Mary's Journey

HERE IS A MAP of the Holy Family's journey to Bethlehem and back to Nazareth.  It was a great distance to travel with Joseph walking and Mary on a donkey... I just cannot imagine Mary Great with child and then just having had a child traveling this distance under the conditions.  Amazing in itself!

I love vintage Postcards but especially like these that are images of what may have looked like Mary with the blessed Babe, Jesus.

In comparison, the smallest on the left is a prayer card and quite a different picture from the old vintage post cards.

What great Love Mary is showing for this baby in this portrayal, so sweet...

Wishing you all a very happy New Year in 2011 and of course good health with many blessings.  Take a little time each day to read scripture to learn as much as you can about our Lord.  It will fill your heart to overflowing with love, charity and peacefulness.

Thank you for visiting and do come back again soon.  See you in the New Year...
♥KERRIE♥

My heart to yours....

LUKE 2:41-52

Review of Luke: 39,40

And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.  And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Luke: 2:41-52  Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.  And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.  His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.  After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.  And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so?  Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."  And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me?  Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"  And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.  And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

  Right from the day of his birth, Mary did not understand all that was happening because God did not reveal all to her all at once.  As each thing happened, the Bible tells us that Mary "kept all this in her heart".  And though she did not understand at the time, she would comprehend later on in God's timing.  And that is how it is with all of us.  We do not understand all of how God is working in our lives.  But we will understand when God in his own wisdom and timing makes it clear to us.  Sometimes, what we may think is not a blessing is really a blessing in disguise and we will see how it all fits together in the end.

  Sometimes, when the holiday is over, we feel let down, depressed.  Mary must have felt that when she has spent seven days at the feast of Passover with neighbors and kin and then discovers that her son is not among them on the trip back home!  And then to find him both in joy but also admonishing him for his behavior.  Mary and Joseph did not understand his reason that he was in his "Father's House" but she kept it in her heart.  Keep God's word in your heart and accept what his will is for you.  Accepting will take away the stress you feel and fill you with happiness in Him.

  From this time forward (when Jesus left the temple with his parents), there is hardly any mention of Jesus' life until he meets John the Baptist.  It would be wonderful if we knew more but it is not recorded.  We are thankful for all that was recorded about the Savior and "hold it in our hearts".



TWAS THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS...

ISAIAH 30:19-21
  "Yea, O people in Zion who dwell at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more.  He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you.  And though the Lord give you bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher.  And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it', when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (I underlined to emphasize) Isaiah is talking about Christ's coming.
"This word shall come from behind you, from someone who you do not see, but who sees you.  Your eyes see your teachers; but this is a teacher out of sight, it is your own conscience, which shall now by the grace of God be awakened to do its work."
  We cannot celebrate Christ on just this one day!  We need to celebrate Christ every day.  If we keep him in our heart and mind, he will be an everlasting presence, giving us comfort and solace.  We need only ask for help from Him.  Not like the people of Isaiah's time who looked to their neighbors for help one against another instead of looking UP^ for help.
  "How gracious he will be when you cry for help, when you cry in your necessity, when that is most fervent.  As soon as he hears, there needs no more; at the first word he will answer you and say, Here I am."

TWAS THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS...
              ©Kerrie O'Hearn Marquart

Twas the Day after Christmas and all through the house,
  The Spirit of Christmas still lingered for me and my spouse.
The peace of our Lord's birth still filled our hearts
  Filling us up with love in our innermost parts.

Lord, let us keep the Spirit of your birth all year through
  Whenever we're happy, whenever we are blue.
For You are with us through all of these things
  And we treasure our faith in you and the warmth it brings.

You did not come today to be gone tomorrow.
You lived among us, died for us, rose for us.
You are here right now and will be
In ALL our tomorrows!
                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

♥KERRIE♥
My Christian Heart to yours...

THIS SAYS IT ALL....

