Saturday, December 24, 2016

Jesus Calling: December 24

I speak to you from the depths of eternity. Before the world was formed, I AM! You hear Me in the depths of your being, where I have taken up residence. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory. I, your Lord and Savior, are alive within you. Learn to tune in to My living Presence by seeking Me in silence.
      As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world. Receive My gift with awe and humility. Take time to explore the vast dimensions of My Love. Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response to My glorious gift. Let My Peace rule in your heart, and be thankful. 
Psalm 90:2
Amplified Version
Before the mountains were born
Or before You had given birth to the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are [the eternal] God.

 
Colossians 1:27
English Standard Version
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 3:15
English Standard Version
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

162 comments:

  1. Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of your birth! Help me with my daily rebirth. Help me to continue a life of thankfulness and gratitude for this awesome gift! Amen.

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    1. Perfect prayer dear ABC. Mold me, restore me and revive me today my Lord. Amen.

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  2. Tonight we arrive at the manger. We have listened to a lot of music along the way because music can have such a powerful impact on shaping our heart and soul. In these final steps leading to Bethlehem, a song of scripture has become the gospel reading for this morning. It is the Canticle of Zechariah sung at the naming of his new born son, John, the forerunner of Jesus’ ministry (Luke 1:67-79). It is a powerful song of faith witnessed in God’s fulfillment of God’s promises, of identifying our calling, and of living in hope. So powerful is the canticle that historically it has been spoken every morning following the reading of God’s Word. Many years ago I began the practice of reciting it following my morning reading and contemplation of the scriptures and it has provided a powerful exclamation mark to the inspiration I received. As we are about to arrive at our Lord and Savior’s birth, may the canticle make the final preparation of our heart and soul to witness again one of the greatest mysteries of all time, the incarnation. God is with us. Hallelujah!

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    1. Bob, I just wanted to say "thank you" for your daily comments and responses to the Jesus Calling devotions. I've been blessed by your insights and observations. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Merry Christmas.

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    2. Your posts are always so special to me, Bob. You fill my heart and soul. Thank you! God bless and keep you always.

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    3. Text of the Canticle of Zechariah:
      Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
      he has come to his people and set them free.
      He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
      born of the house of his servant David.
      Through his holy prophets he promised of old
      that he would save us from our enemies,
      from the hands of all who hate us.
      He promised to show mercy to our fathers
      and to remember his holy covenant.
      This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
      to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
      free to worship him without fear,
      holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
      You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
      for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
      to give his people knowledge of salvation
      by the forgiveness of their sins.
      In the tender compassion of our God
      the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
      to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
      and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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    4. Thanks so much for posting Text of the Canticle of Zechariah: Audra. Now I don't, have to look it up tomorrow, which sometimes never comes!

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    5. I was curious. I had read and remembered parts but not all. Perhaps this is what my mother always wanted to hear at midnight mass... In Latin! A memory that just came to me. Thank you Holy Spirit!

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    6. Audra- what a wonderful memory.

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    7. Thinking a lot about my mom this season of her passing, now 40 years ago. How can that be? I'm feeling the timeless presence of my Lord this morning. Feeling very blessed by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Father!

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  3. Merry Christmas! Please notice Col 3:15
    Same as Col 1:27
    Celebrate our New Birth! Wonderful!!

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    1. Once again, thank you for checking my work. Yowza. I made that correction.

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    2. Lot of work. appreciate the blog, your thoughts, and the forum it has created. Merry Christmas.

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    3. Thanks for all you do, Chris.
      We appreciate it. Merry Christmas Blessings to you and yours!

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  4. Sassy Mom again!!!!! Early Christmas Eve day 5:00 AM, unexpected trip, flying to Miami and returning the same day with my daughter. Warriors, we covet your prayers. Giving thanks for the many prayers for Lisa. Thank you for praying.

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    1. Sassy Mom--- Traveling mercies for your trip. Continue prayers for your family. Great Blessings and the Lord's favor of the Lord upon you!

