Tag: Charles Wesley

Christmas Devotions, Thoughts along the way

Christmas Devotions: Sacrifice

Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!”
~Simeon, Luke 2:34-35

Mary, the mother of Jesus was blessed among women but she also carried a certain sadness since the birth of Jesus. The truth is when God calls us into a significant ministry, that ministry always Continue reading “Christmas Devotions: Sacrifice” →

Christmas Devotions, Thoughts along the way

Christmas Devotions: Encouragement

In those days Mary got up and went hurriedly into the hill country, to a town of Judah, and entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed with a loud voice, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child in your womb! And who am I that the mother of my Lord should come and visit me? For the instant the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
~Mary and Elizabeth, Luke 1:39-45

Mary had just been told that her life was about to change but she also heard that Elizabeth, her elderly aunt’s life was about to change. Elizabeth was elderly but she was Continue reading “Christmas Devotions: Encouragement” →

Christmas Devotions, Thoughts along the way

Christmas Devotions: Immanuel

 

For this reason the sovereign master himself will give you a confirming sign. Look, this virgin is about to conceive and will give birth to a son. You, young woman, will name him Immanuel.
~The Prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 7:14

Throughout history people have longed to see the promise of God fulfilled. God had promised that through the “seed of woman” He would rescue His creation.

Sometimes it is hard to imagine how something out of the ordinary will happen. Continue reading “Christmas Devotions: Immanuel” →

Christmas Devotions, Thoughts along the way

Christmas Devotions: A Promise Beyond Borders

 

Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law is returning to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law back home!” But Ruth replied, “Stop urging me to abandon you! For wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you live, I will live. Your people will become my people, and your God will become my God.
~Naomi and Ruth, Ruth 1:15-16

God’s Christmas promise came through Abram’s family but the promise was not only for his family. God’s intent was to bless all people with Continue reading “Christmas Devotions: A Promise Beyond Borders” →