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Christmas meditationGenealogy of Jesus

The Genealogy of Jesus (The Wife of Uriah)

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When Nathan the prophet roused King David’s anger by telling him a story, David heard the words, “You are the man.” These words enabled David to see what God saw in his actions. This story reminds us of our humanity, our faithful, never changing God, and His story of forgiveness.

Humanity

This story disappoints us. David is a man after God’s own heart. We read the Psalms and find great comfort. We want David to be much more than he is. Instead, we find a man who gets tired, discouraged, and sins, then sins again to cover his sin. We marvel at the depth of his sin and can’t imagine this man of God, in this state. Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah was complicit in the adultery, a daughter of Israel, far below her calling. Through this couple we see humanity, the propensity of even the saintliest among us.

Our Faithful God

“But God, our faithful God never changes, in stark contrast to humanity. The Bible tells us that God was displeased with David. He held him accountable by taking their first child. Yet when David confessed his sin, his relationship with God was restored. We find his cry in Psalm 51. “Have mercy on me, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sin,” and “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” He knew God as loving, merciful, compassionate and the forgiver of sin.

God’s Story of Forgiveness

When Moses cursed the unfaithfulness of the Israelites, he included “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” Jesus came as a baby, under every curse, but in Hebrews we read, “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” The whole point of the birth of Jesus was the forgiveness of sins to all who believe, by His death on the cross. We may look with disdain on David and Bathsheba. But God in His infinite wisdom, through the sin, confession and restoration of this couple, gave humanity forgiveness, an erasing as far as the east is from the west of our sin through that sinless lamb of God.

This story reminds us of our humanity, our faithful, never changing God, and His story of forgiveness. Praise His Holy Name.

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Christmas meditation

Christmas: The Prophecy, Fulfillment, Promise

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Christmas cannot be held in one day. The decorations, the concerts, the get-togethers, expand into a week or month long season. In God’s plan, Christmas is eternal and involves the prophecy, the fulfillment and the promise.

“In the fulness of time.”

The Prophecy

The salvation being brought to us through the gift of Christmas comes as a fulfillment of prophecy. Peter writes how the prophets inquired and searched diligently about this salvation. The Spirit of Christ within them created a mystery involving the time, the sufferings of the Christ and the glories to follow. Through revelation they understood that it was not for themselves, but for those who would hear the preaching of the gospel through the Holy Spirit. Not just the prophets, but angels also, longed to look into the mystery.

The Fulfillment

Then came the fulness of time. In the small town of Bethlehem, as Micah had prophesied, to the virgin, of whom Isaiah spoke, came the fulfillment. Paul in his letter to the Galatians writes, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons (and daughters).” Still, in all the wonder and amazement from the prophecy to the fulfillment, there remains the promise.

The Promise

Finally the promise comes through the fulfillment. Jesus bonded with humans growing up in a family and then as an adult, He developed deep friendships with his disciples. His love for them meant He would die a cruel, untimely death in order to keep them from the curse of eternal damnation. In His prayer to His Father, He pleaded, “Father, I desire that they also whom you gave Me, may be with Me where I am.” Jesus promised the disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you, … I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am you may be also!” The promise is there for all who believe to receive. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for His own. He will return to take them home where He is the Light, there is no longer separation, and there are no longer reasons for tears. In God’s plan, Christmas is eternal and involves the prophecy, the fulfillment and the promise.

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Christmas meditationUncategorized

Christmas: The Joy

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

You have seen or perhaps were the child on Christmas morning who received the gift of all dreams. Nothing could hold back the light in the eyes, the broad smile and the lift off the ground. Now imagine a world lost in hopelessness and despair beginning to wonder if the promised One will ever come. Then the supernatural breaks through. Great joy came with the stirring of an unborn child, the angel’s message and a star.

“Joy to all peoples”

The Stirring of an Unborn Child

First it came with the stirring of an unborn child. When Mary needed someone who could understand her condition, she visited Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting the unborn child jumped within her. The Holy Spirit then came upon Elizabeth and spoke through her a blessing upon Mary, naming her the mother of her Lord! “My baby jumped for joy when he heard your voice.” she told her. It was great joy!

