Part 3 Journey back to Louisiana
At an early age (2-3) this became my home for many years
10/17/20254 min read
From the wilds of Arkansas we moved back to the old home place in Mt. Zion, 10 milles from Many, La. My grandfather Rev. T.J. Lites had homesteaded about 300 acres in this neighborhood, and he had granted sections of the estate to numbers of his children. My father had been the recipient of about 14 acres directly across the road from Rev. and Mrs. Lites. The property had been rented out while we were away, so my father and brother made certain repairs and improvements after we moved in. I remember a well being dug near the back of the house, and a fence was erected also. My father and brother built a barn mostly of logs where we kept our cattle and hogs when we had them.
While the family was in Arkansas, a lumber company constructed a narrow gauge railway that ran deep into the woods behind our house. The railway carried logs from there toward the town of Many but that operation had already ceased by the time we moved back home, and the tracks were taken up. However they left three ponds that supplied water for the tram as it was called. Two of the ponds were in front of our house and one was farther down toward the town. Many happy hours were spent fishing for crawdads using bacon rinds. The route for the railway ran alongside the road to Many, and the path was free of trees and brush which provided a wonderful place to ride bicycles or for horseback riding.
Since my grandfather Lites had already passed, my grandmother spent much time by herself unless one or both of my aunts stayed with her. We became good friends as she related many stories about her family in Oklahoma. She shared letters she had received from them detailing the cost of groceries such as eggs, butter, bacon, etc. There were times my mother had to call me to come home for supper. I believe hearing her relating stories from the past accounts for my continuing interest in history. My grandfather kept a small "library" on a shelf in the back bedroom. It became an instant attraction for me as I explored the different titles. One book described the Galveston flood with graphic images of the tragic scenes. When I mentioned it to Grandma Lites, she cautioned me not to read it until I was older. I did not tell her that I had already looked at it several times. Surprisingly after a year or two, she told me that now I could read the book. I continue to marvel that she remembered my interest in the book after such a long time and gave me permission to read it then. There were several trunks in the front bedroom and I explored their contents. But that is a story for another time.
living in the country was a blessing in so many ways. There were ponds to fish in, forests alive with squirrels to hunt, and endless places to enjoy playing outdoors. Cousins lived close and others came for visits to my grandma Lites, so there was no shortage of playmates to share and play with. My two favorite cousins were Terry and Doug. Terry's parents were educators and moved around to different locations not too far from us where they taught in high schools. This provided opportunity for me to visit him and see different parts of the country. One of their assignments was at a small town called Noble, La. Since the railroad ran from Many through Noble, it provided an opportunity for me to ride the train by myself. Although the ride lasted only about 15-20 minutes, it was a great adventure for me.
Because our community was small and many of the families were related to us, most of us attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church, a church which my grandfather help to start. In addition to activities at the church, there were times when families joined together for special occasions like fishing trips or hog-killing. One of my cousins hosted a party and we played games, such as "Coffepot" where the name represented some activity. We would try to guess what it was by asking "Where do you "coffeepot?" or "How do you 'Coffeepot'?"
By the world's standards we were probably considered poor, but we never felt it. Our hens produced eggs, cows produced milk, and we churned it for butter. Our garden produced fresh vegetables which we enjoyed and canned the rest for meals during the winter. I mentioned hog-killing which was a neighborhood event, one in which participants were rewarded with portions of beef or pork to take home. Many families smoked their own bacon and leftover pork was ground into sausages for breakfasts on wintery mornings. Most children spent the day playing, but later in the afternoon, mothers made hot tamales, and all enjoyed a feast to close out the day. Some mothers made yeast rolls from a portion kept in the refrigerator. It was important to set aside a portion to be kept for the next batch . Speaking of refrigerators, that era began later in my life. Our perishables were kept in an "ice" refrigerator, (or ice box) and Mr Kelly delivered blocks of ice regularly to families needing it. Of course on certain days, usually Sundays, we made our own ice cream using a hand-cranked maker. At such times someone would drive to town to buy a block of ice at the train depot. After a delicious meal of fried chicken and gravy, we would take turns turning the handle until it became difficult to turn, indicating that the concoction inside was as much like ice cream as it was going to be. Having had a veritable feast topped off with a bowl or two of ice cream, our family would gather in the living room around the piano to sing hymns or other familiar songs. Because we had learned to read music, most of the songs were sung in harmony. Then we moved over to the radio to listen to the latest popular songs on The Hit Parade.