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    2. Praying with and for you, Sassy Mom - traveling mercies, as JJ said! Whatever you are doing, I know everyone around you will be blessed b/c YOU are such a blessing.
      Continued prayers for Lisa: her peace of mind, the healing of her body, the Drs and Nurses taking care of her. That we all will sing praises of Victory with her. And the same for my sister in law and two dear friends dealing with the same thing - praying for complete healing in the powerful name of Jesus Christ!

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    3. Sassy Mom - JC Warriors are all around you and your daughter. Praying for comfort peace and healing. KS

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    4. Sassy Mom, God is before you with His traveling grace and mercy. Continuing prayers for Lisa. Stay Blessed and safe.

      Maplewood NJ

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    5. Praying for you and yours Sassy Mom and Norah. Lord have mercy.

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    6. till travelling days are done .

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  5. Norah, praying for your sister-in-law and friends. May the Lord shower them with peace, blessings and healing. KS

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  6. What a great Joy it must have been, knowing that the Son she was carrying was about to be born, not an ordinary son, but the SAVIOIR of the world, the Son of God, the Holy One, the KING!!
    Thank you Mary, mother of Jesus, for trusting in the Lord and bringing forth a Saviour that is alive within us! Today, you are the 'BLESSED' amongst women!

    (humorous but true), *THE THREE COMMANDMENTS OF CHRISTMAS:*

    1. If you can't afford NEW CLOTHES, wear the ones you already have. It's Jesus' birthday and not yours. You must not 'out dress' the celebrant.

    2. If you can't afford the kind of FOOD you want, eat what you have and move on. If you don't tell people what you ate, no one knows. Your belly is not a show glass for someone to see what you ate.

    3. If you don't have the means to TRAVEL, stay where you are. Jesus Christ wasn't born in your country, state, city or village after all.And yours isn't the appointed place for His birthday celebration either.

    Of all the things he said, "Do in remembrance of me", Christmas wasn't one of them.

    JESUS is the ONLY reason for this season, so "..In all your getting, get understanding" Prov. 4:7.

    Rejoice and celebrate the wonder of the birth of our Saviour, JESUS is His name!

    Maplewood NJ

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    1. Truth. We need to Focus on the True meaning of the season. Thank you and Blessings to All.

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    2. So much truth again for 2020; I was snagged by
      If you don't have the means to TRAVEL &/or TRAVEL endangers you or the least of our brethren, then stay where you are. Jesus Christ wasn't born in your country, state, city or village after all. And yours isn't the appointed place for His birthday celebration either. Amen.

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    3. Thanks for your beautiful post and a bit of lighthearted humor 💗

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    4. Still loving this truth! Thank you for sharing! God bless 🙏.

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  7. Tonight, the "world" believes. (To believe comes from the Anglo-Saxon word to belove, to wrap one's heart around.) Tonight, the "world" wraps its heart around the importance of love and thus chooses to be more loving. Tonight, the churches swell with people desiring to feel the love experienced in the incarnation. And how is this love best expressed? Tonight, we want to sing for singing itself has the power to expand the heart in love. It has been said that singing is the ultimate prayer of the heart. As you make your way to the manger again this evening, sing from the bottom of your heart. Let your heart be filled with love for your Lord and Savior. So filled with love that life will never be the same again. God be with you!

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    1. Thank you Bob! So glad to get your insights! I am blessed! and it all begins with Christmas Day, one of God's many great gifts! Amen.

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    2. Thanks BOB...sing for singing itself has the power to expand the heart in love. It has been said that singing is the ultimate prayer of the heart. As you make your way to the manger again this evening, sing from the bottom of your heart...
      JC FAMILY: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG?

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    3. My FAVORITE Christmas Song is
      O! HOLY NIGHT
      It brings me back to the baby in the Manger, and brings me down on my knees. Thanks for your sharing your favorite Christmas Song, JC Family!