I cannot fathom being there

when Word was made Flesh,

I would have to stare

At the blessed Babe in Mary's embrace

Looking into that beautiful face

The face of Jesus, our Savior!

My heart is so full of love for Him

It spills out over the brim

To share with all the the blessed news

That for us he would someday pay the dues,

So that "we" could live forever!

Thank you Jesus with all my heart

For touching our lives in every part,

For comforting us whenever we fall down

For turning around our silly frown

And filling us with your love.

by ©Kerrie O'Hearn Marquart 2010

Lord I pray that you would lay your healing hand upon _____________(insert your loved one here)and restore them to health.  We pray for all of the cancer victims and survivors as we know you can heal anyone, anywhere, any time.  We thank you for holding our loved ones in the palm of your great hand for when they are in your hands, we need not be stressed for their well being.  Thank you for the gift of Jesus the Son.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

♥Kerrie♥

The Birth of our Lord Jesus

Quoted from the NIV Matthew Henry Commentary 1992, Zondervan Publishers

Luke: Chapter 2

   "The fullness of time had come when God would send forth his Son, and it was foretold that he would be born in Bethlehem.  Now here we have an account of the time, place and manner of it.

I. He was born at the time when the fourth monarchy was in its height.  He was born in the days of Caesar Augustus, when the Roman empire extended further than ever before or since, including Parthia one way, and Britain another way; so that it was tehn Terrarum orbis imperium-The empire of the whole earth.

2.  He was born when Judea had become a province of the empire, and taxed by it; as appears this, that when all the Roman empire was taxed, the Jews were taxed among the rest.  Jerusalem was taken by Pompey, the Roman General.  This was the first taxing that was made in Judea, the first badge of their servitude.

3:2 The place where our Lord Jesus was born is very well worth observing.   He was born in Bethlehem; so it was foretold (Mic. 5.2), the scribes so understood it (Matt. 2.5,6), so did the common people, John 7:42. The name of the place was significant.  Bethlehem means, the house of bread; a proper place for him to be born in who is the Bread of life, the Bread that came down from heaven."
  Every detail of Christ's birth was divinely planned, divinely executed.  "The truths of Christ are worth keeping; and the way to keep them safe is by pondering them.  Meditation is the best help to memory."
  The birth of Jesus could be nothing less than a miracle.  Thanking you Lord for such a wonderful gift that lasts for eternity!

  This is my favorite artwork of Mary with infant Jesus.  I see so much in her face and their clothing suggests the little they had.  She is trusting God to take care of her precious son.  The Babe is the Word made flesh and so is humanly sleeping....  Mary is trusting yet there is sadness in her eyes. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  Take time to pray and meditate on the babe that changed the world!  He still lives with us today, we need only reach out to find him.

♥KERRIE♥
My heart to yours...
Come again soon and

HOLY FUN!

TODAY IS JUST FOR FUN FOR YOU!  I FOUND THIS VIDEO AND ADORED IT!  JUST HAD TO SHARE WITH YOU.  I hope you have as much enjoyment as I did watching it!  God Bless! Hugs from me to thee! Kerrie

Luke 2:36-39

Luke 2:36-39

Anna Prophetissa by Cael de Mallery, Antwerp 1566-1628

Anna is the first prophetess mentioned in the New Testament.

Luke 2:36-39  "And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity and as a widow till she was eighty-four.  She did not depart from the temple, worshiping and fasting and prayer night and day.  And coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for redemption of Jerusalem.  (Read more about this at website:  http://ncvolunteer.wordpress.com/2008/04/17/anna-the-prophetess ) "What kept Anna from going back to her family and home after the death of her husband.  How did she happen to be there when Jesus the Babe was brought to the temple?  Great reading!

What great strength this woman showed!  Can you imagine losing your husband after only 7 yrs of marriage and then remaining in Jerusalem for the rest of your life because you are waiting for that which was prophesied to be fulfilled?  Amazing!  God is always working in so many lives at once!

