Jesus Has Overcome the World

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

Happy New Year's Eve!

Last night I made gumbo in the new Dutch oven Kirk got me for Christmas.

And bread using the proof baskets Marianna sent me.

I am blessed.

Tonight we'll have two other couples join us for dinner.

To welcome in the new year together.

Praising God for good food, great friends, and wonderful family. 

Praising God for Jesus, who has overcome the world.

The Baby Lying in a Manger

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 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 2:16-18

Our Savior, Jesus, was born in a lowly manger — a feeding trough for cattle.

But the shepherds were so excited to see Him that they ran off to tell their friends.

Everyone who heard about it was amazed.

Dear Lord, help me to keep that amazement at the birth of your Son.

Instill in me the wonder of His birth.

And the awe of His sacrifice.

Thank you.

Christ Has Overcome the World

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33

Jesus came into the world to save us from our own sin.

In this world we have trouble.

But there is no reason to despair.

Christ has overcome the world.

We can rest in Him.

As we head into the new year, we can be assured, that He will guide and direct us.

Spread the Word

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

The shepherds were so excited to get to see Jesus.

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!

Let's Go to Bethlehem

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 shepherds were some of the first people to see baby Jesus.

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.

 

Glorifying and Praising God

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

The shepherds were so excited about seeing the baby Jesus, that they couldn't help but share the good news.

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.