The Angel’s Message

The message of joy also came with the angel’s message. Ordinary shepherds, doing a centuries old work of caring for sheep feel the chill in the air and the heaviness in their eyelids. Another night in a long stream of nights, listening to the sounds of nature around them, drags on. Then it happens. The supernatural burst through the ordinary. A choir of angels startled the dozing labourers with an announcement. It was a message of great joy, for all people. “Today in the City of David a baby is born. He’s not just a baby. He is the Saviour. He is Christ the Lord! The message sent them on their own journey to find the Christ child. It was great joy!

With a Star

Finally the message of joy came through a star. Stargazers from the east travelled west. They had seen a star which communicated hope. Its message pulled them from their routines, their country. It led them on a journey to a small country pregnant with the salvation of the world. Despite the ploys of a wicked king, the star led them on to the Christ child and upon seeing it they received great joy. They saw the child and they worshipped. It was great joy.! Great joy came with the stirring of an unborn child, the angel’s message and a star.

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Christmas meditationUncategorized

Christmas: The Gift

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

There is mystery in the air. Secrets and whispers ignite the atmosphere. Anticipating the reaction of a loved one receiving a well-thought- out gift, adds to the fun and joy of Christmas gift-giving. From one heart to another, there is a giddiness in the act of giving gifts. Ponder this great mystery, Jesus, the gift of Christmas came from the Father’s heart. to the world through a willing vessel.

“God so loved the world that He gave.”

From the Father’s Heart

The Father’s loving heart orchestrated the gift of salvation. Despite the wrath which separated Him from His creation, His love knew a way. He would give His Son as a ransom. He desired deeply for the breach to be healed, to be One with those He had created, to again walk in the cool of the evening in fellowship. There would be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 just persons who didn’t need to repent.

To the World

Therefore, He sent His Son into the world. It was a cold, dark world which could not receive Him. It meant continued rejection from no room in the inn, to the murdering of a generation of babies, lest the One replace Herod’s reign. The world’s religious system built in tradition and legal foundations, though put into play by God, prevented seeing Jesus as God. Yet to those who received Him, He would give the power to be His children.

Through a Willing Vessel

Who would He send and who would go for Him? The Son was in agreement. “A body You have prepared for Me.” His Father didn’t want sacrifice and offering. He wanted obedience so He created a body to house His Son. Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered. “I delight to do Your will.” He remained in relationship with the Father and accomplished all that His Father sent Him to do. In and through the struggle of His soul, He obeyed the Father. They were one in purpose, due to God’s love for all.

We celebrate Christmas. We celebrate the gift of Christmas. The great mystery, Jesus, the gift of Christmas came from the Father’s heart. to the world by being a willing vessel.

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Alive in ChristChristmas meditationImmanuel

God With Us: A Life Giving Voice

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

The infant’s cry shattered the stillness of the night. The voice of Immanuel, a life-giving voice reverberates throughout eternity. One must only hear the words of His voice and believe Him to pass from death to life. In the prophecies written of the coming Messiah we read of His authority to judge, His healing powers and the call to live. In the Book of John we read of the fulfillment.

“He who hears My words and believes on Him who sent Me has everlasting life.” Jesus

His Authority to Judge

Jesus makes clear in His teaching to the Jews, He is the judge. His judgement is righteous because He judges as He hears from His Father. It isn’t about His will or how He sees it. His judgement carries out the will of God. Daniel 17: 13 and 14 speaks of One like the Son of Man brought before the ancient of Days where He is given a dominion, glory and an everlasting kingdom. Jesus is the fulfillment. Yet as John records the words of Jesus, we need not fear His judgement: “he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me .. shall not come into judgement.”

His Healing Power

The prophet Isaiah (35: 5&6) foresaw the blind seeing and the lame leaping. Jeremiah saw the lame and the blind (Jer. 31) among those He will call to walk by rivers of waters! When righteousness is restored healings occur. Already John has written of Jesus as the healer. Those who heard His voice and responded with faith were restored to health such as the nobleman’s son and the man by the pool. Perhaps you are among them.

