Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 52

4 Christmas Gifts from Jesus

One of our family’s Christmas traditions has been to read the biblical Christmas story together on Christmas Eve. We read those chapters from Matthew and Luke about the angels, the shepherds, the star, the magi, and the infant Christ born in a stable in Bethlehem. These beloved passages are so dear and familiar I can recite huge chunks of them from memory.

But did you know there is also a Christmas account in John’s Gospel?

John gives us a different perspective. He didn’t write about the earthly circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. Instead, John’s account is more of a heavenly view. He wrote about the eternal, divine nature of Jesus the Word and His purpose in coming to earth.

I encourage you to take the time to read John 1:1-14. Read it now. Or read it tonight with your family. As you read, look for the 4 things Jesus brought to the earth with His first coming. They are His Christmas gifts to us.

Life – In his Gospel, John uses the Greek word zoe, translated as “life,” 36 times! True life – eternal, spiritual life – is in Jesus. He embodies life (John 1:4). He alone can give life (John 5:24-26; John 11:25-26). And He came to earth to bring it to us (John 3:16).
Light – This world and everyone in it is dead and dying without Jesus. We stumble around in the darkness and can’t find our way to God. Jesus came to light the way to God (John 1:4-5). Many claim to know the way, but Jesus is the “true light” that gives light to everyone (John 1:9).
Grace – Jesus came from the Father to bring us grace (John 1:14). Jesus’s death on the cross is the ultimate act of grace. Our sin separates us from God and we cannot save ourselves. But Jesus’ death paid the penalty our sins deserve. When we put our faith and trust in Jesus and His death and resurrection we receive God’s gracious gift of salvation (John 3:16-17).
Truth – Jesus came to bring us God’s truth (John 1:14). During His time on earth He testified to the truth of God (John 18:37). Many reject it. Many cling to the world’s “truth.” But only Jesus gives us God’s truth (John 3:31-36).

4 #ChristmasGifts from #Jesus to us! John 1:1-14
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You may receive gifts this Christmas that cost a lot of money. But none compare to the 4 gifts Jesus longs to give. Open them up. Embrace them. Share them.

May God abundantly bless you with His life, light, grace, and truth this Christmas.

 

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My Oldest Christmas Memory

My earliest Christmas memory is from the mid 1960’s. I was only three or four. My parents and I went next door to visit the neighbors during Christmas week. We admired their Christmas tree and my dad picked me up to get a good look. A beautiful red bird caught my attention and I reached out for it. Neighbor Lady took it off her tree and let me hold it. I was in love with a Christmas ornament.

The very next day, Neighbor Lady knocked on our front door. She had bought another red bird just like hers and now she held it out to me! Little girl wonder and Christmas joy all wrapped up in one small bird.

Mom helped me hang it on our small tree. And that red bird has been front and center on my tree every year since. When Wayne and I got married, I brought the bird to our home and placed it on our first tree together. Wings have fallen off and been glued back on, but now, 50 years later, it still claims a place of honor.

My red bird reminds me of Christmases past, family, and dear friends. And I know this may sound strange, but it’s also reminds me of a comforting “constant.” No matter what life may hold at Christmas, the red bird will be on the tree and Jesus will be on His throne.

I don’t know what life holds for you this Christmas, but no matter your circumstances, Jesus is still on His throne. Grief, loss, and pain does not diminish that glorious truth. Keep your eyes on Him.

May the Light of Christ shine in your hearts this Christmas.

 

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An Extravagant Christmas Gift

What was the most valuable Christmas gift you ever received? What was the most valuable gift you’ve ever given?

The mostly costly one I ever received was a new laptop three years ago. But, it wasn’t a surprise. My husband and I even went together to pick it out. We merely used December 25th as an excuse to purchase something I really needed. You may consider the gift prudent or extravagant depending on your point of view.

Jesus received several extravagant gifts from the Magi who visited Him in Bethlehem – gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts expressed their worship and adoration of the King of kings. Their gifts were not last minute selections or random choices. They were carefully chosen and purposefully extravagant.

