Daily Walking in the Love and Light of God

Thanks be to God who is love, and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world in human flesh, to save us from our sins, and reconcile us to God. 

He who still abides with us, by His Spirit, shines His light on our pathway, and fills us with the same. Glory to His name!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) See also verses 18-21.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shall call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it may be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:18-23)

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2) See also Matthew 4:13-17.

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. (The Gospel According to John 12:46)

Related Bible Readings: Matthew 22:37-40; John 1:1-18; John 8:12; John 13:34-35; John 21:15-17; Ephesians 5:1-21; Romans Chapter 5:8; 1 Corinthians Chapter 13; The First Epistle of John in its entirety (5 Chapters); Psalm 119:105

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Spread Christmas cheer. Find Christmas eCards at www.awalkinthegardengreetings.com

 

Born a King, to Reconcile Us to God

During his questioning of Jesus, the governor Pilate inquired if He was King of the Jews. Jesus in turn asked Pilate if he was speaking for himself about this, or did others tell him this concerning Him (Jesus). As is always the case, the Lord goes to the root and heart of all matters. 

More questions from Pilate ensued and Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."

'Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." ' (John 18:37)

He who made all things is the Lord God Almighty; the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, Ruler of all, the Word made flesh. He is righteous, just, merciful, gracious and true.

Open your heart to the Lord and receive Him today. He will come in and sup with you and you with Him. What a privilege, what a high honor!

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)

Jesus, the gift to the world that lasts forever! He is the way, the truth and the life. Eat of Him and drink of Him, this Christmas Season and always. Share the blessed good news!

Related Bible Readings regarding the purpose and mission of Christ, His finished work:

The Gospel According to John, Chapter 1, Chapter 3:1-21, Chapter 6:22-71, Jesus' Prayer to the Father for His disciples in John 17:1-26)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. -Isaiah 9:6

 

The Old Christmas Story That Never Grows Old in Our Hearts

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Merry Christmas

Good morning and Merry Christmas! May the joy that is Jesus be yours today and always.

"Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the  city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

The Old Christmas Story That Never Grows Old in Our Hearts

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Emmanuel." {Isaiah 7:14}


{Luke 1:26-33}

And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, "Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou shall conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

{Matthew 1:18-20}

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

{Luke 2:7-14}

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."

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, goodwill toward men!"


Reflection

Unlike the stories we read about in everyday life and are soon forgotten, or the news we discard as old news, the story of the entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ into the world, in human flesh, never grows old in our hearts.

The Christmas season is unlike any other celebrated on earth. Even those who have not experienced new birth, find themselves caught up in the joyful atmosphere and are giving glory to God.

God Himself in human flesh—born of a virgin—to save the souls of men. This prophecy and miracle cannot be fathomed by the human mind, but the born-again experience is real for all who have had an encounter with the true and living God and His Spirit that raises us from death to life, from darkness to light. Praise the Lord, our Emmanuel!

In His time, God brought to pass His perfect plan for the redemption of souls and restoration of broken lives. Before the foundation of the earth, He set in motion His divine purpose for you, me and the world. Receive the hope and blessed peace that He alone can give. Be filled with His unspeakable joy... be filled with His Spirit!

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions


Peace and goodwill to all, this Christmas season and always... In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.