Advent Daily Devotions
Page 1 2025
Advent Devotions Day 1
Nov 30 2025
The Promise of Hope
Today is the first day of Advent. I will be posting devotions on each day of Advent, culminating on Christmas Day. Since it is the first Sunday of Advent, many believers light a candle. We call this the candle of Hope, since our hope is in the Christ who will be born soon.
The first devotion focuses on Jesus Christ, our Hope.
Isaiah 9:2, 6
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." ---
Today begins the season of Advent that is observed in many churches and families. Some have an Advent wreath with candles representing the four Sundays of Advent ending with Christmas day. I will be doing a devotional each day that I hope will have relevance for you during this special season.
There is something special about the days and weeks leading up to Christmas day, an excitement that is more than deciding on gifts for family members, sending and receiving Christmas cards, or decorating the house or apartment. There is a spirit of anticipation that brightens our days and gives us something special to look forward to. It is a time of preparation, or making room in our hearts, in our homes, and in our schedules for celebrating the coming of Christ as a baby.
The first Sunday of Advent awakens us to hope. There are numerous passages relating to the coming Messiah in the book of Isaiah. In the 9thchapter there are verses that are very specific about the birth of the Savior. Verse 2 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” Many of the Jews lived far away from the temple and had mingled pagan practices with their Jewish faith in Jehovah. Hence, they were walking in darkness. But there was an anticipation that a Savior was coming, a Messiah who would deliver them from their enemies and usher in a season of peace, tranquility and prosperity.
Isaiah saw it as a great light that would enable them to see their God and their heritage clearly. He continues in verses 6-7. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” One of the most beloved verses in Isaiah, it encapsulates the hope that one would be born who would take the reins of government and would be known as a Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Jesus met all these requirements and more. He won the victory and established God’s kingdom of peace, not as most Jews expected.
They were looking for an earthly kingdom, not realizing that what was needed was a Savior who would deliver us from our sins and the government would be the kingdom of God. He was truly God, yet truly man. He came as the Prince of Peace because without Him there is no peace.
So, if you have a candle, you may light it today in remembrance that Jesus fulfilled the hope of all mankind—our Redeemer who came to set us free from our sins and lead us into a new relationship with the Eternal Father. No need to go through a priest once a year, we can have fellowship with our Creator at any time. He not only is available, but he also welcomes us to join him in a time of wonderful and sweet communion. Let us rejoice that our blessed Jesus is our hope and our salvation.
Join your voice in singing this familiar and beloved carol
"Joy to the World."
1. Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let ev'ry heart prepare him room,
And heav'n and nature sing.
2. Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns;
Our mortal songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness,
And wonders of his love.
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Advent Devotions Day 2 Dec 1, 2025
The Role of Mary
Isaiah 7:14 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us') NLT
Luke 1:26-38 "26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
It is amazing how God works to accomplish His purposes. The birth and ministry of Jesus was characterized by the miraculous. His birth was foretold by the prophet Isaiah centuries before Mary was born. Doesn’t it seem impossible that a virgin would be able to conceive and have a child without a man being involved? Of course, these days it can be accomplished artificially, but still there would need to be a male donor.
It was important that no man would be involved in the birth of Jesus. It would be accomplished through the Holy Spirit. No, I don’t pretend to know how that worked, only that it did, and Jesus was conceived, and His name would be called “Immanuel” which means God with us. Perhaps now we can understand why Mary was with child by the Holy Spirit. If there had been a male involved in the process it would be difficult to say, “God with us.” But how wonderful to celebrate Jesus’ birth as the coming of the Son of God into our world.
When an angel appeared to Mary, she was troubled or perplexed. I think we would be a little anxious ourselves because visitation by angels is not very common. But the angel comforted her and told her not to fear. Then she was told that she had found favor with God and would be the mother of Jesus, the Son of the Most High. When the angel told her of the ministry and reign of Jesus, I am sure she was overwhelmed .
