On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. — Luke 2:21
The angel gave Him this name long before He was born.
He lived and died and came alive again to save me from sin.
And He lives in heaven, sitting at the right hand of God the Father.
On this New Year's Eve, we thank Him for coming to earth as a baby and dying for us.
Welcome, 2021!
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. — Luke 2:13-14
On Christmas eve we had Kel, Liz, Cameron and Carly over for potato soup.
And they brought the soup!
Our friend James proposed to his girlfriend and they came by on Christmas day to join us for steaks and to show us the ring.
Bob brought the steaks and cooked them for us.
Delicious!
We are blessed with wonderful family and friends.
Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. — Luke 2:19
She treasured up all that the shepherds and angels had shown her.
Then she pondered all these things in her heart.
When I read God's Word, I often forget to ponder it.
But God has some interesting and provocative wisdom for me in His Word.
Open my eyes to Your Word, Lord.
Open my ears to Your will.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. — Luke 2:17-18
They hurried off to tell their friends.
Am I just as excited to share Jesus with my friends?
He has given me everything.
Even dying on a cross to save me from death.
And I will live with him in heaven one day.
What a Savior!
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. — Luke 2:6
They found Mary and Joseph.
And they saw the Baby Jesus lying in a manger.
Because there was no room for the family in the inn.
Today we praise God, too.
And we thank Him for sending Jesus His Son to earth to save us.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." — Luke 2:15
The angels appeared to them to tell them about the birth of Jesus our Savior.
When the angels had left and gone into heaven,
The shepherds asked each other if they should go to Bethlehem to see this thing that has happened.
The shepherds hurried off to Bethlehem.
Once they saw the Baby, they hurried to tell others about the miracle of our Savior's birth.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” — Luke 2:11-12
Today a Savior has been born.
Jesus, the Messiah, our Lord.
The shepherds found Him lying in a manger.
Then they rushed off to tell everyone of the miraculous birth.
Christ is born!
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. — Luke 2:4-5
He obeyed when God told him to take the child and flee to Egypt.
When God spoke to him, he listened and obeyed.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to him, he listened and obeyed.
Help me, Lord, to listen and obey just as Joseph did.
Thank You for sending the best gift of all - your son, our Savior Jesus.
To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. — Luke 1:79-80
The light of Jesus guides our feet.
He leads un into th path of peace.
After all, He is the Prince of Peace,
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father.
To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven. — Luke 1:77-78
It happens through God's tender mercy toward us.
He also gives us the knowledge of salvation
Through His death and resurrection.
Knowing that He is alive again means we, too, can have eternal life.
And some day we will live in heaven with our Lord God.
Amazing.
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him. — Luke 1:76
Yesterday I went for a two-mile walk with friends.
Then I went for a swim.
At noon our church orchestra held a Christmas caroling afternoon down by the harbor.
And our crape myrtle is ready for Christmas, too!
Prepare the way of the Lord.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David — Luke 1:69
He is our salvation.
From the house of David.
Merry Christmas
and happy Winter Solstice.
Our Savior is born!
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. — Luke 1:68
But we miss him each day.
And we are grateful that he was such a huge part of our lives.God has come to His people.
He has redeemed us.
We praise His name,
He is our Lord.
And the God of Israel.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. — Luke 1:51-52
He has done great things for us.
And has lifted up the humble.
Including me.
During this Advent season, we thank Him for sending His Son for us.
Jesus, our Savior.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. — Luke 1:50
He gave us Jesus to be our Savior and our advocate.
God's mercy lasts from generation to generation.
He forgives me over and over.
And He paid the ultimate price by sacrificing His Son for me.
He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. — Luke 1:48
He was aware of my humble state, too.
Even so, He sent Jesus to born of Mary.
And to live and die for me.
This Amaryllis is a reminder of the new life Jesus give us.
Just as the bulb is buried in the soil but bursts with new life each year.
We are blessed.
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." — Luke 1:46-47
But the real message was God sending His only Son to earth.
Born as a baby in Bethlehem.
Come to save us from our sins.
To die and rise again for me personally.
The best gift of all!
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. — Luke 1:49
He blessed her with her son Jesus.
And Jesus was sent to be the Savior of the world.
God has done great things for me, too.
He loves me more than I can fathom.