Luke 2:39 "And when they had performed according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

Enjoy your Christmas week and remember to light the last Advent candle in white that represents Jesus.  Take time out to meditate on the birth and the joy that it brought as well as sorrow. 

Loneliness:  And remember during this season of joy to share with those that are alone, who have no family left on earth nor anyone to bring them a gift...  Visit a nursing home, or someone who is house bound.  A tin of cookies, even those from a store may really cheer someone's life.  Or buy some ornaments in the $ store and wrap them.  A very little thing can make a huge impact on someone who is lonely.  You will remember their smile the rest of your life and it will be their gift to you.

My husband and I used to do this in the 90's at a campground.  When we realized all the lonely people who would be on a campground for Christmas with no family or gifts, it touched our hearts.  It started out small and the last year we did this, we gave 87 handmade and $ store gifts with a candy cane.  As more and more people were present at Christmas time, we could no longer afford to do this in great numbers but we still surprise neighbors by putting a poinsettia on their porch or a gift of cookies, etc.

Thank you for joining us here and we hope you will come again and often!

♥KERRIE♥

My heart to yours...

LUKE 2:21-35

Be sure to visit Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm for a wonderful message!!  The Link is in the sidebar at your right :-)            

Continuing the Study of what happened to the Holy Family

after Jesus' Birth:  Luke 2:21



SIMEON AND WIFE



Luke 2:21And at the end of eight days when he was to be circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the Angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Luke: 2:22-35  And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord(as it was written in the law of Moses, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."  Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  and it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory to thy people Israel."  And his father and mother marveled at what was said about him: and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."

  It is so hard for us to grasp the significance of what Jesus' birth meant to the people of Israel.  They were waiting and hoping for the Savior and now it was revealed to them that this babe was THE ONE!  How exciting it was and yet fearful at at the same time for the parents of the holy child.  They were taking it all in and realizing that their child was the chosen ONE.  And that along with the joy would come sorrow. 

  Let us rejoice in the Savior's birth for we already know the outcome of his blessed life here on earth and how we were forever changed by this glorious event!!  Thank you Lord for this wonderful gift of Jesus!

    My hubby is off of chemo for Christmas week-Hurray!  May you all be blessed in this holy season of joy and thanksgiving.  Come back soon for more of the Presentation in the Temple and the story of the prophetess, Anna.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours,

♥ Bill and Kerrie

AN ANGEL APPEARS TO JOSEPH...

NOW WHEN THE MAGI LEFT MARY AND JOSEPH WITH BABY JESUS,
MATT2:13 Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."  And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.  This was to fulfil the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."  Then Herod when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.  Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah.
The following is from source: http://www.makingchristknown.com/

"When the angel appeared the second time warning Joseph of Herod's wrath, he did not hesitate. He took his wife and child to Egypt to save Jesus even though he was not the biological father. Although Scripture doesn't give exact dates, it is thought that they lived in Egypt for between one month up to one year.

Joseph had to leave his home for up to one year. He most likely had to learn a new language, get some sort of job to support his family and risk all three being killed if discovered by Herod. In other words, Joseph was a man on the run; a fugitive."

  Can we even imagine how it would be not to be able to go back to our own home with our new Baby but have to flee in fear to a foreign country where you do not speak the language?  But Joseph was so obedient to God that they did not hesitate to trust and obey.  The Angel who appears in Joseph's dreams is a very large part of his life and how he was guided by God.  Do we have that kind of trust?  I pray so.

A Vintage Christmas Greeting Card.
♥KERRIE♥
My heart to yours...                 Thanks for visiting, may you be blessed and come back
                                               Soon!

GIFTS OF THE MAGI...

