Keeping Christ in Christmas. In the Overflowing.

Hi! So glad you stopped by! 
I'm excited to join the BCW Christmas Blog Tour, 
where we are keeping Christ in the Christmas season. 
That's the goal, right? 

On whom God's favor rests. A Shepherd's Joy Series (3)

When I read about the heavenly choir's song, it completely makes sense to me that the angels gave glory to God when Jesus was born. Yet, their blessing of peace intrigues me.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth

peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

-Luke 2:13-14, NIV

"... on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." - NAS

What does this mean? On whom DOES God’s favor rest? With whom is He pleased? 

Throughout the Old Testament, God shows mankind what pleases Him: live right out of a holy fear, love mercy and justice. These things were more important than sacrifices. In the New Testament, Scripture clearly states God is set apart and all of us have fallen short.

In this verse - the only occurrence of this particular word/form - "eudokia" is the idea of God taking good pleasure in showing His kindness. It's the same idea, spoken throughout Paul's letters especially, that God extends His good will toward mankind because He wanted to. 

"... on earth peace, good will toward men." - KJV

And I am reminded... This proclamation is BIG! Revolutionary! NEW! 

No longer will mankind have to try to attain God's favor.

It's God's kind intention... Undeserved.

That's something to celebrate! Joy to the world, indeed!

Abba God, thank You for sharing the big news with the shepherds and for "changing the rules" so we can know You. I'm so thankful for your gift of Jesus. Soften my heart more each year to the amazing NEW promise You gave through Jesus. Thank You for showing me The Way. Your kindness is beyond my comprehension... When I dwell on knowing You and your kindness forever, I am humbled. Who am I? Wow... Speak clearly with your grace and truth to those around me who don't yet know your peace. As I wait, I will continue to say, "Glory to God in the highest!" For You reconciled us to You through Christ Jesus, bringing us peace and favor in His sight! Hallelujah! In Jesus' name...

Joy Permeates. A Shepherd's Joy Series (2)

The shepherds found Jesus, rejoiced and shared (Luke 2). And then? Back to their daytime jobs.
 
For weeks afterwards, the shepherds must have laughed, cried, pondered and praised Yahweh. How amazing that Yahweh chose them (stinky shepherds) to announce the biggest news story every given? At some point though, the newness probably wore off. Did their hearts remain joyful - as a lasting change? After all, it's hard to wait for a child to become King.

Can you relate? We've found Jesus, rejoiced, shared, and have gone back to our everyday lives. Now what?
 
Discontentment in the waiting is much easier than being grateful for what we've learned. Lasting joyfulness? Isn't that crazy talk? Wishful thinking? What does JOY even look like in every day living? 

When we grieve?

When we are scared?

When we hurt?

When we face a long, hard road ahead?

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit...
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that
my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
- from John 15: 5-10, NIV

Joy comes when we practice abiding in Jesus.  

 

When we practice trusting and loving God, we take steps closer to joy.  

 

We remain. HE teaches us abundant life. We seek Him. He gladly draws near to us.

(I'm not making this up! How amazing is our Abba?) 

We choose - in this moment - to trust Him and HE faithfully teaches us joy. 
 
I've seen - and read of - too many other lives changed by Abba to stop believing that there is hope that Jesus' joy may be in us and that our joy may be complete!

Abba God, thank You that we don’t have to "fake it until we make it." You invite us in to see Jesus, just as You invited the shepherds in. They saw Jesus, rejoiced, shared the news and then went home… May the same be said of our lives as we focus on Jesus and His precious gift of dwelling with us.  

Bless the Lord, oh my soul! Don’t forget His benefits!
Be still, oh my soul, and KNOW that God is God. 

Help us see Jesus anew, practice trusting and adoring Him. Let Him become our deepest pleasure and constant focus. Shine into the hearts of those facing darkness, confusion, and/or hurt this season. Open doors for the Good News to be shared. Spark joy and renew hope. In Jesus' name.  

Good news? A Shepherd's Joy Series (1)

How do we respond to great news? We usually get excited and tell others. Human nature, right?

