by Sharon O | Dec 12, 2020 | Uncategorized
The prophecy of Anna the prophetess came right after Simeon met Joseph, Mary and the baby.
Anna lived in the same Temple Mary and Joseph went to when they dedicated Jesus.
It tells us in Luke 2:36 that she was very old, similar to Simeon.
Most likely she knew him as they were in the same setting for a very long time.
She was a widow for eighty four years and lived in the Temple and never left there, after her husband died.
The word said she had been married seven years before he died.
She may have been between the ages of 90-104 having been married so long.
She worshipped and prayed day and night worshipping God with fasting and prayer.
She came near the room where Simeon was talking to Mary and Joseph; and we are told she began to praise and worship God.
I imagine her walking by and noticing this scene with Simeon perhaps overhearing his words proclaimed.
I often wonder how would she know this was the child, the baby Jesus? The one they waited for.
Did he look different? was there an aura around him or maybe a deep confirmation in her heart about him?
She talked about the child to every one around her, who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
Not long after that Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth in Galilee, where Jesus grew filled with wisdom and God’s favor was on him.
[I find it fascinating that both Simeon and Anna were able to SEE and meet Mary and Joseph and fulfill parts of the story.
God uses ordinary people to set the stage and allows us to see and feel the great anticipation for the coming Messiah.
I often wonder if Mary and Joseph ever truly ‘got it’…
the word said Mary hid it in her heart and thought about them often.
That would be a very amazing amount of remembering for her.
Could she really know deep in her heart that her baby was the Messiah, the Savior who would come to save the world?]
There is a song that is played this time of year called, Mary did you know?
It is a wonderful song with many questions.
The prophecy of Anna came right after Simeon met Joseph and Mary and the baby.
It continued to set the stage for many other scenes to come; as the story unfolds of his birth.
by Sharon O | Dec 11, 2020 | Uncategorized
Jesus was presented in the temple eight days after he was born, and he was circumcised as was the custom and given the proper name.
The name Jesus, the name given to him by the angel even before he was conceived.
His parents took him to the temple for a purification offering in Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord.
The law required a first child who was a son to be dedicated to the Lord.
Luke 2:25
At the time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon.
He was an old man who had waited his entire life for the Messiah to come rescue Israel.
The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die, until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
That day the Spirit led him to the Temple.
So when Mary and Joseph came to present baby Jesus, Simeon was there.
He took the baby in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
Jesus parents were amazed at what was being said about him.
Then Simeon blessed them and he said to Mary,
“This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others.
He has been sent as a sign from God but many will oppose him.
As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
I love this story about Simeon. He waited and prayed and every day wondered. Would this be the day?
[Can you even imagine the moment Simeon saw the baby? With great anticipation and confirmation in his spirit, this is the ONE.
Have you ever anxiously waited for something and when it finally happened your JOY was complete?
I believe Simeon was like that. Now I have seen him.
Now I can release myself and leave this world knowing that I saw HIM.
Just as it was promised to me.]
Jesus was presented in the temple to fulfill more of the prophecy surrounding his birth.
by Sharon O | Dec 9, 2020 | Uncategorized
The night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.
Luke 2:9-20
[Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.
They were terrified, 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!
And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other,
“Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
They hurried to the village leaving their flocks behind and found Mary and Joseph.
And there was the baby, lying in a manger, just as they were told.
After seeing him the shepherds told everyone in the village, what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
All who heard the shepherds story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.
The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.
It was just as the angel had told them.]
Can you even imagine the excitement and the joy they must have felt?
They all saw it, they all heard it, they all were a part of the glorious singing.
We must remember a part of this story is the shepherds were marginalized people.
Most people left them alone and gave them no credit or worth.
They were out in the fields, dirty and rough.
But God chose them.
They were not what we could call credible witnesses and yet; the people listened and believed them.
I wonder if God planned for them to be chosen, so the story could be told in an amazing way;
through those who normally would not be listened to by others.
Value is always given when God has a hand in a chosen moment.
They were given value and purpose and a reason to share.
Isn’t that hopeful for others who seem to think they have no voice?
The night there were shepherds staying in the fields and their lives would be changed forever.
by Sharon O | Dec 6, 2020 | Uncategorized
The angel of the lord met with Joseph just like he met with Mary.
He told Joseph Mary was expecting and it was from the Holy Spirit and when the baby was born, his name was to be Jesus.
When Joseph woke up from his dream he did what the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.
But he did not have relations with her until her son was born and Joseph named him Jesus. (Matthew 1:24)
Luke 2 we learn of the birth of Jesus.
At the time of Jesus birth there was a census that was called and all the people were to return to their ancestral town to register for this census.
And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem, in Judea David’s ancient home.
