These past few weeks have been quite exhausting dragging out decorations from all sorts of places that I never thought they would be. Putting up festive lights, creating fun budget friendly displays, sprucing up the house and scheduling in all the things we want to see or do this Christmas season were added to the daily list of "musts" that already packed our days. You would think I would know better and not fall into the same old trap year after year.
No matter how organized I am or much I want to cut back, it seems other things creep into the "main event" leaving little time for the spiritual life I want to live or reflect. Do you find that to be true in your world as well?
I am well aware of how getting ready for the holidays can cause a person's temper to ignite from all the activities, and no one wants to be around when that happens. There is a good remedy for preventing seasonal stress, overload or burn-out, and that is keeping a flame burning bright for the Savior ... the real reason for the Christmas celebration.
Our Heavenly Father is ready to put His favor on us so that we don't end up "burning the holiday candle" on both ends so to speak, but we have to put our focus back on God and others before He can.
Whatever plans we make, the Light of God needs to be burning so bright from us, that our testimony does not get ripped apart with all the gift wrapping when things get a little out of control! That will take Holy Spirit focused living and God's Daily Favor in order to be achieved!
Lesson Learned
Several years ago, I learned a valuable lesson on real seasonal 'burn-out", when God turned a bad decision to shop on a holiday into something quite wonderful. He also knew that the information I gained from my brief encounter with "Scott" would serve me well when a situation I was confronted with in 2021 became a reality in my own neighborhood.
Thankfully, the "least of these" lesson recorded in Matthew 25:40 was engrafted into my heart. Being led by the Holy Spirit, I responded without hesitation and did not miss what I had in the past.
This holiday season prayerfully seek the Lord as to what you can do for others in your community as well as your loved ones. Read more about my encounter with Scott and what you can do to reflect the Season of Light, which is Christmas, in my teaching "Start A Soul Fire."
"... and the King will answer and say to them, Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you did it unto Me." (from Matthew 25: 31-44 NLT) Read what the people did that caused them to be blessed (shown favor) by God.
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
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“You’ve got to be kidding! Seriously?” That was the response I gave my husband when
he went to plug in the Christmas lights along the alley fence.
We were decorating for the path of lights
people would take enroute to the Christmas parade when he discovered something
horrible had happened.
I had just finished adding more lights to our display
making sure they were not actually strung along the top of the fence.No … placing them where they should literally
go would be a problem for our neighbor’s cats who climb it into our yard to
terrorize the birds while drinking from the bird bath!
Like good citizens to the pet community, we made sure the
decorative items are safe for our furry visitors when hooking up the
lights.That’s about the time we discovered
God’s angels continually watching over us.
I had finished putting the last strand of colored lights
in place to please my eight-year-old neighbor; all that needed to be done was
plug them in and stand back to watch the display come to life. The “oooh-ahhh” moment was about to happen!
Hubby lifted the outside cover on the electrical box and
to his surprise it was black … charred actually, melted with a big hole right
through the center!Obviously, there was
evidence of an electrical fire in a brand-new outlet that had never been used.
Quickly he ran inside the shed to turn off the breaker.Returning to the outlet he began to dismantle
it to assess the damage when it arced and a big spark landed in the side of his
shoe burning his ankle.This time I ran
inside to shut down the main breaker making sure all power was cut off at the
source.
Praying Psalm 91
There was nothing else to do except call for help. We were blessed to get hold of an electrician
who happened to be a Christian. He would
come on his way home from work that evening.
“Wow, this is really bad!”Mike said as he took out the receptacle from
the box.He looked at my husband and
handed him the burnt outlet showing what had happened.
In his line of work, Mike confessed that he had seen
other outlets that didn’t trip all the way.They usually just kept humming, but nothing like this, especially with
no load plugged into the circuit.
As he finished removing the destroyed box, in amazement he
declared, “The Lord was watching over you folks in all of this.It will make quite a testimony!”He was right.
Making sure the area was safe, the electrician arranged
to return in two days to fix the problem.Having witnessed the evidence I knew that God’s protective shield was
visible for all to see.Our daily Psalm
91 prayers for His favor over us had clearly been at work.
“He
who dwells (lives) in the secret (sheltering) place of the Most High, shall
abide (find rest) under the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the LORD (declaring), He
(alone) is my refuge and my fortress (place of safety); My God, in Him I will
trust.