At first, she was puzzled when an angel told her the good news. Her first thought was “how can this be since I am not married?” The angel explained that it would happen by way of the Holy Spirit. “Not only that,” said the angel, “but your cousin Elizabeth, though advanced in age would also have a child.” Mary simply accepted the angel’s message and said, “May it happen as you have told me.” Now, who could she tell?
She then traveled to visit her cousin Elizabeth to share with her the good news. Upon entering Elizabeth’s home, the baby leaped in her womb. Elizabeth greeted her and called her “the mother of my Lord.” Mary then broke out in song, “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” This song became a standard song in the early church and continues to be sung today in a contemporary setting.
Listen to a contemporary setting of this vital part of the Christmas story and be amazed with Mary at the miraculous working of God in accomplishing our salvation!
Click above to listen. when finished close the tab to return here
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Advent Devotions Day 3 Dec 2, 2025
Jesus as Immanuel
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Isaiah prophesied that a sign would be given to Israel concerning the keeping of His word. That sign would be a significant one—a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son. On first glance that doesn’t seem impossible. Many women have not had sexual relations before their marriage, and they would be considered virgins. However, as the angel explained to Mary, this child would not be of her relations with a man, not even her husband Joseph. Rather, it would be of the Holy Spirit, who would overshadow her and she would be with child. This was a completely different situation, one that an angel had to explain to Joseph, her husband. In God’s plan Joseph was a godly man and received this news with faith and did not reject Mary nor divorce her. Instead, he cared for her.
The next part of the prophecy was that the child would be called Immanuel. The translation of the word is shown as “God with us.” How stunning this news must have been to those who heard. In the history of God’s relationship with His Jewish followers, God was distant for a purpose. Those who saw God would die was their belief. Even the priests did not see God. Their sin with the golden calf had enhanced their separation because God was so angry with them that 3000 of them died.
But according to God’s redemption plan He himself came down in the person of His Son Jesus, who was also known as the Savior. Jesus came to reveal God as a God of love, not hate. God was not angry with them like he is not angry with us today but wants us all to be saved and become his precious children. His desire for us is to have a personal relationship with Him so he can bless us with all the resources at His disposal. The name “Immanuel” ends with “-el” which is an abbreviated form for “Elohim” the word for God as used in creation. This is so important because the God who created the world would be present in the form of Jesus, who would become the Savior of the world. Names are important in the Bible, so God with us indicates His coming is to establish an intimate relationship with Him through belief in His Son.
What a marvelous change in our perception of God. We can speak to God anytime, anywhere, and more importantly, He can speak to us without our becoming afraid. God invites us to fellowship with Him. During this Christmas season, let us draw near to Him in fellowship and worship. Let us receive from Him guidance and purpose as well as the power of His Spirit to do exploits in His name.
Listen to this beautiful musical setting of Immanuel
(Click above to listen. when finished close the tab to return here)
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Advent Devotions Day 4
Dec 3, 2025
The role of Joseph
Matthew 1:18-25
18This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, f because he will save his people from their sins.”
22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
As important as Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah are to the story of the birth of Jesus, Joseph had a very important role to play. The husband of Mary, he had the responsibility of protecting her from harm, providing for her and loving her. He was a devout man, a kind man, but a respecter of the Jewish law. Although they were engaged, when he discovered she was already expecting a child he decided to discreetly divorce her to avoid a scandal.
In order to accomplish His purposes, God sometimes intervenes in our plans in ways that get our attention. I believe Joseph was a true worshipper of God and felt what he was doing was the right thing to do and the best for Mary. Jewish people in those days placed great value in dreams, and God chose this means to redirect Joseph’s plans. God’s angel revealed to him in a dream that Mary’s pregnancy was not from a human, but from the Holy Spirit. The angel told him the name of the baby soon to make his entrance into the world was to be Jesus.
I’m sure you know the name Jesus (Yeshua) means Savior. So that Joseph would fully understand the implication of the name, he elaborated on it stating, “because he will save his people from their sins.” What wonderful news for those who had depended on a priest to make sacrifice once a year for the sins of all the people! This tiny baby had a destiny, a mission to fulfill, one for which the people had been waiting for centuries. Just to be sure Joseph got the message, the angel quoted Isaiah 7:14
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”
(meaning God with us.)
