Category Archives: Christmas Ponderings

Christmas Fortnight! Day 4 A Word from THE WORD! #416

15 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings

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Christmas Fortnight! Day 4  A Word from THE WORD! #416

What a wonderful time of year.  A time to think of Jesus’ birth. Today let’s think about being those “ornaments” that we talked about earlier.  What kind of an ornament am I?  Am I reflecting the glory of Jesus or of this world?  Christmas time seems like just the right time to examine my life in consideration of all that God has done for us in giving the greatest gift of all—Jesus!

“Therefore doth my Father love me,        

because I lay down my life,                                         

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.                                     

I have power to lay it down,                                     

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received                          

of my Father.”  John 10:17-18

Scripture has so much to encourage us to be that salt and light that the world needs so desperately; and as much as we recognize the need for light, we also need to understand that without the salt of truth and the preservative of salvation, we have missed the target (in my opinion!)

“Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil

against you falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice,

and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth:

but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted?

it is thenceforth good for nothing,

but to be cast out,

and to be trodden

under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light

unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine

before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father

which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:11-16

Peter and John give us a picture of the nature of an ornament that pleases the Father.  May we go forward as ornaments of glory to our King Jesus!

“While they behold your chaste conversation

coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning

let it not be that outward adorning

of plaiting the hair,

 and of wearing of gold,

or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart,

in that which is not corruptible,

even the ornament

of a meek and quiet spirit,

which is in the sight of God

of great price.”1 Peter 3:2-4

And in closing a word from the Apostle John.

“Love not the world,

neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.”  1 John 2:15

And to truly be an ornament unto Jesus, we must heed to His Word!

“If ye love me,

keep my commandments.”  John 14:15

May our lives truly be an ornament reflecting our Lord—He who went from the manger to the cross for me!  For you!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Fortnight! A Word from THE WORD! #416

12 Friday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, All About Jesus!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, Ornments of God's glory.

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Christmas Fortnight   A Word from THE WORD! #416

What a wonderful time of year.  A time to think of Jesus’ birth. Today let’s think about “ornaments”.  Many are buying and hanging ‘ornaments’ on their trees, placing them about their homes and offices.  What about ornaments?  What about you?  Are you simply hanging and placing ornaments around you or are you being an ornament as well?

1 Peter 3:3-4 says this,

“Whose adorning                                                     

 let it not be that outward adorning

of plaiting the hair,

and of wearing of gold,

or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart,

in that which is not corruptible,

even the ornament

of a meek and quiet spirit,

which is in the sight of God of great price.” 

What does God value as ornamentation?

A meek and quiet spirit—

it “is in the sight of God of great price”. 

Wouldn’t you want to have an ornament that God values?

Well, we are to BE one!!!

Proverbs 1:8-9, in reference to God’s laws and godly parents declares,

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father,

and forsake not the law of thy mother:

  9 For they shall be an ornament

of grace unto thy head,

and chains about thy neck.” 

God values obedient learning.

Obedience is the real sign that we have learned.

Are we wearing God’s grace?

Are we HIS ornament to the world?

Proverbs 25:12 has a different twist.

“As an earring of gold,                                            

and an ornament of fine gold,                                         

so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.” 

Giving and heeding good, godly, scriptural advice is as “an ornament of fine gold”.  But, are we being good and godly advisors and obedient listeners?

Today as you are out and about determine to be an “ornament” to God!

To be an ornament of His grace to the world around you!!

The most glorious of Christmas ornaments –

a reflection of the babe born to die for US!  JESUS!!!!!

A Christmas Fortnight: Day 1 A Word from THE WORD! #413

07 Sunday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings

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A Christmas Fortnight:Day 1 A Word From THE WORD! #413

The Christmas Fortnight: I thought it would be nice to spend a bit of time up to Christmas sharing some of the joys of Christmas.  I’d like to start with the very reason that we celebrate this time of year, without getting into all of the debate about whether or not Christians should even celebrate during this time, I’d like us to simply share the ways that we celebrate Jesus.

Each individual must choose for themselves if and how they will celebrate Christmas.  I celebrate the gift of God’s Son, born of a Virgin, according to the scriptures,

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;

Behold, a virgin shall conceive,

and bear a son, and shall call his name

Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:14

The promised birth of Jesus was the sign that God’s Messiah would arrive on planet Earth and meet the need for Redemption of fallen man.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

God with us, to save us from our sin.   All for me and you—each a sinner!  How could we not rejoice that the God of the universe loved us so much that He had “Pre-planned” the solution for our sin even before Adam fell.  Oh, how it takes my breath away to know that I am loved that much; that Jesus restrained His glory to put on human flesh, to be born, live and die for me.  As the angels declared

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will toward men.” Luke 2:14.

Smile today—celebrate Jesus!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Merry Christmas!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #307

25 Wednesday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus is able, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Merry Christmas!!!

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Merry Christmas To You!!!  A Word from THE WORD!!! #307

We, my husband and I, wish you a Merry Christmas.  May the joys of the Lord bring you peace as you bow before The Christ child—not only at the manger, but at the cross where He paid for my sin and yours.

“For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government

and peace there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David,

and upon his kingdom,

to order it,

and to establish it

with judgment

and with justice

from henceforth even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts

will perform this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7

The King came to deliver us from our sin—but He will return to set up His kingdom upon His returns.  Even as the angel told Joseph.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

And even clearer, God gave Mary and Joseph confirmation, when they took Jesus to the Temple, and I will abbreviate the passage here, but I encourage you to read all of Luke 1 and 2.

