365 Days of Praise

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…” Acts 1:8

Do you have Christmas traditions that you carry on that were a part of your childhood? Among the many that I have already shared, another is that of my mother decorating with poinsettias.  The poinsettia derives its name from Joel Robert Poinsett who brought the plant from Mexico to the United States in 1829.  Why do Christians like getting or giving poinsettias at Christmas? Their blood-red petals remind us of the blood Christ shed for our sins.  The green leaves remind us of the eternal life we have in Him.  The gold crowning center of the flower reminds us that Christ is the crowned King of heaven who reigns on high. The Poinsettia calls us to consider if Jesus is the crowning center of our life if we worship and bow before Him if we let Him reign over our thoughts, decisions, and behavior.  Just as I did not know about poinsettias until my mother introduced them to me, so we have friends and neighbors who do not know Jesus.  Why not give a poinsettia to an unsaved friend or family member and share the meaning of the poinsettia, the meaning of Christmas?

5 Days till CHRISTMAS!  Do you need a last minute gift? How about a donation in honor of that special someone who already has everything? We’ll let them know of your thoughtfulness and our ongoing mission to spread the Word and love of Jesus. In the “notes” or “comments” section of the donation page, provide the name and address of the person you are honoring. We’ll take care of the rest. Thank you! And remember, your donation is tax-deductible. Questions? Email us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Blessings, friends!

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14

A Christmas tree is often the centerpiece around which Christmas activity occurs. However, this Christmas, as we gather around the evergreen tree to sing carols or open presents, let’s turn our thoughts heavenward to the tree that stands at the centerpiece of our faith – the tree of life that stood in the Garden of Eden, the tree of life on which Jesus was crucified to secure our eternal salvation, the tree of life we will see in the New Jerusalem.

6 DAYS till CHRISTMAS!  Give a gift that will keep giving all year long. Prayers of My Heart JOURNAL – a place to renew thoughts, develop gratitude, record God’s answers to prayers, and record what God places on your heart. Get it on Amazon.

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams

“You are the light of the world.  Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

Ornaments decorate Christmas trees and reflect the lights on trees. As we observe them hanging on the branches and reflecting the lights, they are a reminder of the need for us to hang close to Jesus so we reflect His light. Ornaments also reflect the personality of the one who bought them. Likewise, Christians who hang close to Jesus reflect His personality – His love, joy, peace, and kindness. When I was a child, we would sometimes bring the box of tree ornaments into the family room but not take the time to hang them on the tree for several days.  Wrapped and cushioned they remained in the box, not adorning the tree, not reflecting the tree lights, not showing forth the personality of the one who purchased them.  May that not be said of us, sweet friends. Rather, may we each hang close to Jesus so we reflect His light and personality.

LOOKING for a LAST MINUTE GIFT?  Here it is: Prayers of My Heart JOURNAL to kick off 2024 with new thoughts, new optimism, fresh prayers, a place to record God’s answers, and verses to memorize and encourage. Get it on Amazon.

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams

WATCH JOHN 11

“And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:28

The evergreen wreath is a perfect symbol of Christmas.  The evergreen leaves signify everlasting life.  The circle symbolizes eternal life with God through Jesus Christ. Have you adorned your home with a wreath? If so, let it be a reminder of God’s gift to you of never ending, eternal life. Let it be a reminder of the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Let it be a prompt to check and see if the eternal Holy Spirit is filling your spirit so your countenance reflects Christ’s grace and love. The Christmas wreath. More than a decoration. A reminder.

Blessings, friends, as the Christmas wreath reminds you of your eternal life, and in that reminder, you are filled with joy.

LOOKING for a LAST MINUTE GIFT?  Here it is: Prayers of My Heart JOURNAL to kick off 2024 with new optimism and fresh prayers. A place to record God’s character traits, your prayers, His answers, and verses that encourage you. It’s also available on Amazon.

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams

“Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members INSTRUMENTS of RIGHTEOUSNESS to God.” Romans 6:12-13

Musical instruments play a key role in the Christmas season. While the secular world plays jingles, Christians use music to encourage and bless others by focusing on Jesus’ birth.  Decorating with angelic harps and trumpets reminds us to praise Christ our King, whose birth we celebrate. In addition, musical instruments remind us that Christians are God’s instruments.  We are instruments of His grace. We are instruments of His love.  In His hands, He can use us to herald people to His throne. With that in mind, dear friends, let us tune our hearts to God each morning.  Let us keep our thoughts and voices in harmony with Him.  Let us rest in the Master’s hands trusting Him to make all things beautiful in His time.

