“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16 NKJV
“Behold the virgin shall be with child, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)
Reading: Matthew 1:18-25
How can we celebrate Christmas this year with all the unsettling and negative news reports from around the world such as violence, wars, sickness, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding, and other natural disasters? Sometimes doesn’t it feel like the world is coming to an end?
What about those who lost loved ones and are not looking forward to spending Christmas alone? Maybe some are struggling to make ends meet. How can they celebrate Christmas with all these challenges and difficulties?
When Jesus came and was born as a baby, the situation in Israel was no better; it was the worst of times. The tyranny of Roman rule was felt all over the world. People in Israel were oppressed by violence and over taxation. People were hopeless and desperate, and the religious leaders were certainly not helpful.
In the most desperate time of world history, baby Jesus was born. His parents Joseph and Mary did not have much so Baby Jesus was born in a humble feeding trough in a barn.
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 (NKJV)
However, God fulfilled His Word spoken by the prophet Isaiah, “Behold the virgin shall be with child, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, God with us.” (See Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23.)
During this Christmas season, no matter what is going on in the world, even if our personal situation or the economy is not looking good, let us remember the true message of Christmas.
Be of good cheer, for Jesus is “Emmanuel, God with us.” Since Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), Jesus is still Emmanuel. He is still with us in good times and in hard times. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and someday Jesus will come again, not as a baby in the manger, but as King of Kings.
In that day, the words of the Apostle Paul will be fulfilled when he said, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2: 10-11 (NKJV)
Then, the fulfillment of the words written by the Prophet Isaiah also came to pass,
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Someday we will all see, the reality of the second part of this Word;
“And the government will be upon His shoulder.
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end. (Isaiah 9: 6-7)
That is why we sing, “ Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” (by Isaac Watts)
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. ” I Chronicles 16:34 NKJV
A nice cruise on the Mekong River with friends
First Thanksgiving Celebration in Mekong Land
Of course, thanksgiving is not an official holiday in Cambodia. Besides the USA, only a few countries have official Thanksgiving Celebrations in various dates such as Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia. Others countries such as Brazil, Germany, the Philippines, and perhaps a few other countries celebrate Thanksgiving unofficially.
In the recent past, David and I celebrated Thanksgiving with a special meal with his sister’s family. The usual tradition is roasted turkey, dressing with cranberry sauce, some veggies, and pumpkin, or pecan pie. In America’s southeast region, casseroles are tradition for cooking vegetables, such as green beans or squash casseroles. They are delicious! When I joined David’s family, the Asian eggrolls became an addition to the Thanksgiving family get together. 🙂
This year, since we live in the Southeast, finding ingredients to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal was a challenge. First, dressed turkey or turkey meat is not easy to find. After a few weeks of looking, we were delighted to find one store in the city that sells frozen dressed turkey, imported from another country. However, the price is a bit high. (About $68). Later, we found out we can buy a rotisserie chicken in another store for five bucks! I thought I could cook some veggies and perhaps try to make a turkey dressing or stuffing. However, we could not find sage seasoning in any shops in the city. There are all kinds of cooking seasoning, but no sage. Then another ingredient we tried to look for was canned cranberry sauce. Again, no luck.
When our friends the Mayfields were planning to visit, I requested them to bring a can of cranberry sauce if they find something. And they did. They found a canned cranberry sauce while traveling in Bangkok. Sad to say, when they got to the airport to fly from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, the canned cranberry sauce was not allowed to board the plane. Perhaps it was considered liquid?
The week of Thanksgiving (Nov 19-25) was another hectic week. Besides friends’ visiting, David and I participated in a wedding event of a family member of one of the staff. Then couple of days later, was an engagement celebration/dinner. (Besides learning the language, we are still trying to understand the local’s culture, tradition and values).
On Thanksgiving day, sad to say, I was feeling sick. So, my plan to cook was thrown out the window. So, we ended up ordering Thanksgiving meal delivery from a restaurant. Thank the Lord at least 2 restaurants in the city offered a Thanksgiving meal set of roasted turkey or ham, some veggies, a bit of cranberry sauce and a slice of pumpkin pie! Thank you Lord!
Even though we missed families, we are grateful that we celebrated Thanksgiving with good friends, Martyn & Lynda.
(posted on December 05, 2023, while visiting Jakarta, Id.)
Readings: John 14:1-9; John 8:28-38; Matthew 11:25-30
When I was 14, I had many questions in life. I wrote a poem to express my heart and thoughts. In one of the stanzas, I wrote these words, “Who am I? What is the meaning of life? What is my purpose? What am I here for?”