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    4. Thank you dear Bob for lifting my weary heart and leading me to bring my guitar and Christmas music to tonight’s small family gathering. It will bring joy and God’s love to their hearts. Singing in the nursing home and in Choir are so important to me. Using our gifts to glorify God and make others happy is what it’s all about. God bless you for all you do to fill our hearts. Merry Christmas!

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    5. My favorite Christmas doing is also O Holy Night ♥️ every line conjurs up a visual and stands alone as prayer.
      That said, let heaven and nature sing! 🎶🎶🎶✝️✝️✝️♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏

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    6. O Holy Night, gives me chills to hear, and peace to my heart and tears to my eyes. Love this. Merry Christmas

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    7. I, too, find "O Holy Night" to be a favorite and gives me chills, peace, and such a visual of that incredible night. God bless one and all on this valuable and loved site as well as everyone's families and friends. Merry Christmas!

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    8. Amen Bob 🙏. Hallelujah!!!

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  8. Silent night holy night. We have been through so much together. Praying for each other, keeping the faith by the grace of God. Thank you all, thank you Sweet Jesus. Either way it will be a Victory!

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  9. C.O.G. (Child of God)December 24, 2019 at 8:11 AM

    It is all about the letter C - crib, cross, Christ, Christmas. the letter C is curved, curled, a sign of humility. If pride brought us down, humility will bring us up.
    Christmas is an opportunity for us to rejoice in the Word becoming flesh, to savor this wonderful mystery with all our senses, so that in turn we can go out and be seen and heard and touched and scented and tasted as the living Christ this Christmastime and each day of the new year.
    May all of us welcome the Holy Infant Jesus to our hearts. Christ is the reason for the season.
    Merry Christmas!

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    1. C. O. G., you are so on point!!! Yes, let us "rejoice in the Word becoming flesh."
      That once Holy infant is now the Risen, living, Holy KING of kings and LORD of lords!!!

      We must rejoice and worship Him in Spirit and in truth!

      God bless C. O. G.

      Maplewood NJ

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    2. Thanks C.O.G. That is so true!

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  10. O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
    O come ye,
    O come ye to Bethlehem
    O come and behold Him, born the King of Angels
    O come, let us adore Him
    O come, let us adore Him
    O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord

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    1. O sing, choirs of angels,
      O sing in exultation
      O come,
      O come ye to Bethlehem
      O Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels
      O come, let us adore Him
      O come, let us adore Him
      O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord

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    2. I'm singing along Brie! God bless.

      Maplewood NJ

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    3. Singing along with you sweet Sister! Have a bless and happy Christmas!

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    4. We will be singing that in Church tomorrow! I am the only Alto in my Choir so God will be singing the harmony with me. Thank You Jesus.

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  11. Thank You Father that I’ll be home for Christmas celebrating my Savior’s birth!! The devil sure is a liar! You are a Faithful God, so Loving, so Kind, so Gentle, so Merciful and so Caring. Thank You for ALL You’ve done, doing and will do. Wonderful Eternal God, thank You for doctors, nurses and all medical personnel and staff whom You grant knowledge to help us during our times of sickness. Your hand covers theirs and miracles happens! This heart of mine, say thank You!
    For life, health and the ability to rest, knowing that ALL is well. Even as I prepare to come back Jan 9th, I know my Redeemer Lives! He’s the same Yesterday, Today and Forever! Psalm 46:5 says: “God is within her, she will not fall: God will help her at the break of day.”
    Your Word is food to my soul and I’ll keep eating, because I can never get too full. Thank You for a night of rest and the hope of a new day according to Your will. THANK YOU FATHER, for Your Peace that is in my heart and most importantly, Thank You for JESUS!

