Pray~paration by ems 12/10/21
14th Day of Advent
Week 2: Preparation (or waiting or prophecy) ~ Light 2 purple candles
Advent Hymn 🎼 Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming🎶
A Christmas carol of German origin first appeared in print in 1599, yet the author is unknown. Also called A Spotless Rose or Behold, A Rose of Judah symbolically represents Mary. The hymn also references Isaiah’s prophecies, which foretold the incarnation of Christ and the lineage of Jesse. Sung to the 1609 melody of Michael Praetorius, it is enjoyed throughout the Advent season.
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39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.  ~ Luke 2: 39-40
Jesus came to this earth in the humblest way as a baby, but He did not remain a baby.
Nazareth was his vital training ground for growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men. Consider those who nurtured him as he achieved his firsts…: his first steps, his first attendance at the synagogue, and his first learning of the Torah. Those who patiently nurtured Him would be blessed by His ultimate gift: his sinless life offered for our sins.
Pray~paration by ems 12/09/21
In life, we have various projects and gain satisfaction by completing them. However, finishing well requires preparation and often training. Simple daily tasks we accomplish today teach us discipline and obedience so that tomorrow, when we face arduous trials, we may navigate well through them and continue with perseverance.
Matthew 2:19-23 gives information about the return of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus from Egypt to their own city of Nazareth (Luke 2:39) after the death of King Herod.
What did Jesus learn in those early years? Philippians says that this God-man set aside equality with God and emptied Himself to become a humble servant (Philippians 2:5-8). Then, as He denied Himself and thought of others, Jesus learned obedience. Luke also reveals that Jesus continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom and the grace of God (Luke 2:39-40).
The specifics of the years between birth and age 12 are not given. Yet, the evidence of Jesus’ daily pray~paration in the word of God with much prayer is apparent. As a twelve-year-old boy, He sat in the temple among the teachers, listening and asking them questions that astonished them.
Indeed, Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men.
What habits have you established that increase your wisdom and favor with God and others? In your pray~paration do you search the Scriptures for God beyond the words printed on the page to become more like Him?
The growth of our faith is a partnership. First, God gives each of us a measure of faith, and then through His inspired words in the Bible, we are reproved, corrected, and trained in righteousness so that we may be adequately equipped for every good work.
Jesus may have learned the craft of carpentry and grown physically strong by it. But He did not neglect His spiritual life and never lost sight of His purpose to rescue us through His torturous death on the cross.
May our consistent pray~parations prepare us for all we are yet to face and grant us success in reaching the ultimate goal of Christ-likeness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for this life. It is a faith walk I can journey with You. By Your Almighty Hand, prepare me for trials and let me learn from You. Please remind me to be faithful in the little things so that I may honor You. Enable me to be resilient during difficulties so that I may please You in everything I say and do. Thank You for never leaving me nor forsaking me!
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Learn more about Jesus here:
https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/
https://watch.thechosen.tv/
The Shepherd: A Story of the First Christmas
https://youtu.be/lVt14Ug-GOs?si=9eoBBSsVJHHwP3Gp
Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night
https://watch.thechosen.tv/video/184683594479?language=en
A young mother labeled “impure.” A shepherd boy considered “unclean.” Experience Jesus’ birth through their eyes as Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night blends The Messengers and The Shepherd into one special remastered and re-scored story. This special feature also includes an original performance from Andrea and Matteo Bocelli, six favorite songs from the past, and two beautiful new monologues.
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Gleanings From Heaven's Gate 