What was the most #extravagant #ChristmasGift you ever received?
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For instance, frankincense was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. Derived from the sap of the Boswellia tree, this dried resin was prized for its sweet, citrusy fragrance and medicinal qualities. In addition to being used in incense and perfume, frankincense was also known for its cleansing and healing properties. Even today, many use the oil to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Frankincense was a key ingredient in God’s recipe for the tabernacle incense. This incense was exclusively for the tabernacle. It was to be used and burned only to worship God. (See Exodus 30:34-38.) According to the Bible, this incense of worship represents the prayers of God’s people – a sweet aroma rising up before God on His throne. The valuable gift of frankincense reminds us to worship God.

What will you #GiveJesus this #Christmas?
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As we prepare to celebrate this Christmas, let’s consider what we can give to Jesus. He longs for us to give Him ourselves and He deserves our worship. Laying ourselves before Him in complete surrender is the purest, sweetest form of worship (Romans 12:1).

Let’s give our hearts and lives fully to Jesus today. May our gifts rise like the aroma of fragrant frankincense before God’s throne.

Note: This devotional is an excerpt from the Advent devotional book “Good Tidings of Great Joy.” Find out more or purchase here.  All proceeds benefit at-risk girls in Bangladesh.

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11 Reasons Jesus Came

Christmas is just two weeks away. Like me, you’ve probably done some decorating, shopping, wrapping and cooking. That’s a lot of preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Today, let’s take a deep breath and spend a few minutes thinking about what we celebrate. Why did Jesus come?

The quick answer is John 3:16. God the Father sent God the Son to die on a cross for our sins so that all who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (Find out more about how to have a saving relationship with Jesus.)

But did you know Jesus said a lot more about why He came?

A few years ago, I noticed Jesus used “I came” and “I have come” a number of times. So I started searching the Gospels for similar statements. I found almost a dozen!

Why we #CelebrateChristmas. 11 “I Came” statements of #Jesus
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As I studied them, Christmas took on a deeper and richer meaning for me. I’d like to share them with you. If you have time, look up the Scripture references and ask God to teach you the deeper meaning of Christmas.

Jesus came to…

Testify to the truth (John 18:37)
Preach about the Kingdom of God (Luke 4:43)
Call sinners (Mark 2:17)
Heal the sick (Mark 2:17)
Seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)
Serve (Matthew 20:28)
Give His life as a ransom (Matthew 20:28)
Die (John 12:23-27)
Give eternal life to all who believe (John 6:38-40)
Give us full, abundant life (John 10:10)
Be King (John 18:37)

Christmas began in a manger but it didn’t end there. This year, let’s celebrate the full meaning of Christmas. God came to us to bring us to Him!

 

God came to us to bring us to Him! #Christmas
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How Well Do You Know the Real Christmas Story?

Many “facts” we think we know about Jesus’ birth are not really factual at all. Centuries of tradition and and even popular culture have affected the way we view the story of Jesus’ birth. How well do you know the real Christmas story?

Can you separate biblical truth from pure fiction? Should you even care? Yes, Christians must handle God’s Word with care and diligence in every area. Let’s start by checking our facts on the Christmas story. Be honest! Answer the multiple choice questions without looking down below at the answers. Don’t use your Bibles or the internet.  I will give the answers and Scriptural support at the end. (Download & Print this PDF version!)

How well do you know #RealChristmas story? Take this #Christmas #Trivia quiz
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Take the Christmas Trivia Quiz

1. How did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?

a. Camel

b. Donkey

c. Walked

d. Volkswagen

e. Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey

f. Who knows?