Matthew 2:3-12  "When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the christ was to be born.  They told him. 'In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: "and you O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'"
   Then Herod summoned the wisemen secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, :Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him."  When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was.    When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.  Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way."
   The king would have wished the baby Jesus harm and so they were warned in a dream not to report to Herod.  God is so good!  He reveals many things through dreams.  Have you ever had anything revealed through a dream? 
   Some meanings for you:
Frankincense:  A fragrant gum resin imported into Palestine from Arabia.
Myrrh: A general term for fragrant gums or resins from various trees and shrubs, most frequently the rockrose, the ladanum.   It was an article of commerce as early as the 2nd millennium B.C.  (Source:  Holy Bible with Helps, The Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible revised Standard Version.

Please Note that the following is quoted from Why Christmas by James Cooper 2010 and his link is at the end of this post.
"Legends are told about the wisemen and they have been given names. This is how they are often described:

• Gaspar, who has brown hair and a brown beard (or no beard!) and wears a green cloak and a gold crown with green jewels on it. He is the King of Sheba. Gaspar represents the Frankincense brought to Jesus.
• Melchior, who has long white hair and a white beard and wears a gold cloak. He is the King of Arabia. Melchior represents the Gold brought to Jesus.
• Balthazar,who has black skin and a black beard (or no beard!) and wears a purple cloak. He is the King of Tarse and Egypt. Balthazar represents the gift of Myrrh that was brought to Jesus.
• They were definitely men of learning. They were certainly men of great learning. The word Magi comes from the greek word 'magos' (where the english word 'magic' comes from). Magos itself comes from the old persian word 'Magupati'. This was the title given to priests in a sect of the ancient persian religions such as Zoroastrianism. Today we'd called them astrologers. Back then astronomy and astrology were part of the same overall studies (and 'science') and went hand in hand with each other. The magi would have followed the patterns of the stars religiously. They would have also probably been very rich and held high esteem in their own society and by people who weren't from their country or religion. "
• (Source: James Cooper 2010 author of http://www.whychristmas.com/ )  Thanking James Cooper for all this great information!

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST....

  We were learning about the Shepherd's awe when they were told by the Angel of the Lord about Christ's birth.  And after the angel told them where they would find this babe in swaddling clothes, there was with the angel a magnitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"

   When the Angel went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made know to us."  And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the Babe lying in a manger.  And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherd told them. 

But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.  Luke 2:15-20

   Once again they were awed by all that happened and the great gift that had been given to them by God, that they were enlightened so that they might witness the birth of our Lord!  Amazing!  Can you just imagine how full their hearts must have been.  They could not wait to share the news of all that had happened and how they were guided to the blessed babe's birthplace.  I can just imagine thier faces glowing with the light of the Lord!  And when they sold their sheep at market, they spread the word of all that they had seen.

  This is what Christmas is all about.  The presents are nice and Santa is fun but the real meaning of Christmas is about the night our Savior was born, God's greatest gift to mankind in a lowly manger brought forth by ordinary parents in the sense that they were not rich, nor did they live in a palace and yet God chose the exact ones to rear his precious son.  And Kings did hear about the birth....

  The Wisemen next...

  

Thank you for visiting and come again soon!  May the Lord hold you in the palm of his great hand until we meet again.

        ♥KERRIE♥

         My heart to yours...

Today a lovely lady passed...

A dear friend, Mary Emily Jackson passed this morning and heaven has a new Southern Angel.  Mary Emily was the most precious gentile, Southern lady I have ever met.  She and her husband started a campground in 1970 and it grew to be one of the largest and most popular in Myrtle Beach, SC.  My husband and I were privileged to know her and we will miss her very much.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there...I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry-
I am not there...I did not die...
      ~An Irish Prayer

This is the only picture I had readily available because it is in my living room on the book shelf.  It was taken when the Jackson's presented my hubby with a plaque.  Mary Emily has her sweet smile, as always.

Mary Emily's favorite Hymn was "How Great Thou Art" and I have added a rendition to the side bar in her honor.

