Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 34
December 27, 2012
Free Christmas Gift!
Merry Christmas!
I love this time of year, and although Christmas has come and gone, I still have it in my heart and want to give each of you valued and wonderful readers a Christmas present.
December 27th - December 28th, you can download the Kindle copy of
The Price of Trust
for
FREE on Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V0AHP8
But hurry! This special promotion ends the 28th!
Christian Romance
Beaten and betrayed by the one who was supposed to love her...
Carly Richards is on the run!
www.BooksByAmanda.com
I love this time of year, and although Christmas has come and gone, I still have it in my heart and want to give each of you valued and wonderful readers a Christmas present.
December 27th - December 28th, you can download the Kindle copy of
The Price of Trust
for
FREE on Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V0AHP8
But hurry! This special promotion ends the 28th!
Christian Romance
Beaten and betrayed by the one who was supposed to love her...
Carly Richards is on the run!
www.BooksByAmanda.com
December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas to one and All!
Yep. It's the annual, Merry Christmas blog post. This year, I'd like to send a shoutout to some of my very very special friends. You, you, and you! Oh yeah. You over there, and there, and I can't forget you over there!
I hope your day was full of cheer and you were blessed today. But, before we go on, I want to remind each of us that the True meaning of Christmas is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is THE GIFT that keeps giving. The Gift that is exactly the right size for every single person. The right color, the right scent, and the list goes on. You don't have to be a certain age, nor is there an age where you're too old to receive this gift.
This gift, Jesus Christ the Messiah, is for you. And me. And all we have to do is accept it. Admit that you are a sinner, Believe that He is the Only Way to Heaven, and Confess your need for a Savior, and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins. There isn't a secret code word or code phrase. Just believe in your heart that He is God's Son, He came to save you from your sins, and ask Him for that gift. The FREE gift of salvation.
2 Corinthians 9:15 says it best:
"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."
James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
www.BooksByAmanda.com
I hope your day was full of cheer and you were blessed today. But, before we go on, I want to remind each of us that the True meaning of Christmas is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is THE GIFT that keeps giving. The Gift that is exactly the right size for every single person. The right color, the right scent, and the list goes on. You don't have to be a certain age, nor is there an age where you're too old to receive this gift.
This gift, Jesus Christ the Messiah, is for you. And me. And all we have to do is accept it. Admit that you are a sinner, Believe that He is the Only Way to Heaven, and Confess your need for a Savior, and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins. There isn't a secret code word or code phrase. Just believe in your heart that He is God's Son, He came to save you from your sins, and ask Him for that gift. The FREE gift of salvation.
2 Corinthians 9:15 says it best:
"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."
James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
www.BooksByAmanda.com
December 22, 2012
Christian Devotional - The Wise Men
Today as we look at the final installment of our Christmas series, we're looking at the journey of the wise men. Perseverance is the word of the day with this one.
Matthew 2:1-12--Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me so that I too may come worship Him.”
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they presented to Him gifts of gold frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a cream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
Right now as I write this, I am sitting in an airport getting ready for a flight back home. The flight itself will take about an hour and a half, then I'll be home with my family. Granted I am very motivated to get there, but most scholars believe that the journey the magi took lasted 2 years. I can't even begin to comprehend a journey that took two years, one way. These magi saw the star that coincided with the birth of Jesus and they decided that this was so important and so worthwhile that they had to make the trip to see Him. Their journey took two years through some treacherous areas. They were carrying valuables and they were at risk for bandits and robbers. Every night they camped under the stars. They journeyed for 2 years this way with no other direction than a star in the heavens.
They did reach their destination and they presented their gifts and worshipped the precious Son of God. They persevered through the difficulties and the hardships just to have the opportunity to worship God.
Do we persevere? Do we see our goal of praising and worshipping God as so precious that we would be willing to embark on any type of journey just for the chance to praise Him?
As we look back over the ideas found in the Christmas story, we find so many lessons about trusting God.