2. What did the innkeeper tell Mary and Joseph?

a. There is no room in the inn.

b. I have a stable you can use.

c. Come back after the Christmas rush

d. Both a and b

e. None of the above

3. What is a manger?

a. Stable for domestic animals

b. Wooden hay storage bin

c. Feeding trough

d. Barn

4. According to the Bible, which animals were present at Jesus’ birth

a. Cows, sheep. goats

b. Cows, donkeys, sheep

c. Miscellaneous barnyard animals

d. Lions, tigers, and bears

e. We don’t know

5. What “sign” did the angels tell the shepherds to look for?

a. A star over Bethlehem

b. A baby that doesn’t cry

c. A baby in a stable

d. A baby lying in a manger

e. None of the above

6. Who saw the “star in the east?”

a. Shepherds

b. Mary and Joseph

c. Magi (aka Wise Men)

d. Both A and C

e. None of the above

7. What did the heavenly host of angels say?

a. Joy to the World

b. Alleluia

c. Unto us a child is born

d. Glory to God in the highest

8. Did the baby Jesus cry?

a. He never cried

b. He cried just like other babies

c. Only when the little drummer boy banged his drum

9. How many Magi came to see Jesus?

a. We aren’t sure, but probably less than 10

b. Three

c. We don’t know for sure, but there were probably dozens of people in their entourage

10. Where did the Magi find Jesus?

a. In the manger

b. In the stable

c. In an inn

d. In a house

Okay, here we go. Some answers and explanation!

1. The Bible does not say anything about a donkey. Luke 2:4 simply tells us that Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth to Galilee. Many biblical scholars do think that because of their economic status they probably both walked.

2. The Bible does not record any words spoken by the inn keeper. In fact, Luke does not even mention an inn keeper, merely an inn and the fact that there was no room. Luke 2:7. To get really specific, there is also no mention of a stable.

3. A manger is a feeding trough for animals.

4. Read Luke 2:1-20. There is no mention of animals of any kind around Jesus after His birth.

5. The star is only mentioned in conjunction with the Magi. They told Herod they had seen the star. See Matthew 2:2.

6. The sign the angels told the shepherds to look for was a baby lying in a manger. Luke 2:12.

7. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” Luke 2:14.

8. Baby Jesus was fully human. He cried when He was hungry, tired, wet, and in pain just like any other baby.

9. The Bible does not tell us how many Magi visited Jesus. The tradition of “3” probably developed because they presented 3 kinds of gifts. According to scholars the Magi’s journey probably lasted up to two years with an entourage of dozens or more people.

10. Sorry to wreck your nativity scenes but the Magi were not present the night Jesus was born. Scriptural evidence shows Jesus could have been as old as two by the time they arrived. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were staying in a house. See Matthew 2:11.

Feel free to download and print this PDF version to use at Christmas parties, in your SS classes, or just to show your family how “smart” you are!

So, how did you do? Which ones do you think would trip up more Christians?

 

Did this little trivia quiz challenge you to more thoroughly study the Bible? If so, in what way?

The post How Well Do You Know the Real Christmas Story? appeared first on Kathy Howard.

Mint Brownies for Christmas

I love chocolate. I love brownies. I love mint. That makes this decadent dessert a triple threat! I found this recipe more than 20 years ago. I would tell you where if I could remember!

This 3-layer brownie is yummy, pretty, and festive with its minty green layer in the middle. Perfect for a Christmas gathering! In fact, I made it just last week to take to a Christmas lunch party. When I shared a photo on Facebook someone asked for the recipe, so I decided to share it with you too!

The recipe is below. You can also download this PDF to print!

Brownie Layer (You could use a boxed mix for this layer):

1 cup sugar
½ cup butter, softened
4 eggs
1 cup flour
½ tsp salt
1 can (16 oz) Hershey’s syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Blend sugar and butter together until creamy. Add eggs and beat. Add flour and salt, mix. Add Hershey’s syrup and vanilla. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 27 minutes.

Mint Icing Layer:

2 Cups Confectioner’s sugar
½ tsp peppermint extract
½ cup butter, softened
2 Tbl milk
3-4 drops green food coloring

Mix the 5 ingredients listed above until smooth. Spread over COOLED brownie layer.

Glaze Layer:

1 cup chocolate chips
6 Tbl butter

Mix chocolate and butter and melt in microwave just the minimum time needed to melt. The chocolate will burn easily. Spread over the top of the icing.