    JC Family- Your prayers have touched and blessed me! Thanks to ALL of you that reached out and prayed for me! Oh Audra, I love that Michael Smith song, "That’s how I fight my battles”!! Thank you for the reminder of this song, you made my getting stuck with a needle painless while singing it and a happy nurse who was glad that I was distracted by it and not the poking of my veins (LOL). She said thanks to you all (her name is Denise).
    Great songs to carry me through the night (Janet’s included). Thanks to our Songtres Brie, we got great tunes going on here (smiling). So very grateful for the continue prayers. Kmertens, you said it better! 'He’s letting me learn what I have and knowing that He is always with me’! Loving you right back Jeanne! GTT, JE, BFF, Thank you all!
    Norah, I’ll be HOME for CHRISTMAS (leaving late afternoon 12/24)!! God is good! I’m keeping your dear husband in prayers and praying you in good health. Terri, I lift you up in prayers for strength. Remember, God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in times of all your needs. Yes, keep trusting, you are in my prayers.

    “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2).

    “But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” (Psalm 102:27).

    Blessings and Peace.

    Maplewood, NJ

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    1. Praying with you Maplewood 🙏.

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    2. Thank you Maplewood for checking in with your update. My heart is smiling now, knowing that you'll be home later today. God Bless you and keep you safe, healthy and comfortable. Merry Christmas!

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    3. 💃 Thank You Jesus for Maplewood NJ's Milestone Victory Report! And God bless her happy nurse, Denise. Most of all God, thank you for being soooooooo good to us and for us. We appreciate You. Amen.

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    4. Amen and amen. Good news!!! ❤️

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    5. Glad to know you'll be home in a few hours for Christmas! Joining in prayers for all the nurses and doctors. God bless them and you JC warriors. Amen & Hallelujah!

      Blessings from France

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    6. Thank God you’ll be home for Christmas! I had a feeling you were sharing Christmas joy in the hospital. Singing through the needles! Rest up now dear Sis. I’m sure it will go well on Jan 9th. God bless and heal your always. 😊🎵🙏💗

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    7. Thanks Maplewood New Jersey, for reminding me to be thankful for all the Christmas Needles that are on the floor from my tree rather than in my arm!

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    8. So glad to hear dear girl that you will be in your bed, resting, renewing and releasing all your tomorrows into His hands. Prayed for you when I woke up this morning. The Lord put you right up front of my mind. You are His beloved. The enemy cannot have your mind to worry about tomorrow or the next. The enemy cannot have any part of your body. Not allowed! Healing however is all yours. God is carrying it in His wings. We love you💖

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    9. GREAT positivity NJ girl! Awesome that you're being a light to the medical team. As the saying goes: "mi casa es tu casa" twist here to...my motto is your motto! you're demonstrating.. "Never give up, Never Surrender with a gratitude attitude!!" home for Christmas.. prayers answered! but pray til she's truly home, mi JC Amigos. en el nombre de Jesus, Amen 😀😎

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    10. When! Be healed, each and every one, in Jesus's name. There's no place like home for the holidays, and we are always at home with our Lord. Wherever we are, God is, and all is well!
      Merry Christmas!

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    11. Merry Christmas dear Maplewood! Keeping you in my heart and in my prayers. Come let us adore Him.

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  12. Father, thank You for Your most precious gift of eternal life in You. Thank You for everything You endured on this earth because of how much You love us. Please lift us up with You and bless, comfort, love, and heal us Lord. We are so grateful, honored, and blessed to belong to You, most high God. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏. Thank You Jesus. Praise the Lord continually and always. All the glory be to God forever and ever.

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    1. Amen Janet. Thank you for all the blessings, Lord. Thank you for your Grace, Mercy and unconditional Love. Keep us close to your heart Lord, help us to be patient and more like you. Draw the lost souls to You, open their heart so they can find a refuge in Your loving arms. For Your Glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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    2. *Blessings from France

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    3. Amen dear Janet! Joining in your beautiful prayer! Have a blessed Christmas Sis!
      You too dear BFF! God bless you both in all things!!

