Noel: Unto us a Child is born…

Noel or Noël comes ultimately from the Latin natalis via Anglo-Norman and Middle French. Originally an exclamation of joy at the birth of Christ, in the middle ages it was also used to refer to the Christmas period.
http://www.macmillandictionaryblog.com/

Noel (lyrics)
written by, Chris Tomlin

Love incarnate, love divine
Star and angels gave the sign
Bow to babe on bended knee
The Savior of humanity
Unto us a Child is born
He shall reign forevermore
Noel, Noel

Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel
Son of God and Son of man
There before the world began
Born to suffer, born to save
Born to raise us from the grave
Christ the everlasting Lord
He shall reign forevermore
Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel

–

The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel
Noel, Noel

Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel

Enjoy Lauren Daigle singing Noel:

Unto Us, a Child is born. He shall reign forevermore.

Noel! Peace, Joy, and Merry Christmas! Have a healthy and happy New Year! Blessings! ✨

I am taking a short break from blogging; returning in January. 🌺

Father of Lights: James 1:17

All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.
James 1:17 (NET)

In James 2:17, James is explaining God is good; He does not tempt people. He wrote in response to the early believers’ concerns when going through life’s trials (verse 13.)

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one.
James 1:13 (AMP)

God is the Creator; of all that is good; He is the source of and the Father of light. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from God. He is characterized; by goodness, patience, and love. God is the giver of all good things. His light shines brightly; with love, grace, compassion, and blessings.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)

In God, there is no hint of darkness or deceit. In Him is no variation or change; He keeps His promises. He gives perfect gifts; “The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.” James 1:17 (MSG)
It is the devil that tempts us, not God.

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life.
(James 4:7 MSG)

God, Father of Lights; greatest gift to us is Jesus, His son Our Redeemer.

Have you let God, the Father of Lights, shine in your life?

Prayer; Our good Father, Father of Lights, giver of every perfect gift, we thank You. Let Your light shine on our dark world. Teach us to follow Your way, illuminate our path, and guide us in Your truth. Our Heavenly Father, we give thanks for Your gifts of love, grace, and forgiveness. Like flowers grow and bloom in sunlight, let us grow in faith and glow with Your light. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

To Serve: Mark 10:45

42 Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10: 42-45 (NET)

In Mark 10:37, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, brothers, and disciples, requested, to Jesus; “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.” This request caused the other ten disciples to become angry at this grab for power and authority (Mark 10:41). Jesus responded to His disciples. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” All power is entrusted to Jesus, the Son of Man, yet he acted as a servant, as an example, His kneeling to wash His disciple’s feet. Jesus’ teaching and His way of life illustrated the difference between worldly and spiritual greatness. He taught that the path of greatness was achieved through humility and by learning to be a servant thereby glorifying God. Jesus’ final act of service was when He gave his life as a ransom for many.

This verse is also found in Mathew:

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28 (NET)

How do you measure greatness? Do you feel to serve others is a worthy goal?

Monarch caterpillars feeding on a butterfly bush

Prayer; Jesus we thank you for your healings, guidance, and love for us. Teach us to be humble, and to help others by being Your hands and feet. Encourage us to seek spiritual goodness rather than worldly gain. Like the butterfly weed provides a host plant for monarch caterpillars and nectar for butterflies; teach us to help and to serve others. Amen

–

I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