 

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God IS Fixing This

Thursday, in the wake of the mass shooting in California, the New York Daily News published this front page headline:

GOD ISN’T FIXING THIS

Journalist Rick Schapiro began a related article on the paper’s website by stating, “Prayers aren’t working.” He claims prominent republicans did nothing but offer “meaningless platitudes” when they posted about prayer for the victims and their families on social media.

Two days ago, I heard about this headline on the news and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. My intention with this post is not to debate the issues of gun control or free speech or freedom of religion. Instead, I simply want to offer a rebuttal to the headline and say:

GOD IS FIXING THIS

#God IS #fixing this
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I know that violence and hatred fill our world. But God isn’t surprised. The Bible tells us repeatedly that people will choose their own sinful way over God’s righteous way:

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their foolish hearts were darkened… They exchanged the truth of God for a lie.” Romans 2:21-24, NIV

“Their is no one righteous… No one seeks God… No one does good… Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways… There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:10-18, NIV

And the problem isn’t more than God can handle. Our God is all-powerful and sovereign. He “who made the world and everything in it” is able to “fix this.” He is the same One who made every “nation of men” and “determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:24-26).

God will judge evil in His time. Jesus will come again and God will set all things right. Evil will be destroyed. Yet, God is patient. He waits because He longs for all to “come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:3-10). He holds out eternal life with Him – something far greater than this temporary world.

God is not inactive. He is calling all people to Jesus and the eternal salvation He provided. In fact, God cares so much for this world and every person in it that He sent His own Son to “fix” the mess made by sin.

#God is NOT #inactive. #Jesus IS working today
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That’s the real celebration of Christmas. The first coming of the Savior of the world. God come to man, as a man. Immanuel, God with us. God with us, so He could die for us. Jesus’s sacrificial death on the cross provided the death penalty our sins earned (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23). This is the real gift of Christmas. Eternal salvation for all who believe.

On this side of the cross, Jesus is still working. He is drawing all people to Himself, preparing for the Day when the “last enemy,” death, is destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).

Today, let’s pray for the victims and their families. Let us remember the first coming of the Savior. And let us anticipate the second coming of our Savior and King, when all creation is redeemed and death is finally and forever defeated.

Lord Jesus come quickly.

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5 Benefits of Living a Holy Life

“Holiness” is often misunderstood. Many believers think living a holy life is just too hard. Or too boring. Or simply undesirable. We recognize the truth that God commands His children to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). We do want to please Him, but life gets in the way.

We fail to realize that the benefits of holiness far outweigh anything we might need to “sacrifice.” The gain is far greater than the loss of any worldly activity, behavior, or attitude.

In his book, The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges defines holiness this way: “To be morally blameless. It is to be separated from sin and, therefore, consecrated to God. The word signifies ‘separation to God, and the conduct befitting those so separated.” The basic meaning of “holy” is to be “set apart.” We are set apart from the world, its sinful ways, and our own fleshly desires. We are set apart to God.

Maybe holiness sounds like an overwhelming, daunting, or impossible task? Humanly speaking it is. But, whatever God requires of His children, He also supplies. God requires holiness, but His Spirit provides the power to turn away from sin. God calls us to holiness and God provides what we need to be holy.

Usually what it comes down to is simply our desire to live a holy life. Why would we want to be holy? The following 5 benefits are not the only reasons to pursue holiness, but they’re one Scripture mentions repeatedly.

Holiness fosters intimacy with God and builds spiritual strength and stability (Psalm 15:1-6).
Holiness makes us useful and effective for God’s purposes (2 Timothy 2:20-26).
Holiness causes people around you to glorify God (1 Peter 2:9-12).
Holiness builds peace with God (2 Peter 3:10-18).
Holiness pleases God and produces “fruit” (Ephesians 5:1-17).

And those 5 benefits are just the beginning of how God blesses a holy life!