He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first born child, a son.
She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available to them.
[Now let’s stop here for a second.]
There was no lodging available because of the census and there were many people in the town.
Also it sounds so simple the way Luke writes it but I would imagine it was not that simple.
If I think of both Mary and Joseph; they would be tired after all that traveling, and perhaps feeling a bit desperate to settle in for the night.
Maybe Mary was already in labor and giving Joseph the full details of what she had shared and experienced with Elizabeth while watching John’s birth.
We can only guess and imagine what it was like for this young ‘mommy’ to be and this dad who would be responsible for the ‘Son of God.’
Both were chosen and both were given a role like no other and a place in history for ever.
When Joseph woke up from his dream he knew what he needed to do and he married his wife Mary.
The angel of the lord met with him.
by Sharon O | Dec 4, 2020 | Uncategorized
A few days later after the angel met with Mary, she hurried to the hill country of Judea to see Elizabeth.
I am not sure how far that was to walk but it says she hurried, so it was a fast exit out of Galilee to Judea.
The story unfolds like this in Luke 1:
When Elizabeth saw Mary and greeted her, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Elizabeth gave a good cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.
Why am I so honored, that the Mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.
You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Now let us stop for a second.
This is Elizabeth, a relative of Mary’s who has known her all her life. Can you imagine the moment between them?
Mary’s response to her was amazing.
It is called the Magnificat: Mary’s song of praise
Found in Luke 1:46-56
When she was finished with her praise and honor she stayed with Elizabeth; about three months and then went back to her own home.
I am not sure about her own family, or her responses from Joseph or even how the news was received.
What I do know is the angel met with Joseph.
In the book of Matthew chapter 1 vs 19
Joseph, her fiancé was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.
“Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.
For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
(fulfilling prophecy from the Old Testament)
Perhaps while Mary was visiting Elizabeth John was born, the time frame would certainly be about right for the delivery.
A few days later, after the angel met with Mary she left to be with Elizabeth.
by Sharon O | Dec 3, 2020 | Uncategorized
When Elizabeth was six months along with John, an angel met with Mary who was engaged to be married to Joseph.
Gabriel appeared to her in Luke 1:28 and he said, “greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
Now we must stop for a second and remember she was only 16, not quite a woman; but God knew.
It said she was, confused and disturbed as she thought about what the angel had said to her.
Wouldn’t that be the normal response when hearing a greeting like that?
The other thing to remember women who were pregnant and not married were often stoned to death.
It was a serious issue not only for her, for Joseph and their families involved.
She must have had many questions and concerns.
Then the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God!
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am a virgin.”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
So the baby to be born will be holy, and will be called the Son of God.
What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age!
People used to say she was barren, but now she is in her sixth month.
For nothing is impossible with God.”
Mary’s response to the angel was, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true,”
Then the angel left her.
{I truly think the angel brought the news about Elizabeth to Mary, so she would believe more intensely and with more reality.
She knew Elizabeth was old and barren. She also knew she must go see her and see for herself what the angel had said.}
When Elizabeth was six months along with John, Mary went to visit her.
by Sharon O | Nov 30, 2020 | Uncategorized
It was all taking place to complete the story.
When I think of the Christmas story; I am in awe and in amazement of the amount of players that were used to create the scenes.
It is orchestrated like a screen play with every one doing every little part, to make the whole, story complete.
God was so wise to use a simple teenager, and a humble man.
It was perhaps a love story that would be tested from the moment the angel met with Mary.
She was a teen, so young and being told. “You are to be the chosen one.”
She had a tender heart full of acceptance and honor.
Can you even imagine how it started? Being startled by an angel in the room?
“Don’t be afraid.” (Of course he would have to say that!) I would be terrified.
I have always been amazed over the fact that the angel spoke in a language Mary could understand.
We don’t think of angels having language or sound other than singing.
I wonder if sometimes WE get an angel among us telling us things that we hear, but not realizing Who was telling us?
Mary was the chosen one to be the Mother of Jesus.
In Luke 1: The story is written and played out and it unravels with each and every character.
The beginning of it began with Zechariah and Elizabeth who were relatives of Mary.
It was the miracle before the miracle.
Their son, John would be born before Jesus.
Elizabeth was barren for many years and then Zechariah was told they would have a son.
He didn’t believe the angel and so the angel told him to be quiet until the birth took place.
I don’t blame him for doubting, that would be the reaction of many in the same situation.
But God… can do miracles.
A miracle before the miracle.
When I think of the Christmas story I am always in awe of the details and the obedience.
It was all taking place to complete the story so the day of delivery could happen.
by Sharon O | Nov 25, 2020 | Uncategorized
It’s a day for giving thanks.
