Category Archives: Christmas

The Light of the World

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

We cannot deny the world is exceedingly grossly dark but as the world grows darker, the light of God shines and grows brighter. Wherever the light exists, darkness is dispelled. For where the light shines, it illuminates and radiates in darkness. It’s impossible to shine a flashlight or light a candle and still be in darkness. For wherever the light goes, there is an illuminated pathway.

The world is deceived and cannot see the truth. As the world celebrates wickedness, we will walk as beacons of light. Have you noticed the movie “Wicked” is being promoted during the Christmas season like it’s a magical Christmas movie? Even the music sounds like a Christmas musical theme with the glitter floating across the screen. The world has shifted and we must remain alert and call out darkness.

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:16-21

As we celebrate Christmas this season, let us hold unto the glory of our resurrected King. Do not live in despair and grief in times of sorrow. One touch of God shifts the atmosphere. Holy is His name. He is the righteous judge. He is the waymaker. He is your healer and strength in times of sickness. He is your provider and restorer. He is the One true God who is and who is to come. He is your source of protection. He is the guiding light and your direction. The Holy One of Israel, we lift you up in adoration and praise! Adonai, glory is your name!

The children of God take on every character and quality of the Father. We shall walk in authority and power. We shall do great exploits in the power of His name. There will be miracles, signs and wonders.

 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matt 5:14

If you are in a dark place this Christmas, may the Holy Spirit comfort you and may the Spirit of God release you from sorrow, grief, loss and despair. Jesus catches every teardrop. He will lift the burden of heaviness and chains of bondage.

To be transparent as I write this post, I just shed a few tears as I typed these words. The spiritual warfare is thick and the weight of this world is heavy, but God will elevate and raise you up in the midst of the darkness you face. Trust in God and the power of His might.

 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

Emmanuel, God with us.

Related Bible Verses

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejrects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak. John 12:46:50

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:16

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:20-21

 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:5

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:6

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubles, neither let it be afraid. John 14:26-27

In the Christmas Spirit: A Celebration of Love

Posted on by yolandaberry
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“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

What does it mean to be in the Christmas spirit? I often think of a child-like wonder and awe of the anticipation and curiosity of unwrapping Christmas gifts. It’s the warm feeling of giving to others and the special moments of sharing love, laughter and joy.

Although we do not know the exact date that Jesus was born, some Christians do not desire to celebrate Christmas anymore. It’s considered a pagan holiday with the rise of commercialism and consumerism with the representation of Christmas trees, snowman, reindeers and Santa Claus instead of honoring the true meaning of the birth of Jesus.

The pagan Santa Claus is even being sexualized as a sex symbol as they re-invent the image of Santa and transform him into the Hot New Target Santa.

Christ is also being taken out of the word “Christmas” or being replaced by Happy Holidays. Unfortunately, there is controversy around the whole celebration of Christmas.

As the world grows darker, I feel it’s important to keep this tradition alive even though we do not know the real date that Jesus was born. If you notice, Halloween extends from late August to October. The new acclaimed featured movie “Wicked” opened during the Thanksgiving holiday season which has introduced witchcraft and sorcery into the masses as they flock to the theatres. It grossed $114 million nationally and fifty million internationally totaling $164 million in revenue.

This attraction will also extend into the Christmas season as little girls dream of the “Wicked” dolls under the Christmas tree. This movie will continue to gross more dollars in revenue as people head to the movies during the holiday season.

Not to mention, Taylor Swift seems to have collaborated in her efforts to dress as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and highlight the yellow brick road and Emerald City which will only produce more hype around the movie.

There is an agenda to captivate the minds of the innocent youth and introduce them to witchcraft and sorcery just like Harry Potter, Charm, and the Lord of the Rings, just to name a few.

There seems to be another spirit being introduced to the Christmas season and it’s not the Holy Spirit. Slow and gradual change is happening right before our eyes, yet many are so blinded that they don’t realize it.

When you celebrate wickedness, portals are opened to the demonic realm. Nothing good comes out of evil. Evil is evil. Light cannot stand where evil dwells. Many people may believe that watching a movie is harmless, but minds and hearts are heavily influenced by what we consume on a regular basis. As a Christian, we must protect our eye, ear, and mouth gates. Our lifestyle must match what we confess to be as a Christian. We cannot have one foot in the world and the other quoting scriptures on social media. Our heart, mind and actions should align with God.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. Psalm 119:105

Unfortunately, this is not a typical Christmas message, but we are not living in a typical world. The world is changing quickly, and we must be aware of the changes that have taken place. As we enter this holiday season, let us hold onto the traditions of Christmas. We do not have to participate in overspending or exhaustion but enjoy the simplicity, love, and beauty that Christmas brings.

May the peace of God be with you this Christmas season!

In the Bible, light is a symbol of goodness, holiness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and God’s revelation. God is the source of all light and life, and created light to dispel the darkness and chaos on earth. excerpt here

Related Bible Verses

Matt 1:23

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). NIV “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)

Luke 2:13-14

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests'”

Psalm 98:4-6

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.5 Sing to the Lord with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm, 6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn;
Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.

John 8:12

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.

1 John 1:5

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”.

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

Posted on by yolandaberry
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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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Bible References

Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah 7:14

Matt 1:19

Matt 2:7-12

Luke 2:1-20

Luke 1:30-33