My 2025 Roller-coaster

2025 has been a real roller-coaster of a year for me, some great highs and some sad lows. However, I feel I must start a few days before 2025 started. 

Dad's 90th birthday was 29th December 2024. This was a great milestone for him to reach. God had granted him long life. Sure he had many experiences, stories and feelings to reflect upon from down through his life. The occasion deserved to be marked some meaningful way for him. On Saturday 28th, relatives, friends and neighbours dropped in to wish him happy birthday and get some tea and birthday cake. He was in good form that day and really enjoyed the afternoon and appreciated everyone calling. Little did we know that day, this would be the last birthday he would celebrate. 

Now let's start 2025. Isaac and Heather got engaged at the beginning of February. This was a delight for us. Heather is a lovely girl and we cannot wait for her to be our daughter-in-law. 

Then, our 2025 roller-coaster was about to take a sharp nose dive down. On 23rd April Adrian's mum Ella passed on to be with the Lord. She was 91 and had lived for the Lord most of her long life. I first met her in a Christian bookshop in Bandon, Co. Cork over 40 years ago and have many precious memories of her but the thing that I remember about her most is that she was a great woman of prayer. Ireland had lost one it's great prayer warriors and the French family were left with an aching void in their hearts. 

After this, our roller-coaster took off into loops of joy. First, Jemima turned 30 in June and we celebrated with a lovely family meal at the Seagoe hotel, Portadown. Jemima was 10 months old when adopted her and what a wonderful joy it is to have her as our daughter. We have so many precious memories of her growing up into the beautiful young lady that she is. 

Next, Adrian and I went in July to Carlisle and the Lake District in England. What a special break we had with some new experiences. A visit to Goathland where the village of 'Aidensfield' was filmed in Heartbeat series. It is a quaint little village in the middle of nowhere where the sheep wander free through it. We loved it. Then, the day we visited Keswick we drove out into the countryside for a walk and just happened to come upon a farmer bringing 2000 sheep down from the mountains for shearing. Delightful experience and the quietness of the area for walking was unbelievable. 

The next great joy for us was Edith's birth on 27th August. She came 3 weeks early and weighed 6lbs 10ozs. We are so delighted for Jemima and Josh on the birth of their dear little daughter. She is such a little dote and we are overjoyed to be grandparents.

Then came September when Isaac moved gym. It was a stressful time for him moving and getting everything set up in new premises but we are so pleased he overcame every hurdle. Also, in September, Isaac and Heather got the key for their house and it is a joy to see them sort it out to their liking. God is good.

Our next happy joyful time was our holiday in October to Albufeira in the Algarve, Portugal. Another holiday destination ticked off our bucket list and it was worth doing! Every day taking the little tourist train, walking the beach, wandering around the Old City and just relaxing, enjoying soaking up the atmosphere. The marina nearby was a relaxing place for us, too. The boat trip to see the dolphins and caves was worth doing but difficult to capture on my phone. 

Then, came another sharp nose dive....Dad's death on 23rd October. He had told me before I went on holiday that he wouldn't be here when I got back but I didn't expect him to pass on as quickly. I returned early hours of Tues 21st and visited him late that afternoon. He was unresponsive at that stage, so in a sense he wasn't here. But what happened was amazing... He lingered a couple of days and died in the 45th anniversary of his own father's death (23rd October, 1980).

However, our roller-coaster began to rise again to give us a lovely family Christmas day together. Praise God for all He has done for us and for His help throughout 2025.

Now the curtains have shut on 2025 and we do not know what 2026 holds for any of us. However, I send you this greeting for the New Year:

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Numbers6v24-26

Best wishes for 2026

From Rhonda

The Greatest Gift

I guess we all like to receive gifts at Christmas but the Bible says "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I cannot help but think that God gave us the greatest gift ever. It is summed up in the words of this little song that I used to teach to children at Christmas time:

"Twas the greatest of gifts ever given,

When God gave us His only Son.

Jesus left all the splendour of heaven

To be born as a babe in a stall,

Though He knew that one day in His future

He would lay down His life for my sin,

Yet because of His love He was willing,

To be the greatest of gifts ever given."

Old Testament Prophecies about the Messiah

There are many Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (Christ) coming to this world. Here are just a few:

He was promised as a descendant of Abraham and through Him all the nations would be blessed (Genesis 12v3 22v18).