Thanksgiving day. I remember so many holidays filled with food on the table, children and family.
This year will be different.
We will still cook the meal, the fresh frozen turkey that we ordered is thawing.
Picked up already made pumpkin pies from a local market we like, plus all the trimmings.
We have figured on line grocery shopping out and it is a new convenient way of getting what we need.
I will miss having family over.
I love the china and crystal and fancy table settings.
I love to use table cloths with napkins to match.
Sometimes fresh flowers too.
This year it will be only two of us and our two cats who get no treats.
We will share our meal with a porch pick up for our grand daughter and her boyfriend.
We will also give a plate to our neighbor who is alone.
It’s such a different year we have to adapt to the new ideas.
It is a change that is hard but so necessary.
This virus and the need for staying home is affecting everyone.
I am not happy about it but I also know it’s very important to stay inside.
Our governor has stated there could be a fine if people were not listening to the rules.
Or even jail time. Which is quite ridiculous considering this is family time and a holiday.
It is kind of crazy the way this all has come out.
This virus is like none other and is very sneaky.
It is meant to do great harm.
Because I have cancer and radiation history I must be very careful.
Really all of us have to be careful.
One holiday won’t hurt us especially if we manage to keep ourselves safe.
I am thankful for family, for friends, for phone calls and texts that keep us together.
Thanksgiving, it’s a day for giving thanks.
by Sharon O | Nov 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
May we be awake and alert.
This last Sunday our Pastor was teaching on the book of Revelations; which is the last book of the New Testament of the Bible.
It is full of end times warnings, dreams, visions and teachings.
It is also sometimes very hard to understand without someone explaining it.
He mentioned that in our time and culture today we must remain awake and alert.
There are sneaky people who are trying to undermine the truth and principles we live by.
Our United States was made with a declaration of Independence that holds truth and values.
There are those who have tried to minimize truth, or twist it for their own good.
Like a false prophet they create their own rules that only benefits the agenda they preach.
Pastor was saying that we have become a tolerant society, who turns the other way when faced with facts.
When our grand daughter was born early she was in the NICU setting of the baby area.
Within that room they had babies of all sizes and with all health issues.
She was tiny. A whopping 2 pounds 11 ounces, but you know what? they had babies smaller than that.
I will never be a believer in abortion and I would NEVER be a believer of full term abortion.
A society who tolerates and agrees to infanticide is a scary place to be.
I do not believe in removing the elderly either.
Some countries have made it ok to do that. I pray that OUR USA would never come to that point.
What Pastor was saying; so much of this sneaks into the thoughts and the everyday; and we become numb.
It scares me to think of how different our USA has become in my lifetime and I don’t want to watch more.
Now with the pandemic of covid people are losing businesses, houses, vacations, and now holidays.
Our Oregon is in a mandatory lock down.
Families are struggling to find hope in this crazy time.
It could be very depressing but we have to believe that things will change.
I will choose to believe it will be better, that the dark works of the evil one will be exposed.
The truth will remain as a constant.
We cannot lose our strength and we cannot lose our freedoms.
Maybe it’s time for us to be on our knees and pray our prayers.
“Our Father who art in heaven HOLY is your name.”
Let us pray from a place of trust and hope.
May we be awake and alert.
rev
by Sharon O | Nov 11, 2020 | Uncategorized
A day of remembering our freedom.
Today is considered Veterans day. November 11th.
My dad and my husbands dad were veterans.
Leaving the comforts of home as young men to fight for their country.
It is hard for me to imagine young 18 year old men and women leaving home;
some right after they graduated from high school.
They may not have even voted but they could fly far away and serve.
Wars have always been horrific to think about. I remember when I was in high school it was the Vietnam war.
I never thought of it much other than it was intense and horrible.
Then about twenty years ago I was working in a temp job and my ‘buddy’ who became a friend was from Vietnam.
She came over to the states on a fishing boat that ended up having many deaths.
The captain was not truthful to them.
She told me how her family was killed during the war.
It ended up only being herself and an uncle who helped her on the boat to escape.
We cannot imagine having fear follow us, or having our entire family wiped out.
She said it was very difficult for her to understand.
She suffered greatly. I knew there were painful memories hiding in her spirit.
As I got to know her more she showed me another side of war.
We often think of our soldiers.
But the innocent victims are to be thought about too.
I cannot even imagine the intensity of war.
Many come home with post traumatic issues.
I know my husbands dad served under General Patton.
That was intense and horrible.
Many things he never spoke about and those memories of war were hidden deep.
I would imagine talking about them would be really hard especially as the years move on.
Today is veterans day, where we hang our flags, listen to special tributes and remain thankful.
A day of remembering our freedom.(source of photo unknown)
