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"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'" (Luke 2:8-14)
Well our Seeds of Kindness produced a lavish bed to lay the Babe. The kids truly loved this, cutting the grass to lay in the manger. And laying Baby Jesus on their kindness that bloomed love... dare I say more seeds have been sowed - into tiny hearts. O, Lord... reap them for Your glory!
Our travels to the end really only mark the beginning. A Savior is born to die so that we may live... abundantly, eternally. The last Advent steps... walk with us to the end and find your beginning, which by God's grace has no end.
Day 15: Luke 2:1-7, MANGER
A Savior is born and laid in an animal's feeding trough, a manger. A humble beginning for the King of Kings.
Day 16: Luke 2:1-7, CLOTHS
As a Baby, He was swaddled in cloths and as a Man He was wrapped in linens. Even from the beginning, the end was the focus.
Day 17: Luke 2:8-20, SHEEP
"Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. Praise the Lord from the Earth... wild animals and cattle." (Psalm 5, 7a, 10a)
Day 18: Luke 2:8-20, ANGELS
Humble beginnings... well, except the Heavenly host singing and praising God for the Babe in the manger. Yes, Jesus was laid in a feeding trough because there was no room in the inn. And maybe the Baby-smell was overpowered by the animal smell. But all of Heaven sang on this Holy Night. Glory in the highest.
Day 19: Luke 2:8-20, SHEPHERDS
God whispers the Messiah's arrival to the lowly of society. Because He has come for ALL the people. He made that clear from the beginning.
Day 20: Luke 8:21-40, TEMPLE
Jesus is brought to the temple to be consecrated according to Moses' law. Funny. The Law fulfilled coming to the temple to fulfill the law.
Day 21: Matthew 2:1-12, STAR
The light in the darkness leads the way to the Light of the World.
Day 22: Matthew 2:1-12, WISE MEN
These men offered gifts of gold and incense and myrrh, but their most notable and faithful gift was discernment of the Truth. They protected the Baby's whereabouts from King Herod. The war, started in the Garden of Eden, tredges on with new tenacity as God is wrapped in flesh to finish what He started.
Day 23: Matthew 2:1-12, GIFTS
Gold for the King of kings. Frankincense as a sign of worhsip, used in the temples during sacrifices under the old law. And myrrh which has healing properties. By His wounds we are healed. To the Gift-giver, the wise men gave gifts that declare the Messiah is here. The wait is over. Believe.
Day 24: Philippians 2:6-8, CROSS
Born to die. It was really this simple. As a mother, my heart aches for Mary. Does she know how He will save us all when she wraps him in cloths, her newborn Son. Does she have any idea the horrendous death He must endure for it to be finished? Mary, did you know?
We topped off our Truth in the Tinsel Advent study with Chris Tomlin's "My Soul Magnifies the Lord". It was AWESOME to see the kids picking out the Scriptures we had been studying for the last 24 days. An amazing Christmas gift sent straight to this mama's heart!
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!
