Merry Christmas Advent to Epiphany

J. Michael Fuller, Shirley D. Andrews

Description

MERRY CHRISTMAS; Advent to Epiphany is a Devotional that excites the whole family and informs all of the full meaning of the Christmas season.

I am often asked to write an endorsement or a forward for a new book, but this time, I begin this endorsement with a “feeling of excitement.” I absolutely loved the idea of linking nature to a devotional. Nature has always been inspiring to me, and I often talk to God as I walk through the beauty of God’s creation around me. How can you possibly see the beauty and wonder of our planet and our universe without being inspired by the God who made it.

So, when I looked at even the very idea of this manuscript I was inspired. I read the book and then I sat down to write this. I first took a walk through the wonder and beauty of God’s creation around me. As always, l can not walk through the trees or along a creek or stream without being inspired. Therefore, as I write these words I am inspired not only by this book, but by my last encounter with nature.

As I read the pages, I met an author who through the beauty of her writings has linked nature and Divine inspiration and truly inspired me. Just to think about nature and talking to God brings inspiration to my whole being.

So, with anticipation and great emotion, I endorse MERRY CHRISTMAS by Shirley D. Andrews. As I looked at the beautiful pictures I saw nature, but I also felt the hand of God. As I read the words of this manuscript, I knew that this author would introduce me to God, because like the artist inside of me, I would feel and experience God by what I was about to read, and I did. Thank you, Shirley for introducing me again to the God who spoke nature into existence.

You must experience this book and see the God who not only has his eye on the sparrow, but made the sparrow. Shirley, you will truly inspire the world.

— Dr. Thomas F. Reid

I love the way Shirley brings us into the presence of our “EXTRAORDINARY” Lord through what we mistakenly consider the ordinary. Thank you Shirley for helping us to see God and draw closer to Him. Job 12:7-10 & Romans 1:20

— Rev. Jay Richmond

President, Renewal Prayer Network

Albany, NY

Volume 3 of Shirley Andrews’ daily devotions highlights the wonderful works of God in nature and recognizes His gracious work in our lives and relationships. Shirley invites us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

— Pastor Dave Martin

Elder, Upper New York Annual Conference

Hope United Methodist Church, Troy, New York

Sujets

• Christian Living
• Personal Growth
• Philosophie et théologie
• Religion

Informations

• Publié par: WestBow Press
• Date de parution: 28 avril 2020
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781973685784
• Langue: English

Extrait

MERRY CHRISTMAS Advent to Epiphany


A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 3



Shirley D. Andrews
Copyright © 2020 Shirley D. Andrews.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.


WestBow Press
A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan
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Bloomington, IN 47403
www.westbowpress.com
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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.
Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Interior Image Credit: J. Michael Fuller

Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-8577-7 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-9736-8578-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020902623

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/29/2023





CONTENTS
Acknowledgm ents
Part One: Ad vent
The King of Love is Coming to E arth
Part Two: Chris tmas
The King of Love is Born in Bethl ehem
Part Three: Epip hany
Jesus is Ruler of the Kings of the E arth
The Faith of Chris tmas
The Faith of Chris tmas
Go Tell It On The Mount ain
Photogra pher
Au thor
Refere nces


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I offer a special thank you to those who have lifted this project to God in prayer and have continually given me words of encouragement. Your prayers and support were essential in taking this devotional from vision to reality. I am especially appreciativ e of:
J. Michael Fuller, photographer extraordinaire and praying friend, whose photography inspired my writing in each part of “MERRY CHRISTMAS – Advent to Epiphany,” A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volu me 3.”
Johanna Calabro and Sharyl Backus, loving friends and intercessors, for their prayers and encouragement along this journey of faith, especially their pra yers.
Kendra McDonald, my loving granddaughter, who designed the cover for this devoti onal.
Carrie Boyer, a loving friend and technology-savvy administrative minister in the Adirondack District of the United Methodist Church in the Upper New York Conference. I will forever be grateful for her masterful edi ting.
Cliff Fontana, a loving friend and my marketing consultant for on-line advertising and virtual reality applications for this pro ject.
And a special thank you to those whose endorsements have blessed me and encouraged me to keep moving forward in a writing ministry for the purpose of making disciples for the transformation of the w orld:
• The Rev. David Martin, elder, Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and pastor of the Hope United Methodist Church in Troy , NY.
• The Rev. Jay Richmond, President of Renewal Prayer Network, Albany , NY.
• Dr. Thomas F. Reid
Shirley D. And rews
John 10: 9-10