Surely,
He shall deliver (rescue) you from the snare (trap) of the fowler and (protect
you) from the perilous pestilence (deadly disease).He shall cover you with His feathers, and
under His wings (of shelter) you shall take refuge; His (faithful promises of)
truth shall be your shield and buckler (armor of protection).
You
shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
nor of the pestilence that walks (stalks) in darkness, nor of the destruction
that lays waste (disaster that strikes) at noonday.
A
thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it
(these evils) shall not come near (or touch) you.
Only
with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked (and their
punishment). Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most
High (God), your dwelling place.
No
evil shall befall (or conquer) you, nor shall any plague come near your (home
of) dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge (orders) over you, to keep
(and protect) you in all your ways (wherever you go).
The
LORD says, I will rescue (and deliver) those who love Me.I will protect those who trust in My
name.He shall call upon Me, and I will
answer him.I will be with him in
trouble; I will deliver (rescue) him and honor him.” (from Psalm 91:1-11,14-15
NKJV & NLT)
Double Blessings at Christmas
When we compared the good outlet with the bad one, it was
easy to see how God stayed the work of the enemy by extinguishing that fire.There was no way we could credit this act of
favor to anyone else but God alone.He
truly encamped around us with His mighty acts of grace and mercy.
“The
angel of the LORD encamps (guards) all around (sets up a circle of protection)
those who fear Him (honor the LORD), and delivers them (from danger).” (Psalm
34:7 NKJV)
“The
LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures
forever.Do not forsake the works of
Your hands.” (Psalm 138:8 NKJV)
“In
Your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul
(life); for I am Your servant.” (Psalm 143:12 NKJV)
After the work was finished on Wednesday, my husband
asked for the bill.Smiling Mike kindly
replied, “No, charge. Our gift to you in this Christmas season. God bless
you.”
Through this experience God had shown us favor in
protection.Mike’s company showed us
favor by not charging for the repairs or materials, doubling the blessing.
Celebrating Salvation Has Come
We don’t know when the fire happened, but know that it
wasn’t of God.The enemy satan, tried to
prevent the lights from working so no one would be drawn to that part of the
parade route.Darkness doesn’t attract anything
or anyone, and the devil knows that people would naturally turn down a lighted
path to their destination.
In the end, the Christmas lights could be seen from
several streets away giving us opportunity to share the message of salvation
through “kid” friendly gift packs.Visitors would come to see the festive lights and witness the joy of
Jesus sign before, during and long after the parade passed by our little dwelling.
As you plan for the holiday season, make sure that Jesus
is the center and reason for your celebration.Create an environment around your place that will draw others to Jesus, the
true Light and meaning of Christmas – the celebration that salvation has come to all.
“…
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.For there is born to you this day in the city
of David a Savior,
who
is Christ the Lord (who will save people from their sin).”
(from
Luke 2:10-11 NKJV emphasis mine)
Believe in the Lord.He is truly the only refuge that can be trusted.When God is the center of your life and plans,
He will make sure a hedge of protection through His shield of favor is present
for all to witness.
“For
You, O LORD, will bless the righteous;
With favor
You will surround him (them) as with a shield.”
(Psalm
5:12 NKJV)
Path of Lights to God’s Favor
The Lord is my refuge, strength, tower and hope.I securely stand firm that He is my shield
and deliverer who covers me with His unfailing love.He is my hiding place in whom I place my trust.
This Christmas as I testify of God’s faithfulness and
goodness, it is my prayer that no matter what you are experiencing in this
world, the Light of Jesus overcomes any darkness and leads you to His unmerited
favor.
May God grant you:
The light in Christmas
to light your path, which is faith.
Maybe you don’t know the
Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life
also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the
Savior.
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Before the Parade Passes By, Protection
At 2 a.m. I was still awake. Sitting up in bed I began my nightly conversation
with the Lord replaying the day’s activities.
“What in the world did I do today? I was busy the entire day, and all I have to
show for it is decorating a little in the living room?”
Continuing to brow beat myself the Lord had me mentally
walk through the day.Practically
falling asleep from exhaustion this took a while.Seriously, I just finished putting the linens
away after the final laundry washing and pretty much couldn’t think past the
last hour!
