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Five Modern Lessons from the Birth of Jesus: Applying the Nativity Story to Today’s Challenges

The birth of Jesus is painted like a sweet, fairytale Christmas story but in reality it was harsh, brutal series of events. The Christmas story is far from a glamourous one.

From the day of conception, Joseph contemplated the pregnancy of Mary until an angel appeared to him and told him not to fear. He was instructed to marry a virgin who would give birth to Jesus. The Messiah who would save the world from sin.

Mary, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was also afraid until an angel appeared and told her, “Fear not.” Joseph wondered how he would explain this miraculous conception to the community. Can you imagine the amount of pressure Joseph was under? So he took Mary and hid her away from the judgement and scrutiny of the public.

From Humble Beginnings

Upon the time of delivery, Mary and Joseph traveled for three days on a donkey. Can you imagine being pregnant and traveling for three days on a donkey? They traveled from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, also known as Bethlehem. Luke 2:4

Once they arrived, they had no shelter. They were homeless. There were no hospital or midwife. There were no place to give birth except for a stable where animals resided. Can you imagine the unpleasant smell of herds of animals living in their quarters?

Deception of King Herod

King Herod inquired of the wise men to seek the location of Jesus so that he could come and worship him. The three wise men were led by a star directly to where Jesus was born. They fell down and worshiped the young child and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Upon discerning the instructions within a dream, the three wise men departed in a different direction and did not provide details of where Jesus was born and avoided King Herod.

Escaping the Plans of Execution

After the wise men departed, an angel appeared in a dream and told Joseph to leave Bethlehem and to go to Egypt with Jesus and Mary because King Herod ordered and planned to slaughter all children under the age of two in Bethlehem. Matt 2:13-24

After King Herod died. Joseph received another dream directing him to leave Egypt and enter into Israel. Joseph was warned in another dream to move to Galilee and dwell in a city called Nazareth.

From Journey to Journey

In this timeline of events, there is so much that can be applied in our daily lives during these challenging times. The act of obedience, discernment, humility, grace, faith and courage have essential parts to play in the story of Jesus birth.

  1. Protection under Obedience

When we actively listen to God’s voice, He will lead us directly to where we need to be. It’s not by coincidence, accident, or luck. It’s a divine leading of the Holy Spirit. There is a divine covering of protection when you’re led by God whether by place, action, or deed. He will shield you in every circumstance that you encounter.

2. Discernment of Direction

With each act of obedience, you will receive discernment and direction. The decisions we make are much like a labyrinth with many different paths, decisions, choices and options but in the end when we follow the Lord, we will reach our destination and the designated place where the Lord desires us to be. We will also be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and have a desire to please Him more than people.

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jer 29:11

3. Gift of Humility

The precious gift of humility provides heart-felt appreciation, gratitude, and thanksgiving. When you go through the storms of life, you can understand the struggles, challenges, and obstacles you’re encountering and overcoming. You are humbled by your experiences, and you realize the cost and the Power of God working in your life. You understand that it’s not in your strength but in the strength of God.

4. Guided by Faith

Living by faith is not easy. Human tendencies want to know and experience the certainties of events that will unfold favor and comfort in our lives. Walking in faith is not a cake walk, but in reality we are living by faith everyday. It’s how we utilize our faith in difficult times to navigate through the pitfalls, setbacks, discouragement, heartache, loss and pain. Faith is a gift. It is an exercised skill granted by God. The level of faith is a gift which unwraps underlying fears and fills it with courage, strength, and power. You have greater access to unlock the secret things of God by operating in faith.

Call unto Him and He will answer thee and show you great and mighty things you do not know of.

Jer 33:3

When you tap into a deeper level of faith, you have no doubts or worry. You are building a stronger relationship with the Father who is unshakeable, unmovable and unstoppable. The Lord requires faith because He has need of you. When you tap into a deeper level of faith, you are limitless to the possibilities presented as mountains of obstacles that stand before you.

Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Heb 11:1

5. Under God’s Grace

The grace of God is upon you during the most difficult seasons of your life. He will rest upon you with peace. He will be patient and gentle. The Lord is faithful. He is a loving God and cares for your well-being. He will extend His kindness and mercy upon you. God does not fail. He desires the best for you. He will strengthen and teach you. His hand is upon your life when you walk in obedience with the Lord. His hand is upon you when you fail, make mistakes or do wrong. He is a forgiving God. God does not lie. He will contend and fight your battles.

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Acts 17:28

The five lessons from the Nativity provide helpful guidance on how to navigate through the rough terrain of life. Just like Joseph and Mary, who carried baby Jesus through the devasting attacks upon His life. They journeyed with miraculous protection, direction, and grace. Jesus, who saved the world through His gift of Salvation, provides an eternal hope for our future. Emmanuel, “God with us” surrounds us in this present moment despite the challenges, difficulties, distractions and obstacles that we face in today’s world.


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Don’t forget to download a copy of “Anchored in Hope” a free Bible study guide here!

