Today's Word
You are welcome to use the writings on these pages or pass them on to others who might find a touch from God in the words. Our purpose is always to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. Please remember to give credit to the Author who has given you everything, and keep in remembrance the vessel which He used to bring these words to you. We pray that this site may be a blessing to you and anyone with whom its been shared. All rights reserved. Peggy Hoppes
Christian Bible Study Pages
Proverbs 31,
A Study on Christian Living
Archives
Travel Pages
Salisbury PlainClimb a Hill, Look at a Rock Day
Our Lord is so good, He grants us many blessings. We can see Him in the daily course of events, in our homes, our jobs, our lives. I pray that these words help you to grow in your faith and recognize His hand in even the most mundane circumstances.
The picture to the right is of a Celtic Chapel located in Cornwall England. This building is approximately 1700 years old, and contains a holy well known for its healing powers.
(Click for enlarged)
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly, of which I was made a servant according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.” Colossians 1:24-29, WEB
The Swedes celebrate Christmas with a festival that lasts for a month. They decorate a Christmas tree with candles, apples, Swedish flags, glass balls, tinsel and straw ornaments shaped like animals a day or so before Christmas. The tree is displayed until January 13, Knut’s Day. The Christmas festival was established a thousand years ago when King Canute ruled. He decided that they would celebrate from December 13 through January 13. On that final day, boys dress up as “Old Knut” and play practical jokes. The tree is taken down and all edible decorations are consumed. The tree is thrown into the snow with a promise to be reunited next year.
The festival begins on St. Lucia Day. Lucia was a Sicilian Christian virgin who lived during the fourth century, when Christians were persecuted for their faith. Lucia took food to the Christians who were hiding in underground tunnels. To light her way, she wore a crown of candles on her head. She was eventually arrested and martyred. No one really knows how the story of St. Lucia came to Sweden, but she is honored with a very special day. On the morning of December 13th, the eldest daughter in the home, dressed in white with a wreath of candles on her head, takes coffee, ginger cookies and buns to every member of her family in their rooms. While she is delivering her goodies, the family sings Lucia carols, songs of thankfulness and hope. December 13th is believed to be the darkest night of the year, so a festival with lights brings hope.
St. Lucia was a virgin and a martyr, known as the patron saint of the blind, those with eye diseases, and the visually impaired. As with all the ancient saints, the reason for this is uncertain. It is said that after her conversion to Christianity, St. Lucia lost her sight or even plucked out her eyes in an attempt to resist sin. One legend says that she lost her eyes during her martyrdom but was miraculously able to see. She came from a wealthy family, but she spurned worldly goods.
She refused to get married, vowing to remain a virgin. A man who wanted to marry her reported her faith to authorities, and she was sentenced to life in a brothel and forced into prostitution. One of the miracles of her life is that divine intervention kept her from having to fulfill that sentence; they could not move her from where she stood. She was then ordered to be burned at the stake, but the fire didn’t touch her. She was finally killed with a sword to the neck. The legends may be true, but she was likely one of many martyrs killed by Diocletian, beheaded in 304 A.D. She was the first saint to become a popular figure among believers, with inscriptions dating from before the fifth century. Two churches in Britain were dedicated to her before the eighth century. She is often depicted by artists carrying a dish containing her eyes.
St. Lucia brought hope to the Christians who were hiding from persecution. She brought hope, not only with the food she shared, but also with her willingness to risk her own life for the sake of others. We wait anxiously through the darkness of Advent for the coming of the true light, Jesus Christ our Lord. The hope we have is because He willingly gave Himself for us, overcame sin and death and was raised to new life so that we might have the hope of eternal life. We celebrate Christ, not only with the tinsel and glitter, but especially with prayer and scripture so that we will draw closer and deeper into His heart.
Paul experienced suffering but he shared his gifts to help others know God with great joy. God blesses us, too, with the gifts necessary to continue the work to share Christ with the world. There will always be things about the Lord God Almighty that we cannot understand, but we do know the most important thing: God loved, Christ died, we believe. We are like St. Lucia, called to shine the light in the darkness of this world. It might be dangerous. It might even lead to our death. But God’s love is so great that we can step out in faith with joy and share His grace with those who need to see God manifest in their life through His Word and through our kindnesses to the people whom God sets in our path.
