TraceyF

Jesus needed to humble himself to obey the Father. He is divine but humbling himself made him more human-like. We don't possess God's powers. When Jesus emptied himself, he gave up all things to save us. He had to humble himself to feel all the pain and disrespect that was bestowed upon him. How many if us would give up our lives to save someone? Or who could handle the harshness and brutality he received? I believe when we humble ourselves, we are able to see things more clearly from a better perspective. We're able to make better decisions and able to have patience to listen first before speaking. Actually, to listen to God. We need to be patient and humble to follow through on what is given to us as an assignment.

Jesus first appeared on the scene from the beginning. Jesus is God. God is divine to the utmost. Jesus becoming a human being is He became flesh. A man on earth. He gives us grace and favor when we fully accept and follow his words. All we need to do is have faith in his words. John 8:31-32, you are truly his disciples when leaning on God's teaching. You will know the truth which will set you free.

It is good to show Jesus' childhood. It gives the insight of the Son of God doing what his Father wants him to do. Also, he has the wisdom but He must learn first. The lesson from His childhood is that we need to prepare and study prior to pursuing our passions/goals/gifts. If not, we will fail. It is best to be obedient. As people, we tend to want a fast fix. Like making money fast or just so excited in finding out what our calling is and trying to hurry up and get it done before we plan it out, especially including the ups and downs. That is very necessary.

Ancient days granted the son of God with given authority, glory, and power. The Son of Man was used because God gave a part of him to become a human on earth. To experience what life on earth is like and people could see him as a normal man with the Holy Spirit leading him. So he could bring the word of God, signs and wonders. Jesus authority means all is given to me if I truly want it. Being a saved child of God to follow his words, praise and worship Him for all that he has done and what he can do. Through his authority I have the inheritance of everlasting life.

Joseph's action prove that we should jump to every opportunity God has for us. Joseph listened to God and followed his instructions to leave and go to their destination. Most importantly, he didn't ponder or wake Mary to ask what to do. He simply obeyed. We don't need to know the outcome for what God tells us to do because he is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, He is the most high God that sees all and knows all. I see the slaughtered children, as sad as it is, a sacrifice for the son of God for what is to come. If it hadn't happened, things could have been worse. It makes me think on our trials and tribulations we go through in our lives. We must overcome the worst things in life to be stronger Christians. I believe the children who died are martyrs in honor of our Lord.

Giving the gifts was a custom for kings. The best of things. They are given to honor the son of God. The best gift I can give is my life to him. To be his servant. My goal is to overcome the obstacles of this life on earth and do his will. Doing what he called me to do is my goal.

We forget and put ourselves in charge of our life. We set goals and make plans to accomplish them without God's approval. He may want you to go in a different direction that glorifies him instead. Our choice is to let go and let God. Meaning, we should ask God's guidance for our future plans for everything. Not take it upon ourselves to decide.

I believe we are not as obedient as Anna. She devoted her life to God by praising, worshipping, singing, fasting, and listening to God. Some of us are too busy with working, taking care of family, etc. The way of life on earth takes most of our time. But this is something all of us need to do and is expected of us. It doesn't matter what time of day to give God our time. For some, the morning is better and for others it could a good time to wind down at night after the kids are asleep. During that quiet time. Anna listened to God and he directed/guided her to carry out his plans of prophesying to others.

God promised Simeon he will see the son of God before his death because he was a just man with the Holy Spirit. That's why he is at the temple. I believe this was recorded in Luke's Gospel because a man of God is given the prophecy of what is to come. To let people know what is too happen. Simeon's prophecy came as he said. People rejected him and he was crucified.

The coming of the Lord was fearful for the people with power. A man that mighty could cause them to lose the authority over the people. In those days, John the Baptist and Malachi were the messengers. God had others to speak to the people. In the future, God will return again. We, his children, need to be ready when it happens.

The best quality to me is Jesus obeying God by dying on that cross to save us from sin. If we want to be free, we can repent and believe Jesus died on the cross. Oh what a blessing. A blessing no human can give. God allowed Jesus to be humble by becoming a man on earth. He came to earth to teach, heal, make leaders, and save the Fathers children. Hallelujah!!! Being a child on earth and growing into a man is truly a miracle. It shows unconditional love. Love is what He is.

The angels were shocking to the shepherds because it was a bright radiant light letting them know it's of God. God's presence has always been with brightness. God, or Father, is not low key. He is mighty and powerful and the shepherds needed to know this was a very important message. The good news is the anointed one, the Messiah, is born into this world as a human being, a man. The best Christmas gift to all of us. The shepherds were given information that the Messiah will be wrapped in cloth and in a manger.

It was important for Jesus to be born during this time because the census had just begun and He would be counted in history. Mary and Joseph faced the four day journey to Bethlehem in possibly winter, Mary being ridiculed for becoming pregnant prior to marriage, traveling so late in pregnancy and Joseph being able to overcome the thought of his chosen wife to be pregnant. Just finding a place to have a baby was a struggle within itself. As the saying goes, nothing comes easy. Wanting an everlasting life with God is very important and hardship makes his people stronger. Jesus wasn't born in a rich family. Life was hard but he was doing God's work. If we didn't receive hardships in our lives, we wouldn't be able to become stronger by relying on God's words in scripture. Jesus overcame the devil by using God's words. He didn't give in and worship the devil. He won that battle. We can easily lose the battle when our minds are not on him.

It was God's time to send his Son. He allowed Jesus to be born as a human child to teach, draw unbelievers, and heal. The people could see the miraculous things he was doing. The will of God. Being redeemed is having a new life in Jesus. Your soul will be forever changed. Deliverance from sin. You are no longer a slave to sin because you are redeemed and now he has adopted you so the inheritance is what you will receive. The inheritance is a place with God, our Father. No more trials, tribulations, crying, sadness, and whatever else that causes strife. A place of peacefulness in eternal life.

Love is mostly shown in the household when everyone is happy. When there is an issue with one person in the house, it can destroy the peace within for everyone. Winning is important to competitive people. Everyone wants to win but winning competitions in the world we live in doesn't matter. Being the best can cause loneliness as well. It can be meaningless. Winning souls for God is more important and that's how Christians can bring peace. Christians will have eternal life with peace.