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  13. A Baby will come
    🎶
    The king's of this world
    Have torn it apart
    But we can take heart
    A baby will come

    To the hungry & meek
    To those who grieve
    To the broken, in need
    A baby will come

    We have known pain
    We've felt death's sting
    God, help us believe
    This baby will come

    The angel appeared
    Said, do not fear
    For peace is here
    A baby has come

    The advent of life
    Let hope arise
    We've our King and our Christ
    The baby has come

    We've waited so long
    God, for your mighty arm
    May our doubts ever calm
    For the baby has come

    The proud will be low
    The humble will know
    They're valued and loved
    For the baby has come

    Cause the kings of this world
    Won't have the last word
    That, God is yours
    For the baby has come

    Lyrics by Bill Wolfe, taken from Mary's Magnificent.
    Http://www.worshipsource.com/billwolf/songs/baby-will-come

    May our heart, mind and soul, join together in celebration of our Emmanuel, God with us! From our house to yours, a very Merry Christmas and a Hopeful New Year! Love, Scott & Jan💖

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    1. As I read these words, the verse came back to my mind:

      May the God of Hope fill you with all Joy and Peace in believe, that you may abound in Hope through the Power of the Holy Spirit.

      As I mentioned before, Peace and Hope already are here. And they live inside us.

      As we again celebrate the birth of The King, may we welcome the birth of a dawning new awareness being birthed inside us. The awareness that the King resides inside us and we reside in Him. And as we realize this is His Kingdom, (inside us) Hope and Peace reign in that Kingdom. It's his Kingdom, not ours. May His birthday gift to us be the birth of a realization that He reigns with Peace and Hope inside us.

      And as we have been prompted to pray for those with depression, (which includes myself and many others here) may we continue to hold that prayer for you, hold the pain and sadness you feel with you, and hold your hand in silence to acknowledge what you feel as real.

      As we contemplate the season of the gift, may we gift Him a few minutes to sit and hold our thoughts and feelings as a beautiful gift to share with Him as He holds these thoughts and feelings with us. (Remembering the prayer the other day; sit 3 minutes with God)

      Much Love to all, to,from, and through His Spirit of Peace, Love, and HOPE

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    2. Amen Jan & Keith! Merry Christmas to all JC warriors and your loved ones! May your Christmas celebration be filled with His Light, Joy and Peace.(& yummy food)

      Blessings from France

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    3. Thanks and Blessings to you and yours, Keith.
      As it was on Dec 2q, Once again the Holy Spirit asked me to bow my head in prayer for all those who are depressed, and to tell them It's OK. You're OK. Everything is going to be OK.
      I am praying now for all those who have the blues, light blues, navy blues, and dark black and blue blues. In Jesus' Name. Amen

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    4. OOPS! ...as it was on Dec 21...

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    5. Amen sweet Jan! Loved that song so much I just shared it with my Sister! Love you too! Merry Christmas!

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    6. Thanks Jan, for putting a new song in my mouth, and more praises to the Lord our God!

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    7. Thank you so much Keith! Jesus is our gift from the Father so we should give Him the gift of our time. Those intimate moments spent with Him are more important than anything else. God bless you my dear brother and lift you and all those who are depressed, sick, mournful and broken hearted. Jesus is the joy in our hearts and He is enough. Praise Him and His Holy Name and forget not His benefits. 😊💗🙏 Much love to you and our JC family.

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    8. Beautiful lyrics to be shared Jan and many great inspirations from all of you. I have thought of Christmas as through "CHRIST Many Are Saved". Peace be with you all and God bless 🙏.

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  14. Now back to the kitchen! My Co-Chef Jesus awaits! The family have made their request known. From American, asian & italian (desert known as "cheer me up")! Love, love the gifts that I can give my family from my kitchen. Jeanne, I know you love to cook. Wish we could cook together. I bet we could change the world's attitude!😂

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    1. Sounds delicious! Cooking with Jesus is THE key ingredient! I too love to cook!

      Blessings from France

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    2. Wish we could! I made Cannelloni shells with ground beef, onions, spinach and ricotta, and eggplant rollatini, deviled eggs and baby reubens. And too many cookies😊💗. Merry Christmas my kitchen buddy! Enjoy the fruit of your labor.

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    3. YUM! I could taste and see all of the GOODNESS you made, Jeanne and all calorie free for me! Thanks!