And He healed me from cancer.
He has blessed me with a wonderful husband in Kirk.
And a thoughtful daughter with Abby.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. — Matthew 1:21
The celebration of lights.
In two weeks we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
He is the Light of the world, our Savior.
The name Jesus means Savior.
He saves us from our sins.
We are blessed!
[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. — Matthew 1:21
Mary was told that she would be His mother.
She was told to name Him Jesus.
And she agreed to obey God's will.
Help me to obey your will today, too, Lord.
Let me be willing to follow you in every area of my life.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem. — Matthew 2:1
King Herod was the ruler at that time.
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem looking for Jesus.
They wanted to find him so they could worship Him.
They knew He was God's son.
An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. — Matthew 1:20
What a strange dream.
The first thing the angel says is that Joseph should not be afraid.
Then Joseph is told to take Mary as his wife, even though she is already expecting.
What a leap of faith!
Yet he obeys God without question.
Dear Lord, help me to obey without question, too.
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:22-23
It was written that a virgin would give birth to a Son.
That son would be named Immanuel, which means God with us.
He came to die for us so that we can live with Him forever in heaven.
The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. — John 10:17
He lay down His life and took it up again.
He came alive again and now lives in heaven.
Saturday I walked Lake Hodges with some friends.
This was the scenery.
What a beautiful day!
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. — Psalm 10:11
This advent season, we celebrate the arrival of our Lord.
We thank God for the birth of His Son, Jesus.
I love to sing carols and read Scripture.
Our (fake) evergreen tree reminds me of the eternal life God gives us through Jesus.
The lights remind me that Jesus is the Light of the world.
We are grateful.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. — Luke 2:20
I don't always do a great job of sharing that news with others.
But God has blessed me and has kept every one of His promises.
After all that I have heard and seen, I too, am a first-hand witness of God's love and mercy.
Help me to praise you Lord, just as the shepherds did long ago.
Herod asked them where the Messiah was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written. — Matthew 2:5
He did not want another king to threaten his kingdom or power.
But he pretended to be interested in the new baby king.
The wise men told him where Jesus would be found.
They had followed the writings of the prophet Isaiah and knew where Jesus would be.
Therefore Jesus said again, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." — John 10:9
He is our Savior and friend.
Whoever enters through Jesus will be saved.
He is our Shepherd.
We are the sheep of His pasture.
The flock in His care.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. — Hebrews 1:1-2
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives. — 2 Peter 3:10-11
The day of Lord will come when we least expect it.
Since we don't know when that will be, God calls us to live holy lives.
He asks us to live as godly men and women.
Prepared at all times to face our God.
The candy cane reminds of the stripes Jesus took for our sake.
The three small ribbons in the candy cane remind us of the Trinity.
The shape remind us of the shepherd's crook or staff.
And the white reminds us of Jesus' purity and holiness.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13
He fills us with joy in His Son, Jesus.
The Lord brings us peace through Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
When I trust in Him, He fills me with joy and peace.
So I can overflow with hope.
And with the power of the Holy Spirit.
This Advent season, we look forward to the Lord's coming.
To the birth of our Lord Jesus.
And Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. — Matthew 1:16
We anticipate the coming Jesus during this time.
Advent means coming.
Jesus was born to Mary and joseph, two ordinary young people.
He is called the Messiah, the Savior of His people.
His lineage shows that people of all nations and people groups are represented in his ancestry.
And he came to save all people.
Including me! Amazing.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. — Psalm 11:4
We remember all He has done for us.
And we give Him thanks.
All the ways He overwhelms us with His goodness.
God is gracious and loving.
He is compassionate and just.
Even though we deserve punishment, He shows us mercy.
He is majestic and worthy of praise.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. — Psalm 111:3
The Lord's deeds are majestic.
His righteousness lasts forever.
God's love reaches to the ends of the earth.
His mercy endures always.
He provides just what we need.
And He blesses us again and again.
His abundance overflows.
And we are blessed with His goodness.
Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. — Psalm 111:2
We delight in them all.
When we think of the heavens, the moon and the stars that God has created, we are amazed.
We stand in awe of Him.
We give thanks.
These are the pies Kirk made for Thanksgiving.
Plus a delicious pumpkin pie not in the picture
His first year to make all of the pies.
They turned out amazing.
