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Wonderfilled Week 3
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Again, cozy up by the fire, light the tree, make yourself a warm cup of hot tea, grab a Christmas cookie, your Bible and a pen, and savor a few moments of wonder today ...
Read Luke 2:1-7.
Where were Mary and Joseph living before the birth of Jesus?
Where was Jesus born?
Why were they there?
Read Micah 5:2.
Where was Jesus prophesied to be born?
Isn't God amazing? At the exact time of Jesus' birth, God arranged for a census and everyone had to go to their hometown. Coincidence? I don't think so! God planned and purposed this from the beginning, and He orchestrated every moment.
How have you seen God's sovereign hand at work in your life this past year?
Aren't you thankful He goes before you and plans your way?
One of the names of Jesus is "The Good Shepherd." Part of His character is to lead and guide His people (His flock). Take a moment to read Psalm 23. It paints a beautiful portrait of our Shepherd's love, plan, and care for us.
Read Luke 2:8-14.
I've really never thought about this much, but isn't it interesting that the shepherds received word of Jesus' birth in such an awesome way? And to all accounts, they were the first to know about it. I wonder if God chose to reveal this Good News to the shepherds because He knew His Son would be our Good Shepherd, the One who leads and guides His sheep?
I do know this: The multitude of heavenly hosts would have been a spectacular sight to the eyes and a beautiful sound to the ears. Don't you love the song they sang?
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! (Some translations say, "peace goodwill among men.")
Are you singing that song today, my friend? Glory to God in the highest! Glory to God in the highest!
Take a moment and sing this great carol. Give praise to God for His most wonder-filled gift!
Angels We Have Heard on High
Traditional French Carol, translated to English by James Chadwick, 1862
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav'nly song?
Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.
Merry Christmas, my friend ...
P.S. - How's your Wonder Tree? Are you thinking of all the wonders of God you can add to it?
For further reading this week, take a look back at John's birth in Luke 1:57-80. What joy and praise filled Zechariah?
Jacqueline is the Director of Women's Ministry,
Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church.
Visit her blog for more encouragement.
