The prophets had foretold it in ancient days gone by –
How God made flesh would come to us and for our sins would die.
A virgin would conceive Him, so God and man He’d be.
In Bethlehem she bore Him in deep humility.
He left His throne in heaven – became a baby small.
Angels would sing His praises above that lowly stall.
The Son of God and David’s seed lay still upon the hay.
This lowly child would reign again on resurrection day.
Kathy Boecher
Yesterday the Prophesy candle was lit on the Advent wreath. If you have young children or and want to do something special as a family devotion, it would be so rewarding to share some of the ancient prophesies concerning Jesus and how they were fulfilled in the New Testament. Here are just a few of them regarding His birth:
There are enough prophesies written in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the new to cover all the days of Advent. Maybe it’s time to start a new tradition in your home this year. These words were written centuries before His humble birth in Bethlehem. They’re our evidence of His existence and the saving work that has been accomplished through Him alone.
Our God is an awesome God. He leaves nothing to chance. He supports what He has done through His written Word, the Bible. The prophecies concerning His life give us hope for our own future – not only here on earth, but also in eternity. What a lovely gift to pass on to future generations.
I am but a speck – a dot – an insignificant piece of the puzzle.
My presence on this planet is nothing in comparison to others
I will be remembered for no great accomplishments in the world’s eyes –
no wondrous deeds of charity towards my fellow man.
My life, though inconsequential, holds value beyond compare.
My riches consist of God’s everlasting love – Jesus’ forgiveness and
The presence of the Holy Spirit within my heart. I would say I have it all.
You are my only King, sweet Jesus, meek and small.
You came in deep humility to help me to stand tall.
You lift me up, dear, Lord – you lead me in your way
And now I praise your holy name on this your sabbath day.
Prepare my heart for you. Make me your servant, Lord.
Give confidence to this old heart and teach me through your Word.
You give new life to me. You wash me white as snow.
Now let me sing your praises, Lord. So others may you know.
Kathy Boecher
The word Advent is from the Latin words Ad venite – literally means the coming of some one or some thing extremely important. In Christianity it is the beginning of the season of celebration for the coming of the Lord, Jesus. It is the official start of the Christmas season and like Lent is a time of preparation and repentance.
There are many traditions associated with this season – including the Advent wreath – which you may see in church today. One of the four outside candles will be lit during each of the weeks leading up to Christmas. The purple candles symbolize hope, peace and love and the pink represents joy. The candle in the center symbolizes Jesus and His purity.
The wreath itself had its beginnings in northern Europe, where there was an absence of sunlight (just like in Minnesota) and candles were used to brighten a room. Pines were significant because they, along with the circle shape of the wreath, symbolize eternal life.
The Advent wreath is another of those traditions associated with Christmas, but one that has some meaning. Each week these candles are lit and are associated with some important event leading up to birth of Jesus.
We have become so busy preparing, that sometimes we forget what we’re getting ready for. It isn’t about presents – decorations – baking – hurrying here and there.
In the busy weeks ahead, let’s take time to go back to some of these early traditions and use them as a teaching tool for our children so they can learn the true meaning of the Christmas season. It is a time of getting ready – preparing for the most important event ever to happen to humanity – making way for our King, Jesus.
There are still mountains to climb – trails to forge –
goals to be accomplished.
So much to do before the earth consumes my flesh
and I return to it.
Where was this fire, this desire and zeal to serve the Lord
in my youth?
Why did I wait so long to realize the urgency of Jesus’
Great Commission?
Who do I think I am to undertake this overwhelming task?
I have no words – no works – nothing to offer in gratitude.
All that I possess and am is because of what He’s done for me.
Lord, you’re the only one who knows how I can be used for your benefit.
I commit myself to your loving hands and am confident that you will provide
What is needed to accomplish your will. I know it will be done with or
without my interference. Amen,
Moon beams sift through pines on fallen snow.
Light sufficient to find the way back home.
A heavy load weighs on resistant ice below.
Weight of the world upon that glistening dome.
The tree of life stands firmly in its place.
It will not move in any time or space.
For God so loved this world He would not spare
The One who came to us – His love to share.
To melt the ice of frozen hearts in sin.
Renewed, refreshed and washed by Him within.
Kathy Boecher
Today, many Americans will hit the stores in search of amazing “bargains.” Many will have completed their Christmas shopping in one day. Many will get into fist fights over those same deals or tear their hair out if they’re too late. Some will give up entirely and stay home to make their purchases online.
I’m not condemning or condoning this behavior. I’m all for getting a good deal, but I think we often become so consumed with getting more bang for our buck than we do for the real reason for this beautiful season.
We have just completed giving thanks for all our blessings. We have praised our Lord for His bounty. It seems that we should continue that feeling throughout the entire Advent and Christmas season and on into the new year.