Not only was this prophecy being fulfilled, but the name Immanuel also carried with it the truth that this baby was God come down in human form. Can you imagine the wonder and awe that Joseph experienced when he woke up? Rather than dismissing the dream as just that—a dream—he followed the instructions of the angel and married Mary.
When the baby was born, Joseph named him Jesus as he was told to do. It would not be the last time Joseph would experience an angel appearing in a dream and giving him instructions. Joseph would care for Mary and the baby Jesus as any faithful husband would do. Give thanks for God’s provision by sending Jesus to be our Savior, taking away our sins and giving us new life. And give thanks also for those like Joseph who played significant roles in his birth. There are many new songs about Joseph available on Youtube. I chose this one because it seemed to be an appropriate setting to this incredible story. I encourage you to check out some of the other settings and find your favorite.
"A Cherry Tree Carol" dates back to the Coventry Plays performed during the Feast of Corpus Christi. (ca 1400s) If you aren't familiar with this carol, here are the lyrics.
"Sant Joseph was an old man,
And an old man was he ;
He married sweet Mary,
And a Virgin was she.
"And as they were walking
In the garden so green,
She spied some ripe cherries
Hanging over you treen.
"Said Mary to Joseph,
With her sweet lips, and smiled,
'Go, pluck me yon ripe cherries off,
For to give to my Child.'
Said Joseph to the cherry-tree,
' Come, bow to my knee,
And I will pluck thy cherries off,
By one, two, and three.'
[Some verses missing]
"And as she stooped over Him,
She heard angels sing —
'God bless our sweet Saviour
And our heavenly King.' "
Listen to Judy Collins sing it so beautifully.
(Click above to listen. when finished close the tab to return here)
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Advent Devotions Day 5
Dec 4, 2025
The Angels and Shepherds
Luke 2:8-20
8And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. 9Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! 12And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”02
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger. 17After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. 18And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.
One of the most treasured parts of the Christmas story is the appearance of angels to shepherds announcing the birth of Jesus. I think we relate to the experience of the shepherds because they were more like most of us—common people. God chose some of the commonest people of their day to announce the birth of the Messiah. Think of it. If the decision had been any of the PR people in any business then or now, they would have probably chosen the ruler of the country to make this momentous proclamation. We have seen how Herod, the ruler of that part of the world reacted. He wanted to eliminate the “King of the Jews” because he saw this infant as a threat to his throne. If not rulers, then perhaps the wise men of the country, the prophets or those who were more spiritual would be a good choice to first hear the good news.
No, the news that would change the world forever was given to “poor” shepherds just doing their jobs—taking care of sheep. There is some disagreement as to the location of the sheep which would be determined by the time of year and the purpose of the sheep. One traditional theory is that the shepherds were caring for sheep that were used in the worship at the temple. There are various theories as to the time of year of Jesus’ birth. As for the significance of the day of the year goes, it is not central to the story itself. The important thing is that an angel appeared to shepherds doing a menial task.
Shepherds were of course afraid as a heavenly being suddenly appeared, but they were told not to be afraid, but to hear the news that the world needed to hear, “A Savior has been born…he is Christ the Lord,” a message the world still needs to hear today. Then a chorus of angels appeared and began praising God “Glory to God in the highest…and on earth peace among men of good will.” Upon hearing this wonderful news, the shepherds decided to go immediately to see this child wrapped tightly in a blanket and lying in a common manger.
I am always amazed as I think about these salt of the earth shepherds being visited by angels and being the first (as far as we know) to visit and worship the Christ child. Isn’t that like God? He lifts up the humble and casts down the proud. Can you picture these men at the manger seeing the Messiah who had come to earth to save us all from Satan’s power? Imagine the awe and wonder they must have experienced. Then picture them going everywhere praising God and telling what they had experienced with joy. What a night to be remembered forever! Not only that, but to be included in the Christmas narrative down through the ages.