Mary—faith in the unknown
Joseph—faith in the known
Jesus' birth—trusting the promises of God
Shepherds—expect the unexpected
Wise Men—perseverance
As we celebrate Christmas this week, be sure to take some time to give Jesus a gift. Evaluate yourself next to these characteristics and see how you stack up. Confess any areas of sin, and commit to obeying Him in every area of your life, after all, he's worth it.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com
Matthew 2:1-12--Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me so that I too may come worship Him.”
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they presented to Him gifts of gold frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a cream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
Right now as I write this, I am sitting in an airport getting ready for a flight back home. The flight itself will take about an hour and a half, then I'll be home with my family. Granted I am very motivated to get there, but most scholars believe that the journey the magi took lasted 2 years. I can't even begin to comprehend a journey that took two years, one way. These magi saw the star that coincided with the birth of Jesus and they decided that this was so important and so worthwhile that they had to make the trip to see Him. Their journey took two years through some treacherous areas. They were carrying valuables and they were at risk for bandits and robbers. Every night they camped under the stars. They journeyed for 2 years this way with no other direction than a star in the heavens.
They did reach their destination and they presented their gifts and worshipped the precious Son of God. They persevered through the difficulties and the hardships just to have the opportunity to worship God.
Do we persevere? Do we see our goal of praising and worshipping God as so precious that we would be willing to embark on any type of journey just for the chance to praise Him?
As we look back over the ideas found in the Christmas story, we find so many lessons about trusting God.
Mary—faith in the unknown
Joseph—faith in the known
Jesus' birth—trusting the promises of God
Shepherds—expect the unexpected
Wise Men—perseverance
As we celebrate Christmas this week, be sure to take some time to give Jesus a gift. Evaluate yourself next to these characteristics and see how you stack up. Confess any areas of sin, and commit to obeying Him in every area of your life, after all, he's worth it.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com
Christmas Candy Video - Peppermint Patties
You know you have a winning recipe when you make a very large batch of something, and you walk away with empty containers. Boosh! Makes you feel like a winner every time!
This past Sunday, our church gathered together for our annual Christmas play and a time of fellowship afterward. As I was staying all day at the church and going to be practicing the Christmas play with the children, I needed something fast and easy to whip up that I knew wouldn't perish after a full day of sitting on the counter.
This is what I made.
Peppermint Patties.
When all was said and done and the clean up perfected, I was now the happy owner of not one, but *two* very empty peppermint patty dishes.
One thing I did differently, half of the batch, I didn't dip in chocolate. I left those little patties quite naked. They were a hit.
Do you have a tried and true recipe you'd like to share? Leave a comment below with your email address, and your recipe just may be featured!www.BooksByAmanda.com
This past Sunday, our church gathered together for our annual Christmas play and a time of fellowship afterward. As I was staying all day at the church and going to be practicing the Christmas play with the children, I needed something fast and easy to whip up that I knew wouldn't perish after a full day of sitting on the counter.
This is what I made.
Peppermint Patties.
When all was said and done and the clean up perfected, I was now the happy owner of not one, but *two* very empty peppermint patty dishes.
One thing I did differently, half of the batch, I didn't dip in chocolate. I left those little patties quite naked. They were a hit.
Do you have a tried and true recipe you'd like to share? Leave a comment below with your email address, and your recipe just may be featured!www.BooksByAmanda.com
December 18, 2012
You Know You're Having a Bad Day When...
...your children are getting along and you hear one whisper to the other...
"Can't you tell she's having a bad day? Just look at her hair!"
I'm not sure, but I think stress is a problem that everyone has to deal with at some point in their lives. Some of us seem to have to deal with it more than others. Why, I don't know. Perhaps you can't say no to people. Or maybe, you're always looking to make others happy.
While putting others first is a great thing, in fact, we're supposed to do that, that doesn't mean there aren't those that abuse that particular character trait and use it for their own nefarious purposes.
There have been times in my life I was sure that I was headed to either an early grave or a complete breakdown. I'm really not old enough to be this way, but it's me. It's not right to worry, yet I do.