He was to be descended from king David (Jeremiah 23v5+6).

Isaiah 7v14 tells us of His virgin birth and that He is Immanuel which means God with us. He is God and perfect Man.

In Isaiah 9v6 He is the child born,  and the Son given. Christ is God the Son and lived eternally before Bethlehem. That's why it says He is the Son given. The child Jesus was born of Mary.

Micah 5v2 foretells that He would be born in Bethlehem

New Testament Fulfilment

In the New Testament his birth was foretold to Joseph and he is called Jesus which means Saviour (Matthew 1v21). He is the One who can save us from our sins.

The prophecy about His Virgin birth was fulfilled and He is God with us (Matthew 1v23).

Saviour, Christ the Lord

The angels announced His birth to the shepherds and called Him Saviour and Christ the Lord (Luke 2v1-20).

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

He was born in Bethlehem in Israel. He was a born a Jew, not a Palestinian. Always remember the Jews are God's chosen people through whom He sent our Saviour.

Only Begotten Son of God

He is the only begotten Son of God (John 3v16). God SO LOVED us that He gave His only begotten Son so that we could be saved from our sins and have everlasting life. There was no greater love, no greater gift. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

There is no greater sacrifice than Christ paying the full price for our sins when He died on the cross of Calvary. Let us be clear about this: Jesus was NOT murdered. No man could take His life from Him. He willing laid down His life for us and He had the power to rise again from the dead (John 10v17+18).

This Christmas, perhaps you would take time to think about the greatest gift ever given. Christ was no fake or imperfect gift to us. He is the Perfect Son of God, Christ the Lord our Only Saviour.

We cannot find the words to speak that can fully describe God's Greatest Gift to us but may we truly thank God from our hearts. (2 Corinthians 9v15)

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and every blessing throughout the New Year.

Star and Sceptre

 Throughout the Old Testament there are many Messianic prophecies. These are predictions about Christ. Some of them regarding the incarnation of Christ are highlighted around Christmas time. There is one amazing Messianic Prophecy that I want to bring to your attention:

"There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel." 

(Numbers 24v17)

The Messiah is Christ and this Bible verse describes Him as a Star and a Sceptre. I wish to consider these two words with you in this short blog, while considering the wise men's visit to Jesus. 

Star

When we think of stars our minds immediately think of the heavenly bodies that twinkle in the night sky. They seem so small and far away. But did you know that there are literally trillions of stars and the sun is the closest star to earth? Stars are made up of gases and only appear to twinkle because of the effect the earth's atmosphere has on starlight. Constellations are groups of stars that appear to form a pattern in the night sky. Sailors used to use them to navigate their way. 

God created all the stars and He calls them all by their names (Psalm 147v4). Wow, that's mind blowing! God created the star that led the wise men to Jesus. They recognised from that star that a new king was born in Israel and came to Jerusalem to worship Him (Matthew 2). They followed that star and it stopped right over the place where the young child Jesus was (Matthew 2v9+10). It was their guiding star. 

The Lord Jesus Christ is the light of the world (John 8v12). He is the One who guides us as we navigate our way through life. But just as the wise men had to follow the star (it was not enough for them just to know about it or see it), so we must follow the Lord's Jesus our Star. 

Sceptre

A sceptre is a staff made of gold and decorated with precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies and emeralds, that belongs to a monarch. It is a symbol of a king's power and authority. It is carried during official ceremonies. Hence, the sceptre reminds us that Jesus is King. He is King of kings. 

The wise men travelled hundred of miles to meet the new born king of the Jews and the star guided them right to where the King of kings was. Jesus was probably about 2 years of age and living in Nazareth at the time they arrived. Nonetheless, they bowed down and worshipped Jesus as He is God the Son. They gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Him. These were very expensive gifts, fit for a king. Christ is the King of kings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I just want to ask you a few questions to consider: 

Is the Lord Jesus Christ your guiding star as you navigate through life? Are you following Him every day, leading you closer to God? Is He King of your life? Do you worship Him as your God and Saviour? Do you give to Him gifts that cost you? 

I trust that this Christmas time you will trust Christ as your Saviour, Lord, Guide and King.

Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas!

Rhonda

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.