Sometimes we find out about big events, and realize that it's too big to share without fact-checking. We'll turn on the news, search online, or call a friend we think would know.

Isn’t that the way it is with Jesus? We need to investigate. We need to see...to meet this Jesus for ourselves.

He is here!

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came into being through Him...

In Him was life...the Light of men.  

The Light shines in the darkness…

as many as received Him, to them
He gave the right to become children of God...

[HE] became flesh, and 
dwelt among us,

and we saw His glory... full of grace and truth... 

For of His fullness we have all received,

and grace upon grace...

grace and truth

were realized through Jesus Christ. from John 1:1-18, NASB

Abba God, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for dwelling with us, through Jesus in the flesh and now through your Holy Spirit. How precious are You to me, Abba! Shine your light and hope brightly through me to those around me. May they see YOU and glorify your name. Season my words and actions with grace. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You. I love You, my Abba. In Jesus’ name… 

Mary knew (4)

How often are we surprised at how Abba carries out His perfect plans?  

Mary didn't know how God's plan would play out.

Relations with Joseph…. awkward. Was Joseph a bit uncomfortable every time he was congratulated on their firstborn?

Relations with parents… weird. Did she tell her parents? Did they choose to keep silent because they needed the dowry (however meager) Joseph would have given in exchange for Mary? Maybe she was a private person and that worked to her benefit. We don’t know. Still, I can’t imagine keeping this secret from her parents, much less her parents being able to believe her. 

The trip to Bethlehem… uncomfortable. On a donkey with a child due?

Giving birth in a dark, damp, smelly, cave… EWWW! I wonder if she cried from heartache that her Lord would be born in such a stinky dingy hole. Did she feel a bit alone, wishing she had an older woman beside her? Was God using this experience to force Joseph and Mary to bond and trust each other more?

The moves they had to make… lonely. Surely she dreamed of keeping house and raising Jesus in the town she was from, but that dream had to wait awhile longer.

When Jesus stayed behind at the Temple… embarrassment and terrifying! What if they lost God’s very Son? Talk about stressful...

Watching Jesus grow in favor with God and man... amazing. 

Hearing the message from her firstborn, “Who is my mother and my brothers…” Shocking, painful.

Watching her son suffer pierced her heart. Had Jesus prepared her for that day? She had pondered the prophesy and struggled with God. Had Jesus prepared her for this moment, as He had tried to prepare His twelve closest friends?

Kneeling at the foot of the cross... weakness. How could she bear it? How hard it must have been to choose to believe YHWH was in this. Surely Abba gave her the strength to endure that day, as He gave Abraham the faith to offer up Isaac.

Abba God, thank You for providing Mary with the strength she needed to survive her life, just as You enabled those mentioned in Hebrews 11. Thank You for promising to help me as well. I’m so glad You are with me, always providing and keeping watch. Thank You for Mary’s example of endurance. Remind me when I feel weak, that You are faithful and help me just as You helped her. Thank You for reminding me that your plan is bigger than me, and I can trust You even when I don't understand. I ask especially that You sustain and comfort those who are grieving during this season. In Jesus’ name…

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1, NASB (click here to read online).
 

Mary knew (3)

“My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”

“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;” 

“Nobody special” in her culture, BUT TO GOD, Mary was raised from the status of a poor “nobody” to someone incredible useful in God’s “upper story”, in Israel’s story, and in our story… not because of anything SHE did, mind you! 

“For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.”

“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our father, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

 

Mary knew God's character.

 

He is Holy... He is Faithful... He is Merciful. 

Abba God, my soul exalts You, Lord, and my spirit rejoices in Jesus my Savior! Who am I that you would watch over me, and call me to the good works which You planned for me to do such a long time ago? Your kindness and love toward me is more than I can grasp. Thank You for working in Mary’s life, and for reminding me that You are faithful to finish what You’ve begun. I love You and worship You with all my soul, Abba. In Jesus’ name…

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1:48-55, NASB (click here to read online).

Mary knew (2)

Up until Gabriel’s visit, Mary probably didn’t have to make many, if any, choices on her own. Now she had a big choice to make. Welcome to the big leagues.

