Sonshine!

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is LORD of lords and King of kings, and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers. Revelation 17:14

From ancient times Babylon became the universal byword for human pride and vain glory. Following Christ’s death, Rome was often referred to as Babylon, the city committed to decadent pleasure that involved martyring Christians for public entertainment and celebrating ultimate selfishness with total disregard for those it cost.

John’s vision personified the greed and luxury that lures people away from God in every age including ours. We are drawn to a life that sparkles and promises to fulfill dreams and desires, but instead, takes without return.

The final chapter has already been written. Justice will be served on those who hurt and harm. Eternity is the absolute for those that persevere. The Lamb will overcome. Faithful believers have all the power of Heaven and earth to reap the victory that has already been won.

It is not God’s desire to deny anyone entrance into Heaven. The choices of man determine this, but there will come a time when all things are made righteous through our all-knowing, all-loving and all-powerful Lord and Savior….. And it will be final. Don’t miss it for the world.

Love,

Gretchen

“Sovereign LORD, as You have promised, You may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” Luke 2:29-30

Levitical Law required that the Baby Jesus be presented at the temple with a sacrifice of either a lamb, a pigeon or a pair of doves, thirty three days after His birth. Mary and Joseph offered the least of these three options, therefore revealing that they were humble, poor people. Jesus left the limitless riches of Heaven to live among earth’s most deprived and needy population.

A righteous and devout man named Simeon was filled with the Holy Spirit and had been assured by God that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts on the day of Jesus’ consecration. When he saw the baby Jesus he knew Him and praised God. (verses 29-32) Simeon recognized this Holy Child as the fulfillment of God’s saving purpose for the entire world.

God didn’t sneak Jesus onto the earth. There was much celebration and fanfare all throughout the event. He revealed His news with those willing to share in the beginning of a love that conquers every demon and foe the world will ever know. Like Simeon and all the others that saw the face of God, we too will know peace when we seek and find His Face.

Love,

Gretchen

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Aaron’s prayer. God is the giver of all things, in particular PEACE.

Love,

Gretchen

Moments in Whoville

My fantasy destination is Whoville. You know, the city locked in a speck of dust found by Horton. With great tenacity of spirit this town’s population saved themselves when everyone did their part. This same community, led by the spirit of one small child, nullified the destructive hatred of the Grinch with kindness and joy. Yes indeed, I’d like to visit there, possibly buy some property and eventually join their numbers permanently.

Each weekday I arise early to deliver children safely to school. Near the end of my morning route I stop at a drive. Three beautiful little faces climb the bus stairs and take their seats. (Please note that all my riders are amazing and above average children. If only school personnel in other towns could be as fortunate as I……) They smile, always. They speak greetings and inquire as to the success of my day thus far, then they move on to join their friends. I look forward to seeing them. Secretly, I believe they transport themselves in each day from Whoville. They have whimsy packed in their pockets and radiate an enviable light hearted approach to life. I pray it never ends.

One afternoon not long ago, I encountered the father of my Cindy Lou Who’s. I told him how much his children encouraged me and buoyed my spirit each day. He thanked me for the compliment and then replied he was grateful to know they were living out what he strove to teach them, which is this, “If you only ever achieve one thing in life, let it be kindness.” Okay readers! Read that quote again! It’s good! “If you only ever achieve one thing in life, let it be kindness.” Mr. Whoville went on to say, “If you are kind to others life will give you everything you ever want.” I couldn’t agree more but this is not the philosophy predominantly being taught to American children in the 21st century.

My heart melted. I was so humbled by this parent’s endeavor to instill authentic goodness and generosity of heart in his children. Kindness as a life’s choice, is an unconditional commitment to a positive attitude toward all mankind. It gives without expectation, condemnation or restraint and makes the world a much, much nicer place.

John chapter 15 speaks the words of Jesus as He teaches His disciples they must stay connected to the True Vine if their lives are to produce everlasting fruit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul teaches a young church that the evidence of our connection to this True Vine is the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, KINDNESS, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Jesus modeled kindness in all things. He made it His priority, and so, it must be ours.

Our town is small so I know this little home I speak of is not without its trials and sorrows, but they still choose kindness, peace and joy. I see it daily, I hear it in the air at recess and it echoes in my heart as I return to my own home each evening. They give what I desperately need, a mini vacation to Whoville, also known as, my own little piece of Heaven on earth.

Merry Christmas,

Gretchen

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:16

The shepherds left their flocks, went into Bethlehem and found the Christ Child.

On this night, God became very personal. His power and glory is displayed throughout all the universe, His voice is heard through prophets that gave assurances and hope of His presence among us. AND THEN…..God chose to unite Himself personally with mankind. The Creator entered His own creation and became like His created, just to reveal a personal love for each of us.

Through this gift, God provided a way to bear our sins, break death’s grip and pay a debt to reconcile humanity to his original perfection. What man could not do for himself, Jesus came to do for them.

Nativity scenes are some the most magnificent artwork human eyes have ever seen, but don’t let the artist’s craft or nostalgia dull the foundational doctrine of salvation: Jesus was the fully human Son of God. Born to die, so you could live.

There is a hymn associated with the first Christmas night, Silent Night, Holy Night. A quick google search will reveal the manner in which this world famous tune and lyric came to be. A broken organ and a desire to worship in spite of obstacles brought about this beloved carol. Those that gathered in the manger went out of their way, put aside their daily lives, to worship. This Season of Celebration, don’t let man’s obstacles inhibit your worship and praise.

