The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. — Isaiah 11:1-2

Jesus has come to us from the stump of Jesse.

A branch has grown out of his roots.

During this Christmas season, we thank God for sending Jesus.

The Spirit of the Lord has rested upon Jesus.

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding.

The Spirit of counsel and might.

The Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

As we finish another year, Lord, help me to be filled with your Spirit,

With your wisdom and understanding,

With your knowledge.

Fill me with your Spirit and help me to do your will each day.

We Have Seen a Great Light

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. — Isaiah 9:2

I was walking in the darkness of sin.

But Jesus has provided His light to shine on me.

A great light has shined around us.

His light has broken the darkness of sin.

He has saved me from the power of sin.

Now I walk in His light.

His light now shines through my life.

Remembering Pat

Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. — John 14:1-3

Saturday we went to a memorial service for our friend Pat.

She was the ultimate prayer warrior.

No matter the concern, Pat would be willing to pray.

In fact, she would call people and offer to pray for whatever they needed.

She would also write me notes of thanks to let me know how much she appreciated my singing when I would sing for our church services.

She would pray aloud during the prayer times at our services.

And she would pray whenever a group of us would gather and someone would express a need or concern.

We miss her already.

She showed us the love of Jesus through her own life.

Bless the Lord

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. — Psalm 103:1-2

Here is the beautiful poinsettia that Kirk and Abby got for me this Christmas.

It actually appears to be lots of plants in one pot.

It's huge!

I often forget to bless the Lord.

I do forget His benefits.

Or at least I forget to thank Him for them.

Help, me Lord, to bless you with my entire soul, with all that is within me.

Help me to bless your holy name each day.

Prompt me daily so I do not forget all your benefits.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Call Him Immanuel

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and^[ will call him Immanuel. — Isaiah 7:14

Merry Christmas!

Jesus our Savior is born.

He has come to give us peace on earth.

And to give us eternal life.

Immanuel means "God with us."

Jesus is here with us today.

He is alive.

We are celebrating!

To Us a Son Is Born

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of Jesus.

Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting father,

Prince of Peace.

We had potato soup after the Christmas Eve service, made by Liz. Delicious.

We used my grandmother's tablecloth and the tree that Abby and I made together at our church craft night years ago.

A Savior Has Been Born

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.” 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 2:11-12

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior.

He is Messiah, the Lord.

Jesus is our Savior and came to bring us peace.

Born as a baby in Bethlehem, wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

We will sing as the heavenly host did on that first Christmas, "Glory to God in the highest heaven."

On earth, peace to those of good will.

We celebrate His birthday.