When I went through the list, there were dozens and
dozens of tasks completed that no one would ever notice or realize needed to be
done but me. Most things only took a few
minutes, while others (like working with the rescue cats) took hours from start
to finish. In between larger tasks came
those small “must do’s” as the day progressed.
Looking back on my day, I recall feeling pretty good and singing
carols while hauling stuff from one place to another.
Even when the washer overflowed, instead of
thinking “what a mess” I jokingly said to hubby as he swept the three inches of
water out the back door, “Washed laundry room floor – check!” (As if it was another thing marked off my to
do list!)
The devil was trying to make me feel bad about taking
time to do the things that are temporal and for the most part, don’t really
matter eternally. With office work done,
I had to keep in mind that the things I was doing were for the family and
community, which in God’s eyes, are important.
Having a guilt trip over the events of the day was purely
from the enemy. My soul was at ease no
matter what it looked like to others, knowing I had already committed my works
to the Lord at the beginning of the day asking Him for guidance, favor and
direction concerning the path I should take in everything I did.
“All the ways of a man are
clean and innocent in his own eyes (and he may see nothing wrong with his
actions), but the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents of the heart
and knows the truth.
Commit your works to the Lord
(submit and trust them to Him),
and your plans will succeed (if
you respond to His will and guidance).”
Proverbs 16:3-4 AMP
Neighbor Watch
Reviewing what we accomplished opened my eyes, revealing what
appear to be facts isn’t necessarily the entire truth. So many things take place in our lives that
others will never see, yet they are vital for everything coming together in the
end.
It’s the same with God working a situation out for our
good. We don’t see all that He is doing
to make things “happen”, but sure enough, He’s at work.
Let me give you an example of God working in our favor if
we obey and commit our life to Him even when we don’t realize it.
Several years ago, a local department store was having an
after Christmas sale. Nothing unusual
except this time holiday lights were marked down 75% - 90%, which NEVER
happens! We didn’t really need any more
lights at that time, but I was thinking “maybe down the road” right?
They were going like hot cakes with one man loading his
cart with most of the type lights we use.
Grabbing the remaining boxes, we were happy with our purchase of less
than $1.00 a package.
Fast forward to 2020 the week of Thanksgiving. In early fall we put up Christmas lights in
our front yard but don’t turn them on until Thanksgiving night. Our new eight-year old neighbor watched along
with his four-year old sister as we tested them making sure all lights we working
correctly.
Adding his insightful opinion on our all white display,
he rode his bike up the driveway and stopped halfway. Looking at our accomplishment he only said
four little words, “Needs a little color!”
My husband and I couldn’t help laughing, but you know … he was right and
that led me into action.
Before the Parade Passes By
For years I’ve wanted to put lights up in our back yard, but
it never happened even with the new lights sitting in a box on the porch. Time was usually the issue, but not this year
because of COVID restraints!
God said that when we commit our plans to Him, He will
always work things out for our good and His glory (despite what the devil is
trying to stop). Well, you know that day
when I was feeling guilty about not getting anything done for Christ, we were
putting up colored lights in the back yard for the community and neighbors to
see when they passed by the street.
There’s a good reason behind this other than being
festive. Due to the gathering boundary restrictions,
the city Christmas parade route has been changed to spread the crowd out farther
passing by the back of where we live! So,
before the parade passes by, the lights have to be in place.
With attention being driven to the colored lights and
displays, people will see the Jesus signs and we’ll be able to give out gospel
packets practically without leaving our home!
When those lights where on sale we didn’t know how they would be used,
but God knew and he gave a little boy the bright idea!
When God Establishes Your Work
There is a passage in Psalms that like Moses, I pray this
over our family daily in asking for God’s will and blessings over our
activities.
“Let Your work appear to Your
servants, and Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our
God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm
90:16-17 NKJV)
No matter what I do (or want to do) I want it to be God’s
will and have His blessing on the project.
If He isn’t a part of what the plan is or have His hand on mine to guide
me, I don’t want to do it, because it won’t amount to anything. Without His blessings there isn’t any favor
on my efforts, which means it was all for nothing and a big waste of time. How uneventful and depressing would that be?
When we bring our ideas to the Lord and He gives us the
go ahead, God makes sure that the work is “established”. He causes it to happen, because it has
lasting or “eternal” value to Him, which brings Him glory.
Other translations transcribe the Hebrew word “beauty” as
God’s gracious favor, confirming the work and endeavors of our hands to prosper
or succeed securely.
