Category: Life in Christ

Morning Reading: Isaiah 35.1-10 MSG

Isaiah 35.1-10 MSG

israel_mountain_flowers-500x310Wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badlands will celebrate and flower — Like the crocus in spring, bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color.

Mountain glories of Lebanon — a gift. Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon — gifts. God’s resplendent glory, fully on display. God awesome, God majestic.

Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. Tell fearful souls, “Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right and redress all wrongs. He’s on his way! He’ll save you!”

Blind eyes will be opened, deaf ears unstopped, lame men and women will leap like deer, the voiceless break into song. Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert. Hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain. Even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly.

Israel_Golden GateThere will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road. It’s for God’s people exclusively — impossible to get lost on this road. Not even fools can get lost on it. No lions on this road, no dangerous wild animals — Nothing and no one dangerous or threatening.

Only the redeemed will walk on it. The people God has ransomed will come back on this road. They’ll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.

Morning Reading: Luke 3.4-6 NLT

Luke 3.4-6 NLT

john-the-baptist-1Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!

The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth.

And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”

Advent Song: “Mary did you know?” – Kathy Mattea

Henry Ossawa Tanner - The Annunciation, oil on canvas, 57 x 71.25 in., Philadelphia Museum of Art
Henry Ossawa Tanner – The Annunciation, oil on canvas, Philadelphia Museum of Art

Mary, Did You Know – Kathy Mattea

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you

Please click on audio file – “Mary, Did You Know” – Kathy Mattea

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod
And when your kiss your little baby, then you’ve kissed the face of God

Mary did you know? Mary did you know

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb
This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I Am