by Sharon O | Dec 31, 2017 | Uncategorized
I cannot imagine another year beginning, it feels like we had Christmas way too soon.
Getting older has it’s share of problems and watching time move in a very swift way is one of them.
I just had another birthday, and so far the sixties have been pretty good.
We are financially set, health is good, and we are emotionally well.
I have no complaints. This has been a pretty smooth year, with not a lot of intense losses which is good.
As the new year begins I find myself thinking of what can be done to make this one different.
I’m not making a new years resolution for they usually don’t finish or succeed.
What can be done is to write down and prioritize the things that have worked for us and find ways to make them integrate in the life we choose to live.
There is a goal of maintaining better health, which includes changing the way we purchase food.
We have been moving in the direction of organic and healthy now for a few years.
It is more expensive but also more healthy and with long term results.
I need to get in a more ‘regular writing’ space.
It is important to keep this open and to challenge myself to find the words and encouragement for others.
I am beginning to clean out dressers, boxes and closets and purge out the old and worn.
By nature I am a sentimental messy but that does not mean it has to control my every corner.
Order brings calm and in creating this calm I need to focus on how to get it done and how to keep it.
New goals are exciting bringing to us new visions of what change may look like.
I am not only anticipating our personal goals to succeed but also goals as a couple.
We have plans for redoing our home and just as the physical space needs refreshed; our spiritual space can be also.
When I think of the air of expectancy surrounding the birth of Jesus and the Christmas story.
I am reminded of the air of expectancy for Jesus to return as he promised he would.
The story is not over. Even so we can still plan for a new year and for change to happen.
Until the Lord comes I will continue to write, continue to share and continue to pray for the lives of others.
The ending of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 is upon us.
May we anticipate a new awareness of an exciting year to come. Let us be intentional with purpose.
Are you ready?
by Sharon O | Dec 23, 2017 | Uncategorized
As we have moved through the Christmas story, we find that whose who were a part of it shared an air of expectancy.
I read somewhere that the time frame between the Old Testament and the New, were over 400 years.
Generations had come and gone and none had seen the ‘Messiah’ who was to come and save them.
It had been Prophesied in the book of Isaiah; 7:14
[14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.]
There was silence… A quiet stillness in the heavenly realm until it was time for the birth of a baby.
Immanuel, God with us, The Holy Son of God, Mary’s baby… Jesus. Was coming soon.
I imagine the angels were excited and perhaps guessing who would be chosen to say the words,
“Do not be afraid.”
This is only a guess on my part but one can imagine the expectancy even in heaven.
The time had come and the anticipation and preparing for the son of God to come to us must have been amazing.
The orchestration of players who were chosen to be involved even without knowing their perfect role.
It began long ago, the planning. The details and the way it had to be for scripture to be fulfilled.
We learned of Zechariah and Elizabeth, they had an air of expectancy for their miracle child was to be born.
We learned of Mary and her deep faith and intense role in the birth of her miracle child.
An air of expectancy for sure.
We learned of Joseph and how he was chosen and spoken to by an angel. An air of expectancy for him too.
We learned of the sequence of events when the roman emperor Augustus called for a census the first in many years.
How it was important for the ‘journey’ back to Bethlehem, so scripture could be fulfilled.
Then we learned of the baby born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes. Even that was significant.
An air of expectancy surrounded the shepherds as they were told in a ‘field’ to go see the one born.
We are told in Luke 2:14 that Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.
Then we learn about the moments in the temple when Jesus was 8 days old and ready to be dedicated.
Simeon took him and held him in his arms and prophesied over him.
He had an air of expectancy for years before and it was finally the time.
Luke 2:34 [Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”]
Can you imagine Mary and Joseph? Their expectancy of what was to come?
Then Anna saw and heard it all in the temple. The air of expectancy for her was present and prayed for a long time.
[38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.]
Then later on the Wise men found them after journeying for almost two years. They had an air of expectancy of what they would find.
It all shows us how deep the Fathers love is for us, that HE would orchestrate all of this, so scripture could be fulfilled.
The Christmas story is full of expectancy. I pray it is that way for you too.
by Sharon O | Dec 19, 2017 | Uncategorized
As we have journeyed through the Christmas story we find it amazing how many characters represent the ‘story’.