“…to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord…

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem,

whose name was Simeon; …

…and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost,

that he should not see death,

before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple:

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, …

…28 Then took he him up in his arms,

and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart

in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared

before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles,

and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled …

…34 And Simeon blessed them,

and said unto Mary his mother,

Behold, this child is set

for the fall and rising again of many in Israel;

and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce

through thy own soul also,)

that the thoughts of many hearts

may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, …

of a great age…

…37 And she was a widow … which departed not

from the temple,

but served God with fastings and prayers

night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant

gave thanks likewise unto the Lord,

and spake of him to all them

that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”                         Portions of Luke 2:24-38

And in closing, a reminder that this babe born to die for our sin, is coming again.  It’s your choice what you will do with Him, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne

and of the four beasts,

and in the midst of the elders,

 stood a Lamb

as it had been slain,

 having seven horns and seven eyes,

which are the seven Spirits of God

sent forth into all the earth.

7 And he came and took the book

out of the right hand

of him that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book,

the four beasts and four and twenty elders

fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps,

and golden vials full of odours,

which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred, and tongue,

and people, and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign on the earth.

11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels

round about the throne

and the beasts and the elders:

and the number of them was ten thousand

times ten thousand,

and thousands of thousands;

12 Saying with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

to receive power,

and riches, and wisdom,

and strength, and honour,

and glory, and blessing.

13 And every creature which is in heaven,

and on the earth,

and under the earth,

and such as are in the sea,

and all that are in them,

heard I saying,

Blessing, and honour,

and glory, and power,

be unto him that sitteth upon the throne,

and unto the Lamb

for ever and ever.”  Revelation 5:6-13

And Jesus’ own promise.  Make sure you’re ready!

“Behold, I come quickly:

blessed is he that keepeth the sayings

of the prophecy of this book…

…. 12 And, behold, I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end,

 the first and the last.”   Portions of Revelation 22:7-13

Amen and Amen!!!

Merry Christmas, please don’t stop at the manger!!!

Wonderful Counselor??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #304

18 Wednesday Dec 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Christ IS Alive!, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, Cleansed from all sin, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus--our all in all, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Joy Is Contagious!, Judgment Is Coming, Just Jesus!, Justified by Jesus, Wonderful Counselor!, Worship Him!, You can't get yesterday back!

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Wonderful Counselor???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #304

 

Well, it’s nice to have my typing finger back on duty (well at least better duty—I can type a bit better with it!!), so we’ll continue our look at Isaiah 9:6-7.

“For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David,

and upon his kingdom,

to order it,

and to establish it

with judgment

and with justice

from henceforth even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts

will perform this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah declared that the “son is given”, and we know that Jesus is that son; the one who came through the “zeal of the LORD of hosts”, and Jesus cleansed the temple the first time in this very zeal.

“And said unto them that sold doves,

Take these things hence;

make not my Father’s house

an house of merchandise.

17 And his disciples remembered that it was written,

The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him,

What sign shewest thou unto us,

seeing that thou doest these things?

19 Jesus answered and said unto them,

Destroy this temple,

and in three days

I will raise it up.”  John 2:16-19

Note that Jesus acts not only in the “zeal of the LORD” (See Psalm 69:99) as He cleanses the temple of the sellers and merchandisers, He also made reference to His resurrection, as He declared His ability to raise up the temple in three days, if they destroyed it; but the obtuse leaders thought this a most ridiculous claim, not understanding that He meant His body that would be offered as the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!   Even as the angel told Joseph, “He shall save His people from their sin…” in Matthew 1:21.  This Jesus, laid in a manger at His birth, would lay down His life to be nailed to a cross to pay for the sin of the world.  This one whom Isaiah told us would be the “Wonderful Counselor”!  And oh, what a counselor He is!

Jesus was, is and ever shall be our wonderful counselor, for He is God; not only God, but God who laid down His life for my sin and yours!  And while He counseled the disciples and followers in all God’s ways and the fact that He was and is the fulfillment of the promises of God, including Isaiah 9:6.  Not only that but He gave us a gift that would meet our needs as His children when He left and ascended to heaven until His return; He gave us His own Holy Spirit.  And don’t miss what Jesus called him as he prepared His disciples for His death, resurrection and His departure to heaven till His return.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

Don’t let the “money changers” around us cause you distress, the Wonderful Counselor has given us of Himself by giving His Holy Spirit to walk with us, with all who come to Him in repentance and faith/trust/belief in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—my sin and yours!  It’s why He came!  It’s why He can counsel us, all mankind, who will come to Him, not just at Christmas time but any day!  Every day He is calling men, women, boys and girls to come to Himself, the Wonderful Counselor for salvation, eternal life, abundant life.  Won’t you consider Jesus during these days of celebrating His birth?  If you don’t know Him, you can call upon Him today!  If you do know Him, you can draw closer to Him today!  I’ll simply close with His invitation to you!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

 is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

 that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

The Wonderful Counselor will never steer you wrong, I’ve walked with Him for nigh unto 50 years, and He’s never failed me; even when I fail Him miserably, He is ever near to counsel me back into the right way!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  Life or condemnation—it is your choice!!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Amen and Amen!!!