The Call to Live

In Daniel 12:2 we read “and many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Isaiah (26:19) writes of the Saviour, “Your dead shall live; together with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing you who dwell in dust; For your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.”

While man became a living being after God breathed life into him, Jesus, like His Father, had life in Himself. While Adam became a living being, Jesus became a life giving spirit. He tells the Jews of an hour coming when the dead will hear and live. He also speaks of a time when all will hear His voice and come out of their graves. At that time judgement will come. The cry of the baby becomes the voice of the Messiah whose word is power. In the prophecies of the coming Messiah we read of His authority to judge, His healing powers and the call to live. Hear His voice of life giving power this Christmas and believe!

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Christmas meditationJesus EncountersTriune God

Love, Glory and Honour

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When Jesus came as Immanuel, He had the same destination of all humanity, death. For Jesus however, His death would be timely and full of purpose. Foremost, He laid down His life willing. The writer to the Hebrews quotes the words of the Psalmist who prophesied of the Lord Jesus, “You have prepared a body for Me.” “I delight to do your will.”Heb.10:5-9 KNKJV. So, as His actions infuriate the Jews, Jesus once again proclaims heavenly truths.

Immanuel

After Jesus healed the man by the pool, the infuriated Jews saw only His breaking of the law by working on the Sabbath. It further escalated when He told them He and His Father were working. They once again attempted to kill this man, making Himself out, to be equal with God. Jesus nevertheless, under the threat of untimely death taught about His relationship with His Father, a relationship of love, glory and honour.

Of Love

God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit are One in love. Jesus explains how everything that He does comes out of their relationship. The Father loves the Son and shows Him everything that He does. The Son can only do what He has seen the Father do. Greater things are yet in the offing for the Jews to see. “that you may marvel,” Jesus told them. The Father raises the dead and gives them life. The Son gives life to whomever He wants to.

Of Glory

What was the work He had to do? Jesus glorified His Father. He came to reveal Him. When He healed the sick, or taught in the synagogue, everything glorified His Father. He was Immanuel, “God with us.” As He prayed in John 17:4,”I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”

Of Honour

When it came to judgement, God gave the responsibility to the Son. Jesus told the Jews that God doesn’t judge anyone. What a mercy for as Psalm 143:2 puts it “Do not enter into judgement with Your servant, for in your sight no one living is righteous.” Instead we have a High Priest who “will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” Heb. 8:12. It was so all would honour the Son as they honour the Father. The dishonour the Jews were showing to Jesus dishonoured the Father. Jesus, under the threat of untimely death, taught about His relationship with His Father, a relationship of love, glory and honour.

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Christmas meditationImmanuelJesus EncountersSufferingWellness

“Do You Want to be Well?

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

In John chapter 5, we read how Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate a feast. While there He finds Himself in a place where the sick hang out. This place offers hope to the blind, lame and paralyzed. For in this place a angel comes and stirs the water. The first one in after the stirring finds healing. Here Jesus, Immanuel, “God with us” focuses on one man, makes him well, and changes the trajectory of his life.

“They shall call His name Immanuel”

One Man

Of all those around the pool at Bethesda, Jesus had compassion on one man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Seeing him lying there He asked, “Do you want to be made well?” The man thought the only answer to his wellness lay in getting into the pool and it was impossible without help. Besides someone else always got in first. Here, however, stood Immanuel, not just a compassionate individual but God Himself in flesh.

Makes Him Well

Then he heard the words. “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Immediately upon hearing the words he was well. He then obeyed. When the man heard the command he took the action prescribed. He picked up his bed and he walked. Right away someone blind to all that had gone on before, passed a judgement. “This is the Sabbath. You are breaking the law by carrying your bed.” The man was just doing as he was told by the one who made him well. He didn’t yet know the Healer.

Changes Trajectory of His Life

Jesus, not yet finished in His dealings with this man, finds him in the temple. “You have been made well.” A life devoid of quality has been injected with health and vitality. Yet there is more. “Put your sins behind you.” Spiritual death, a far worse scenario, will be the end of a sinful life. Immanuel, God with us not only brought a miracle to change his life but showed him the way to life eternal. Now the man knows who has healed him and he tells the Jews. Here Jesus, Immanuel, “God with us” focused on one man, made him well, and changed the trajectory of his life.