We learned of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary and Joseph and the assorted angels who spoke to them.
The Shepherd’s and the wise me, Anna and Simeon who had waited all their lives to meet the Messiah.
We learned of the miracles surrounding each character chosen and appointed to be a part of the Christmas story.
Each were unique in the part they played within the birth of Jesus.
I don’t believe any were coincidental, each were orchestrated just as the continuation of the life of Jesus and the cast of characters who play it to the end.
Even the donkey who carried Mary to the manger scene had a role. A very important role.
To carry the mother of Christ Jesus was a role that was tremendous in this story.
When we sing, “Oh Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining,” even the skies played a role in the birth for we know the stars shone bright for all to see.
Nothing was without reason or importance.
It was all orchestrated and ordained, chosen by a God who loved the world so much.
I have always loved the song, “Mary did you know?” for it brings life and a question to the whole miraculous birth.
Did she fully know, could she fully know, she kissed the face of God?
Joseph found himself in a situation of life changing acceptance.
From that moment on, he would always be Joseph the earthly father of Jesus.
Mary has been known throughout history and portrayed in many ways as the mother of Jesus.
What a life changing and life altering situation for her, to start out as an unknown and finish as a name in history forever.
She had acceptance because of her faith and because she knew the ‘old story’ of a Messiah coming.
I do believe when Elizabeth confirmed her babies ‘reactions’ to Mary, she understood more of the power of the moments.
The Christmas story is full of prophecy, miracles and wonderment.
I pray that as you allow yourself to experience the story perhaps for the first time, your life will be changed too.
[God sent his son into the world so that all who believed in him would not perish but have everlasting life.]
by Sharon O | Dec 17, 2017 | Uncategorized
The Magi Visit the Messiah
[2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.
5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.
Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.]
In most of the nativities we have sitting in our living rooms we will see the wise men often in close proximity to the nativity.
Many scholars now say, in reality they didn’t arrive till Jesus was close to age two.
In the text above it say’s, “coming to the house they saw the child.” That does not say ‘infant’.
It took them many months to travel by camel to go to the ‘house where they found Mary and Joseph and little Jesus’.
If we look at the meaning of the gifts it is also a ‘orchestrated part’ of the story.
Gold was for royalty, frankincense was a fragrant incense used in religious ceremonies and myrrh was a spice often used in burial.
If Mary and Joseph knew those meanings the gifts would bring deep thought to them.
Remember Mary pondered all this in her heart. This was a unique baby of hers, a son from on High.
The wise men brought gifts that added depth and meaning to the story and the reason was clear.
This child was a savior and not only would Mary experience his birth, it said ‘a sword will pierce your heart’.
For that is what grief feels like when a love one passes from us.
The wise men had to bring these gifts so that the story could be completed.
Let us continue to move through the ‘orchestration of God’ as we read the Christmas story.
by Sharon O | Dec 15, 2017 | Uncategorized
Can you even imagine the orchestration it took to get all the players in the Christmas story?
It’s much like an orchestra playing beautiful music, each had a part; each has a ‘place’ and a purpose in the story.
We begin to learn the depth of this when we read about Simeon and Anna.
In Luke 2:25 we find these words:
[5 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.
When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old;
she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.]
Simeon was an old man. Waiting for the very moment of seeing the MESSIAH. Can you even imagine his ‘feelings?’
He knew. He saw. He was aware that this baby coming to be dedicated was not just a ‘baby’.
It was the reason he waited and prayed. Have you ever had a long anticipated prayer answered?
It’s amazing when it happens and when you can finally ‘let go’ and watch God work.
Anna was just as devoted to her worship and prayers, waiting for the ONE to come.
They were part of the orchestra God was drawing inside the circle of chosen ones.
It was no accident that they were there. It was no coincidence.
It was a moment not to be missed.
by Sharon O | Dec 12, 2017 | Uncategorized
[8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.]
The shepherds were a rough group of men, known for fighting off predators and other threats to their sheep.
So when we read that they immediately left their sheep and went to go see the Baby that was amazing for they never would leave the sheep unprotected.
Then it said they were frightened when seeing the angels. really?
This was a group of rough and tough men where nothing scared them.