This week has been A WEEK. *insert rolling of eyes and rubbing of temples here*. I've just inherited a large project that must be done in, oh, three days. Humanly speaking, this project is impossible. There is no way this is going to get done. There is no way embarrassment won't mark me for at least a month after the due date. Plus, I believe I will go down in history after this particular project is finished.
Yep. You called it. I'm stressed.
But I'm working through it. When I get stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed, I tend to find something for my hands to get busy with. I work the frustration out. I keep busy until I can be calm and look at things a little differently than before. Being a stay at home, homeschooling mom, this means several things.
Our house gets cleaned very, very well. And our children learn all those wonderful details of how to scrub the floors, fold the towels, straighten their drawers, keep their school desks shipshape, and the list goes on. (Don't worry. During these moments, I too am very busy. Right now, I'm pretty sure our oven would rival any brand new one for cleanliness - inside and out. I didn't know it could sparkle so much after 17 years of heavy use.)
Amazingly, our children don't bicker or fight while I'm stressed. They can always tell when things just aren't right. Our daughter will always comment, ever so politely, that my hair looks exciting. That's her way of saying, "Uh, mom. Are you doing all right?"
I find something to laugh at. Sometimes, all it takes to relieve the pressure is elbow grease and laughter. But be careful on this step. If you're laughing hysterically while scrubbing your floors, oven, or windows, be prepared to be considered a lunatic. Don't ask me how I know.
This is the most important step. I pray more. The Bible says we should pray without ceasing, but I venture to say that everyone falls off the bandwagon on this point. Sometimes, when God's trying to get our attention, He uses difficult, uncomfortable things to do it with. Our prayers are precious to Him. They're a sweet savor (smell). Like the honeysuckle on our vine in the front yard, He loves it when we pray and tell Him our needs.
So what about you? What do you do to get past your stressful situations?
www.BooksByAmanda.com
"Can't you tell she's having a bad day? Just look at her hair!"
I'm not sure, but I think stress is a problem that everyone has to deal with at some point in their lives. Some of us seem to have to deal with it more than others. Why, I don't know. Perhaps you can't say no to people. Or maybe, you're always looking to make others happy.
While putting others first is a great thing, in fact, we're supposed to do that, that doesn't mean there aren't those that abuse that particular character trait and use it for their own nefarious purposes.
There have been times in my life I was sure that I was headed to either an early grave or a complete breakdown. I'm really not old enough to be this way, but it's me. It's not right to worry, yet I do.
This week has been A WEEK. *insert rolling of eyes and rubbing of temples here*. I've just inherited a large project that must be done in, oh, three days. Humanly speaking, this project is impossible. There is no way this is going to get done. There is no way embarrassment won't mark me for at least a month after the due date. Plus, I believe I will go down in history after this particular project is finished.
Yep. You called it. I'm stressed.
But I'm working through it. When I get stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed, I tend to find something for my hands to get busy with. I work the frustration out. I keep busy until I can be calm and look at things a little differently than before. Being a stay at home, homeschooling mom, this means several things.
Our house gets cleaned very, very well. And our children learn all those wonderful details of how to scrub the floors, fold the towels, straighten their drawers, keep their school desks shipshape, and the list goes on. (Don't worry. During these moments, I too am very busy. Right now, I'm pretty sure our oven would rival any brand new one for cleanliness - inside and out. I didn't know it could sparkle so much after 17 years of heavy use.)
Amazingly, our children don't bicker or fight while I'm stressed. They can always tell when things just aren't right. Our daughter will always comment, ever so politely, that my hair looks exciting. That's her way of saying, "Uh, mom. Are you doing all right?"
I find something to laugh at. Sometimes, all it takes to relieve the pressure is elbow grease and laughter. But be careful on this step. If you're laughing hysterically while scrubbing your floors, oven, or windows, be prepared to be considered a lunatic. Don't ask me how I know.
