And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
This time of year we often see more stress and anxiety than any other time of year. This shouldn’t be. As you celebrate the season of Christmas, think about what the angel said to the shepherds. Don’t fear, embrace joy, for joy is strength in a time of stress and anxiety.
Regardless of our circumstances, God has prepared a way out of whatever we’re facing, and this time of year should be a reminder of the many blessings we enjoy in our country. Think of the Christmas celebration as a time to remember and look forward to new beginnings. Your attitude is closely attached to your physical well being.
Yesterday I met a man whose wife is battling cancer. For her, the cancer didn’t begin with what she ate of didn’t eat, it’s associated with harboring a lifelong bitterness. Bitterness creates biochemical changes which eventually poison the entire system. In this person’s case, her actual bone marrow has died. She’s no longer capable of creating blood, so has to receive transfusions just to live.
A life of bitterness crowds out joy. The more we meditate on problems, the greater the problems become. To compound this, the elements of thought manifest as physical issues. There’s a verse that states: “As a man thinks in his heart (or spirit), so is he.” Since your brain is involved in producing and controlling the thought processes which control your bodily functions, you can’t expect good health with a bad attitude. Happy people are generally healthy.
May the joy of the season fill your hearts and manifest as abundance in every area of your life. Seek and find joy in every area of your existence. Don’t give up in times of crisis. We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year. May God’s peace rein in your hearts and in your lives. We love you and give thanks for you daily.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
This time of year we often see more stress and anxiety than any other time of year. This shouldn’t be. As you celebrate the season of Christmas, think about what the angel said to the shepherds. Don’t fear, embrace joy, for joy is strength in a time of stress and anxiety.
Regardless of our circumstances, God has prepared a way out of whatever we’re facing, and this time of year should be a reminder of the many blessings we enjoy in our country. Think of the Christmas celebration as a time to remember and look forward to new beginnings. Your attitude is closely attached to your physical well being.
Yesterday I met a man whose wife is battling cancer. For her, the cancer didn’t begin with what she ate of didn’t eat, it’s associated with harboring a lifelong bitterness. Bitterness creates biochemical changes which eventually poison the entire system. In this person’s case, her actual bone marrow has died. She’s no longer capable of creating blood, so has to receive transfusions just to live.
A life of bitterness crowds out joy. The more we meditate on problems, the greater the problems become. To compound this, the elements of thought manifest as physical issues. There’s a verse that states: “As a man thinks in his heart (or spirit), so is he.” Since your brain is involved in producing and controlling the thought processes which control your bodily functions, you can’t expect good health with a bad attitude. Happy people are generally healthy.
May the joy of the season fill your hearts and manifest as abundance in every area of your life. Seek and find joy in every area of your existence. Don’t give up in times of crisis. We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year. May God’s peace rein in your hearts and in your lives. We love you and give thanks for you daily.
RSS Feed