Today might be the perfect opportunity to sit down and talk to your children about God’s greatest gift to the entire world. You might share some of your family traditions with them so they can carry them on with their children some day. Talk about why we place a Christmas tree in our homes – or what is the symbolism behind a holiday wreath. Explain why we place a nativity set on our mantle and maybe even read the story of the first Christmas from God’s Word.
The gift of Christmas is one we don’t have to fight to get. We don’t have to stand in line for it or get tangled up in overwhelming crowds. Not only that – its absolutely free! It’s given by our loving heavenly Father to those who see their need for it and simply ask for it. Now that’s what I call a deal!
How can I thank you, Lord, for all you’ve done for me?
Your perfect love surrounds me and sets my spirit free.
You’ve taken all my sins away. You cleanse my heart both night and day.
I come without one plea.
Before You I can stand – perfected by your Son.
You’ve molded me like clay. Like gold I have become.
The devil can no more defeat. I face to face will You soon meet.
Through all that You have done.
Kathy Boecher
As pies bubble in our ovens and all sorts of treats are prepared for the big feast – we join in thanksgiving for the bounty in our lives. We may even bring a meal to someone in need or take items to a food shelf. What we often forget to do is thank God for His most important gift to us – Salvation through His Son, Jesus.
After dinner is finished, some will face the flat screen TV for a day of football while others head off to shop for the best early deals on Christmas gifts.
Many will never experience a great feast. Many will find it difficult to keep warm because they have no place to live or no coat to wear. Some will eat to excess but still not be full.
God is with us in good times and bad. He promises never to leave us. Even if we have only a small crust of bread to eat – give thanks. If our jobs are at stake – if we are suffering from depression – if it seems that there is no hope – give thanks. When our bank account is full – when our health is great – when life holds promise – give thanks.
No matter what our circumstances, we should at all times give thanks to the Lord. He never changes. His promises are always kept. He loves us even though we don’t deserve it. Wherever – whenever – give thanks to the Lord – His love endures forever!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Kathy Boecher
Burning in the night – a blazing image of protest.
Flames lick the sky as people chant and cry.
Voices screaming for vengeance – hearts broken.
A life lost – another saved – an angry crowd.
God tells us that vengeance is His.
Will we never learn?
KATHY BOECHER
I’m thankful for my life, though I don’t always say it.
It sometimes takes a special day to coax words out and pray it.
I thank God for His Only Son, who came to bring me life;
I’m grateful for the special man who took me as his wife.
I thank God for our children and the blessings they bestow.
He gave each one a special gift to bless them here below.
I’m thankful for my grandkids and often spoil them too.
I’m thankful that he’s blessed me with the means to help me through.
I’m grateful for those in my life who make it so worth living.
He blesses me, He gives me health, He constantly is giving.
There are not words to thank you, Lord for all you’ve done for me.
You gave Your life and rose again so I could be set free.
KATHY BOECHER
Crackling flames spit sparks onto the sides of a fire pit.
Golden toasted marshmallows hang tightly to a green branch.
The chill of winter invades your joints and consumes your breath.
A fleecy blanket caresses your shoulders. You move closer.
An outdoor fire is for the most hearty of souls.
I much prefer tuning into the seasonal Yule log on my TV.
1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. “
In ancient days, gladiators were men of great courage. They risked their lives every week in the Colosseum as they fought valiantly against raging lions or other men who were equally as strong.
This week we will be submitted to much of the same as, after we share our Thanksgiving dinners and view men fighting each other for fame and glory on the football field.
Our modern day gladiators are not much different than those of ancient Rome in that they are putting their bodies on the line for a short lived moment of glory. Somehow, these men are often put on pedestals and paid enormous salaries along with being given a ticket to get out of jail free. We often idolize these so called heroes and they in turn think they no longer have to be responsible for their actions.
The Apostle, Paul, in the above verse, encourages us to be strong – but more than just physically strong. We are told to be gladiators of the faith – to defend what we believe.
Our strength doesn’t come from things of this world. Sure, we can go to the gym several times a week and build strong bodies – we can endure a special diet which will promote muscle growth – we can even use our minds to overcome the pain that comes along with hard work – but the strength that builds true heroes comes from God. He is the one that pumps us up with the diet of His Holy Word. He feeds us with the meat of what’s needed for true strength.
He also gave us a hero who is above reproach. Jesus is perfect in every way – without sin. He took our place on the battlefield and defeated our greatest enemy – the devil. It’s time to put our eyes back on Him.
For the past eight months I’ve wakened early to write a new post for my blog. I’m not getting any younger and feel an urgency to express my gratitude to God for what He’s done for me. It took me many years of struggling and finally submitting to the truth of my salvation. I was raised in a Christian home and often questioned what was being hammered into my doubting mind.
My battle continued for a long time and I still find myself wondering occasionally. The truth is, my doubts are little tiny arrows which are being thrown my way by my greatest enemy, the devil, to win me back from Jesus.
Every time I feel myself doubting, I pray that God will send His protection. We are all susceptible to the power of sin, no matter how strong we think we are. I’m convinced that the battle will not end until I reach the other side of eternity.
The victory over sin has already been waged and the devil defeated by Jesus, but our sinful nature still has a grip on us. Eternal peace will finally come when we also rise to life after our physical death, just as Jesus overcame death. Until then, we face the difficulties of a sinful world. We are being refined and reshaped by our Creator. He alone can save us.
I will continue to write – sometimes too much, I fear. The words have been spilling out of me lately and I know they aren’t coming from my brain. Until I meet him face to face, I will spend the remainder of my days letting others know that all they have to do is let go and let God do the work. So easy, yet often extremely hard!
I was only 21 years old – full of hope and promise – planning a wedding – ready to start a new life. It was a wonderful time to be alive. Americans were living in a self-proclaimed “Camelot” with a charismatic leader and his lovely wife. All was well with the world.
On this day in history the President of the United States and his First Lady, left Washington, D.C. to begin a campaign appearance in Dallas, Texas. That evening JFK and Jackie attended a dinner held by the League of United Latin America Citizens. This was probably one of the first times that a president officially acknowledged Latinos as an important voting block. The First Lady addressed the gathering in Spanish.
The events following this dinner overshadowed it because the following day the President was assassinated. Not only did the world lose a great man that day, but our nation became bruised as it grieved over its lost leader.
As we move into this weekend, many words will be spoken about JFK and his presidency. Those of us who experienced that day will never forget it. It’s engraved in our minds as deeply as 9/11. Tragedy has come to our country many times before, but we as a nation will survive as long as we let God take the reigns.
I know that many would like to have us believe that we are no longer a Christian nation, but I think there are still enough of us to make a difference.
Lord, protect our country and all of her leaders this day and every day. You have promised to be faithful to those who put their trust in you and I know that you are still in the hearts of many in our land. Hear our cry and heal our nation! Amen.
We look at the things occurring in our world today – many times with hopelessness and apathy. We think we are powerless to do anything so we give up. Is this the spirit our nation was founded on?
What if the pilgrims had given up when their numbers dwindled. What if our early patriots had given up in the face of an insurmountable enemy? What if all the blood shed in defense of democracy was in vain?
We are faced with a crisis in our country right now. We have the opportunity to stand up and be counted. Our voices may seem small and unheard, but if joined together, they become mightier than those who would try to undermine our constitution.
We need to shout loudly from the rooftops – we must blast on the trumpet – we must ask God for His voice to be recognized in our land once more.
What can we do? We can join together and get in touch with those newly elected. We can light up the switchboard with our calls. We can stand up for our country instead of sitting idly by, while the powers that be manipulate and abuse her.
Our greatest hope is in the One True God. We have grown away from Him as a nation, but He Is still available to us. All we need do is call on His name.
Isn’t it great to know that God has sent His own angels to protect us each day? I have spoken about my angels and the shape they must be in by now. I have given all of them a run for their money. God knows that I need legions of them to help me.
In the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we are introduced to George Bailey’s guardian angel, Clarence Odbody who is in the process of earning his wings. This lovely, tear jerking movie explores what life would have been without George in it.
Have you ever wondered if the world would be a better place without you? I think at some point each one of us may have asked ourselves that question. God has the answer. He created each one of us for a purpose. He talks about this in Jeremiah 29:11 –
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
As we approach the holiday season, I think we need to revisit that very thought. Why were we born – what does God have in store for our future – where does our hope lie? Isn’t it a great comfort to know that He is in charge. He has our entire existence planned out for us. He formed us in our mother’s womb and knew us before we were born.
Maybe we need to think more in terms of this. What would life be without Jesus in it?
Thank you, Lord, for your gift of life. Thank you for watching over me in times of great difficulty as well as times of joy. Thank you for Your Son, Jesus, who came to carry my sins to the cross and forgive me, even though I don’t deserve it. Amen!
I never thought of white as my favorite color. All shades of blue and green and some shades of red or brilliant yellow are more my choice. White is the color of milk and those fluffy cumulus clouds that float overhead. You can see white as the background for words, in your eyes and you can even make your teeth whiter if you want to.
I guess the entire color wheel is much more appealing than white – but then again white is the combination of all colors. Without color there would be no white. Without God there would be no color. He is the One who created it. Without God there would be nothing to truly appreciate in this world.
I need to start appreciating the color white. It looks like we’re going to be seeing a lot of it this winter. Fresh, white snow has fallen over night. It has washed away all the ugliness from the backyard – all those yellow patches. It has covered the remainder of leaves that fell after the last snowfall. It glistens like a field of diamonds. Its a good reminder of how God has washed us clean from our sins and made us perfect in His sight.
Thank you, God for WHITE!
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