The Bible explains that the work of our hands is
important and God will cause our efforts to succeed if they line up with His
Word and Will.They will also fail if all
we want to do is selfish and for our own desires.
“The hand of
the diligent will rule (lead or become a leader), but the lazy man will
be put to forced labor.” (Proverbs 12:24 NKJV)
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “we
are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” That sale on lights was the “before” part which
God prepared for this year! In putting them
up, we were “walking” in His good work …which also happened to be fun!
When you let God into your life and plans, He establishes
your work through favor and success.
This Week’s Christmas Challenge:
Consider Your Work
It’s fun to shop for gifts, decorate, bake and do all the
things that go into the making of our version of what Christmas or any holiday should
be.There is no sin in wanting to make
events better, but it is sinful when they take away from doing good works that
lead people to Jesus.
Doing things that are kind count, but not toward eternity. They count for here on earth. Good works that point people to Jesus count
here and for eternity, because our focus in on God not ourselves.
Our challenge this week (and always really) is to ask
ourselves what do we consider the “work of our hands” to be? How important is the work to God, others and to
ourselves?
It’s not wrong to do things for yourself, because
sometimes it’s needed and God delights in giving us the desires of our heart. I’m not referring to those types of things,
but whether or not we are doing something purely for wanting to “leave a legacy”
so that others think highly of us.
How are we using our hands to make a positive difference
in the life of others? Are our actions
bringing eternal security or merely earthly gain?
Furthermore, don’t let satan take you on a guilt trip in what you are
doing for your family and community that demonstrates the love of Christ. It honors and pleases Him.
When we purchased colored lights several years ago, we
didn’t know the plans God had for us or them.
To us, it was a bargain and we couldn’t pass up that great sale! God knew differently.
What is “different” about your life this year, besides
COVID-19? You see, God already knew
about COVID beforehand and has prepared His people for such a time as
this!
Are there good works God can establish through your hands
with His favor? Take a look at what is
happening in your community “before the parade passes by” in your life. Believe in the promises of God. Commit your works to the Lord and they will
be established!
Maybe you don’t know the
Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life
also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information
on becoming a child of the Savior.
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If there is one thing that really excites me it’s when
Christmas Day falls on a Sunday.Surely
the churches would be packed with thousands praising God, and having favor with
all the people as He added to the Body of Christ. How much more perfect could
it get, right?
On Christmas Day the carols of the birth of our Savior
were flooding the halls of the church. Entering the sanctuary the instruments
were silent as the voices of the Saints rang sweetly throughout the room.In harmony we sang, raised our hands to give
praise, prayerfully stood in agreement and attentively listened as the pastor
spoke of the timing of God in the delivery of the promised Messiah that would
come to save the world.
The service closed with the congregation partaking of
Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper) in remembrance of a Savior who was born to
die that we may live.Slowly the
sanctuary emptied into the corridor as each congregant was given a parting
smile with words of encouragement from our earthly shepherd.
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
New on DFB –Willemstad, Curaçao; Yaro, Western Division
& Suva, Central Division, Fiji; Trail, BC, Canada; Riyadh, Riyadh Region,
Saudi Arabia; Perosa Argentina, Piedmont, Italy; Diemen, Noord-Holland,
Netherlands; Ethiopia; Curacao; Kharkov, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine; Kikinda,
Serbia; Tel Aviv, Israel.
I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come
back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.God has been faithful and we expect His
Christmas favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to believe in
His Son, Jesus all year round.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.All are private. I would love to hear from
you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.Contact me by leaving a message in the box at
the bottom of this week’s post.
Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).
Be sure to visit
Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.
The Woman in Red
My husband and I were about to leave the building when I
noticed the attractive woman who sat a few rows in front of us during the
service.She was a refined lady
elegantly dressed in a beautiful Christmas red sequined poinsettia blouse and a
slim line black skirt.Her blondish hair
was perfectly styled with poufy curls, and every strand was sprayed in place on
the head of this lovely lady of seventy plus odd years.
Turning around I walked over to her and spoke about how
lovely she was in her “Christmassy” attire.Not two seconds went by when she grabbed me by the neck and gave a full
headlock hug, practically squeezing the stuffing out of me!
Boy was she strong for an older gal!I felt like a squirming cat trying to escape
the gripping wrapped arms of a human showing their affection a little too
vigorously.
