Image Source: clipart-library.com Found on Pineterest
There are several slightly different accounts of the nativity story in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Jesus’ birth is not included in the Gospels of Mark and John. Each of those books begins with Jesus as an adult.
The Miracle of the Angel
In Matthew, the first Angel appears to Joseph in a dream.
The angel Gabriel visits Mary first to announce her favor and pregnancy in Luke. Then, this same Angel appears to Joseph in a dream.
When Jesus was born, an Angel appeared to shepherds in a field nearby.
At first, they were startled by the bright light.
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
An Angel
The Angel delivered the message of Jesus’s birth.
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.”
The Angel announced Jesus’ birth.
The birth of Christ the King!
Today, let’s celebrate the Miracle of Christ on Christmas!
Wishing you all awe and wonder of the holiday season!
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Take a break.Step away and find a quiet place.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Sit for a while. Ask for God’s presence.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Be still. Close your eyes. Breathe. Relax.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? In the depths of your soul, reach as far down as you can.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Sit for a while. Be open to God’s presence.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Ask God to sit next to you and join you in your thoughts.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Shh. Quiet. Hear God speak.
God says, Hello, precious child. “I knit you together in your mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:9) I am so happy to see you. I’ve been waiting for you to ask me to sit with you. Go ahead and tell me what is on your mind.
It’s okay. Speak your mind. Stay awhile in this sacred place.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? In this sacred space, may you find comfort and joy.
Whatever your religious beliefs are or are not, may this season of holidays, encourage you and bring you tidings of comfort and joy.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
*****
Inspired by the Christmas Song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen… “Fear not,” then said the Angel, “let nothing you affright, This day is born a Saviour, Of pure Virgin bright, To free all those who trust in Him, From Satan’s power and might.” O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
#Comfort #Joy #Christmas #SacredSpace
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The other day, I had a conversation with a long-time friend. She told me she had been looking to purchase a manger for her Christmas Nativity Set. The salespeople she asked didn’t know what a manger was, let alone how it fit into Christmas!
As I write this post, even Grammarly doesn’t recognize the word manger! How sad is that?
A manger is a place to feed animals. Quite an unlikely place for Jesus to be born. Or was it?
A manger. It is not pretty. Under the shelter of a roof, a piece of wood lies in a barn or stable. It may or may not have raised legs and is filled with hay or slop. In the wintertime, back in the day, it was common for people to bunk in with their animals to stay safe and warm, like a giant slumber party with your furry friends.
manger
ˈmān-jər
NOUN a trough (see trough sense 1a) or open box in a stable designed to hold feed or fodder for livestock.
Merriam Webster Dictionary
A Baby in a Manger
Can you imagine a baby in a manger?
It would be utterly appalling to some to see a newborn in an unsterilized, dirty, filthy trough used to feed animals. Yet, some might see this scene as a sign of great awe and wonder.
Think about this.
The God of the Universe chose a stable filled with animal creatures to welcome his Son. This was the ultimate sacrifice and message of love and humility. God sent his Son for…
Every. Single. Person. On. This. Planet. Rich. Or. Poor.
Scripture isn’t clear whether animals were or were not present at the birth of Christ. Let’s imagine for a moment that they were. What would it have been like for the animals witnessing the birth of Jesus? Sure, they had seen cows, horses, and pigs give birth, but a human? How divine! Just like God saved the animals from dying in the Great Flood, God blessed the animals as witnesses of this most sacred event.
The Miracle of the Manger
The true meaning of Christmas may have evaporated from some of the fabric of our society. Yet, some of us know, this “living water,” was a miracle.
The most perfect baby in the world was born in a lowly manger. Jesus, born in a manger. The same Jesus who fed 5,000. The same Jesus who feeds our soul. This Jesus, was born in a manger made with the purpose of feeding animals, can feed you, too!
His name was, is, and will be forever, Jesus.
Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind about the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy. It’s something experienced by all who are in close contact with a woman “with child.” From the crazy food cravings to the emotional outbursts, there is never a dull moment.
Mary & Son, Jesus Elizabeth & Son, John (The Baptist)
Mary and Elizabeth were first-time mothers-to-be and surely had emotions stirring inside of them. Both were destined to give birth. Both had partners at their side.
At her advanced age, Elizabeth probably laughed, yet felt blessed to be able to conceive and finally bear a child. She looked forward to blending in with the other women in the neighborhood. She would no longer be stared at for being childless. Awe. Astonished. Honored. Blessed. Privileged. Matronly. Relief.
Mary did not laugh, yet most likely felt blessed and privileged to be chosen by God to deliver the baby Jesus. Even being the Holy Mother, she undoubtedly felt the scorn of some in society as an unwed pregnant girl. What shame she must have felt and her family, too. Throw that all in with a mix of hormones running wild, and one can sense the good with the bad. Awe. Astonishment. Honored. Blessed. Anointed. Miraculous. Unbelief. Lowly. Scared. Disappointed. Bewildered. Humbled. Sacred.
Unique Story
Like Elizabeth, I was older when I gave birth to my younger son. It was redemptive to me, a moment filled with joy. It might have been something like the anticipation that Elizabeth felt. Mypregnancy was uncomplicated! It contrasted with my first one, which might have echoed Mary’s apprehension and curiosity. Like Mary’s experience, my husband wasn’t initially thrilled about my first pregnancy, leading to emotional turmoil. My dream of motherhood clashed with the challenges of medical complications, which labeled my pregnancy as high-risk. While overjoyed, I felt conflicted, as perhaps Mary did. I wondered if I had done something terribly wrong.
When reflecting on my pregnancy, it’s not hard for me to imagine that Elizabeth and Mary faced their diverse emotions just as I did. I’m pretty sure the feelings darted all around. The joyous anticipation, the unforeseen challenges, and the conflicting emotions bubbling up inside.
I experienced all kinds of emotions all at the same time. For me, there was no other life experience that came close. It was like being on a rollercoaster, with its ups and downs, having a massage day at the spa while enjoying your favorite ice cream cone while crying – all rolled up into one.
The Miracle of Emotions
Just as God chose Elizabeth and Mary to play pivotal roles in the Nativity Story, God may have chosen a man named Mark to play a significant role in my first pregnancy. Mark was the counselor at the clinic. He was kind and empathetic. He guided my then-husband and me through our whirlwind of emotions and encouraged us to stay strong.
Toward the end of pregnancy, the anticipation. The unknown. The praying. The closeness to God.
Praying for the baby.
Praying for the baby’s health.
Praying for stability.
Praying for a loving husband to be supportive.
Praying for the miracle of birth.
I felt that God was with me every step of the way. And I’m guessing Elizabeth and Mary felt that way too. Our pregnancies and the birth process were nothing short of a miracle. Like Elizabeth and Mary, I had a son. Then, six and a half years later, I gave birth to a second son. The experience of feeling different emotions at the same time was a miracle.
Have you considered asking God about the emotions you feel?
The next blog will explore The Miracle of Jesus’ birth.
Elizabeth and Mary were key players in the Christmas Story. Each had a unique role in giving birth under different circumstances. Yet, each was obedient to God and fulfilled their miraculous divine appointments.
We will continue our consideration of the Miracle of Birth theme by exploring the emotions swirling around in a woman’s head “with child.”
The Miracle of Emotions During Pregnancy
Source: Etsy Artist Unknown
We can all agree that emotions run all over the place in daily life, in some of us more than others. And certainly, more when pregnant. A woman’s first pregnancy is filled with an array of emotions that swirl around with her hormones, making them quite jumbled. From excitement…to…feelings of confidence sprinkled with inadequacies, it is a time in a woman’s life when success and failure take on a whole new meaning: Her baby solely depends on her. The woman is the incubator.
Yet, she is still a woman. She is trying to wrap her head around the never-ending changes in her body. She begins to think of her baby, herself, and the world around her.
She asks herself, “What is happening?”
The food cravings. The sexual desire. The baby. The father. The grandparents. The extended family.
Will I have a healthy baby? Why am I getting so fat? How else will my body change? How is my baby going to fit out of my body? Why does the smell of food make me sick? Why am I feeling this way? When will my nausea subside? How does one take care of a baby? Who will take care of the baby if I’m sick? How will I be as a mother? Will I be good enough? I have no experience. How will I manage all that is expected of me?
In the last post, we talked about Elizabeth’s backstory. How Elizabeth and Mary were cousins pregnant at the same time.
The Miracle of Birth – The Backstory of Mary
The story begins with Mary, a young girl, and her fiancé, Joseph.
Mary and Joseph were engaged.
Mary was a virgin, until the Holy Spirit visited and impregnated her, causing confusion for the pair. Not to mention family and friends as well. Theoretically, Mary was still a virgin.
*Artist: Stephen B. Whatley: Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus – St Stephen’s Day 2012 www.stephenbwhatley.com
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Angel Gabriel
Of course, Joseph was quite angry that his betrothed was “with child.” And he knew it wasn’t his!
Anger led to the Angel.
In a dream, an Angel visited Joseph and told him to care for Mary.
“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Angel Gabriel
And so it was. Joseph and Mary were a couple, and they were destined to become parents. Parents of the long-awaited Messiah.
Pillars of Faith
Elizabeth and Mary were pillars of faith and obedience to God. And so were their respective partners, Zechariah and Joseph. Although Elizabeth was well beyond her childbearing years, it was miraculous for her to conceive. It was her pregnancy that served as a precursor to Mary’s virgin birth. Mary’s conception was even more miraculous because it symbolized the divine nature of the birth of the Christ-child that transcended all logical and biological thoughts and constructs.
Transcending All Logic
Faith transcends logic. To the logical mind, we must see proof before something can be believed. Yet, as people of faith, we don’t have to see evidence. We believe because we “feel” the Spirit of God within us. After all, we were made in the image of God. It sure is awesome to “feel” God’s presence. Yet, many of us feel dry. Unheard. Empty. We ask, “Where are you, God.” And the answer is silence.
Is it possible to have faith when you don’t “feel” God’s presence. Faith is a choice. Choosing to believe regardless of your feelings will reap rewards whether you “feel” them or not.
We Are The Clay
There hasn’t been a time in my life when God was absent. Of course, there were times when I thought he abandoned me. Like when I was bullied in junior high school. Or during my first marriage. Or during the divorce. But, I realized that God was walking me through the darkness. So I could come out the other side. Like a piece of fine pottery after being in the kiln’s heat.
Sometimes, we must surrender logic to fully feel the Holy Spirit in us. If you feel lost, perhaps try to talk to God? Ask God to reveal his image to you. To feel his presence. To walk with you on your life journey. God is the peace that passeth all understanding.
A Christmas Miracle – Part 4, will discuss the Miracle of Emotions During Pregnancy.
To faith-based people, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of their savior, Jesus.
Most of us are familiar with the significant elements of the Christmas Story, or as some might say, the Nativity Story. Like baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the manger. Then came the shepherds and the wise men.
The Bible definitely doesn’t wrap stories up with neat bows. They are often confusing and void of details. Yet, the Bible has withstood through the ages as the most significant piece of literature of all time.
Why?
Because its words pierce the heart and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to each one of us uniquely. And maybe the Bible was written just for you and me!
The Miracle of Motherhood
Before we can appreciate and fully understand the meaning of Jesus’ birth, we need a refresher on noteworthy mothers in the Bible. We begin today’s post with the miracle of motherhood.
In the Bible, several women give birth to baby boys, who become some of the greatest leaders in the Bible. These Old Testament women faced infertility and were initially unable to conceive. Some were even past child-bearing age! Yet, through God’s divine plan, each went on to experience the miracle of birth.
Sarah & Son, Isaac
There is Sarah, the wife of Abraham, who becomes pregnant and gives birth to Isaac (Genesis 21:1).
Rebecca & Twins, Esau & Jacob
Interestingly, next is Rebecca, the wife of Isaac, who gives birth to twins Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:25-26).
Rachel & Son, Joseph
After Rebecca comes Rachel, Jacob’s wife. Jacob is the man who married Leah by mistake (wearing a veil in the bridal tent) and then has to work seven more years for his Uncle Laban’s approval to marry his true love, Rachel. Rachel becomes the mother of Joseph (Genesis 30:22).
Manoah’s Wife & Son, Samson
Then, there is the unnamed woman who is Manoah’s wife. She conceives and gives birth to Samson.
Hannah & Son, Samuel
Next is Hannah, who cries out to God and finally has Samuel. After weaning, she presents Samuel to Eli, the Priest, who then raises Samuel in the house of God (1 Samuel 1:20).
Each of these women was deeply spiritual. They each cried out and prayed fervently for a child. Some, for decades. Sarah even laughed when God promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. She waited more than fourteen years for the prophecy to come to fruition.
The Miracle of Surrender
These women who become mothers teach us that God controls even the minute details of our lives. Even though the Bible may be devoid of details, there is nothing in this world that God does not know. There is a plan for you and for me.
How do we ensure we are doing what God wants us to do? For me, the first step is surrender.
We need to let go and let God.
When we give ourselves to God, we open ourselves to new possibilities. New doors to open and go through. You will only know what is on the other side of the door if you open it.
Reflecting on a point of surrender in my life, a pivotal moment stands out – back in 2015. Faced with a failed job search in the tri-state area, I turned to prayer. “God, I surrender and will go where you lead.”
The Miracle of a Dream Come True
I expanded my job search nationwide, leading to a surprising job offer in Arkansas. Little did I know what God had in store for me. My dream of teaching academic courses was fulfilled a few short years later. Only God knew of that dream, and it came true!
How do these biblical stories relate to you and your life’s journey? Has there been a time in your life that you surrendered to God? I’d love to hear about it.
As we close, may this Christmas be a time for you to be open to the possibilities of what might lie ahead.
Last weekend, I dragged my husband to the Arts and Crafts Festival to a section of Tampa called Temple Terrace. The closest parking was about a half mile from the event. When we walked through a parking area into the part, a regal-looking historic building sat majestically on a bed of lush green grass.
Artist Credit: Chrysalis by Patricia Allingham Carlson fine america dot com
Built in 1914 as a horse stable, The Woodmont Clubhouse is the oldest structure in Temple Terrace. It served as a schoolhouse and is now the home of the Woman’s Club and a venue for special events.
As I squinted at the building, I marveled at its timeless beauty and rich history. I found myself lost in thoughts of transformation. The transformation of a horse stable to a schoolhouse. And, then, to a venue for special occasions.
I thought of resilience and evolution. This brought me back to the theme of transformation. Which, of course, means personal growth for me. I pondered how we could convert this sense of transformation into a Thanksgiving mindset?
Timeless beauty. Architectural grandeur. Serene and tranquil. A treasure trove of memories. Harmonious and picturesque.
It is simple: Transformation and Introspection.
You can’t have one without the other.
Let’s begin with Introspection.
“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it. It’s not enough to dream of it. It’s not even enough to pray for it. You must work at it.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Introspection requires:
Developing a Gratitude Attitude
Improving Self through Assessment Tools
Understanding Healthy Dynamics of Relationships
Practicing Mindfulness
Respecting Cultural and Spiritual Interpretations
Introspection demands a heart of gratitude to understand the emotions and attachments we have with things. Embracing ourselves as unique sons and daughters of the Almighty Designer of the Universe initiates this journey.
You must work at it!
Self-improvement involves learning lessons, identifying areas for growth, and recognizing strengths through self-assessment tools.
You must work at it!
Strengthening our relationships with others involves observing and learning from them.
You must work at it!
By examining our origins, family system, and individual experiences, we can better recognize triggers so we can redirect ourselves in a healthier way. Digging deep into childhood and unpacking past trauma takes work! It is not for the faint of heart.
You must work at it!
Mindfulness, a multifaceted practice, involves grounding ourselves in the present, examining the past through a magnifying glass with a different lens, creating space to dream, and setting goals for personal growth.
You must work at it!
By fostering a Thanksgiving mindset of introspection, we can truly celebrate beyond material abundance to a godly abundance within ourselves and share joy with those we cherish.
Reading how God uses weather to serve purposes for the greater good is fascinating. Today, we will look at the Israelites wandering in the desert.
A Pillar of Cloud.
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
Exodus 13:21
God’s Navigational System.
After the 10 plagues in Egypt, the Israelites began their 40-year trek in the wilderness. At first, they were afraid. They didn’t know where to go. They cried out to God. God sent a cloud by day and fire by night to lead them. Of course, they thought it would take less than forty years. They probably thought it would take only a few months. Can you imagine traveling as a “people” with thousands of mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers?
The Building of a Leader.
At first, Moses did not think he was capable of leading anyone. He told God that he was slow in speech and tongue. (Exodus 4:10) God wanted to use Moses because of Moses’ humility and willingness to follow God’s direction. God rarely uses the eloquent, strong person to accomplish his mission. He chooses the most unlikely people who turn around and become strong, vibrant leaders.
A Resilient People.
Image Credit: Dorling Kindersley Print fine art storehouse dot com
Moses spent years honing his leadership skills in managing this great exodus. He learned patience, delegation, and conflict management. His vision and direction created a resilient people. After Moses passed away, God called Joshua to bring the Israelites to Caanan.
Lessons Learned
#1. Strength Comes from Unity and Community. #2. Wisdom and Inspiration can be found in Family Connections. #3. Obstacles Prepare Us for Our Life Journey.
Together is Better
In a world where we may feel alone, we can find others who identify with us and can help us overcome challenges. We can achieve goals by leaning on each other for encouragement and support. Can you think of a time when you were discouraged and wanted to quit, yet a friend or loved one encouraged you to continue? What was the outcome?
Gene Pool
Do you have a hankering for salt air? Or you like the cold when it nips your nose. The geographical location of your family of origin might shed some light on some of these quirky feelings you have had all your life.
Family stories provide us with a rich history of what our ancestor’s life journeys may have been like. These stories teach us values. And values can be strengthened by a greater sense of identity and connection to your heritage. Were your family members born during a time of conflict? A time of peace? Did they travel to another place? Was there a failed business? A successful business? Did any of your family members possess a specific talent or skill?
Twists and Turns.
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Many of which require hard work. Completing a high school education, college degree, or a trade certification. Or saving for a down payment on a home. What lessons can we learn from the path that leads to our “promised land?”
Maybe the next time you think something is taking “forever” – think again! Let us remember the story of Moses and the wandering Israelites. How steadfast a people continue to flourish despite all odds.
Track down your family tree.
Explore birthplaces.
Be thankful for family.
Take a Deep Breath.
Let’s breathe in wisdom and inspiration and exhale disbelief and pride.
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Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.
Jonah 1:4,5
Returning to the series on weather in the bible, we come to the Story of Jonah. In this Old Testament book, God uses a storm to convince Jonah to stop running away from what he needed to do.
Wicked Nineveh.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves too much. In this story, God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh. Nineveh was a wicked town. Jonah didn’t think he was up to the task, so he jumped onto a ship traveling in the opposite direction. He thought he could outrun and outsmart God.
Threat. Confession.
Artist Credit: Amir Simon Rom On Etsy dot com
Then there was this storm that came out of the blue. It was so severe it threatened the safety of the ships’ crew, and they drew lots to see who was responsible. It pointed to Jonah, who was then forced to confess his disobedience to God.
3 Days & 3 Nights
A great fish, perhaps a whale, swallowed Jonah after the crew threw him overboard into the violent sea. Jonah had plenty of time to think about God while he was in the belly of the fish. Three days and three nights. Jonah finally prayed to God, and the fish spit him out.
Lessons Learned
#1. The Importance of Second Chances. #2. Sometimes, We Need to Run Away in Order to See Things Differently #3. You Can’t Outsmart God.
The story of Jonah teaches us some important lessons about obedience, forgiveness, and second chances. It reminds us that it’s essential to listen to God and do what He asks of us, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable. It also shows us that God is merciful and forgiving, always ready to give us another chance when we mess up. And finally, it reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed from the right path, it’s never too late to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness.
The next we hear God’s calling, and we don’t want to do what’s right, remember the Story of Jonah.
Follow God’s instructions even if we think we are not up to the task. Be patient and compassionate as God was with Jonah. Trust God to guide us back to where we need to be.
These lessons encourage us to reflect on our lives and consider our relationship with God.
Are you good?
Take a deep breath in. Exhale slowly.
Let’s inhale willingness to follow God and exhale our selfishness.
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I and Thou Reflections 