How have you thought about holiness in the past? Have you thought a holy life was too hard? Simply undesirable? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Want to learn more about living a holy life? Check out Kathy’s Bible study “Embraced by Holiness.”

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3 Bible Studies that Impacted My Faith

People often ask me for Bible study recommendations and usually I have some suggestions. Over the years, I’ve had a lot of experience with Bible studies from many different angles. I have been a student of the Bible and a “consumer” of Bible study curriculum for almost 30 years. I have also taught Bible study, chosen curriculum for church ministries, and written Bible studies.

But recently, a conversation I had with a friend got me thinking about the Bible studies that have had the greatest impact on my own life. I want to share those with you today.

First, I want to emphasize that our first source for growing in our faith and in our knowledge of God is His Word. The Bible should always be our primary study book. The Holy Spirit is our teacher; we need no other. But God has also given us gifted teachers with great biblical insight. Their material can supplement and enhance our personal study of the Bible.

#Bible is always 1st source for growing in faith & knowledge of God
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I’ve lost count of the number of study books I’ve used over the years. However, these three stand out because each of them profoundly affected my faith. They guided me into a deeper understanding of Scripture. Each provided multiple “aha” moments by connecting some biblical dots or making me aware of an aspect of God’s character or ways I had somehow missed before.

They are deep and thoughtful. It’s obvious the authors walk closely with God and take the teaching of His Word very seriously. I know two of the authors personally and their lives match their writing. And although I trust their teaching, I also check everything they write against the Bible. So far, I have not been disappointed.

3 #BibleStudies that impacted my #faith
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Here are my top three:

Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby & Claude King – This study highlights truths from Scripture that helps readers know how God works in the world and how He relates to us.
Live a Praying Life by Jennifer Kennedy Dean – This study wipes out our misconception about prayer by pointing us to what the Bible says about its purpose and working.
Believing God by Beth Moore – Too many Christians settle for belief in God when we could believe Him.

I have done some Bible studies over the years that have encouraged me in a particular area or increased my knowledge of God. Others have wasted my time. But these three address foundational truths of our faith and directly impacted my relationship with God. The first two I’ve done more than once, and I know I would benefit from doing all of them again.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you done these? Are there others that God used mightily in your life?

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A Psalm to Pray for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! In the midst of the cooking and eating and cleaning and visiting, let’s purposefully pause to reflect on the God who deserves all our honor and praise, and thanksgiving.

The Lord Almighty, the one true God, Creator of all that is, sends rain to the earth and provides us with a bountiful harvest of food. This same Mighty God, who formed the mountains and causes the sun to rise, also hears our prayers and forgives all our sins.

This Psalm of David is a beautiful expression of God’s goodness to us. May it lead us today into praise and thanksgiving to our Great God!

What mighty praise, O God,

    belongs to you in Zion.

We will fulfill our vows to you,

2     for you answer our prayers.

    All of us must come to you.

3 Though we are overwhelmed by our sins,

    you forgive them all.

4 What joy for those you choose to bring near,

    those who live in your holy courts.

What festivities await us

    inside your holy Temple.

5 You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,

    O God our savior.

You are the hope of everyone on earth,

    even those who sail on distant seas.

6 You formed the mountains by your power

    and armed yourself with mighty strength.

7 You quieted the raging oceans

    with their pounding waves

    and silenced the shouting of the nations.

8 Those who live at the ends of the earth

    stand in awe of your wonders.

From where the sun rises to where it sets,

    you inspire shouts of joy.

9 You take care of the earth and water it,

    making it rich and fertile.

The river of God has plenty of water;

    it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,

    for you have ordered it so.

10 You drench the plowed ground with rain,

    melting the clods and leveling the ridges.

You soften the earth with showers

    and bless its abundant crops.

11 You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;

    even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.

12 The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,

    and the hillsides blossom with joy.

13 The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,

    and the valleys are carpeted with grain.

    They all shout and sing for joy!

Psalm 65:1-13, NLT

I pray you have a blessed day with family and friends. But let’s remember to praise God today and thank Him for all His good gifts!

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