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.

God has a special place for the poor and disadvantage because people judge them by the way they look, how much money they make, type of job, where they live, etc. Some people who are doing great tend to look down on others and make mockery of them. This is what God doesn't want us to do. For instance, homeless people are made fun of and some businesses will run them away from the property. We have to realize that there are many people homeless due to losing their jobs with no where to go, they are mentally ill with no one to look after them, or just have a stream of bad luck with life due to drugs. I try to treat people the same. I love talking to anyone and pray for them.

Of course we are born into sin, therefore, we automatically think like the world and not like Jesus. It seems easy to do what we think is right versus what we should do according to God. We tend to emulate what we see. We tend to not fully give in to Jesus. We want to but the strong hold of the way of the world takes over. When you think about it, going to church teaches us about the scriptures but we are not taught how to overcome. In other words, according to scripture, we are not to worry and take all our cares/problems to God. We get that, but how do you go on without worrying how the bills are going to get paid, etc? What are the steps to get pass the worrying? The problem, I see for some of us, is being led by God's leader in the church to teach us how or the steps of what to do in the process.

Once Jesus dies, he sits on the right hand side of God. He will make the enemies his footstool. The role as priest is to be the mediator between man and God. Jesus defeated the devil's power by dying on the cross to deliver us from sin. He gave us the chance to repent and become born again to endure a new life. We must go through Jesus to get to God.

As a Jew, a man will not take a woman to be his wife if she is pregnant. I'm sure he was hurt and devastated and knew he could get a divorce for that reason. His reputation was on the line. But he was told to marry Mary anyway because of who the child represents. The son of God. He was a man of God and did as he was told. Joseph and Mary were very obedient to God.

A never ending Kingdom is an anomaly because it's not what we are used to and our understanding is more wordly than Godly. A right and justice government does not exist because man is in charge. Man is not God and their logical thinking can be based on wordly values, cultures, finances, etc. Jesus will bring peace. There will be no conflicts, no suffering, and anything else that affects our well-being. We will be free from all of it.

He is Wonderful Counselor because of the amazements that people are left stunned. He is the Mighty God due to being powerful and all knowing. He is the beginning and the end. The Creator of all. He is the Everlasting Father because there's no one else like him. He is our father forever. Through all eternity. He is the Prince of Peace because he said put all your cares on him and do not worry about tomorrow. His peaceful words calms our souls when we build a relationship with him. Once we build a relationship with God, then all the things He is will be known with understanding. For instance, lately when I start worrying about how am I to pay a bill or reach a deadline for work, my mind goes to wait a minute God said not to worry put your cares on him and He will see you through and that is how I manage to overcome my anxieties. My mind goes to Him and His words and I pray on it. I used to worry so bad which caused stomach issues. None of that now.

People live in darkness because they choose too. We have a choice. I guess I'm hesitant of the light because sometimes people just turn away from what I have to say. For instance, a person was talking about an issue of heaven, hell, and homosexualuty but before I could say anything concerning God's word, they told me they don't want to hear anything because they felt like an argument would start I guess. The person I am, I will not argue. But I just let it go. Jesus' ministry brought the darkness into light in Galilee. People know I am a believer. My mom said I've always been different. I don't have a gang of friends, I have a few. Certain things are not asked of me because they feel I will not participate.

Abraham's sacrifice is for all nations. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, just like God did. Abraham loved his son but his willingness to obey God allowed him to keep his son. As for God, he allowed his son to die as a man on earth to save us. That shows how great the obedience to God is very important.

The image of the lion tells us that Judah's lineage are powerful people that you don't want to mess with. Strong leaders. Jesus qualifies for the scepter because he is the one mentioned as the future leader. A man of God. It is hard for us to obey because of the world we live in and our flesh. We are born into a sinful world and it is very hard to dot every "i" and cross every "t". But it is very important for us to try and obey his words. First we must believe, have faith, read his word, and build a relationship with Him. When we do something that isn't right, you feel it in your soul. You end up apologizing and asking for forgiveness. We need to do this to be in Heaven.

A. Mary and Elizabeth were destined to be in each other's life because that is what God planned. B. They both had miracles and the Holy Spirit touched Elizabeth for her to prophesy of encouragement for women. Mary needed encouragement due to her young age and being pregnant. C. Mary is an encouragement to Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit she is filled with. D. I believe I am a comfort in being a teacher to the students and motivate my grandkids.