 

Ever feel like your life has been turned upside down by a big decision? Play it safe, or say “Yes” to an Almighty God and jump into the wild unknown, hoping somehow He will provide the path and resources to get through? 

 

Mary knew she had a choice.

 

She chose to put her faith in the living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Calling herself a bondslave wasn’t an accident. It meant that she was choosing to remain in service to her master instead of choosing her freedom. She was saying, “I am yours forever, Lord, do as you see fit.”

 

Major faith junctions help define who we will become and impact others. Only Abba knows whose life is changed by my choices - and yours. May He help us chose to always say "YES" to Him.

 

Abba God, thank You for Mary’s example. She chose to trust You. Help me to trust You today – not worrying about tomorrow, for today has enough trouble of its own. Have your way in me, Abba. In Jesus’ name… 

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1:26-38, NASB (click here to read online).

 

Mary knew (1)

A young girl goes about her typical daily routines, obedient to her parents and preparing for her marriage to a carpenter. She doesn't know her routine is about to be interrupted in ways she never imagined possible.

 

“Greetings, favored one!”

 

Huh? Who are you? Why are you here? Did I eat some bad mushrooms?

 

“The Lord is with you.”

 

What? This guy –angel or not - must have turned down the wrong street. Surely he doesn't mean to speak with ME...

 

“Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”

 

Ok, so you obviously know my name. Why are you here, exactly? What could possibly be important enough for you to come to me?

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

Uh… let me get this straight. You are saying that I will give birth to THE descendant of David? Am I dreaming? Hold on... “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Oh, wow. Elizabeth's expecting? Wow. Wow. Oh. Wow. This is a lot to absorb. YHWH is sending our Messiah! He blessed Elizabeth in her old age! And now He’s chosen to bless me??? “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”

Mary knew her life had been changed.

Abba God, thank You for changing Mary’s life forever, for changing Elizabeth’s life, for changing my life. Like Mary, I don’t deserve to have your life-changing favor. You meet me in my routine when I don’t expect You to. You don’t come when I want, but You come when the timing is just right – not just for my benefit, but for others around me. You know how to plants seeds of Truth in my heart, changing the way I think and act. Abba, strengthen the Body of Christ that we would seek You first, bear with one another graciously, and meet needs around us. I can’t live richly unless You continue to change me. I’m so glad You do! In Jesus’ name…

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1:26-38, NASB (click here to read online).

 

Take heart, dear sister, for we have this assurance! (4)

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time." - Luke 1: 18-20, NIV 

Reactions reveal our heart condition! 

... and just how is that a good assurance??? 

 “…God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” - Hebrews 12:10b

God reveals truth to us about ourselves...

so that we can repent and be more like Jesus!

 

Oh Zacharias, I have often speculated the many reasons as to why you reacted to Gabriel’s message the way you did.  I wonder if all the human encounters with angels are met with humans asking questions. We are funny people, aren't we? Still, I’d really like to know. Why? Was it simply a cultural habit of skepticism that led you to challenge the mighty angel of God? Had you lost hope so much so that you couldn’t accept a blessing from God?

The kingdom of Israel was overrun by other nations, and YHWH had been silent for a very long time. Then, there was the one thing you wanted more than anything else. What else was left but to survive by living a life of righteousness as you waited for the long-awaited Messiah?

The passionate song you poured out clearly reveals that you reflected on God’s greatness, faithfulness, the wonder of life, and how small you are. I love how Abba God changed your heart, rekindling your confidence in YHWH, and bringing you great joy

Oh, Zacharias, your story gives me such hope and convicts me that God is greater than I dream, more involved in my life than I think, more faithful to fulfill His promises than I believe, and worthy of all honor – more than I give.

Abba God, thank You for working in Zacharias' life and sharing his story with us. Thank You for revealing my heart to me so I can repent - and for conforming me to Jesus' image. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Enable me to serve You without fear in holiness and righteousness all my days. Give me the ability to pray big, to believe that You are active in my life, and a passion to give You more honor. In Jesus' name.

