Christmas
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
Over the next few weeks, as we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth, I invite you to join me in “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” based on my devotional book by that name.
Blessings, sweet friends, as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s Mass.
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.
One Day Everyone Will Bow Before Jesus
The wise men worshipped Jesus. The Jews and Romans whipped Jesus.
The wise men gave Jesus gifts. The Jews and Romans gave Jesus the cross.
The wise men celebrated Jesus’s birth. The Jews and Romans celebrated Jesus’s death.
Not all kings are recognized as kings. Such was the case with Jesus when He walked on earth. Such is still the case with those who refuse to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. But one day all people will bow before the KING OF THE JEWS.
Where is He who has been born KING of the JEWS? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2
Lord Jesus, KING OF THE JEWS and our King, we bow before You in praise and worship You. Reign in our lives in such a way that others see Your influence in us.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, sweet friends. I hope your day is filled with the joy that only our sweet Savior can bring. Love, Debbie
It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.1
3 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.