IMMANUEL----A HALLELUJAH WORD FOR ME!

CHRISTMAS EVE 2025!

HALLELUJAH---A quiet time of reflection for me. 

One thought that says it all. 

Fulfillment of Scripture. Isaiah 7:14

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel. (Matthew 1:23, ESV)

One Word in one verse stands out to me. IMMANUEL!

Immanuel...."God with us."

Christ in Christmas in one word says it all for me. Immanuel!

Now and Forever. HALLELUJAH!

PLACE OF GRACE CHRISTMAS PARADE 2025!

Small towns can often show folks what is important in their lives through their celebrations. Especially at Christmas.

From bands, live animals and nativities to that mean one, Mr. Grinch 

Today's Christmas parade was just that---

An early float had "Go Tell it on the Mountains" singers belting it out and many bystanders in this mountain town joined in, especially on the refrain, "That Jesus Christ is born."

JESUS Sweetest Name I Know......

'Tis so Sweet to Trust Jesus

The Sheriff's Department also participated to the delight of our first-grader grand. They locked up the Grinch so he would not steal Christmas.

Every time the Grinch broke out of jail, the Sheriffs would recapture him. The Grinch did not have a chance to steal Christmas.

A farm family used Psalm 50:10 to reflect every animal belongs to God---as they sang hymns together.

Certainly at every turn on the parade route one saw...

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Do I hear an Amen?!

Another family float near the end of the parade blew "snow" across all attendees..... 

...with a sign that summed it all up for their family.

In case any reader is confused......JESUS SAVES....

JESUS SAVES.......TWO WORDS THAT SAY IT ALL!

CHRISTMAS EVE 2024!

GOD'S LOVE! GOD'S GIFT!

GOD'S LOVE! 

God's Gift. The time came. Good news brought.

Praises. Wonder. Thanks. Love.

Keep yourselves in the love of God......(Jude 1:21)

Tea in hand, I read Margie's card again and again.  Then, I picked up hubby's Bible and read more good news.

The Savior, the Messiah came. (Luke 2:11)

The Son of Man will come again.....in glory! (Luke 21:27)

NATIVITY!

Nativity aka creche. A tableau representing the scene of Jesus Christ's birth. Jeannie Jones and Karen Martin did an exquisite nativity tablescape that caught my attention.

During Christmas these displays open our hearts and bring brightness to our inner being! 

Years ago nativity scenes could be found in community spaces, on courthouse lawns and even on floats in annual parades. In 2022 the few seen are often on lawns of the town churches. "O Come let us Adore him" ring from the mouths of carolers as they took the old familiar carols to doorsteps in the neighborhoods.

Yet, there is a remnant who continue to "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness." (1 Chronicles 16:29)

NOEL

NOEL....NOEL from the Latin phrase, "natalis dies Domini" is also a biblical name meaning "the Lord's birthday." It's a short form  of Hebrew "NOrad EL" meaning born of EL"" or "born of God." 

"Noel, noel......born is the King of Israel!" Enough said. 

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: Nativity

11/17/13 Nativity definition, per on-line dictionary---

Birth, especially the place, conditions, or circumstances of being born. Certainly for a Christian, the place is a stable in less that perfect conditions and the circumstances necessary to fulfill the Messianic words of Isaiah, Micah, Malachi and other prophets.

This year's Vesta Home show at St. James Place (off of Forest Hill Irene) had several homes with nativities as part of their holiday decorations. A great start to the Christmas season.