This is the most important step. I pray more. The Bible says we should pray without ceasing, but I venture to say that everyone falls off the bandwagon on this point. Sometimes, when God's trying to get our attention, He uses difficult, uncomfortable things to do it with. Our prayers are precious to Him. They're a sweet savor (smell). Like the honeysuckle on our vine in the front yard, He loves it when we pray and tell Him our needs.
So what about you? What do you do to get past your stressful situations?
www.BooksByAmanda.com
December 17, 2012
Ideas For Christmas
This December is and is going to continue to be a busy month at my
house. I was charge of the Staff appreciation Snack bar at Emily's
school, I assembled a cookie tray for my husband, Bobby, to take to
work, I am preparing for a slumber party which will involve seven
additional girls, I'm the class mother so I am in charge of seeing that
everything runs smoothly at the second grade Christmas party, and I am
hosting Christmas dinner for my family.
So
this week I thought I would post a recipe and a craft that you and your family might want to add to your Christmas
festivities. First I want to share the recipe for Lemon Burst Cookies
(the yellow powdered sugar covered cookies top left) which were a
favorite of both the school staff and my husband's co-workers. It's a
super easy recipe so be sure to ask your kids to help!
Lemon Burst Cookies
1 box lemon cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 TBS lemon juice
1/3 cup powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with
parchment paper or silicon baking mat. Pour cake mix in a large bowl. Mix
together with eggs, lemon juice, and oil thoroughly. Place powdered sugar in a
small bowl. Drop lemon dough into powdered sugar by spoonfuls. Use spoon to coat
dough and then roll gently in palms of hand into a small ball. Place on baking
sheet and bake for 9 minutes. Cool on wire rack and store in sealed
container.
Next I want to share one of my favorite sites for craft ideas which is DLTK Crafts for Kids.
I frequently use this site for the printable BINGO cards pictured above. BINGO can be found under the printable selection; I already have a whole stack ready to go for the children's Christmas party. They really easy to
make by following the step by step instructions. And once
they are done, you can give the children pennies or those round, white stickers people
use for garage sale pricing to us as markers.
So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.
www.BooksByAmanda.com
house. I was charge of the Staff appreciation Snack bar at Emily's
school, I assembled a cookie tray for my husband, Bobby, to take to
work, I am preparing for a slumber party which will involve seven
additional girls, I'm the class mother so I am in charge of seeing that
everything runs smoothly at the second grade Christmas party, and I am
hosting Christmas dinner for my family.
So
this week I thought I would post a recipe and a craft that you and your family might want to add to your Christmas
festivities. First I want to share the recipe for Lemon Burst Cookies
(the yellow powdered sugar covered cookies top left) which were a
favorite of both the school staff and my husband's co-workers. It's a
super easy recipe so be sure to ask your kids to help!
Lemon Burst Cookies
1 box lemon cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 TBS lemon juice
1/3 cup powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with
parchment paper or silicon baking mat. Pour cake mix in a large bowl. Mix
together with eggs, lemon juice, and oil thoroughly. Place powdered sugar in a
small bowl. Drop lemon dough into powdered sugar by spoonfuls. Use spoon to coat
dough and then roll gently in palms of hand into a small ball. Place on baking
sheet and bake for 9 minutes. Cool on wire rack and store in sealed
container.
Next I want to share one of my favorite sites for craft ideas which is DLTK Crafts for Kids.
I frequently use this site for the printable BINGO cards pictured above. BINGO can be found under the printable selection; I already have a whole stack ready to go for the children's Christmas party. They really easy to
make by following the step by step instructions. And once
they are done, you can give the children pennies or those round, white stickers people
use for garage sale pricing to us as markers.
So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.
www.BooksByAmanda.com
December 15, 2012
Christmas Devotional - Shepherds and the Unexpected
Expect the unexpected.
As we continue looking at the first Christmas, we remember that Jesus has been born and God send out his own announcements, carried via angel.
I’m not sure what the shepherds were expecting that cold evening watching their sheep, but on that evening when Jesus was born, I can guarantee they never expected a choir of angels announcing the birth of the Messiah.