Many questions flowed through my mind then, but I did not know where and how to find answers. Around that same time, a friend in school sent me a nice bookmark with a note, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NIV). So, more questions came to my young mind. “What is the truth?”
A couple of years later, life became more complicated. Due to a worsening economy, my father’s job was negatively impacted. I was about to graduate from high school and felt some anxieties and uncertainties about my future.
One night, I was walking home from school and feeling down. It was dark and quiet. I looked up and saw many stars. I whispered in the air, “God, where are you? If you are real, please help me.” Just before returning home, I ran into a neighbor who asked me to join a Bible study at her home. She had invited me in the past, but I had always made excuses. But that night, I was in a desperate situation and needed answers.
So, I came to the Bible study and sat down with a handful of other people. I listened to a young preacher talk about Jesus and some of His teachings. Though I did not understand much then about the lesson, just before he closed, he asked the question, “Would you like to receive Jesus in your heart?”
I raised my hand and found myself praying, “Yes Lord Jesus, I receive you in my heart…” I left the neighbor’s home and walked to my home feeling different. I looked up again to the sky with a big smile on my face. All fears, anxieties, and worries were gone! Joy and peace flooded my heart! All my questions did not matter anymore. I had Jesus. That’s all I needed.
Do you have questions about life and do not know where and how to find answers? Have you ever felt lost or confused? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NKJV)
Jesus cares for you and wants you to know Him and be His friend.
“If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, “Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:9-10
Bible Reading: Psalm 139:1-12
Life is always busy, but the past few months have been especially hectic. Packing, unpacking, and road trips to visit churches and ministry partners have kept us busier than usual. On top of that, unexpected and unwelcomed health issues came up for both my husband and me. A writer’s workshop was coming up, and I was interested in going. However, with other pressing matters and a long to-do list, I faltered and hesitated to go. I thought to myself, “How could we squeeze in a seven-hour drive to the coast? Surely, it would be more convenient to join online to save us time and money.”
Though hesitant, my husband suggested we go. When I got to the workshop, I tried to keep my mind off the next thing on my to-do list. After a couple of hours sitting and listening, I felt calm and peace. My mind stopped racing from concerns and the many things I needed to do. It helped me to sit still and focus. I was glad I came! I realized too, the Lord gave me the time to be away from the chaos and busyness of life, to just sit still and enjoy the moment. My husband and I even enjoyed a couple of days at the beach. Through the kindness of a friend, the Lord even took care of our accommodation, a nice condo by the beach with a breathtaking view of the ocean! Thank you, Lord!
While staying at the beach, I sensed the gentle whisper of the Lord saying something like, “Remember the time you made a commitment to follow Me as your Lord and Savior? Since then, your life has been in my hands.” I then realized that even when I stumble, falter, or fall – no matter what happens – my life is still in His hands. He is the One taking care of me and holding me still. I was not even aware that both my husband and I needed that that little break, a time off from the chaos of life. I learned, too, that God knew exactly what I needed. Even when I am not sure what to do, God still leads me. Since my life is in His hands, I can rest in His loving arms.
As the psalmist says in today’s reading:
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?… If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139: 9-10 (NKJV)
Prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, for your love and care. Help us to trust you always even amid chaos, and to remember our lives are secure in your loving hands.
Thought for the Day: When we follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, our lives are secure in His hands.
Your Thoughts:
Your Prayer:
(Note: Written in November 2022 as a devotional writing for Southern Christian Writers Conference, SCWC).
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 NIV
Reading: Matthew Chapter 1
The name of Jesus literally means “Savior”. The angel was clear to Mary and Joseph when he said, Jesus will save His people from their sins, and not from the Roman rule and oppression, but from SIN. The people of Israel at that time of history was ruled by the Roman government. And according to history, many of the people suffered and were oppressed by the tyranny of the Roman rule. So many of the Jews or people of Israel were expecting and waiting for their Messiah, their Deliverer. They were expecting somebody that maybe like Moses or King David in the Old Testament who delivered the people of Israel from slavery and oppression. King David had fought many battles against the enemies of Israel- neighboring countries who tried to oppress them. So, many of the people of Israel on Jesus time on earth were waiting for their Messiah, someone to deliver them from the oppression of the Roman rule.
However, from the start and the plan of God was to send Jesus to save His people from their sins- from the bondage of sins. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The apostle John says, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! “ (John 1:29)
Marker for the birthplace of Jesus, Church of Nativity, Bethlehem
Reflection:
We may not be like the people of Israel in the past who were oppressed by foreign rule. However, many today are oppressed and in bondage to sin. Sin and evil has power over people’s lives. It is not easy to be released from the power of sin. No matter how much one tries, or do all the self-help and positive thinking, only Jesus has the power over sin and the evil one.
