God's Glory

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14)

Glory to God in the highest! Praise and thanksgiving for His inexpressible gift, Jesus Christ. In Jesus we behold God's glory and love.

Wishing you the Savior's joy and peace this Christmas.

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

The God of Hope

"The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him" (Romans 15:12)

Praising God this Christmas season that my hope does not rest in world events or my perceived ability to control anything. It comes from the Holy Spirit who by God's merciful grace resides in my redeemed soul. This amazing gift from the Father not only carries me through life's hardships but enables me to rejoice in trials because God is with me. He is forever working all things together for His glory. Pain on earth will be replaced by joy in heaven for branches attached to the Root of Jesse.

Jesus, the Root of Jesse, is the vine that connects us to the Father. We may be the richest most talented person in the world but if we are not grafted into Christ through His death, burial and resurrection our souls and our accomplishments will perish. Jesus said, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned" (John 5:4-6).

As we celebrate our Messiah's birth this December what are you worshiping? Is it Jesus the King of Kings or how much money can buy? Are you caught up in the competition the prevailing culture highlights at Christmas beckoning you to have the most presents under your tree? Would you be able to thank God for His gift of eternal life through faith and submission to His Son if you had no presents to open? Who can out give God?! None of us!

Praying your heart, mind and soul is filled with the abundance of Christ our Redeemer's love. God incarnate who made His temporary home in a stable in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago wants to take up permanent residency in your heart. Have you invited Jesus in and made Him Lord of your life or rejected Him because there's no room if your life for God? "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

Joy to the World

"But the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid! he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!"

Wishing you great peace and joy as you look beyond the tinsel and trimmings and behold the good news that Jesus, our Messiah, reigns! We have nothing to fear and everything to celebrate this holy season.

Spread the word!

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary 

Hark the Herald People Sing

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:20-21).

The following is an excerpt from a women's event (Holidays Fit For the King) I spoke at in November.

As God’s girl, do you ever think of yourself as His herald to the world? The angels were first to declare His birth, then the shepherds spread the news after they heard the story. As Christ’s disciples now it’s our turn.

Being God’s herald may intimidate you, but did you know Jesus prays for us, our ministries and He is with us? Shortly before His crucifixion John 17:20-21 quotes Jesus, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, as you are in me and I am in you.”

Christ’s last words before He ascended to heaven in Matthew 28:19-20 were “go and tell—make disciples of all the nations—I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus isn’t the Savior of “some” people. He’s for “all” people. The Nativity scene was very diverse. No one who drew near to Jesus was turned away. The poor shepherds and the rich wise men alike were welcome. The message is still the same.

If you died today would go to heaven? What makes you think you are good enough? If you were standing side-by-side with Jesus before our Holy Heavenly Father which one of you would be acceptable? Romans 3:22-24 says: “This Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

We can joyfully celebrate Christmas because of Easter. The good news is not that Santa Claus is coming to town but that the Messiah was born in Bethlehem; He died for our sins, rose from the dead, is reigning in heaven and is coming back for His church!

As believers in Christ we are united in Spirit with Him. He has made His home in our hearts. We are His ambassadors, here to reflect His message. I pray we exude so much joy and kindness that people will ask us the reason for our hope in these trying economic times. May we smile and say we are thinking of Jesus; we’re too blessed by His love to be stressed by this life. Hark the herald people sing glory to the new born King! Go and tell sisters. Go and tell. Merry Christmas!

Your fellow sojourner and herald for Jesus,

Mary

Good Tidings!

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).

Wishing you a joyful Christmas celebration! Take time to remember the reason for the season.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary