365 Days of Praise
Angels and How to Think Like Them
Are you struggling with how you think? If so, it’s understandable. We are continually bombarded with negative news. Then there are the uninvited thoughts the enemy presents. Would you love, instead, to think like an angel? We can. How? Follow their example. In the midst of all that seemed wrong the night of Jesus’s birth, (crowded city, no rooms, delivering Jesus in a stall) the angels announced the Heavenly Gazette headlines, “Savior Born,” not the Bethlehem Post headlines, “No Rooms.” In other words, the same events happened the night of Jesus’s birth, but they were viewed differently; one from a heavenly perspective and the other from an earthly perspective. I can’t help but think it would put a smile on Jesus’s face if believers thought like angels. God is up to something. We can be sure His motive is holy. Let’s commit to being messengers of the good news that there is a Savior and speak of God’s peace and goodwill demonstrated through Christ.
Blessings, sweet friends, as we choose to think like an angel.
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
The Nativity
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths; and laid Him in a manger. Luke 2:7
The nativity is the centerpiece of Christmas. Here, in a humble manger, the magnitude of God’s love is seen. Christ came into the world not just for the rich, but for all people. As we decorate our homes with nativity scenes, let us be ever mindful of the Christ, who humbled Himself to become man. And not only man, but also babe. And not only babe, but poor for our sake so that we might know the richness of His glory.
Blessings, sweet friends, as we are mindful of Christ’s humility, as we follow His example.
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
No Room for Christ
Blessings, sweet friends, as we make room for Christ at the beginning of each day.CHRISTMAS PEACE
CHRISTMAS PEACE
Debbie Taylor Williams
Christmas is not the tinsel.
Christmas is not the tree.
Christmas is about God’s love,
His love for you and me.
Christmas is about the season
When in each of our lives
We thank God for our Savior
Who gives to us new life.
A baby born of woman, yet God
A God born of man, yet divine
God gave to the earth a Savior
Peace, eternal, divine.
So if you are seeking heaven
Would you look and seize the Truth
God’s gift of Jesus on earth
Is God’s gift of Peace to you!
Blessings, sweet friends, as we set our hearts on Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
CELEBRATE CHRIST
The Real Christmas Story
Blessings, sweet friends, as we share the real Christmas story with family and friends. And, for those of you not feeling the Christmas Spirit and for those of you who are, check out my new Faith Nugget devotional, “Candy Cane.” Print, then staple the poem to candy canes so you have a handy way to share the meaning of Christmas with cashiers, friends, or strangers you pass.
Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas
Dark World, Radiant God
Radiant! You look radiant. Do people say that when they see you? Does the glow on your face cause them to comment? If you said no, neither has anyone said that about me. Guess who that is said about, though? Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 describes Him in this way:
“He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature,…” Hebrews 1:3
The word “radiance” is only used 5 times in the Bible and in each instance refers to God. Commentator Vines defines God’s “radiance” as “shining forth, of a light coming from a luminous body.” Isn’t that exciting? One day we will see Jesus and His radiance. So remember that when things around you are dark, Jesus isn’t. Nothing can extinguish His radiance. One glorious day we’ll join those who are living in God’s radiance. We’ll fall on our knees overwhelmed by what we see. That day is coming when we go to Jesus or when He returns through the clouds. Keep watching and living for Him!
Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus, our hearts are overwhelmed when we think of how we will one day stand in Your radiance. We praise You and look forward to that day!
We Can’t Wait!
“He’s coming with a sleigh and reindeer.” That’s what some parents tell their children about Santa and kids get excited in anticipation of his arrival. But hey, believers! The real gift-giver from above is coming in the clouds and not with a sleigh and reindeer. Rather, Christ will come with the armies of heaven following Him. (Revelation 19:14) Rather than wearing a human made santa suit, Revelation 19:16 describes Christ’s robe and what is written on it:
on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’
Christ’s coming isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a fact. It’s incredible and beyond exciting. As Old Testament believers once looked forward to the day the Messiah would come, believers look forward to the day Jesus will return to earth in glory. How magnificent that will be!
Christ Jesus, LORD OF LORDS, we bow in worship and praise You, King of Kings.
Praise to God, Our SUPPLIER
Do you ever feel empty or drained? What about anxious or uptight? Does mad or angry better describe you? Or sad and melancholy? Whatever our condition, whatever our need, we have a SUPPLIER. Short on perseverance? Ready to give up or cave in? Feel like you’re going to blow a fuse? Don’t know how you’ll ever smile again? Those are temporary feelings that we can have at times. But if we’re a Christian, we have hope. God offers to SUPPLY all our needs according to HIS RICHES in GLORY in CHRIST JESUS. Don’t tightly hold on to any angry or discouraged feelings. Rather, open your heart and hand. Take hold of what you need through God’s SUPPLY of glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being the SUPPLIER of all we need according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus!
“And my God will SUPPLY all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19