Rita would be proud!
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. — Psalm 112:4
Even though we are living in a world of darkness.
Those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous will see God's light.
The light of Christ shining into our world.
We are thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. — Psalm 112:1
Praise the Lord.
We who fear and honor God are blessed.
His commands and laws give us the guidance for the way we should live.
His Son gave His life for us.
Even though we didn't deserve it.
Apple pie reminds me of Fall and Thanskgiving.
It's one of Abby's favorites.
We have much to be thankful for.
Praise the Lord.
The Lord is gracious and righteous our God is full of compassion. — Psalm 116:5
He is Lord over all.
Our God is righteous.
There is none like Him.
He loves me and cares for me,
Providing more than I could ever imagine.
God is full of compassion.
He forgives me of all my sin.
The Lord God is gracious.
What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? — Psalm 116:12
He has blessed me over and over.
In spite of the wrong things I say and do.
He continues to guide and direct me.
To lead me in the path toward Him.
What shall I give Him for all His goodness to me?
He needs nothing.
All He asks is for my obedience.
That I glorify Him with my words and actions.
Help me, Lord, to follow You.
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord— in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the Lord! — Psalm 116:18-19
Whether to the Lord or to anyone else.
But God always keeps His.
In the presence of all His people,
In the courts of the house of the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. — Psalm 116:17
We will sing hymns, pray, and share our thanks to God.
We will give our offerings of money, time, and talents.
Giving thanks to God for His abundant greatness.
Kirk and I will lead the Psalm readings along with our friend Sheri.
We will worship God in the beauty of His holiness.
Gathering together in our church courtyard outside.
Calling on the name of the Lord.
Praising God for His goodness and love.
And for His sacrifice for each of us.
Calling on the name of the Lord.
What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. — Psalm 116:12-13
I have been looking for a new writer to join our team at work.
Today we found our new writer after a six-month search.
Next week we celebrate Thanksgiving.
But we give thanks to God each day.
For giving us salvation and for loving us so much.
We praise the name of the Lord.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Next week we celebrate Thanksgiving.
Even so, we will have a chance to give thanks to God for all the blessings He has given us.
We give thanks each day, praying continually.
In all circumstances we rejoice.
Knowing this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus.
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. — 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Kellie's the one in the maroon t-shirt leading the way.
But toward the end, one of our friends twisted her ankle.
Of course, Kellie had a cold water bottle to put on it and we rested so she could put her leg up.
Then, when it was time to start up again, a couple of friends propped her up between them so she could hobble down the mountain without putting pressure on her ankle.
Finally, Kellie gave her a piggyback ride the rest of the way down.
My friends are always ready to do what is good for each other,
And for everyone else.
I am so thankful for them all!
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. — 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Others have become disruptive.
God calls us to encourage the disheartened.
He charges us to help the weak.
And to go beyond even helping others, by being patient with them,
Not something we can do on our own.
Only with God's help is it possible for us to be patient when we want to lash out and be rude.
Live in peace with each other. — 1 Thessalonians 5:12
Tensions run high and we are quick to argue.
God calls us to be quick to listen.
To live in peace with each other.
To love our enemies.
Almost the opposite of what the world teaches us to do.
Help me, Lord, to follow You.
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. — 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a
She prays for others, tells them about Jesus, and lives to serve Him.
She walks her neighbors dogs.
Here's one she brought on our walk down to the Old Mission Dam.
And she cares for their pets when they are unable to.
I admire and respect her.
She will go in for a scan tomorrow to see if the doctors can find why she is still in so much pain.
I am praying for her healing and for relief from the pain.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
To build up each other.
To love our enemies as well as our friends.
To continue to be advocates for each other.
Our friends brought this wine for us in celebration of my birthday.
How thoughtful.
We are blessed.
God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Thessalonians 5:9
What a wonderful surprise!
Ben and Susan sent them to thank us for hosting the weekly fellowship group at our house.
Their son Matt stopped by to deliver them.
Now they are gracing our table.
God did not appoint us to suffer wrath.
Rather, God appointed us to receive salvation through Jesus.
Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. — 1 Thessalonians 5:8
God calls us to give our lives for Him.
Putting on faith as a breastplate.
Wearing the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Girding ourselves with love.
We belong to the day.
God has called us into the light.