SHEPHERDS

Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he looks after his sheep, one and all.  We are all part of the flock when we follow Jesus and like a good Shepherd, he finds us when we are lost, he carries us when we cannot walk, he tends to our every need.  He leads in in green pastures where we can be nurished and nurtured.  Follow the shepherd for he leads us in paths of righteousness.

Luke 2:8-14
"And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.  And the Angel said to them, "be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you:  you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"

Just imagine these shepherds who are watching and guarding their sheep so no harm will come to them during the night, when suddenly an Angel sent from God appears to them and brings them the good news of the birth of the Savior!  They were frightened at first but they are comforted by the Angel.  The holy One that they have been waiting for, that was prophesied, is actually born!  How excited they must have been!  I can only imagine how their hearts were pounding!

Thank you Lord for the Christmas story of our Savior so that we might realize the magnitude of the event but how even the lowly shepherds were brought the good news!  The first shall be last and the last shall be first. 



During this season of joy, read the Bible account of events leading up to, during and after the birth of Christ.  Try to imagine you are there to see it all and witness the event.  How would you describe it?  In studying, your heart will grow fuller and fuller with the joy that is felt within.  Come back tomorrow for more...

♫♫Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky look down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.♫♫

♥KERRIE♥
My heart to yours...

The Flurry of Christmas Preparation...



A Felt Ornament my Mom Made Many Years Ago...

 Good morning dear hearts!  It is 28 degrees here in SC at 10:35.  No snow, though.  Back in our hometown in NYS, they are having plenty of snow!  Warm snuggies to all of you who are experiencing snow...

   In the hustle and bustle of commercial Christmas, it is hard to keep our focus on the true meaning, the birth of our Lord, Jesus.  Take a little time out every day to focus and read Luke Chapter 2. We learn about the incredible journey to Bethlehem and the birth of our Savior in a manger.  It only takes a few minutes and is so meaningful.  I like to picture myself as the little mouse in the corner who sees all.  There are no words to describe the event, that are worthy enough.

LUKE 2: 1-7 "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.  This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary his betrothed, who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.  And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn."

Just imagine having to make this journey - great with child, riding on a Donkey!  And to give birth to your child in a stable for animals and having to lay your child in a manger (a bin where hey is placed for animals to eat).  Our precious Jesus, God's son had very humble beginnings.  Why was he not born in a Palace??  Ponder that one and think on why God chose this for Him. 

God can use any place and any person for his instrument.  It matters not how rich or how poor you are.  You have a huge place in God's heart.  And all you need to do is invite Him into your heart to know perfect Joy!

Original Poetry:

That's Christmas!
©Kerrie O'Hearn Marquart

There is Joy in the air, That's Christmas!
There are smiles everywhere, That's Christmas!
  There are Carols being sung, That's Christmas!
There is holly to be hung, That's Christmas!
  There's a Babe whose Birthday has almost come!
   Baby Jesus, the Holy One!
THAT's Christmas!

May the Lord give you peace at this special time of year, May he take the stress of Christmas time and replace it with the Joy of anticipating the birthday of His Son.  Wishing you great blessings as the light of love fills your hearts with the true meaning of Christmas!

♥KERRIE♥

My heart to yours...

David Archuleta - What Child Is This - Christmas From the Heart

Genealogy of Jesus and an Old Irish Blessing

"Bless this house, O Lord we pray.
Make it safe by night and day.
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out.
Bless the roof and chimney tall,
Let thy peace lie over all.

Bless the doors that they may prove
Ever open to joy and love.
Bless the windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heavenly light.
Bless the hearth a-blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer.

Bless the people here within...
Keep them pure and free from sin.
Bless us all, that one day, we
May be fit, O lord to dwell with thee."
(Old Irish Blessing)


AVintage French Prayer card.

 I love vintage cards of any type but especially religious ones. 

Do not forget to light the 2nd Advent candle Sunday.  The birth of our Lord celebration is getting very close!