Luke 2:8-20 says “In that same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”
So much of the unexpected occurs in these verses. The shepherds weren’t expecting angel visitors. The people of Bethlehem weren’t expecting the shepherds to be in town at that time of night. Mary and Joseph weren’t expecting visitors. No one was expecting the most amazing birth announcement ever to be given to a group of lowly shepherds. One thing we can learn from this? With God, expect the unexpected.
God moves in a way and in a plan that makes sense to Him. His plans are so vast and broad and yet so detailed that we can trust that His plans are perfect even when we would have never planned for or wished for the results. Do we recognize that God wants to work in unexpected ways to show us the amazing plans that He has for us. What has happened to you that is unexpected? Do you fight against a change in the status quo? Or, do you roll with it, accepting that God may have something special He wants You to be a part of?
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com
As we continue looking at the first Christmas, we remember that Jesus has been born and God send out his own announcements, carried via angel.
I’m not sure what the shepherds were expecting that cold evening watching their sheep, but on that evening when Jesus was born, I can guarantee they never expected a choir of angels announcing the birth of the Messiah.
Luke 2:8-20 says “In that same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”
So much of the unexpected occurs in these verses. The shepherds weren’t expecting angel visitors. The people of Bethlehem weren’t expecting the shepherds to be in town at that time of night. Mary and Joseph weren’t expecting visitors. No one was expecting the most amazing birth announcement ever to be given to a group of lowly shepherds. One thing we can learn from this? With God, expect the unexpected.
God moves in a way and in a plan that makes sense to Him. His plans are so vast and broad and yet so detailed that we can trust that His plans are perfect even when we would have never planned for or wished for the results. Do we recognize that God wants to work in unexpected ways to show us the amazing plans that He has for us. What has happened to you that is unexpected? Do you fight against a change in the status quo? Or, do you roll with it, accepting that God may have something special He wants You to be a part of?
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com
December 14, 2012
Do you love your kids the same?
As you know, I love to laugh. A lot. And as I dearly love a good laugh, I truly enjoy making others laugh as well. So, without further ado, please enjoy this Tim Hawkins YouTube Video!
www.BooksByAmanda.com
www.BooksByAmanda.com
December 13, 2012
Lighting the Night
One of my favorite recounts of the birth of Jesus is in the first chapter of John. This is not typically the narration shared at Christmas, and does not chronicle the wondrous parts of the story as does the gospel of Luke. But I love John's poetry. His symbolism, his truth. I love the way he binds the old testament with the new.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it." John 1:1-5.
Vs 9, "The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world." Vs 12-14, "To all who have received him, those who believe in his name, he has given the right to become God's children. Children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband's decision, but by God. Now the word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory, the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father."
When I read this now, during the Christmas season, I am reminded of a particular Christmas tradition: placing candles in the window on Christmas Eve.
Now, here in the south, candles can be seen in windows beginning in December, when the first decorations appear. But when this tradition began, long ago in Ireland, candles were lit specifically on Christmas Eve.
Under British occupation, the Irish Catholic faith was forbidden. Irish priests were driven out of Ireland, and threatened with death if they returned. Still many faithful Irish longed for the sacraments of their faith. So one way around this was to set three candles in their windows at Christmas eve.
This was a silent testimony that those who shared their faith were welcome within their walls... particularly Irish priests who could then share the Christmas mass with those in the home. I love this story because it shows that those of faith can not be kept in darkness. Our lights shine out to the world, whether figuratively as we share the True Light that is Christ Jesus, or physically, when we place tiny flames in our windows to give hope and joy to those who see them.
May your light be a reflection of Jesus, who, as the scripture says, has given to those who believe the right to become children of God. May your light warm those within its sphere with the joy that comes from the Lord, and the hope that is found only in him. May your Christmas be merry and bright!
Happy writing,
Karina Harris
www.karinaharrisauthor.comwww.BooksByAmanda.com
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it." John 1:1-5.
Vs 9, "The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world." Vs 12-14, "To all who have received him, those who believe in his name, he has given the right to become God's children. Children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband's decision, but by God. Now the word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory, the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father."
When I read this now, during the Christmas season, I am reminded of a particular Christmas tradition: placing candles in the window on Christmas Eve.
Now, here in the south, candles can be seen in windows beginning in December, when the first decorations appear. But when this tradition began, long ago in Ireland, candles were lit specifically on Christmas Eve.
Under British occupation, the Irish Catholic faith was forbidden. Irish priests were driven out of Ireland, and threatened with death if they returned. Still many faithful Irish longed for the sacraments of their faith. So one way around this was to set three candles in their windows at Christmas eve.
This was a silent testimony that those who shared their faith were welcome within their walls... particularly Irish priests who could then share the Christmas mass with those in the home. I love this story because it shows that those of faith can not be kept in darkness. Our lights shine out to the world, whether figuratively as we share the True Light that is Christ Jesus, or physically, when we place tiny flames in our windows to give hope and joy to those who see them.
May your light be a reflection of Jesus, who, as the scripture says, has given to those who believe the right to become children of God. May your light warm those within its sphere with the joy that comes from the Lord, and the hope that is found only in him. May your Christmas be merry and bright!
Happy writing,
Karina Harris
www.karinaharrisauthor.comwww.BooksByAmanda.com
December 12, 2012
It's All About the Hope!
Christmas is in the air. Can you feel it?
It’s because of hope. Hope personified in a baby in a manger. It puts a smile on your face, doesn’t it? No matter what you are going through. No matter what your bank account says. No matter what your doctor says. You may have lost loved ones. Or maybe your loved ones are far away this Christmas.
Hope is still present…can you feel it?
This Christmas as I look around, I don’t see much in terms of tangible belongings. I don’t see much in my bank account. My health has been precarious as of late and pain has been a daily occurrence. My daughter is in college 1000 miles away and won’t be with us. I miss my grandmother, and the mother she was to me.
Yet hope is here, have you caught it yet?
There won’t be as many baked goods or presents under the tree. It will be a celebration of three instead of four. I see a round of Twelve Days of Christmas happening on Skype. Laughter is still laughter even a thousand miles away.
Because Hope transverses time and distance…do you recognize it?
When the last cookie is baked and the last candy made, when the tree is decorated and lights up the room, when the last present is wrapped and laid beneath the star, there is Hope. When stillness embraces your heart and the busyness is put aside in favor of peace, Hope is present.
Because God became flesh and was born as a babe, hope lived and dwelt among us. His presence still permeates our being and indwells within us, giving us Hope. He is the Hope of all mankind. He is the Hope that brings peace and eternal salvation.
He is Hope…do you know Him?
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
It’s because of hope. Hope personified in a baby in a manger. It puts a smile on your face, doesn’t it? No matter what you are going through. No matter what your bank account says. No matter what your doctor says. You may have lost loved ones. Or maybe your loved ones are far away this Christmas.
Hope is still present…can you feel it?
This Christmas as I look around, I don’t see much in terms of tangible belongings. I don’t see much in my bank account. My health has been precarious as of late and pain has been a daily occurrence. My daughter is in college 1000 miles away and won’t be with us. I miss my grandmother, and the mother she was to me.
Yet hope is here, have you caught it yet?
There won’t be as many baked goods or presents under the tree. It will be a celebration of three instead of four. I see a round of Twelve Days of Christmas happening on Skype. Laughter is still laughter even a thousand miles away.
Because Hope transverses time and distance…do you recognize it?
When the last cookie is baked and the last candy made, when the tree is decorated and lights up the room, when the last present is wrapped and laid beneath the star, there is Hope. When stillness embraces your heart and the busyness is put aside in favor of peace, Hope is present.
Because God became flesh and was born as a babe, hope lived and dwelt among us. His presence still permeates our being and indwells within us, giving us Hope. He is the Hope of all mankind. He is the Hope that brings peace and eternal salvation.
He is Hope…do you know Him?
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
God is Good, God is Great
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