 

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

And the child grew and became strong in spirit... - from Luke 1:67-80, NIV

Take heart, dear sister, for we have this assurance! (3)

I wonder if Elizabeth and Zacharias were still earnestly praying for a child up to the day that Gabriel came with God’s message. Had they given up praying for children or had they kept praying into their old age?

 

We aren’t told. We’re only told that his prayer had been answered – in a BIG way. 

Abba knows that waiting is important in our journey as His children, and He knows when the right time is to answer our prayers.

 

God does really answers our prayers! 

“The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” – James 5:16, AMP

God does answer our prayers. In ways we can’t imagine. Hope is worth keeping. Prayers – BIG and small – are worth praying. 

Abba God, thank You for teaching me to pray big and keep on praying. You are so faithful to correct me when I need to pray differently, so I don’t need to worry about how I pray as long as I’m seeking YOU above all else. As I wait for answers, create in me a clean heart and fill with me with a desire to love You more. Protect me from disappointment by renewing my heart and mind with truth of Your goodness and faithfulness. Thank You for hearing my prayers before Your throne and promising to answer “Yes” in Christ Jesus. It’s in His name I pray… 

Take heart, dear sister, for we have this assurance! (2)

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot...

"... your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son...He will be a joy and delight to you... He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” – Luke 1, NIV

What was a high honor for a priest to be chosen to burn incense in the Holy of Holies. Yet, something was missing: relationship with YHWH. It had been a very, very, very long time since God resided with the Israelites. Were the priestly duties simply a job due to the broken fellowship that had endured for centuries? 

I find it amusing that Gabriel was sent to talk with Zacharias when he had been chosen – not by accident – to go into the temple to burn incense. Can you imagine his shock? Going about his business and then BAM! “Um. Hello, mighty angel who stands in God’s presence. What brings you to the right hand of the altar of incense?” It’s just crazy to think that God would meet someone in a holy place. Or is it?

Abba was quite aware of Elizabeth and Zacharias, their desire to live righteously, their prayers for a child, and of the need to reconcile the Jews to their God. Abba is powerful and capable of meeting anyone He wants to meet, at any time. And it was time for...

God is with us!

How often do we go about our duties, which God set apart for us before the creation of this world, and not carry them out with an expectation to meet God? Do we believe that He is with us making all things work together for the good of all who love Him and are called according to His purpose? Greater is He who is in us, than He who is in the world. Do we believe that and live that out daily? Do we live with a sense of anticipation for Jesus’ return, because we are so in love with Him that we just can’t wait to meet Him face to face? Do we give up praying big prayers as we wait?

God is with us!

What a great gift of God’s presence we have! Yet we forget that He lives in us, by His Holy Spirit who counsels us. We forget that Abba God is always listening to us. We forget that we have a great High Priest – the Spotless Lamb of God – who intercedes for us.

How peculiar we are. He is with us. Yet we forget. Do you think it's time for us to start remembering?

Abba God, I’m so sorry for the times when I forget that You are with me in the set-apart duties You’ve given me to do. Thank You for seeing me and for caring about me – right now, where I am. Help me learn to abide more fully: to take a deep breath, to be still and dwell on “God with us.” Show me how to celebrate Your presence in my life more each day. For You are with me. You love me intimately, forever lavishing Your kindness on me. How great and good You are! In Jesus’ name…

Take heart, dear sister, for we have this assurance! (1)

Luke writes:

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” – Luke 1:1-4, NIV

God is real and His Word is trustworthy. 

Having the assurance that His Word really is true has gotten me through many desert times. If you struggle with doubts, and haven’t yet done a study on whether the Bible is historical and really God’s Word, then I strongly urge you to do so. If you aren’t sure where to start, I highly recommend this short study guide:

Foundations: Where We Got Our Bible 101 Study Guide (Amazon link)

Abba God, thank You for reminding me today of a foundational truth: You are TRUE and Your Word is TRUE. I can trust that You are who You say You are, and You will do what You said You will do. I am so grateful that You are in my life, and You have given me Your written Word to cling to and learn from. Thank You for sustaining me and encouraging me through Your powerful Word. Increase my faith in You and the power in Your Word. Have Your way in me, Abba. In Jesus’ name.

