It Was Always the Plan

God had a plan from the very beginning. Look at these beautiful verses in the Old Testament that tell of our Savior's birth.  That's right, I said "Old Testament".  Hundreds of years prior to Jesus' birth, the Bible told us of His coming. Jesus, The Creator, would become flesh and dwell among us, and ultimately die and be resurrected for us all. It was always the plan. Today I'm thankful for God's amazing plan for us!

Isaiah 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

 Michah 5:2  But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to be ruler in Israel,

whose coming forth is from of old,

from ancient days.

Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas!!

Happy Birthday Cake for Jesus!

I'm missing my Mother-in-Love today. She always made a birthday cake for Jesus and brought it to our Bible study class for our Christmas party.  Today was our Bible study party and we had no birthday cake for Jesus.  It was a great party, but I couldn't help but think about that cake. Today I want to share with you how to make the most perfect birthday cake for Jesus in hopes that you might make one for your family and friends:

Jesus Birthday Cake

 

• You will make three layered round cake. - Round like the world in which Jesus was born into.
• Bottom layer - Chocolate  - Brown represents our sin which is dirty & ugly.
• Middle layer - Add red food coloring to 1/2 of a white cake mix.- Red represents His blood which He shed for us.
• Top layer - Add green food coloring to 1/2 of a white cake mix.-Green Represents how we should grow more like Him.
• White frosting all on the outside of the cake represents the purity of Jesus' sinless life, and how we can be seen as righteous in God's eyes because His blood has covered our sins.
• A Yellow star in the middle of the cake represents the star which shown and provided direction for the wise men. 
• One candle in the middle of the star represents Jesus' being the light of the world. 
• Each child takes a candle and lights it from the one on the cake and puts it in the cake around the edges. This represents us letting Jesus' light shine through us.
• Sing Happy Birthday Jesus and blow out the candles.

How Will You Celebrate?

I have witnessed the most amazing thing this week. I've watched Church members helping Church members AND non-Church members in their times of need. It's beautiful. I'm so moved that I could just sit in my room all day long and cry tears of joy over what I have seen. Why would someone help a complete stranger in such a caring way? Why would someone sacrifice financially to help a stranger in need? Why would someone spend their time putting together a gift for someone they have never met. I have found the answer.  Are you ready for this? Here it is: GIVING IN THE NAME OF JESUS IS BETTER THAN RECEIVING.

It truly is that simple. This giving thing is where it's at. Oh yeah, we all want that special gift under the tree on Christmas, but how many of us can remember all the gifts we've unwrapped Christmas morning? I can't remember them all. I'd have to really think about it to tell you what I got just last year. However, forever etched in my mind is the memory of watching others give to others this week in the name of Jesus. I will never forget what I've seen. Unconditional love. Sacrifice. Concern. All of these on display while the gift givers were pointing to Jesus our Savior.

What are your plans for Christmas? How will you and your family celebrate?

I'm going to celebrate the Biggest Gift ever given by giving. And I'm going to celebrate every day this month!! It's going to cost me something - maybe time, money or other resources - but selfishly I'm looking forward to the faces that might just get a glimpse of Jesus. Selfishly I'm looking forward to the amazing memories and the adventure of it all.

Happy birthday, Jesus. I'm so glad you came to save us. Help me to get over me this Christmas season and look for ways to point others to you. What a gift you have for us all. I want to share that gift with others. You are the reason for the season and I thank  you! ~ Amen.

For a deeper study:

• Read Matthew 1, Luke 1 & 2, and John 1. Discuss or journal what God tells you about the Christmas story.