PART ONE A D V E N T
THE KING OF LOVE IS COMING TO EARTH
The Prophet Isaiah is famous for his prophecies from long ago that were fulfilled at the birth of Christ on the first Christmas. Here are the wonderful words that make Advent so important, beautiful and life-changing. These scriptures were written about 680 B.C. (before Christ was born). We meditate on Bible scriptures, like the ones in this Devotional, in preparing our hearts to worship the Messiah, Jesus Christ, born on Christmas Day.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has da wned.”
Isaiah 9: 2
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”
Isaiah 9: 6-7
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the e arth.”
Isaiah 11: 1-4a
In America, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve. On the first Sunday of Advent, four special candles are placed in an Advent wreath. The Advent wreath is a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity. A large white candle is placed in the center and is called the “Christ Candle.” One candle is lit each Sunday until all four are glowing on the fourth Sunday, showing that the next corporate worship will be on Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas Day. The Christ candle will be the last one to be lit at the Christmas Eve worship ser vice.
The first candle is the “Prophecy Candle.” It represents the “HOPE” we have in Jesus Christ. The second candle, the “Bethlehem Candle,” represents the “LOVE” we receive in our hearts through Jesus Christ. The third candle, the “Shepherd Candle,” represents the “JOY” we have in Christ, our Savior. The fourth candle, the “Angel Candle,” represents the “PEACE” we find in our relationship with Jesus. The “Christ Candle” represents Jesus Christ, the “LIGHT of the WORLD.” He came in the flesh so we could relate to Him and know Him and make Him known to many, and to help Him build His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. King Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary on the first Christmas, is the ruler of the Kings of the e arth.
Revelation 1: 5
HOPE – “There the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and will give birth to a son, and will call him Imma nuel .”
Isaiah 7 : 14
LOVE – “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a ma nger.”
Luke 2 : 12
JOY – “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lor d.’ ”
Luke 2: 8-11
PEACE – “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rest s.’ ”
Luke 2: 1 3-14
LIGHT of the WORLD – There are many names for Jesus Christ in the scriptures and Light of the World and Immanuel are only two mentioned at His birth. His Light dispels the darkness in the world and Immanuel is translated “God is with us.” (You will be blessed to take time to read these verses in the Gospel of John before Christmas, John 1: 1-18.)
Do you celebrate Advent and Christmas? Why? If not, why not?
What is your relationship with Jesus, the Son of God? Not sure? A fan? A Disc iple?
Is Advent and Christmas worship important to you? Why? If not, why not?
If you know Jesus, Christmas is important and life-changing! Do you agree? Yes o r No?
Do you participate in “gift-giving” at Christmas time? Why? Why not?
Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Do you agree? Yes o r No?
Jesus wants you to grow so close to Him that you will never want or need a greater friend. He wants you to know Him as Savior, Lord, Messiah, Son of God, Lamb of God and many more wonderful names. In fact, He says that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that He is the only way to the Father in heaven. So a relationship with Jesus through His Holy Spirit is the only way to the Father in Heaven when our journey here is over. You may already know this, but it never hurts to be reminded that it is your most important relationship here on earth. Celebrate as you lift your voice in joyful song. The carols are a treasure from days gone by and bring love, hope, healing, joy and peace to our hearts during Advent, Christmas and Epip hany.
Our prayer for you: May the unconditional love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ be with you as you live in His presence, worship Him daily and trust in His plan for you. Thank you, God, that Easter is on its way, and with it, we know that you have prepared a place for each believer to live in heaven with you for eternity, in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.



Mary Visits Eliza beth
“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s g