The Geneology of Jesus

Matthew had given us some of this but he goes no farther back than Abraham.  But Luke brings it as far back as Adam.  Matthew intended to show that Christ was the son of Abraham, in whom all the families of the earth are blessed.  And that he was heir to the throne of David.
  Therefore he begins with Abraham and brings the genealogy down to Jacob, who was the father of Joseph, a male heir of the house of David: But Luke, intending to show that Christ was the offspring of the woman, who should crush the serpent's head, traces his ancestry back to Adam, and begins it with Heli who was not the father of Joseph but of the Virgin Mary.  Matthew draws the ancestry from Solomon, whose natural line ended with Jeconiah.  The legal right was transferred to Shealtiel, who was of the house of Nathan, another son of David, which line Luke pursues and so leaves out all the kings of Judah.
  The genealogy concludes with this, who was the son of Adam, the son of God.  He was both the Son of Adam and the Son of God, that he might be a proper Mediator between God and the sons of Adam.  And might bring the sons of Adam to be, through him, the sons of God.

Luke Chapter 3:21 - 38
Source: The NIV Matthew Henry Commentary, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, ( Reference ) An invaluable tool for Bible studies

 God is fail-safe!  When one thing does not work because of the sinfulness of man, He always has another plan to rely on.  God never leaves us without his love.  When we pray for guidance we will find it.  But we must listen with our whole heart, mind and body.  His voice may be a whisper set free upon a gentle breeze, or a little trill in the throat of a bird.  "Be still and know that I am God."  For when you are weak in "self" that is when you are Strong in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 12:27

Paul is teaching about Spiritual Gifts:

27: "Here is what I am trying to say: all of you together are the one body of Christ and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. 28: Here is a list of some of the parts he has placed in his church, which is his body:

First, apostles

Second, prophets,

Third, teachers,

Then, those who do miracles,

Those who have the gift of healing,

Those who can help others,

Those who can get others to work together easily,

Those who speak in different kinds of tongues."*

Do we all have All of these gifts??  of course not!  But we all have at least one of these gifts and all we need do is utilize what God has given us, function the very best way we can when using these gifts and be a part of the Greater whole, the Church of which many people with different gifts cooperate together for the good of all.

*quoted from the BOOK (a wonderful resource for understanding the Bible in Layman terminology!)

14:4 Quoting from The Holy Bible Revised Standard Version

Paul is still preaching about gifts and I really like these statements that he makes:

"He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the whole church.  Now I want you all to speak in tongues but even more to prophesy.  He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the Church may be edified."

   I have only encountered someone speaking in tongues twice in my lifetime at church and neither time did anyone interpret.  So it was not valid.  These people were only drawing attention to themselves and not edifying the church at all.  It was a disruptive jesture with most thinking the person had "lost it", or was "crazy".  I do believe the gift exists but in the Bible is says in Secret.

14:18 Paul continues: "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all; neverthelesss, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue."

14:22-25 "Thus, tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers.  If, therefore, the whole church asembles and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?  But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you."

   This I have witnessed.  When we first moved to SC we went to a Revival Service at a large local church.  The service was very invigorating, the Pastor very sincere and you could just feel the spirit all around... When the invitation was given, I was in awe of these teen football players suddenly rose and walked down the aisle.  It was truly a blessing.  I have carried the feeling in my heart ever since.

   Continue to edify the Church as a whole and not yourself.  We should be very humble before the Lord, very thankful for any gifts he bestows whether anyone knows about them or not.  It will shine from your very face and eyes when you believe and are full of love for the Lord.

   Thank you for visiting today, I hope you learned something about the gifts.  Tell me about your experiences, I would love to share them.  And if there is a specific question you would like to ask, I will do my best to answer your request.

    May the Lord Bless your going out and your coming in.....

Come back again soon!
♥KERRIE♥
My heart to yours...