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Christmas meditationImmanuelJesus Encounters

Jesus Went About

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

In the apostle Peter’s sermon in Acts 10 he speaks of Jesus of Nazareth who, anointed by the holy Spirit and with power, went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. The apostle John tells us Nicodemus knew no one could do the things Jesus did unless God was with Him. At this advent season we look to His name “Immanuel” for it illumines our understanding. In John 4, Immanuel encountered a Royal official facing a crisis, desperate for God’s intervention, and spoke words to the glory of God.

“They shall call His name Immanuel”

Facing a Crisis

Jesus returned to Cana in Galilee where He had turned the water into wine. News of the signs and wonders He performed were spreading. This Royal official heard something because he went to find Jesus. His son was dying. He didn’t need a rabbi, or a prophet. He needed Immanuel. Jesus commented about lack of belief. “Unless you people see signs and wonders.” This man was not put off. “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Here was a matter of life and death. He had heard enough of who this Jesus was. He needed God to intervene on behalf of his son.

Spoke Words

“Go your way, your son lives.” Just a few words from Immanuel and the nobleman is on his way home. He took the words of Jesus as truth. On the way his servants meet him with the news already revealed to him. “Your son lives.” On further investigation, he discovers it happened at the same hour Jesus declared it, further proving to him he had met God.

To the Glory of God

There was belief in the words of Jesus, yet the life of his son confirms the work of God. Immanuel met the nobleman and healed his son. Not only does one man believe as a result but also his entire household. God with us, brings life. Jesus the life of God in flesh pouring Himself out to all who take Him at His word. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Immanuel is a matter of life or death. Immanuel encountered a Royal official facing a crisis, desperate for God’s intervention, and spoke words to the glory of God.

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Bible reflectionChristmas meditationMankind

Family Traits

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Following eleven silent years we received word of the whereabouts of our second eldest brother. It was the year following our father’s death. Mother, my younger sister and myself with my young child flew to California. Our joy abounded.

Imprinted on my mind from this reunion is the fact that when we saw him, we also saw our younger brother. Certain mannerisms of our younger brother were being played out before us in this older version.

Christmas is LOVE incarnate. Jesus embodied the love of God from before the foundations of the world. As His children, the one trait which shows us to be His family, is love. In the book of 1 John we are told that the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil has to do with loving our brothers. We learn love from the sacrificial gift of Jesus when He laid down His life for His brothers. We receive further instruction to not only talk love but to walk in love. Yes, love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

The gift of the Christ child came because God so loved the world.

“As many as received Him,

to them He gave

the right to become children of God.

even to those who believe on His name:” John 1:12

“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.’

God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and

God in him.” 1 John 4:16

This Christmas I pray for a fresh outpouring of the Love of God on His children, that we will carry the family trait. Then, like the scent of fresh home-made bread our family, friends and neighbours will become hungry.

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Christmas meditationInspirationsPoet's Heart

A Servant’s Song

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

On angel’s wings,

Strong, swift and sure,

The blessed message came.

From heaven’s glorious courts,

To humble, Jewish maid.

Highly favoured one,

The Lord’s with you.

Blessed among women you are!

This strange and troubling greeting

Had come from oh so far.

You shall not fear,

Favoured of God.

Great plans for you has He,

You shall conceive and bear a Son;

JESUS. his name, shall be.

He will be great;

Son of the Most high,

A King in David’s line

Whose reign endures forever, eternal, beyond time.

This Maiden girl,

Aft, Gabriel’s words,

With humble heart declared:

“Here I am, Servant of God.

Fulfill in me Thy Word.”

This Christmas time,

As God’s Word’s heard

Through preacher, scripture , song.

May we like humble Mary say:

To You my life belongs.

And now Dear Lord

With grateful heart,

Rejoicing, ’til the end,

All Glory, praise, and honour!

Creator, Saviour, Friend!

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