v26-38 and consider what was so important that God sent an archangel to announce the birth of Jesus to Mary. In this passage we hear Gabriel announce the Virgin Birth of Jesus and speak of His Kingship. He calls Him Jesus, Son of the Highest, Holy and the Son of God.

Gabriel greeted Mary saying that she was blessed among (not above) women. She was probably in her late teens but she was highly favoured by God to be the mother of Jesus. Jesus means Saviour. He is the Only Saviour from sin. The Saviour of the world is the Son of the Highest (v31+32). There is no higher authority than the Almighty Sovereign God. 

Jesus will reign as King, being a direct descendant of David (v32). We know that one day Jesus will reign over all the earth as King of kings. But His first coming was for Him to die to be the Saviour of the world.

Mary wanted to know how this would come about as she was a virgin. Gabriel explained the miraculous Virgin birth to her. Jesus is the Holy Son of God (v35). He is absolutely Sinless. He cannot sin. Only a Sinless Saviour could die for our sins. 

Virgin Birth, King, Jesus, Son of the Highest, Holy Son of God

Mary was submissive to God's will and plan (v38).... even though there would be many difficult times ahead for her. The Saviour, the Sinless Son of God wishes to reign supreme in our lives. 

2. Elizabeth

Read about Mary visiting Elizabeth in Luke 1v39-56. Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant with John the Baptist. He leaped in her womb with joy when Mary arrived and greeted Elizabeth. This tiny little one in her womb could express joy at what was happening around him. He was not just a fetus with no intellect, feeling, emotions or rights. What an amazing introduction! After all, John the Baptist was going to prepare the way for Christ. Then, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke out, saying that Jesus was her Lord (v43).

My Lord

What a wonderful acknowledgment. Christ was not just the Lord but He was her Lord. It was personal.

3. Angel to Joseph

Read about the angel reassuring Joseph to marry Mary (Matthew 1v18-25). Stop and try to imagine how Joseph must have felt... confusion, disappointment, hurt.... He knew he wasn't the father. Perhaps he thought, 'How could Mary do this to me? Does she not truly love me? I did not think Mary was the sort of girl who would be unfaithful to me.' Betrothal to be married in Joseph's day was so much more binding than engagement, as we know it, today. It was as binding as the marriage vows and so for Mary to have been with another man would have been considered adultery. And yet Joseph loved Mary. He did not wish to publicly shame or disgrace her. So, he was going to divorce Mary privately. But how exactly would he go about this?

Then, in the midst of all this turmoil of mind, an angel appeared to him in a dream. What that angel told him was of utmost importance. Joseph needed to hear of the Virgin Birth. Then, he understood that Mary had not been unfaithful to him. She was a pure virgin chosen by God to bring the Messiah into the world. The angel reminded him of God's prophecy in the Old Testament concerning the virgin birth of Christ. He was to be called Jesus which means Saviour for He would save His people from their sins. Jesus is Emmanuel... God and Man... God with us.

Jesus, Son, Virgin Birth, Saviour, Emmanuel, God with us

The Word from God brought calm to Joseph in the midst of all the turmoil of his mind. Now he understood God's purpose in this all. So, with calm assurance he determined to obey the Lord. Yes, he was going to be misunderstood but he was going to provide for and protect Mary and Jesus.

Calm assurance from God's Word can bring peace to your troubled mind in the midst of all the turmoil in your life.

4. Angel of the Lord to the shepherds

Read about the Angel of the Lord announcing Christ's birth to the shepherds (Luke 2v8-14). The Angel called Him Saviour, Christ the Lord. There is an emphasis on the Saviour. Angels informed Mary, Joseph and the shepherds about Jesus the Saviour.

Christ means Messiah, the Promised One. Ever since the Garden of Eden the Messiah had been promised throughout the Old Testament. The Jews believed the Messiah was from the line of king David and He would deliver Israel. However, we know from the New Testament that Jesus came the first time to die to save us from our sins. Next time, He is coming to set up His earthly kingdom. He is Lord and He should be exalted and worshipped as Lord over all.

Saviour, Christ the Lord

The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They met the Good Shepherd and beheld the Lamb of God and they went away glorifying and praising God. They went and told it all around to other people. They just could not keep this wonderful news to themselves! When the Saviour Christ the Lord fills our lives we just have to praise God and tell others about Him.

 

5. Simeon

Read about Simeon meeting baby Jesus (Luke 2v21-35). Jesus was taken to be circumcised 8 days after His birth. It was then that He met an old man called Simeon in the temple. Simeon recognised who Jesus is and he took Him up in his arms and blessed God. 