Of course, Mary would treasure these things in her heart and think about them for a long time. Now it is up to us, who not only have “seen” the birth of Christ through our spiritual eyes but have experienced salvation through his death on the cross to follow the example of the shepherds--and tell the world that there is a Savior who was born many centuries ago but can still deliver us from the power of the enemy and give us eternal life.
Join in singing this wonderful, traditional carol "Angels We Have Heard on High"
(The Song will open in a new tab, Click Advent Daily Devotions at the top of the screen to return here)
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Advent Devotions
Day 6 Dec 5, 2025
Zechariah’s Song
Luke 1: 68-79“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. 79He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 70as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past, 71salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, 73the oath He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear, 75in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
76And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, 77to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, 79to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Christianity has been referred to as a “Singing Religion.” There are numerous accounts of singing in the Old Testament. In fact, the entire book of Psalms is composed of songs that were collected from whose who were inspired and recorded their songs of praise to God. Musical instruments were constructed and accompanied singing during significant worship times. The events surrounding the birth of Jesus evoked songs from priests, wives, angels, etc. What would Christmas be like without Christmas carols? Even the secular world gets into the act with songs about Santa Claus, Sleigh rides, etc. Most of us are familiar with the basic story of Christmas, but how often do we take time to read and contemplate all the songs that the Bible records in connection with Jesus’ birth? Some employ quotations from Old Testament prophecies that became relevant as the significance of the birth of Jesus became manifest. I think it would be safe to say that most of us have never read the song of Zechariah in its entirety. In view of this, I have posted the complete song for your reference.
He begins with praise to the Lord, the God of Israel for visiting and redeeming His people. Elsewhere he refers to God as the Most High. As a priest, he had the responsibility for being God’s messenger to the people as well as the people’s connection to God in worship and intercession. Zechariah finally realized that the greater miracle was not that Elizabeth had a child in her old age, but that God Himself had come down from heaven to personally redeem His people. Amazing that Zechariah could see what the Pharisees could never see—that Jesus was God’s answer for sin and that there would be no need for animal sacrifice any longer. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross removed the curse for all who would believe on Him and there would be no more distance between God and His children. All would have access through Jesus. He also was aware of the role his son John would play in ushering in the kingdom of God through Jesus. His song included the message of salvation and the forgiveness of sins. He praised God’ tender love for the world by sending light into the darkness, a new day was dawning, Jesus being the ”Dawn.” Think of the implications of this song. Zechariah had a vision that few could see at the time. How wonderful to know that he was celebrating the birth and ministry of Jesus before it happened. Let us be as enthusiastic about proclaiming the message of love and redemption through the life birth and death of Jesus as Zechariah displayed in the wonderful song. It’s the Advent season when we are awaiting the day we celebrate as Jesus’ birth. Let’s be sure to share the reason for the season with our greetings during this special season. And may Jesus shine on us and through us as we share His light into a dark world.
Here are two versions of this story set to music. You may choose which one conveys the message best for you. Click on your preference to listen, close to return
Folk version
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Advent Devotion
Day 9 Dec 8, 2025
The role of Herod
Matthew 2:1-12, 16-18
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
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16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18 “A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”
It is rare to think about Herod’s role in the story of Jesus’ birth in a positive light. However, without Herod and his scribes and priest’s familiarity with the Old Testament prophecies, it might have been difficult or next to impossible for them to know where to search for the Christ child. And without his decree that all of the country would have to register and be taxed Joseph and Mary might not have gone to Bethlehem where Jesus’ birth fulfilled the prophecies given centuries before. Of course, we know that God can do the impossible, but think about how God uses secular figures to accomplish his own purposes. We all know it would have been much better if Herod had really been interested in finding the Jewish baby so that he could also worship him. But even so, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem as required by law.
On the really negative side of Herod, he did not give up on finding the baby “King of the Jews.” When the wise men did not return to give him a report as he had asked and for which he was waiting, he flew into a rate and issued another decree. All the babies born in Bethlehem and the surrounding area who had been born within the last two years were to be killed. Joseph was warned in a dream and told to flee to Egypt, fulfilling another prophecy “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” (Hosea 11:1)
After Herod’s death, an angel again appeared to Joseph and told him it was safe to return to his home country. Because another evil ruler was in power in Judea, Joseph decided to settle in Nazareth, fulfilling yet another prophecy “He will be called a Nazarene. Although this prophecy is not recorded in our Old Testament, yet it was a traditional thought among the prophets according to Matthew 2:23 “and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets.”