As I tried to regain my stance, with a happy grin she
uttered, “Hardly seems like Christmas;
it’s like it’s already over.” That was it; she didn’t have anything else to
say. Now how should I respond to
her?I didn’t, but simply smiled and bid
her a Merry Christmas as I scampered toward the door.
Where was hubby through all this?When I told him what happened he said, “What lady?”Thanks for being there Hon!
Her statement left me a bit uneasy (or perhaps it was
trying to recoup air in my lungs …), but I soon forgot it after we got back to
the house.
December 26th, 2016
Someone is sharing the Christ-mas in their community.
Christmas was over technically, but the season was still
in full swing … so I thought.In an
attempt to lengthen the holiday, the next day we decided to drive around town
to see the lights.Oh my, it was like
the lady from the church was speaking prophecy!
We drove down street after street, and almost all of the
Christmas lights and decorations were already down.The atmosphere was as if people just wanted
it over and had a “Let’s get on with the next thing” kind of attitude.
When we got home we turned on all our Christmas lights to
remind people that the hope and joy of Christmas not only came, but is still
here.
… and the song plays on …
Continuing in our Christmas Favor series, the celebration
in song doesn’t end with Mary, Joseph or the angels during the first Christmas
season.God moved on the hearts of two
seniors that have been looking for signs of promises of the Lord to
unfold.Take a step back in time with me
as we glance into the lives of these individuals who served the Lord with
gladness.
The Time Has
Come
There is one
more song to be sung, that of Simeon, an aged man possibly with signs of
weathered storms upon his brow.His
voice is softened, yet not heavy with sadness or despair.In holy garments he sings joyful praises of
hope to Jehovah.
Serving in the temple at that time was an aged prophet,
named Simeon who was a Bible translator of the Septuagint besides a psalmist in poetry
and music. In hope and by faith, he was waiting for
God’s promise to be manifested to Israel, and that salvation to all mankind both Jew and
Gentile would come.
God has
proclaimed him to be a just and devout man, who at night in the Temple sang
praises to the LORD.He faithfully looks
toward the Heavens for the “Consolation,” which is the coming of the Promised
Messiah with salvation to be revealed to his people.
At some point
in his life, the prophet was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die
until he had seen the Lord’s Christ with his own eyes.That day had come … the timing of God to
fulfill His promise was at hand.
Now imagine the
event as it unfolds before Simeon.There
is no evidence of the actual age of this servant of God, only that he had
served the Lord and was really up in years (some even believe almost two
hundred based on the favor of God on his life).
Do the Math
Anna the
prophetess is the second person we see has entered the picture.For all of her adult life she never left the
temple area, but served God 24/7 with fasting and prayers.(Luke 2:35-37)
The Bible
describes her as an elderly lady, but let’s do the math shall we?Scriptures tell us that she was married for
seven years before being widowed for eighty-four years.This would bring her to the age of
ninety-one, except that we’re forgetting something.
How old was
Anna when she got married?Making a
general guess around the same age as Mary or at least in her teens which was
customary, Anna would be a good old age of one hundred and five plus years
(give or take a two).It’s highly
unlikely that she would have waited until the age of twenty to marry in that
culture, but if she did …. Anna would be a whopping one hundred-eleven years
old.
So could it
also be true that Simeon was much older than we even believed?Long life is a promise
from God to those who obey their parents; it’s actually the first law of God
with promise and is mentioned as such in over twenty-five verses in the Bible.
Examples
such as:
I will satisfy him with a longlife
and show him My salvation.
Honor your father and your mother so that you
may have a longlife in the land that the Lord your God is giving
you. (Exodus 20:12)
Follow the whole instruction the Lord your God
has commanded you, so that you may live, prosper, and have a longlife
in the land you will possess. (Deuteronomy 5:33)
Although
in Genesis 6:3 God specifies the number of days for mankind to one hundred and
twenty because of sin, extended yearscould very well have been part of God’s
favor on their lives based on their faithfulness and service to Him.
The Hope of
Favor
Just what was so special about this ancient of days
prophet they called Simeon?How was it
that God extended grace to him and not the other prophets?It was because of God’s plan on his life,
so that all would come to believe on His Son Jesus.