The Miracle We Celebrate

Luke 2:1-20, New Living Translation

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Happy birthday, dear Jesus...

Happy birthday, Jesus! 

Abba, how good it is

to celebrate ... to ponder... to consider

your love and grace... 

our hope, who is Jesus the Messiah.

Thank you for giving us reason to celebrate 

as we await Jesus' return for us.

All praise and honor and glory be to you, 

forever and ever. In Jesus' name... 

My Jesus

Christmas is a delightful time of wonder and joy for many. Yet others find grief their constant companion this time of year. Lost loved ones, estranged family, broken relations... So I was encouraged to know that a nearby congregation’s holding a service of hope for those who are hurting this season. They want to provide a safe harbor to come as you are to receive love and a precious hope.

You see, My Jesus shares part of a ham with a poor neighbor down the street. My Jesus crochets a mat to sleep on for the homeless. He wipes the tears, calms the frustrated, and comforts the grieving. My Jesus gives His heart of love and hope. Hope for a reason to go on. May my Jesus be your everything, today and forever! For He lives forever and we can celebrate His birth – and our rebirth – every day of our lives!

Matthew 11:28-31

Abba, thank you for my Jesus! Help me remember all the ways Jesus has ministered to me, and let me see the opportunities you put in my life to love on others. In the messiness of loving humans, I ask that you help me stay focused on YOU, that you fill me to overflowing with compassion, and for courage to belief in your faithfulness even when I mess up. What matters is that I abide in my Jesus AND trust that He, through His Spirit, will do great works of love through me. Minister to the hurting and open their eyes to your light shining through me. Open doors for loved ones, coworkers, friends, and neighbors to be saved. May you be glorified as we seek you and your righteousness. In Jesus’ kind and generous name… 

Enough!

How is it that I can be days away from celebrating Jesus’ birth, listening to Christmas music (reminders of Abba’s faithfulness), surrounded by festive decorations … and still worry about tomorrow???

Matthew 6:34

Oh, Abba! I don’t want to worry – a sure sign of unbelief in your faithfulness. I’m so sorry! Forgive me. Help me to believe your eyes are on me, that you have kind intentions, and that I’m always in your hands. May your will be done I my life! For you are enough. Your grace is enough. My Jesus is enough. He makes me complete and makes my life have abundant meaning. You are so good! Thank you for sending Jesus to save me and make me beautiful! In His beautiful and strong name… 

O Come Let Us Adore Him [post #6]

… the word of God, that is, the mystery

which has been hidden from the past ages and generations,

but has now been manifested to His saints,

to whom God willed to make known

what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles,

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory.  Colossians 1:end of verse 25 through 27, NASB

Abba, I adore you and your Son, my sweet Savior, my Prince and my Lord. Thank you for sending Jesus as a baby, and revealing the mystery… Christ in me. Wow. How amazing. Thank you for the assured hope we have in Christ Jesus. I celebrate the wonders of His love – His life, and His blood. You are so good to me. In Jesus’ name…

O Come Let Us Adore Him [post #5]

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death,

in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—

if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and

not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard,

which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven… Colossians 1:21-23, NASB

Abba, I know my sins are gone, but I still remember many of them. Thank you for that gift, so that I can remember what you’ve done for me. Thank you for bring me close to you through Jesus, AND for the promise that I will be presented before you one day, HOLY, BLAMELESS, without reproach. Wow. Abba, I choose to worship you and your Son. In Jesus’ name… 

O Come Let Us Adore Him [post #4]

For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and

through Him to reconcile all things to Himself,

having made peace through the blood of His cross;

through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. Colossians 1:19-20, NASB

Abba, sometimes I forget that you have “emotions.” I tend to think of you as a distant, unfeeling being. I’m sorry! You took great pleasure in to fill Jesus with your Spirit and to sacrifice my Prince so that you could reconcile “all things” to Jesus. I don’t yet fully understand, but I’m grateful that Jesus’ blood has covered me, so that I can be in full relationship with you. Oh, Abba. You are so merciful to me. In Jesus’ name…