Christmas 2021 - God Leaves the Best til Last.

 The Christmas story is probably the best known of all ALL Bible stories. Everywhere the Word of God it has been shared. The crux of it is Christ’s first coming is as the babe, Jesus, for He was born to die as our Saviour.

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Meditating upon this story, I wondered if ALL of the heavenly hosts were there rejoicing? or a select multitude of heavenly host to serenade the arrival of the LORD Jesus? 

In any case, they made a lasting impression in eternal matters on humble hearts! For God’s word is eternal and so was their announcement!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14 

Glory to God in the highest.

Peace, goodwill to ALL men.

Well, we certainly need that today “PEACE, GOODWILL TO ALL” 

- as in the time of Jesus’ birth. 

Jesus was born in troubled times, as today. 

Roman rule is little like the rule of today. There were distinct classes strongly separated in Judaism, and Romans and non-Romans. Jesus came to break down those barriers with PEACE, GOODWILL TO ALL!

I wonder what the baby Jesus would think of it all today, as newborn of today? As a babe seeing faces in masks, not learning proper facial recognition… NO! let’s not go there. 😷🤔

Instead, let us focus on our beautiful Saviour’s First Advent. 

Yes! There is more than one Advent. 😃❤️☝️

Thank the LORD for that! 

That is the brightest part of this story, you know!

This is NOT a one off! JESUS IS COMING AGAIN!

YAY! He IS coming again!

(See verses here Luke 2:10-38)

As we look at this story it’s really a story of Willing and Waiting Hearts.

The Anticipating Cast:

**Elizabeth and Zacharias parents of John the Baptist. (See Luke 1:5-25 here)

Elizabeth is Mary’s cousin. They’d long prayed for a son, but it was impossible. Until God’s miracle and John was born! “they were both righteous before God” v.6

**Mary and Joseph (Matt. 1:19-21 and Luke 1:26 -56)

Like Zacharias and Elizabeth they were “just” and “blessed, highly favoured” .. these are waiting, anticipating, believing Old Testament saints.  

**Shepherds Luke 2:6-18 

**Wise men Matthew 2: 1-13 

These believed “as it was told them”, so many do not do so today 🙏🙏🙏

**Simeon and Anna Luke 2:21-39

These last two are truly remarkable! 

Both are “righteous before God”, both for many decades we’re praying waiting with such anticipation for the Promised Messiah. 

Both had been told of God that they would see Him! These are Simeon’s words when this promise was fulfilled. I love this!

Luke 2:29-33 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

“A LIGHT to lighten the Gentiles and the GLORY of Thy people Israel.”

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Am I, are we willing joyfully awaiting?

Waiting right now, today, this moment for our coming King. 

For our LORD Jesus’ Second Advent?

 HIS COMING IS AS SURE AS THE DAWN

Do we walk daily in the light of “Perhaps today?” 

Because truly perhaps 🤔  it IS TODAY! 

May we be ready waiting as we’re Elizabeth, Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, Wise men, Simeon and Anna, who waited so long too. 

For joy, today perhaps it is that He returns for the second time? 

Amen even so come, Lord Jesus!

 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. 

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Rev 22:20

Bless, LORD God of glory, bless us ALL, in spite of our great sinfulness. 

This Christmas time, may we remember afresh the promise of your coming again. May we daily desire to walk in the light of Your Son’s Return for His own, looking forward with anticipation as they did so many millennia ago.

Oh Father, please save souls today, all over our poor, sad world today, for ETERNITY’s sake, please, in Thy great mercy, for Thy Eternal glory. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Thanks to all who pop across to read this blog and Thank YOU, especially if you’re able to leave some love and encouragement.

Prayer hugs,🙏🤗

Shaz in Oz.x 

I’m sorry I’ve been so quiet … various reasons, time just seems to shrink!

Just sharing a few cards, one at top is a simple upcycle with a stamped verse in Gold EP, it’s a set by Colorado Craft Co. 

Belo card is showcasing a scrap piece of acetate, with inks on the back, with die cut rectangle frame and two Simon Says dragon flies also in scrap card. The stamp “happy birthday” is by Lawn Fawn “too much to say” set. Acetate technique done here or just scroll below.. have more to share of them too.

The second image the red zygo cactus isn’t in flower now, was a wee while back but so Christmassy. 

If you are not sure if you are a Christian, a Christ follower, please read this post here - Who or What is a Christian?

Joining up to:

1 Word art Wednesday Anything goes! http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/ 

2. Snippets cards, and look, it is the grand prize draw. Do join in Do!

http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.com/2021/12/pixies-snippets-playground-challenge_0458224053.html