If you would like to contact me, please use the following address, replacing the bracketed words with the symbol. Thank you for your continued interest, prayers and messages of encouragement.
A WORD FOR TODAY is available daily through a mailing list. Visit the link below and you will receive the WORD in your box Monday through Friday.
“But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, ASV
Glitter. It is impossible to avoid glitter at this time of year. Greeting cards, tree skirts, and Santa hats are all covered with the stuff. There is often glitter on those adorable ugly sweaters and many use glitter spray or make-up for a special merry look for parties and events. Teachers let their students use glitter to decorate gifts for parents or pageant costumes; even bakers use special glitter to decorate the sweet treats of the season. I’ve never really been a fan of glitter. It is pretty and makes everything look very festive, but it is impossible to get rid of it. I bought a candle ring that happened to have glitter on the edges of the leaves and flowers. The glitter got all over my hands, my purse, the shopping cart, my shirt, and then after I got home, it got all over the table where it was displayed. I noticed glitter in my hair that evening when I looked in the mirror as I was getting ready for bed. I've even found glitter on one of the cats, although I'm not sure whether it was from me petting her or from something she got into that day. We’ll be finding glitter for months after Christmas is over, maybe years!
Glitter may be bothersome, but we should be like it, not in the annoying way we can’t get rid of it, but as having good qualities that stick to everything we touch. We can all have an impact on the attitudes and emotions of those around us. Have you ever had a bad day, but run into someone who is contagiously happy? Somehow their smile makes your day seem a little better. The same can happen in the reverse: our negative attitude can affect our neighbors. So, which should we do?
We can affect the way our neighbors live in the world, too. By being a good example of graciousness and hospitality, we spur others to be gracious and kind. By living lives of thanksgiving, we cause others to count their blessings. By acting on our faith by being generous we encourage others to share. Our good attitudes and actions can rub off on people, hopefully to the point that it rubs off on more people exponentially.
There are many who get rattled and frustrated during the Christmas season. It is too busy, there's too much to do. We run from store to store to deal with crowds and cranky cashiers and fellow shoppers. We are so busy that we burn the cookies and can't get the tree to stand up straight. We get frustrated by the Christmas lights that never seem to work. There are so many things that can make this season not so pleasant. Yet, a simple act of kindness, like holding the door with a smile for someone overladen with packages, can rub off on people. We never know when that one moment might spread some happiness to many other people.
Glitter is pretty and festive, and so we can be. It takes work; it takes a willingness to be happy even when we are rattled and frustrated. It takes a willingness to be forgiving rather than angry. It takes a willingness to be generous with our time, our resources and especially with our love. That love might just rub off and make the world a more beautiful and festive place. The glory we shine will not be like that of glitter, but as that of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The following links provide some specially chosen scripture that tell the stories of the Birth and Passion of our Lord as Saviour Jesus Christ, as well as a fictional perspective of the Crucifixion. Spend time in God's Word, read about His life and learn of the wonderful gifts He has for you. Know Jesus Christ and honour Him today. Thanks be to God.
The Story of our Saviour's Passion
The Crucifixion, a fictional perspective
When researching, I use several versions of the bible, including the New International Version and English Standard Version. Due to copyright restrictions, I have not included quotes for the scriptures on some of the archives, but highly encourage you to open your own bibles to read the scripture passages for yourselves. Where scripture is quoted, it is usually the American Standard Version or World English Bible which belong to the public domain. Any other versions used in quotes are identified.
The devotion posted on Wednesday is based on the Lectionary texts used by millions of Christians each Sunday. The Lectionary consists of four texts: an Old Testament passage, a Psalm, a passage from one of the Epistles and a Gospel text and follows the church calendar. Archives for these writings are found at Midweek Oasis.
You are welcome to use these words to share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. Please remember to give credit to the Author who has given you these gifts, and keep in remembrance the vessel which He used to bring them to you. We pray that this site may be a blessing to you and anyone with whom you've shared it. Peggy Hoppes
 |