The message I wish to convey is that what God purposes will be accomplished. Even kings and high officials cannot prevent God’s plan from coming to fruition. If you have been discouraged because you don’t see God working on your behalf, don’t give up. What God has promised He will fulfill! That is the message of Christmas—those who hope in God will never be disappointed. His timing is perfect. Wait in hope!!
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Advent Devotion
Day 8 Dec 6, 2025
Advent Candle represents Peace
The role of the Innkeeper
Luke 2:1-7
1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.a 2This was the first census to take place whileb Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
6While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
As we remember the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, the innkeeper in Bethlehem doesn’t usually get good press. Herod the king had issued a decree that every man had to go back to the town of his ancestors to register. Since Joseph was of the lineage of David, Bethlehem was the place where he and Mary had to go. From Nazareth to Bethlehem was not a short distance, and I am sure they were anxious to get there because as the scriptures tell us, “she was great with child.”
Upon arrival they discovered that the inn was full—there were no empty rooms. Despite the fact that Mary was nearing the time of Jesus’ birth, there was no place for the delivery. Enter the innkeeper—the one that did not have a place for them. In his defense, I am sure there was a scarcity of rooms in many cities because every Jew was traveling back home. Let’s look at the innkeeper from a different perspective. Now I am certain if he had known that the new King of the Jews was to be born that night he would certainly have found a room in his inn.
However, without that knowledge, it seems there was nothing he could do as Joseph and Mary had not made a reservation ahead of time. No consider the innkeeper was in a bind, no room for a man and his wife who could give birth at a moment’s notice. Perhaps it was his wife who thought of a place where they could “camp out” for the night. Maybe the innkeeper protested, but there was no other choice and this was all he could offer them.
But let’s look at the place of Jesus’ birth from the Father’s perspective. What better way to demonstrate to the world that Jesus’ ministry would be with the outcasts, the down and outs, not to the rich and famous who could have had any room they wanted. To my way of thinking, it says that Jesus came for the meek and the poor, to lift them out of their low estate and make them children of the most High God. It makes me think that God could be concerned with my everyday problems and that Jesus would understand because he was born in a stable. At least the innkeeper found a place where the Christ child would be born. It fits the emphasis on this second Sunday of Advent, Preparation and peace. After the long trip to Bethlehem at last there was a place where they could spend the night. And with the animals around them it was likely a bit warmer than out in the cold.
Time to make an application here. What place does Jesus have in your life this Christmas season? Be sure to make room in your heart for Him as you join in singing "Thou didst leave Thy Throne"
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Advent Devotions
Day 10 Dec 9, 2025
Jesus’ Dedication in the temple
Luke 2:21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. 22When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” ), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
Jesus was circumcised and named eight days after his birth. But his presentation in the temple was later. Both of these rituals were required by Jewish law for every male born to Jewish parents. The parents of both John and Jesus were all devout Jews, so they followed the instructions defined in the law. Both John and Jesus were circumcised eight days after their birth. Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem eight days after Jesus’ birth to have him circumcised. Then he was named Jesus, the name the angel had announced before he was even conceived.
The law required every male to be presented to the Lord in the temple after his birth, and two doves or pigeons were offered as a sacrifice to the Lord as a part Mary’s purification.
It was at this time that Simeon, the priest who officiated at this ceremony, became aware that this child was the Messiah, and uttered this classic speech “Now Lord, let your servant depart in peace because I have seen your salvation.” His song of praise became a traditional song for Catholics and Protestants alike. After this, the parents returned to Bethlehem, where the Magi would find them sometime later.
Have you ever wondered when Jesus became fully aware of his role in God's salvation plan for all mankind? At the age of 12 or so, he was very familiar with the scriptures so at least by that time, he would know that his future was to be the Savior of man. Give thanks for the love of our Father in sending Jesus to be our Savior.
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