Only Jesus can save Israel and the people of the world from sin.
Christmas is love!For God so loved the people of the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) shall not perish, but will have eternal life (John 3:16).
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you that You came us a humble baby to save us from our sins! I thank you for Your forgiveness and mercy. I praise You that you are the lamb that was slain and the only atonement for our sins.
The Church of Visitation, Israel. Mary visits Elizabeth, (Luke 1:39-45)
“Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us.”
A quote from Zacharias, Luke 1:78 (NKJV)
Have you ever believed for something, got disappointed, and lost hope? Here is a story of a man who had faith but lost hope – the story of Zacharias and Christmas from Luke chapter 1.
The young woman from Nazareth, Mary, received news from an angel of God that she would conceive a child who would be called Jesus, the Savior of the world (v. 26-35). The angel also told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was also expecting a baby. Elizabeth and her husband Zacharias were an older couple who had no child. Zacharias was a priest and lived in Judah (v. 5-6). An angel of God also told Zacharias that his wife would conceive a child (v. 13-14). The angel also told him the plans and purpose of God in the life of their coming son (v. 14-17). But Zacharias had difficulty believing that they would have a child since he and his wife were both old and past the age of bearing children (v. 18). The angel was grieved because of Zacharias’ unbelief, and he was struck with dumbness, unable to speak (v. 20). However, God still fulfilled His words and plans for the family.
Elizabeth conceived and gave birth to a son (v. 57). When the baby was about to be named, Zacharias was released from being mute. His first words were praise to God (v. 64). He was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke prophecy:
“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people…” (v. 68-79)
Imagine that for nine months, Zacharias was unable to speak – perhaps not for punishment but to discipline him for his unbelief. Perhaps God did not want Zacharias to mess up the plan by speaking negative words. However, God used the nine months of silence to work in Zacharias’ heart and mind. In those nine months, perhaps the Holy Spirit reminded Zacharias of the words of God:
“As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began…” (v. 70)
As a priest, he knew all the words of God – the Law of Moses and the Prophecies (v. 71-75).
He knew and perhaps memorized the prophecies about the coming of a Messiah, the Savior or Deliverer. In the book of Isaiah, which was written 700 years earlier, it says:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God…’” Isaiah 40:3 (NKJV)
Zacharias knew all the words in the written Scriptures. However, he was not expecting that these prophecies would be fulfilled in his lifetime or that he and his family would play a part in their fulfillment. He was very surprised, and almost in disbelief, that he would see the fulfillment in his days!
Because God Elohim is a covenant-keeping God, He kept His words spoken through the prophets that He would bring deliverance, that the Messiah would come. Zacharias, though not expecting, became part of the fulfillment of the prophecy. His very own child was part of the fulfillment, as spoken in Isaiah 40:3, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness; prepare the way…”
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways…” Luke 1:76 (NKJV)
For nine months of silence, Zacharias went back to studying the words of God. At the same time, the Holy Spirit worked in his heart despite his unbelief. Zacharias saw the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Through God’s tender mercy, God restored Zacharias’ ability to speak. He was a changed man. During nine months of silence, he re-learned the words of God, believed in his heart, and learned to praise God from his heart. He learned to use his mouth to give praise and adoration to God.
Zacharias’ Praise! Luke 1: 68-79
Reflection:
Perhaps some of us are like Zacharias, we believe but may have lost hope after many years of waiting. This Christmas may our Lord God, who is faithful and true give you a renewed hope and faith that He will do what He says He will do.
Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth to give us a baby. Help us as we celebrate Christmas to have a renewed hope as we trust and wait on You.
For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever. – Psalm 136:1-3
The Alphabet of Thanks!
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” (From an old hymn)
“Count your blessing, name them one by one.” (Another old-time favorite song)
We are thankful, hopefully not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of the year. I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me be a grateful person, to give thanks to our Lord God, our maker, and our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ every day. Just today, I felt the Lord opened my eyes to see the countless blessings He has given us. So, I would like to share some of those blessings here in alphabetical order. This concept of “alphabet thanksgiving” is borrowed from a dear neighbor and friend. However, the content of thanksgiving is from our hearts.
Here is our “alphabet thanksgiving list” to our Creator God, the Giver of all blessings. We praise and thank our Lord God for the following physical and spiritual blessings:
A – Apostles (the 12 original disciples of Jesus who spread the Good News of salvation); Air we breathe, Animals (pets).
B – The Bible, the written Word of God in our language; the Bible is the Word of God.
“ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)
Birds, books, babies, bread
C – Church family, Christians, and children. Also thankful for the blessing of computers to use and candies and chocolate to enjoy.
D – Devotions/devotional books to nourish our soul.
E – Eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We also thank God for electricity, eyes, eyesight, and ears.
F – Freedom, both physical and spiritual; the blessing of being in a free land.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NKJV)
Forever grateful also to our Father God for His forgiveness and faithfulness.
Thankful also for the blessings of families, friends, flowers, and food!
G – Goodness of God
H – Holy Spirit as our comforter and guide to all truth.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 (NKJV)
Thankful also for the hope of heaven, health, and healing.
I – I AM (the eternal existing One)
“And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 (NKJV)
J – Jesus Christ. Very grateful for the love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on the cross, the lamb who was slain.
K – Kingdom key
“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16: 19 (NKJV)
L – the gift of Love, love of God, families and families,
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” I John 4:7 (NKJV)
M – Mercy of God and the blessing of mothers, moon, mouth,
N – New beginnings and new life.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
O – Omnipotent (all-powerful) and Omnipresent (always present) God
(Others: oxygen, ocean)
P – Sweet Presence of Jesus
Q – Quiet times in prayer and Bible study
R – the gift of Rest
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
S – Salvation
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NKJV)
Sun (sunrise, sunset), Sisters, Stars, Sleep, Skills
T – Talents and/or spiritual gifts
“And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability.” (Matthew 25:15 (NKJV). Also see I Corinthians 12.
U – Universe “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)
V – Victory in Christ
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” I John 5:4-5 (NKJV)
W – Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NKJV)
Wi-fi, websites
X – X-ray machines used to check health, Xerox machines to make copies
Y – Yahweh (I AM)
“And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.” Exodus 6:2-3 (NKJV)
Z – Zebras, Zoom, Zest, Ziplock storage bags
Perhaps you can add some of your own “items for thanks” to this list!
Do you sometimes feel like the world is spinning out of control? Do you feel like life is tangled up like a spider’s web? Feeling stuck and hopeless? Wishing there was a “reset” button to push? Whispering to yourself, “If only I could start a new life?”
Well, good news friends! A fresh start and a new life are possible!
Sounds to be good to be true, but it’s real and not impossible at all.
You can begin a new life and have a fresh start because God’s mercies are new every morning:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Lamentations 3: 22-23 (NLT)
I have heard countless stories of people whose lives have been changed by God.
For example, a few years ago, my husband and I were invited to a seminar in another church on prison ministry. We heard someone share about guidelines for prison ministry including practical aspects like collecting cookies for inmates. Then, the leader of the group shared his own personal story. Ron shared how his life in the past was a mess. He was in jail and had to serve several years in prison for various crimes such as robbery, drug abuse, etc. Even in prison, he started out as a very tough guy who got into fights with other inmates.
Then one day, he heard a man who came to the prison and talked about the salvation Jesus offers. As he continued to study the Bible and listen to Christian teachings, his life was changed. He accepted Jesus into his heart and became a changed man! His behavior changed, and those in the prison saw this remarkable change. He was given an early release and parole. Later, he met a Christian woman and married. He was even given a pardon and is now a real “free man.” Now, he and his wife are serving the Lord through a prison ministry. He is indeed a free man, both physically and spiritually. The Bible says, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (NKJV)
I was truly amazed as I heard him speak about his past life. It was hard for me to imagine that he had been a bad guy in the past. As I looked at him now, he appeared to be a gentle and kind man. Ron had been transformed into a completely different person. God is still in the business of changing lives!
As the Word of God says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 (NLT)
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
Perhaps your life is not as bad as Ron’s. However, the Word of God says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23 NKJV) No one, not one person is perfect. Big and small sins are all the same in the eyes of God. Jesus was the only perfect man who walked on earth because He is the Son of God. However, we have hope:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
In John 3:5-8 (NIV), Jesus tells us how to have a new life:
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spiritgives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘Youmust be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Do you want a fresh start, a new life? It is not about changing religions or churches. It is a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is really simple. Believe, repent, have faith in Jesus, and receive the love of God in your heart.
To begin a new life in Christ, here is a simple prayer guide:
Dear God, thank You for your love for me and for sending Jesus. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying on the cross for my sins. I believe that God raised you up from the dead. Please forgive my sins. I open my heart to you as my Lord and Savior. Holy Spirit please help me to have a new life in Christ. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
The Creels' Catch 