Note Simeon said He is the LORD's Christ... not just a promised one but He is the One that the LORD promised to send. Simeon knew that he was holding the Saviour of the world. Christ is the Light of the world and truly He would be that Light that would lighten the Gentiles. All over the world today Gentiles have trusted Christ as their personal Saviour. 

Lord's Christ, Salvation, Light to lighten the Gentiles, Glory of Israel

Simeon had waited patiently to see Christ. He could understand the difference that Christ would make to this sinful world. He even told Mary that a sword would pierce through her own soul (v35). This was fulfilled at Calvary when she was totally heartbroken to see her Sinless Son crucified.

6. Wise Men

Read about the wise men coming to worship Jesus in Matthew 2v1-12. The wise men came looking for the King of the Jews. They travelled hundreds of miles to meet Jesus. I think the wise men understood more than that He is King. When they found Him they worshipped Him. They did not worship Mary or Joseph. They worshipped Christ. Only God is to be worshipped.

King of the Jews

The wise men gave expensive gifts to Jesus of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Remember that just because there are 3 types of gifts mentioned, it does not mean that there were only 3 wise men). Also, I wonder if, perhaps, these gifts were sold to provide for the family while they were in Egypt?? 

Conclusion

There are so many more testimonies as to who Jesus is. The disciples and others saw and heard Him while He was on earth. But I only took testimonies from around the nativity scenes and they are certainly worth thinking about.

What does Christmas mean to you? Is it just another holiday, albeit a busy chaotic one, especially for you as a mum? Is it a lonely time? Is it a financially difficult time, trying to provide your kids with things like 'Santa' brings to their friends? Is it just one big end of year party? Does Christ have any part in your Christmas?

Whatever your view of Christmas is, I challenge you to stop and think about who the Christ of Christmas is. I have given you a few names and titles of Christ above for you to think about. He is not just the Baby in the manger. Ask yourself what He really means for you in your own life. 

This year Christmas Day is on a Sunday. The early Christians called the first day of the week the Lord's day as Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. It was a day when they met together to specially remember Him. So, perhaps this Sunday, Christmas Day, you would stop and remember, not just the nativity stories, but think about who the true Christ of Christmas really is. 

May Christ the Saviour be special to you this Christmas.

High and Low 2021

There are 2 main events which dominate my memories of 2021, namely a wedding and a funeral. Jemima and Josh were married on 25th May. My mother died on 6th December. The photo below helps combine these 2 events in my mind. How precious to have a photo of mum with Jemima and Josh on their wedding day! 

I never realized that there is as much planning goes into a modern wedding! It's not just getting a venue, dresses, photographer, flowers, cake, sending out some invitations and just showing up to say your vows. It is so much more. There's all the little details like the font and design of the invitations and signage, preparing the sweetie cart, collating photos into a video, the shape and scent of the candles, the meticulous preparations for hair styles and make-up with photographer and videographer in the house recording it all, the arch for flowers and the seating plans, as well as the days spent making the Barn (youth hall) into a clean, suitable venue for the ceremony, both inside and outside. 

Then, add to all this the uncertainty that covid restrictions and lockdown brought. Online shopping challenges included returning unsuitable or damaged goods. Knowing what numbers and specifics we could plan for was always to the fore. What was plan B if we were not allowed to have a wedding reception? However, the one thing that kept us focused was that Jemima and Josh rightly decided not to postpone their date but to go ahead and get married on 25th May. 

Then, the big day arrived and we enjoyed every minute of it. Hospitality had just opened up the day before allowing Jemima and Josh to have the wedding reception they had planned for, albeit with some restrictions still to be adhered to. Below are a few photos of Jemima and Josh's special day. Edenmore country golf club was an absolutely beautiful setting for the reception, and the meal was delicious, too. 

Then, by the end of the year the scene had changed to sadness for me. My mum went into hospital in late November and then passed away on Monday 6th December. Yes, she had fallen in July 2019 and never been home after that but for almost 2 and half years we visited her in hospital or nursing home, when permitted to do so. I know she is absent from the body and present with the Lord. Her suffering is over and she is with Christ which is far better but I am still numb. Grief can be hard to bear sometimes, so my heart goes out to everyone who has lost loved ones, especially coming up to Christmas. May there be brighter days in 2022.

Conclusion

In conclusion, some simple facts come to mind:

1. Marriage was ordained by God and it is the union of one man and one woman. 

Genesis 2v18-24. Jesus reaffirmed this in Matthew 19v1-6.

2. Death is certain and we all need to prepare for it.  

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." 

Hebrews 9:27 KJV

3. Whatever joy or pain we have been through in 2021, we need to look to the Lord to help us in 2022 to face whatever situations we will find ourselves in. 

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." 

Hebrews 12v1+2 KJV 

Wishing you every blessing throughout 2022 and thank you for all your prayers, 

Rhonda