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams

“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him.” Matthew 3:16

My mother loved birds and used them to decorate our home throughout the year.  At Christmas, doves found their way onto the boughs of the Christmas tree and served as a reminder of the Holy Spirit who rested on Jesus at His baptism. The Holy Spirit identified Jesus with God and empowered Christ. The Holy Spirit also rests on believers, identifies us with God, and empowers us to live for Christ. Bless you, sweet friends, as you think on the Holy Spirit who rests on Christ and rests on you this Christmas season.

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams

“Then Jesus spoke to them saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’” John 8:12,

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

During the Christmas season, many of us enjoy decorating our homes with outdoor lights.  Their glow provides light on overcast days and when night falls.  Lights beacon family and friends to the warmth of our homes.  Even so, Christ, the Light of the World, beacons us to His presence.  He lights the way to His Father’s home.  As do lights, candles add warmth to our homes.  Their warm glow reminds us of the Holy Spirit who warms our hearts and enlightens us in God’s ways.  Fragrant candles are a reminder that we are to be a fragrance of Christ to others.

Sweet friends, you are the light and fragrance of Christ to others. Beacon them well to His presence.

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Luke 2:8, 20

The candy cane is not only festive, it is also symbolic for Christians.  The shape reminds us of the shepherd’s staff and of the shepherds in the field who heard the angelic announcement of Jesus, the Good Shepherd’s birth. In addition, the colors of the candy cane are symbolic.  The red stripes remind us of the stripes Jesus took on His back for our sins.  The white stripes remind us of Christ’s purity. And the sweet taste? A reminder of the sweet Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. This Christmas let the candy cane be more than Christmas candy. Let it be a reminder of Jesus and the real reason for the season.

PS:  Friends, some of you may not be subscribed to my Faith Nugget blog and so didn’t get my devotional and Candy Cane Salvation Poem. I encourage you to read it. Most importantly, print the poem and follow the instructions. I took the candy canes and attached the poem with me today and handed them to a cashier and to a man I passed at the post office. We never know how God may use the salvation poem to plant a seed in someone’s heart. So put on your brave, carry the candy canes and poem with you when you’re running errands, and wish a stranger, “Merry Christmas” while handing them a candy cane. Let me hear how it’s going for you! Love you.

I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. John 10:11

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams

“They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around on the hem of the robe, alternating a bell and a pomegranate all around on the hem of the robe for the service, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.” Exodus 39:25-26

What would Christmas be without the familiar “Silver Bells” being sung and the Salvation Army bell-ringers calling us to give to those in need?  Of course, bells remind some people of Santa’s sleigh bells, but tinkling bells have far greater significance for Christians. The Bible tells us that gold bells were sewn on the hem of the Jewish priests’ garments. As the priests went about their service, the tinkling of the bells could be heard. That has special significance for Christians. Why? First Peter 2:9 describes believers as “… a royal possession, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession…” And our purpose? The verse continues, “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” In other words, we are described in the Bible as God’s priests. What an incredible honor!  Oh, may the sound of our movement be as the sound of priests, bringing glory to Jesus as we serve Him!

Sweet friends, may that be our prayer.

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams

“And coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

What was your home like during the Christmas season when you were a child? Mine buzzed with activity as family members made gift lists for everyone from mama and daddy all the way to aunts, uncles, the postman, and anybody who might drop by our home.  Love was the motivating factor.  In buying a gift for someone, there is no selfishness.  It costs not only money, but time, thought, and energy.  Certainly, no one has given more of Himself in giving a gift that would be perfect, timeless, and for all people than God when He gave His only begotten Son to us.  The wise men recognized and worshipped God’s gift of Christ Jesus. They demonstrated their adoration by falling before Him and worshipping Him. This Christmas, as we demonstrate our love for one another by giving gifts, let us be careful to be as the wise men and not neglect to fall before Jesus and worship Him, the greatest GIFT.  

Blessings, sweet friends, as we celebrate the gift of Christ.

Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams