Tag: #Hope&Redemption

Christmas Hope & Redemption: Day 11 Twelve Days of Isaiah

Day 11~ Isaiah 40:28-31

Is There Room in Your Heart?

To Trust?

To Love?

To Forgive?

If yes…

Let’s Soar Together!

Throughout this chapter of Isaiah, we have read about God’s returning the Israelites to Jerusalem. We have seen the power of God’s creation and how we are like grasshoppers.

Although we become disgruntled and weary, God’s energy and power are limitless.

In this passage, the central theme is hope and redemption. We have a choice. We can get crushed like a serpent or we can soar like an eagle.

What do you choose?

Let’s read this passage in Isaiah. Shall we?

1. New International Version
2. The Complete Jewish Bible.

Scripture from: http://www.biblegateway.com.

Soar Like an Eagle

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

.

Isaiah 40:28-31 CJB

28 Haven’t you known, haven’t you heard
that the everlasting God, Adonai,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not grow tired or weary?
His understanding cannot be fathomed.
29 He invigorates the exhausted,
he gives strength to the powerless.
30 Young men may grow tired and weary,
even the fittest may stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in Adonai will renew their strength,
they will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings;
when they are running they won’t grow weary,
when they are walking they won’t get tired.

Image Source: Created with AI using Soar Like an Eagle with the scripture above

#Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #LiftUpYourVoice #SpiritoftheLord #SpecksofDust #Idolatry #Universe #Heavens #SoarLikeanEagle #IandThouReflections

Christmas Hope & Redemption: Day 10 Twelve Days of Isaiah 40

Day 10~ Isaiah 40:25-27

Once we can wrap our heads around the fact that we can’t begin to fathom the greatness of God, we must rely on our faith.

If we believe that God is everywhere, the imagery of looking up in the sky reminds us of the vastness and limitlessness of our Divine Creator. Don’t you think?

Then, why do we often feel abandoned or overlooked by God?

Could it be in that very same vastness of the universe? We ask ourselves how God can possibly know our hearts when we seem so small in comparison.
We feel lost.
Lost in the vastness.

In this passage, the Creator of the heavens invites us to lift our eyes to heaven. Why? To show us how Each star in the universe is named, pointing to the fact that God knows every minute detail of ALL his creation, including us.

Let’s read this passage in Isaiah. Shall we?

1. New International Version
2. The Complete Jewish Bible.

Scripture from: http://www.biblegateway.com.

Lift Your Eyes to the Heavens

Isaiah 40:25-27 NIV

25 “To whom will you compare me?
    Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
    Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
    and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
    not one of them is missing.
27 Why do you complain, Jacob?
    Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
    my cause is disregarded by my God”?

.

Isaiah 40:25-27 CJB

25 “With whom, then, will you compare me?
With whom am I equal?” asks the Holy One.
26 Turn your eyes to the heavens!
See who created these?
He brings out the army of them in sequence,
summoning each by name.
Through his great might and his massive strength,
not one of them is missing.
27 Why do you complain, Ya‘akov;
why do you say, Isra’el,
“My way is hidden from Adonai,
my rights are ignored by my God”?



Image Created by AI using scripture reference and key words

#Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #LiftUpYourVoice #SpiritoftheLord #SpecksofDust #Idolatry #Universe #Heavens #IandThouReflections

Christmas Hope & Redemption: Day 9 Twelve Days of Isaiah 40

Day 9~ Isaiah 40:21-24

This passage speaks of a canopy or curtain that is spread from the heavens to protect the grasshopper from harm.

I can’t help but wonder if this is somehow related to the “veil” between life and death. In Matthew 27, we see that at the moment Jesus dies on the cross, the curtain of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom. Then, in 2 Corinthians, we read that “whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”

Could these all be related and point to the sovereignty of God. Not only as the Creator but the divine presence between life and death?

Let’s read this passage for Day 9 of the 12 Days of Isaiah. Shall we?

1. New International Version
2. The Complete Jewish Bible.

Scripture from: http://www.biblegateway.com.

We are Like Grasshoppers

Isaiah 40:21-24 NIV

21 Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
    Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
    and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
    and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23 He brings princes to naught
    and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
24 No sooner are they planted,
    no sooner are they sown,
    no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
    and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

.

Isaiah 40:21-24 CJB

21 Don’t you know? Don’t you hear?
Haven’t you been told from the start?
Don’t you understand how the earth is set up?
22 He who sits above the circle of the earth —
for whom its inhabitants appear like grasshoppers —
stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23 He reduces princes to nothing,
the rulers of the earth to emptiness.
24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
scarcely their stem taken root in the ground,
when he blows on them, they dry up,
and the whirlwind carries them off like straw.



Image Created by AI using scripture reference and key words

#Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #LiftUpYourVoice #SpiritoftheLord #SpecksofDust #Idolatry #IandThouReflections

Christmas Hope & Redemption: Day 8 Twelve Days of Isaiah 40

Day 8~ Isaiah 40:18-20

In Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges, the question “To whom will ye liken God?” is asked. In this commentary, the error is not worshipping Jehovah by images, but in fact the thinking that God can be created by human hands.

So we ask ourselves, is this the folly of idolatry?

Here is my take on this. I’m sure we all know people of diverse faiths who worship in different ways. Some might pray to Saints and light candles and others may touch or kiss icons as a sign of worship and reverance. Would this be idolatry? No one knows. Yet, if we have faith, we have the ability to discern what might be pleasing or displeasing to God. Afterall, who else do you have to answer to?

Now, we turn to Isaiah 40:18-20.

1. New International Version
2. The Complete Jewish Bible.

Scripture from: http://www.biblegateway.com.

An Image?

Isaiah 40:18-20 NIV

18 With whom, then, will you compare God?
    To what image will you liken him?
19 As for an idol, a metalworker casts it,
    and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
    and fashions silver chains for it.
20 A person too poor to present such an offering
    selects wood that will not rot;
they look for a skilled worker
    to set up an idol that will not topple.

.

Isaiah 40:18-20 CJB

18 With whom, then, will you compare God?
By what standard will you evaluate him?
19 An image made by a craftsman,
which a goldsmith overlays with gold,
for which he then casts silver chains?
20 A man too poor to afford an offering
chooses a piece of wood that won’t rot,
then seeks out a skilled artisan
to prepare an image that won’t fall over.



Image Created by AI using faith based words

#Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #LiftUpYourVoice #SpiritoftheLord #SpecksofDust #Idolatry #IandThouReflections

Christmas Hope & Redemption: Day 2 Twelve Days of Isaiah 40

Day 2: Isaiah 40:3-5

We continue to look at 2 versions of Isaiah 40:

1. New International Version
2. The Complete Jewish Bible

Let’s see them side-by-side. Scripture from: http://www.biblegateway.com.

Prepare Ye The Way

Isaiah 40:3-5 NIV

 3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
    the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
    a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
    every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
    the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Isaiah 40:3-5 CJB

3 A voice cries out:
“Clear a road through the desert for Adonai!
Level a highway in the ‘Aravah for our God!
4 Let every valley be filled in,
every mountain and hill lowered,
the bumpy places made level
and the crags become a plain.
5 Then the glory of Adonai will be revealed;
all humankind together will see it,
for the mouth of Adonai has spoken.”

Image Source: Unknown

#Hope&Redemption: 12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #PrepareYeTheWay #IandThouReflections

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Frankincense, The Gift of Worship

Prepare Ye The Way

As we continue to unwrap the gifts the wise men brought to Baby Jesus, we travel into the deep woods of significant treasure. In our last post, we explored the first gift of gold, a gift fit for a king!

The Gift of Frankincense

Today, we turn our noses to frankincense—a fragrant resin from trees that typically grow in dry mountain regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Join us as we unwrap how it reveals the eternal gift of life.

Let’s see how frankincense, given with reverence and love, connects us to the enduring message of Christmas.

Why Frankincense?

Frankincense is known for its sacred tradition and profound meaning.

Image created by AI

It’s woody.
It can be inhaled.
It can be absorbed by the skin.
It can be taken as a supplement.

This precious gift perfectly symbolizes Jesus’ spiritual nature.

Throughout history, frankincense has been central to religious ceremonies. Think about incense in the church. It carries a sacred aroma that lingers in the air, transcending our spirits to another world.

It is quite an experience. Don’t you think?

Frankincense: The Gift for a King

This gift calls us to reflect on Jesus’ divine nature and His role as a great High Priest. It reminds us of the bridge between heaven and earth. And how our prayers, like incense, rise to God.

Every day we are reminded of God’s omnipresence. Let’s take a deep breath and say “Yah” as we inhale and “Weh” as we exhale. Feel it? THAT is the presence of God.

The sacred syllables of “Yahweh” remind us that every breath is a gift from God, connecting us to His presence.

As we prepare for Christmas, let the gift of frankincense invite us into worship. Just like the hymn, We Three Kings...

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all humans raising,
Worship Him,
God on high.

May we follow the wise men to Jesus. There, at the manger, we can worship the King of Kings.

In the next post, we unwrap the third and final treasure of the wise men and see how it adds to the layers of the divine birth of Baby Jesus.

#TheThreeWiseMen #Gifts #Gold #Frankincense #Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Gold, A Gift Fit for a King

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: Gold, A Gift Fit for a King

Prepare Ye The Way

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we will talk about the gifts the wise men brought to Baby Jesus.

In our last post, we provided a brief overview of the biblical text to provide a framework.

The Gift of Gold

Today, we start with gold—a gift symbolizing royalty and acknowledging Jesus as the King of all creation.

Join us as we unwrap how it reveals the eternal reign of Christ.

Let’s see how gold, given with reverence and love, connects us to the enduring message of Christmas.

Why Gold?

Gold is known for its endurance.

Image created by AI using biblical text

It’s stability.
It’s power to stand the test of time.
It is the perfect precious metal to symbolize the kingship of Jesus.

Looking back on history, we see how gold is represented in royalty and divinity. Take the ephod, a priestly garment, for example. You can google it for more detailed information. It is fascinating to see gold’s role in royalty and the sacred.

Gold: The Gift for a King

Gold has always been a symbol of royalty and wealth. By presenting gold, the Magi acknowledged Jesus’ kingship. He was not just the King of the Jews but the King of all creation. This gift aligns with the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.”

Isaiah 9:6-7

As we reflect on this gift, we are reminded how Jesus brings us love, peace, and hope. If we open our hearts to God, we can embrace the Baby Jesus and honor Him as King of Kings.

King of Kings

For those who truly wish to prepare their hearts for Christmas, take a moment from your busy day today and listen to the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. As you prepare ye the way to the Lord this Christmas season, I hope the triumphant melody will remind you of the gold the wise men brought to Baby Jesus. The same baby who grows up to become the King of Kings who reigns forever and ever.

In our next post, we will unwrap the second gift of the wise men and see how it adds to the layers of the divine birth of Jesus.

#TheThreeWiseMen #Gifts #Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections

Unwrapping the Gifts to Eternal Life: The Wise Men

Prepare Ye The Way

Let’s continue to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Shall we?

Our journey will take us to Christmas, where we will find hope and redemption to renew our faith, whatever that faith may be.

In the previous post, we explored how Christmas found its place on December 25 and how it was rooted in the ancient festival of Saturnalia.

The next three blog posts will focus on the significance of the wise men’s gifts to Baby Jesus. Today, we start with what Matthew had to say.

Ever wonder where the Magi brought their gifts?

The Three Magi Magi Mags royalty-free vector graphic by pixabay dot com

Let’s see what the Bible has to say in Matthew 2.

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:9-12

Does it Really Matter?

So, we understand the story. King Herod sent the wise men to find the Baby. But the text doesn’t reveal how the wise men came to possess the gifts.

Did King Herod give them to the wise men?

Or did the wise men buy them along the way?

Or, perhaps they had these gifts along, waiting for the right time to give them away.

No, it doesn’t matter at all. The Wise Men presented Jesus’ holiness and signified that Jesus came to Earth to save our souls. And that is what matters most.

Divine Mystery

There is no doubt these gifts had divine mystery. There were profoundly more than mere symbols of wealth. These gifts speak to Jesus’ life and the hope He offers. Their meaning unlocks the keys to everlasting life.

In the next post, we’ll unwrap these treasures and uncover their significance. We will start with gold – A gift fit for a King!

#TheThreeWiseMen #Gifts #Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections