A Candy Cane Messiah

Posted on December 6, 2022 by Marie

If we take the time to use “eyes to see and ears to hear” (Matthew 13:16) we can find the Spirit of Christmas in a lot of things and events.

While creating a devotional based on the symbolism in the Candy Cane, I was struck by the choruses in The Messiah that match the symbolism of the Candy Cane.

As the story goes an Indiana candy maker wanted to create a candy that would be his occupational witness. He wanted the birth, ministry, and death of Christ to be easily discernible. So…

He used pure white candy to symbolize the purity, the sinlessness of Jesus. In the Messiah the chorus – “And He Shall Purify” (Malachi 3:3) reminds us that our offerings to the Lord are to be righteous, without sin.

The J shape represents the Name. Isaiah 9:6 and the words of the chorus “For Unto Us A Child Is Born” resound with the names Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. When turned upside down the J becomes a staff. The shepherd’s staff was crooked so the sheep that had fallen could be rescued. Isaiah 53:6, and the matching chorus “All We Like Sheep”, helps us remember that we are just like sheep. We go our own way, every one of us, but we can be rescued.

The stripes are symbolism of the beating He took so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:5 says “And with His stripes we are healed”. His blood was shed for our sins, hence, the red coloring.

As we celebrate this season let us remember the reason for the season is all around us. HE is everywhere. Look and listen.

Ah Lord God, bless us with the ability to see You in the trappings of this season. Remind us that You are the greatest gift giver of all. Help us experience the Reason in all we do. You are the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace. Let Your Glory be seen in us. Let Your Light shine through us. You alone are worthy! Grant these petitions in the Name of Jesus.

Revised and edited from original post. December 22, 2011

Fulfilled Prophecy

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Marie

I was reading Deb Wolf’s blog Counting My Blessings and she included this interesting fact/quote.

The chances of 1 person fulfilling 8 prophecies: 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 1 person fulfilling 48 prophecies: 1 chance in 10 to the 157^thpower 1 person fulfilling 300+ prophecies: Only Jesus! (from Biblical Prophesies Fulfilled by Jesus)

Is that amazing or what? BTW that long number with all the zeros is a quintillion. 10 to the 157th power… is one and one-half+ googols or 157 zero’s after the 10. It’s fun to think about but it definitely becomes mind-boggling, doesn’t it?

There are 8 specific prophecies that are connected to the birth of Jesus.

He would be born of a woman. Found in Genesis 3:15, fulfilled in Matthew 1:20
He would be born in Bethlehem. Found in Micah 5:2, fulfilled Matthew 2:1 and Luke 2:4-6
He would be born of a virgin. Found in Genesis 12:3 and 22:18, fulfilled in
Matthew 1:22-23 and Luke 1:26-31
He would come from the line of Abraham. Found in Genesis 12:3 and 22:18, fulfilled in Matthew 1:1
He would be a descendant of Isaac. Found in Genesis 17:19 and 21:12, fulfilled in Luke 3:34
He would be a descendant of Jacob. Found in Numbers 24:17, fulfilled in Matthew 1:2
He would come from the tribe of Judah. Found in Genesis 49:10, fulfilled in Luke 3:33
He would be called Immanuel. Found in Isaiah 7: 14 fulfilled in Matthew 1:23

In the beautiful Christmas Hymn by Charles Wesley, Hark, The Herald Angels Sing, are these words:

Christ by highest heav’n adored

Christ the everlasting Lord.

Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the virgin’s womb.

Govert_Flinck_-_Aankondiging_aan_de_herders

Veil’d in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, th’incarnate Deity:
Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Throughout this song, and many of the other Christmas hymns, the prophecies are repeated, reminding us that Jesus is who He says He is.

None of this should be mind-boggling. It is what it is. God’s Word is the truth. Yet, there are millions who are still in the darkness. Who believe only what they want to believe. Who limit the beauty of this season to what’s going to be under the tree.

Let’s be different. Let’s quit thinking and focusing on what we’re going to get and move on to what are we going to give. Will you be the one to share the Story for the first time? Will you be the one that shines light into the darkness? Will you be the one, like Mary, who was called blessed because she believed? (Luke 1:45)

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Everything I Need To Know About Christmas

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Marie

This is what I think is most important about celebrating this Season. If you would like to add please comment below.

Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. Matthew 2:14

My prayer for you:

Heavenly Father, help us keep Jesus as the focus this Season. Let us keep others in our minds and hearts, forgetting ourselves and giving our best. Bless us with the inner peace of the knowledge that Jesus is, was and will be. Make it so Lord!

Hallelujah

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Marie

Handel’s Messiah (Photo credit: HerryLawford)

Although I see decorations everywhere and have nearly completed my shopping the Season doesn’t really start for me until I put on my formal black dress and sing Handel’s Oratorio, The Messiah. I have been blessed for the past several years, by being allowed to asked to sing the Contralto Solo – Oh, Though That Tellest Good Tidings (Isaiah 40:9). We (The Defiance College Community Chorus) sing nearly the entire work with members of the Toledo Symphony. Every piece of this work is based on a verse or proficy from the life of Christ. It’s a true worship experience for me.

The Hallelujah Chorus http://youtu.be/pYzOQFpGPYE(Rev. 19:6, 11:15, 19:16) might be the most remembered piece of this work but there is nothing like hearing the trumpet solo in The Trumpet Shall Sound (I Corinthians 15:52-53) I can almost see Jesus appearing to take us to heaven. I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Job 6:25-26 and 1 Corinthians 15:20) is, for me, the heartfelt song of the true believer.

Heavenly Father, You are the Mighty Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, my Redeemer and above all LORD of Lords. My heart sings with the message and beauty of this incredible work. How can I say thanks for what You have created. All praise to You, my God and King!!!!!