Something we need to clarify is that the work of the Holy
Spirit was different in this passage. Simeon was an Old Testament prophet and
like the religious leaders or prophets of that time period, the Holy Spirit was
“on” him and not “in” him as John the Baptist, Elizabeth and
Mary.
Simeon was told through the Spirit that he would not die
before he had seen the LORD’s Christ in person.He had no idea how this would come about, but stood on the favor promise of
hope that it would in his lifetime.
Favor - A Spiritual Gift
When Simeon was given word from the Holy Spirit about
being able to see God’s Christ, he received a special gift that only a few have
been blessed with throughout biblical history.The word pneuma means Spirit in Greek and “ruach” in Old Testament Hebrew,
always referring to the Holy Spirit as the giver of spiritual gifts.
However the word “pneuma hagion” is used when speaking of
Simeon referring to the favor of God Himself spiritually given to an individual.
It was the favor of God spiritual gift “pneuma hagion”
and not the Holy Spirit the “giver of gifts”.
God’s faith and/or power to believe was working in Simeon’s life
and that’s why he never got depressed or discouraged having to wait so long.
The Song of
Simeon
In the early
evening the Holy Spirit guided Simeon to enter the Temple.As he waited, in walks Joseph and Mary
cradling baby Jesus in her arms.They
didn’t utter a word, but the prophet knew immediately what he was about to experience.
He would behold the Christ-mas child.
Taking Jesus in
his arms Simeon begins the customary Jewish blessing on a child.Making a declaration he breaks into his
farewell address song referred to as “The Nunc Dimittis”, a traditional
canticle night prayer. In Latin, it translates as “Now, Master, You can let
Your servant go (rest and be relieved of duty and depart) in peace being
fulfilled, just as You promised.”
Singing his
last duty as a soldier of the Most High God this is Simeon’s Salvation Song:
Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:
Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in
peace, as You promised. For my eyes have seen Your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all
peoples— a Light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.
Luke 2:28-32 (HCSB)
By faith Simeon rejoices declaring that
because of the promise fulfilled he could now die in peace, knowing that
salvation was secure through Jesus.
How Christmas Favor Came to You and Me
Notice in verse thirty how Simeon uses the phrase “Thy
Salvation”.Translated from the Greek
word Soterion, it’s not the usual word “Soteria” which means nothing broken,
nothing mission.
The word here
(Soterion) is used of Jehovah Himself, not merely of salvation. God Himself has
come … Immanuel, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)
In verse thirty-two Simeon spoke of a Light to the
Gentiles and Israel, meaning the revelation by unveiling and manifestation that
could be viewed or seen.In other words,
hey guys this baby is the One!
The “glory” spoken of in the last part of the song was a
fulfilled promise to the people of Israel who were waiting for the glory; that
special blessing from God and the Christ-mas child was that miracle.
Hope Has Come
At the same moment Simeon began sharing the
prophecy with Mary and Joseph, the widow Anna that served in the church entered
the room.She waited as Simeon
finished his message that the Deliverer has come like the prophet Isaiah had
said in chapter 49 verse 6.
Now it’s Anna’s turn to speak about Jesus to
all who were looking (hoping) for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38)She would also share in the favor of God by
witnessing this promise being fulfilled.
A forty day old baby was the promise
Deliverer for the Jewish people, and Messiah to all nations who would come to
believe in Him as the Savior.The Christ-mas light is here and
shines throughout the earth with good tidings of great joy to all mankind.The hope of God’s favor for salvation was
marked for eternity when Christ was born in a "cattle’s" cave in Bethlehem.
Throughout the years Simeon continued to
believe, without knowing how God would work things out for his good.He saw a baby physically, but spiritually
Simeon saw the solution that would repair the breach that sin caused between
God and man.
In wisdom Simeon prepared the young
couple for what would become of the Christ child.The sword that would pierce the Son of God
would do the same emotionally as Mary would one day observe this prophecy before
her own tear filled eyes. (Luke 2:34-35)
Gender to Generation
As we have walked through the lives of those
who received Christmas Favor in this series, it isn’t surprising how God has
done so.He has crossed generations and
gender using a young virgin, a barren woman, a working class man, an elder in
the priesthood, an old prophet and a prophetess.
Elizabeth, Zechariah, Joseph, Mary, Simeon
and Anna trusted God’s plan and remained faithful and receptive to the Holy
Spirit.Their faithfulness allowed God
to give them His favor and be a part of something great that others only
witnessed or missed out on altogether.
