Devotional

“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 recently written 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 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

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “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 2:1-2

Every morning when I have my quiet time with God, I look out at the black sky.  If it is not too cold or rainy, I walk outside and gaze heavenward praising the Almighty.  I love mornings when the black sky is star studded. Twinkling lights beacon me to worship the One who made the heavens and set the stars in their places.  

Atop Christmas trees and perched on rooftops, the Christmas star is a reminder of the star that guided the wise men to worship the Christ child.  As the wise men followed the star, may we each turn our hearts heavenward and not just admire Jesus, but follow Him.

Blessings, sweet friends.

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

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

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

Blessings, sweet friends, as we make room for Christ at the beginning of each day.

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