Bible References

Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah 7:14

Matt 1:19

Matt 2:7-12

Luke 2:1-20

Luke 1:30-33

Thankful Moments: Seven Things in Life to be Grateful for

cup of coffee in autumn reading book
Photo Credit: RoonzNL Pixabay

In this fast-paced lifestyle of juggling so many responsibilities and daily tasks, it’s easy to rush through life without noticing the small blessings that we take for granted. When we take a moment to pause, we can reflect and capture unlimited opportunities of gratitude.

women laughing with camera and photo
Photo Credit: Yaroslav Shuraev Pixabay

Health is a treasured gift that is often overlooked until we are faced with physical pain or illness. The ability to wake up each day with energy, strength and vitality makes us look at life from a positive perspective and with a deeper appreciation.

woman in bed

man studying with book
Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio Pexels

Learning never ends as we age. Life is a continuous journey of discovering, exploring, researching, learning, and growing. Life can be our best teacher. Whether a formal education, self-taught, personal experiences or challenges which push us out of our comfort zones, each lesson shapes and molds us into who we are. We are not defined by our circumstances or situations, but we should be grateful for the lessons that will shift our mindset and provide a sense of accomplishment.

mountains and ocean, nature
Photo Credit: Simon Berger Pixabay

Nature is awe-inspiring. From the white, crescent waves crashing upon rocks to sun-kissed sunsets or early morning sun rises to the solitude and serenity of a walk through a cluster of welcoming autumn leaves crunching under your feet, we can embrace every aspect of God’s creation.

woman boots standing on leaves
Photo Credit: Cori Emmalee Rodiquez Pixabay

It always feels good to extend kindness to others. It’s also special when others extend kindness unexpectedly. Spreading positivity, compassion, empathy, and a helping hand provides a sense of community and changes the hearts of others. Never underestimate how your behavior can impact and empower others.

baking muffins
Photo Credit: Jeshoots Pixabay
woman crying laughing expressing emotions
Photo Credit: Liza Summer Pixabay

Life will always present overwhelming challenges, obstacles, and struggles. It’s how we react and respond to life’s difficulties that will change our perspectives. When we look back on everything we have overcome, it can provide a strong sense of achievement and gratitude. It demonstrates our resilience, perseverance, and personal and spiritual growth in the face of adversity. Our faith becomes even stronger and our sense of thankfulness to the Lord grows even deeper. We our strengthen from our experiences as we navigate through life’s unknown and unexpected pathway.

woman praying
Photo Credit: Dee Dee51 Pixabay

Through every moment, the Lord has been the guiding force of protection, grace, mercy, and unconditional love. The intimate moments of prayer, bible study, worship and mediation has provided peace, strength, endurance, provision, and safety during life’s highs and lows. When we dedicate devotional time and honor God with our lives, we will experience a sense of fulfillment that the world cannot provide. It’s the foundation of where a grateful heart resides and where love overflows.

In a world that often emphasizes and indulges in seeking more, taking the time to reflect on our most thankful moments can bring a shift in our perception and perspective. It leads to a sense of contentment. As we express gratitude from our memories of the past, let us carry a fresh mindset into the future, treasuring each moment and finding joy in the little things in life yet profound aspects of life’s journey.

May you have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

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Moments of Mediation and Daily Devotion

Phil 4:11

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Psalm 107:1
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 7:17

I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

I Thess 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Phil 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Col 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Col 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Psalm 69:30

I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving

Psalm 111

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 100:1-5

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the [b]heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are verity[c] and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Psalm 30

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of [b]His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

I cried out to You, O Lord.
And to the Lord I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing.
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Embracing the Peace Within

river stream

Just about everyone is searching for peace – whether in your home, work environment, college campus or schools, community, social atmosphere and throughout the world. Those who are not striving for peace are creating chaos and strife through devious acts of evil. We are in a battle over our mental, emotional, spiritual, psychological and physical state.

There is a secret place where you can reside…in a land of peace. This hidden place is Shiloh – Jesus who is the giver of peace. Come and enter the still waters and rest. Release your burdens, worries, fears, and anxiety and allow the Lord of Shiloh to carry them.

Always worship the Lord in song and thanksgiving.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30

We are not meant to walk through this life carrying a heavy load on our backs. When you allow Jesus to enter, you can rest knowing the battle is not yours but the Lord’s. If you need direction, He is there. If you need, wisdom, He is there. If you need healing, He is there. Whatever you need, call on the name of the Lord for safety and protection. He is our refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

He will speak in the silence of your soul. He is the living water and the bread of life. May you hunger and thirst for Him in a dry and barren land. He will pour His love upon you and water you with His glory.

wilderness, Death Valley, dead trees, deserted island

I hear the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” Make straight in the desert, a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places made smooth; The glory of the Lord shall be revealed. And all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5

And The Glory of the Lord – Produced by Quincy Jones

Related Bible Scriptures

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak. And to those who have no might He increase strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Neh 8:10

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Psalm 46

boat in a storm

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39

For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Isaiah 66:12

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:2-4

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6