What did they all have in common (besides a
song in their heart)? Not knowing how
things would play out for their future, they surrendered their all to the
Spirit of God, reminding us that we are never too young or too old to be used
for God’s plan.
These now citizens of Heaven responded to the
call of God on their lives when their day of salvation came.Their hearts weren’t hardened, but surrendered,
ready and willing to do “whatever it takes” to get the message that Christ-mas
Light, that the Messiah and saving grace (favor) had come.
Today many Christians continue to sing the
songs of Christmas past but fail to remain a beacon of light so all would come
to believe, because they are not willing to be led.
Are you allowing the Spirit of God to lead
you so that you remain righteous and a devout servant of Christ?Perhaps it’s time to surrender to the plan so
that the Hope of Christmas Favor will flourish in your life every day.
As we come to the end of this series, believe and receive what you have heard on
this day.
God’s Greatest Hope
Driving to church on Christmas morning, I
noticed that the church parking lots weren’t full, and sadly the hope of the
Messiah didn’t reach as many souls as it could.It made me wonder:
“Have God’s people forgotten about the Hope of Favor
we received when the Christ-mas child was born into our own lives?”
This Week’s Challenge:
Surrender to the Christ-mas Light
The Christ-mas Light message is still shining bright, and
the hope of salvation favor to all who will believe is very much alive!
On December 27th, 2016 we received an
aerogramme from a man in Indonesia.My
husband asked me if I knew who he was, but I informed him that I did not.
Although physically our Christmas lights can only be seen
a short distance, the Light that brought us salvation reaches from sea to sea
around the world.This devout man of God
wrote a letter of thanks to us for helping them in their outreach missions so
other Indonesians would learn about the Christ-mas Child Jesus, and the hope of
salvation (through God’s Daily Favor) was now theirs by faith. Praise God for the Light of Christ-mas!
Our challenge this week is not one that should end for
any believer, but one of spiritual favor for all to witness as Simeon and Anna
did.
As you prepare to set goals and resolutions for the
upcoming year, through prayer surrender your life plans to the Lord no matter
how young or old you are.If you’re
still here, God has favor designated for your life plan.
Let this year be guided by the Holy Spirit so that He can
work joyful wonders of His love through you, and grant you more favor then you’ve
ever experienced.
Your life matters to God. There is a promise behind that
hope of Christmas Favor set aside just for those who dare to believe.
Let me leave this thought with you as to why God is
willing to show favor to those who will shine the Light of Christ-mas not only
on the holiday, but all through the year.
“The people are living very much below poverty line, and
in part living in fear, anxiety and are desperate.They very much need the news of peace, joy
and eternal life through salvation.”Letters
of Hope from Indonesia
Remember what you’ve learned this year, and take it to
the next step. Shine the Light of the Hope of Christ-mas Favor with others each
and every day God grants you life.
“For the administration of this service not
only supplies the needs of the Saints, but also is abounding through many
thanksgivings to God.
While, through the proof of this ministry, they
glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ,
and for your
liberal sharing with them and all men,
and by their prayer for you, who long for you
because of the exceeding grace ((His favor and mercy and spiritual blessing
which is shown forth) of God
in you.
Thanks be
to God for His indescribable free gift of eternal life through salvation!(2 Corinthians 9:12-15 NKJV
emphasis mine)
If this article has encouraged or helped you, please
consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this
post.
Until Jesus comes, share the message of Christ-mas
Favor!
“The Holy Spirit is waiting to give you Christ favor.”
Jesus Christ
*Unless
noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
Note: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB).Emphasis is given in some scriptures
to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited
Word of God.
Disclaimer:
Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical
issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I
know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
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Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible. Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified. Image: Christmas ServiceChristmas Light on HouseAnna the ProphetessImmanuel God with UsHope Has ComeLed by the Holy Spirit Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief. The Hope of Christmas Favor, Christmas Favor, Christmas Lights, Charles Stanley, Holy Spirit, Christian Living, Birth of Jesus Christ, Simeon the Prophet, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Christmas Favor, Christmas Service, Anna the Prophetess, Immanuel God with Us, Led by the Holy Spirit, Christmas Favor Series, Communion, The Lord's Supper, The Nunc Dimittis of Simeon, The Spirit Filled Life.