This non cultured/non accepted group of men were not only selected by God through His choice but they were also used by God in the Christmas story.
Behold we find that nothing is without a reason, or purpose.
HE USES those least noticed. He calls those who are not ready, to complete the Christmas story.
Also He not only uses their willingness to go see, He uses their words as credible witnesses.
They told others and people wanted to not only hear but to go see because of their believable words.
A baby was born and changing the hearts of others already.
by Sharon O | Dec 11, 2017 | Uncategorized
The Birth of Jesus
[2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
2 This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.]
She had her baby in an animal barn, using the manger for a bed fulfilling scripture and also she had to have been very tired from all the walking and riding on a donkey.
We don’t know if Joseph helped her or if another ‘local’ lady coached her in her labor and delivery.
We do know she was young and most likely scared, only having Joseph helping her.
I cannot imagine what was going on in her heart and spirit.
For any new mom giving birth is not only an emotional time but also a time of connection with your ‘baby’.
Mary would have been not any different than any other new mom.
Her son was born. Perhaps flashbacks of the angel appeared in her mind of the ‘foretelling’ of a baby to be called Jesus. Emmanuel, God with us.
It was HER son… and when she cuddled him and held him; HE was also ‘God’ looking at her with ‘eyes’ of love.
One cannot imagine the night of this HOLY birth.
I am sure she felt different and wondering about so much; the word tells us,
“she treasured all that she heard in her heart.”
The heart of a mama. Mary the young ‘unknown’ will be known throughout history.
It was just beginning for them now. Mary and Joseph and the little baby born in a stable.
On this Holy Night, a child was born and a son was changing the world forever.
by Sharon O | Dec 9, 2017 | Uncategorized
Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son
[18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about:
His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.]
This reads all so simply but in reality it was probably a very confusing time for him.
Can you imagine being a righteous man who finds out the one you are ‘engaged to be married’ is now pregnant?
He could have done what he desired, to leave her quietly and divorce her, but he also knew in those days she would be stoned for that was the law of the land at that time.
It was a choice HE made to stay with her, and to walk beside her, and to be with her in this time of stress.
It was a protection for her and also a form of obedience for him for the angel had said, “don’t be afraid, it’s all going to be alright.”
I love this part of the story for not only he becomes her ‘partner’ but HE chose to be a part of this miraculous birthing process.
The story continues and acceptance plays a role.
by Sharon O | Dec 8, 2017 | Uncategorized
After hearing Elizabeth’s reaction and excitement over her own tiny little baby; we find Mary’s response as she listened when she said ‘the mother of my Lord’.
Mary’s Song Luke1:
46 And Mary said:
[“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.]
I have often wondered if Mary stayed there till John was born and perhaps learned how to deal with labor and delivery.
In those times they did not have fancy ‘delivery’ rooms like we have now.
It could have been very primitive and very private.
We are not told. We just know Elizabeth was old and this was a pregnancy chosen by God to be special.
Mary returns home to where Joseph was and the story continues.
by Sharon O | Dec 7, 2017 | Uncategorized
I have often wondered how the visit between Mary and Elizabeth played out.
Remember Mary is ‘with child’ and Elizabeth is also. Like most expectant mom’s the desire to encourage and or compare experiences with each other would be for them too. Both were expecting miraculous babies.
Both were amazed at the news and the power of the Spirit from on high.
I could just see or imagine how Mary would ask to feel Elizabeth’s tummy and the movement of the baby to be.
I find it amazing and hopeful that even in the word God showed value to unborn little ones.
It tells us how JOHN leaped in the womb upon hearing Mary’s voice. They have done studies about the unborn how they react or respond to music or stimuli. This was no different.
I wonder if Mary stayed with Elizabeth because she was accepting of her and maybe there were problems at home? Certainly Joseph had to have an agreement for her to travel to see Elizabeth.
We are never told about Mary’s family and their reaction to her ‘pregnancy.’
To be expecting and not be married would be a very serious crime meaning one could lose their life.
If Elizabeth was in her sixth month when Mary saw her, John would be close to Jesus age as they grew up.
He was also called to fulfil and used to proclaim the news about ‘the Lord.’
Amazing stories and an awesome God to choose a young teen and a old lady to fulfill the prophecy of a coming Savior.