Blessings,

Gretchen

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11

These are the words of the Angel Gabriel, spoken to shepherds on the plaines of Judea. The foretold time of a Savior’s arrival had come. There was great expectation. THE event of the ages was about to happen and without a doubt, Heavenly evidence was confirmation. Supernatural guidance led chosen people from very different walks of life to witness, worship and testify of the Christ’s arrival.

Each of the first three Gospels speak to certain groups: Matthew the Jews, Mark the Romans, Luke the Greeks. John spoke to all of mankind with the message that Jesus is the Son of God, God Himself. Greeks prioritized culture, wisdom, reason, education. Luke tells his story of the nativity in a classical, orderly manner that has been called The Most Beautiful Story Ever Told….and it is. He shows the wonder of the night, the glory in a manger and the universality of God becoming man.

It’s just my imagination, but I think and hope that someday when I reach Heaven, God will sit me down and say, “Hey Gretchen, look at this!” He will take me back in time for a moment and let me hear the angel choir and peek inside an animal shelter to see my Savior’s radiance on that night of Greatest Gift Giving, the night of Peace everlasting.

Blessings,

Gretchen

Just a little trivia on this 22nd of day of December. Bethlehem, the City of David, is the burial place of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, the birthplace of King David, the home of Ruth and Boaz, and home to The Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in Christendom that sits atop a cave said to be the birthplace of Jesus, and IS the place where Jerome spent 30 years translating the Bible into Latin.

 

He will be their peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses. We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders. Micah 5:5

Micah was a small town prophet who was well known to kings. He lived in a time of great political and religious corruption. A contemporary of Isaiah, Micah’s three themes to the nations of both Israel and Judah were their sin, their destruction and their restoration. In addition he is the prophet that named Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Christ Child.

Samaria and Jerusalem will both be destroyed, but Micah sees a time when Jerusalem will be the religious center of the world. A Messiah would come. The numbers in this verse are not specific, but symbolize that God will provide whatever is needed to protect and triumph.

The most beautiful aspect of this prophecy is the peace that will occur in the midst of an attack. Man cannot fathom peace in a raging storm, but knows the peace that passes all understanding when God’s presence fills a space and security and assurance is no longer hope, but reality. Jesus came to give peace!

May your Thursday be Blessed,

Gretchen

“The virgin will conceive an give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel-which means ‘God with us.’” Matthew 1:23

From very early in the history of man, God chose Abraham’s family line to deliver His Son into the world. Two of the Gospels give us this genealogy. Matthew’s accounting is condensed, going from Abraham to Joseph. Luke goes from Mary all the way back to Adam. The bloodline of Mary shows Jesus’ connection to The House of David, the prophecy fulfilled. As Joseph’s son, Jesus is a legal heir to the promises given Abraham, He is royalty. Isaiah’s words have come to life! (7:14)

A lot is said about the virgin birth of Jesus, but there was a virgin conception first. The power and activity of the Holy Spirit brought the birth of Jesus, the incarnate God came into His own creation… This believe is a fundamental. Jesus is The Son of God, and The Son of Man. As the Son of God, He has all the power and glory of Heaven, as the Son of Man, He feels what we feel, is tempted as we are. He suffers pain, sorrow, insult and isolation and yet, brings Heaven to earth so that we may share in His inheritance and live eternally in the home He has prepared for us.

The Christmas Season is full of carols referencing Immanuel, God with us. I hope you embrace the miracle and gift that the virgin conception has given mankind.

Have a Wonderful Monday,

Gretchen

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD  has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1

Isaiah was a Messianic prophet. He knew that from the people of Israel, specifically Judah, a great blessing would come. God would fulfill His covenant with Abraham, to bless all nations.

This chosen nation is in shambles. They expected much, but gave nothing. God requires obedience but that was too tall a request. Continually defying God’s commands, turned their back on His love and crumbled their own hope. BUT there is a bridge between shame and dying and freedom and healing. It’s God Son, the Christ Child. A Redeemer and Healer is coming.

When Jesus enters His ministry, after His baptism and temptation, He goes to the synagogue as every Jewish man did. He read this passage quoting Isaiah and announced that it had been fulfilled. (Luke 4:16-21)

The greatest gift of Christmas is the power of victory that Baby brought to earth. When you see the nativity, you see Heaven and every promise God has given will be kept.

There is a Christmas tune, O Come O Come Immanuel, based on this passage from Isaiah. Enjoy it sometime today and soak in its assurance.

Love,

Gretchen

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:9

Verses 5-11 are probably a quotation from an ancient hymn.

He that drew the adoration of Heaven, came to earth a helpless baby, lived humbly, served paupers, and was given the name Jesus. His model is our call. The Prince of Heaven, relinquished all His entitlements, including His life, to personally show us the way Home.

The Philippian church was Paul’s first mission in Europe. Home to Luke, it was a medical center, Roman colony and prosperous region. This church suffered its share of persecution, but divisions in theology began to arise. Rather than remind this congregation of the fundamentals in Christian living, Paul wrote to encourage greater spiritual maturity. Live as Christ lived. Put away pride and prejudice, love and serve others without question or malice and live in accord with one another.

Jesus: A name that sets the captive free, calms the storms, heals the broken in body and soul and gives strength to the weary. It is above all others.

Happy Monday,

Gretchen