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    4. Taking a break from the kitchen & read Jeanne's menu. YUMMY😋. My family picked: cinnamon rolls, filled donuts, filipino sweet & sour pork, pancit, lumpia(filipino egg rolls) & tiramisu. We're having brunch & dinner. Scale? What scale? Not getting on it🥴

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    5. BFF, would love some of your French cooking😋

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    6. Jan, Just "tasted" and shared your food with DH who was stationed in the Philippines and YUMMED at your menu items!
      Love and blessings to all.

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    7. 😯😄, cool! Wish I could give you a doggie bag Brie 🥰

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  15. FROM PSALM 33
    YOU CAN BE CONFIDENT
    ✝️ We depend upon The Lord alone to save us.
    Only He can help us.
    He protects us like a shield.
    We are happy in The Lord. We are trusting Him.
    We trust His Holy Name.
    YES! Lord. Your constant love surrounds us.
    Our hopes are in You alone.

    ♥🙏🙏🙏♥Dear Heavenly Father God,
    Thank You for Your Wisdom and Your Discernment  living inside of us.  We can make the decision to seek You and then tune in to Your Living Presence and be positive about ourself and others, because You are. Our confidence is in You!
    Mary said YES! Lord.

     😊Like Mary, Would you help us say Yes! Lord, as we put more confidence in what You think of us, rather than what other people think of us?
     😊Like Mary, Would You help us say YES! Lord, as we know our own heart instead of waiting for other people to dictate their truth about our value?
     😊Like Mary, Would you help us say YES! Lord, as we stay away from assuming we are wrong or wronged every time someone else disagrees with us because they see things differently?
     😊Like Mary, Would You help us say, YES! Lord, as we let Your Peace rule in our hearts and as we are thankful above all else?

    YES! Lord. I ask. I seek. I knock. I praise. I thank. In Jesus' Name. Amen

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    1. 😊 And like Joseph who did as God's Angel commanded.

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    2. Amen. YES LORD
      ��
      I hear You call
      I am available
      I say yes Lord
      I am available

      Here I am, here I am
      You can have it all
      You can have it all
      Here I am, here I am
      You can have it all
      You can have it all

      For the one who gave me life
      Nothing is a sacrifice
      Use me how you want to God
      Have your throne within my heart

      Blessings from France

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    3. Amen Brie! Yes Lord!!! Just beautiful and so uplifting. God bless you for filling me so well today.
      Thanks dear BFF! Loved that! May God keep using us as His instruments of love and peace! Yes Lord!! I am available😊💗🙏

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    4. Thank you Brie and so beautiful France. Hallelujah and Amen 🙏.

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    5. YES please: 😊Like Mary, Would you help us say YES! Lord, as we stay away from assuming we are wrong or wronged every time someone else disagrees with us because they see things differently.

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    6. ♥️🎶 You Can Have it All Lord
      https://youtu.be/3WPbs7N-E0Q

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  16. I feel burdened for the hopeless. As we know, this can be a very Joyous season but it can also be a lonely time for some.

    To the lonely, to the depressed, to the hopeless one, to the hurting one; allow myself and others to come sit with you quietly and share your feelings. To sit with you with no condemnation, to sit with you in silence, and to sit with you in love. This is our gift to you.

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    1. Our Dear Keith, I am joining with you in the sitting, in the silence and in the heart felt praying.

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    2. ❤❤❤❤❤

      Blessings from France

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    3. Joining in your prayers for all those in need to be lifted high above their sadness and difficult situations to a place of true joy where all they feel is gratitude and contentment.

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    4. Father, please lift up Your children and breathe joy into their hearts. Let them feel Your loving presence in them Lord and be comforted and full of Your peace. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen. Thank You Jesus. Praise the Lord continually and always.

      I've lost my way
      Feel so far away
      Lead me today
      Show me the way
      There's much to say
      Teach me to pray

      Pray with me Jesus
      Oh Lord, please help me
      You're the one that sees us
      In You, free I'll be

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    5. I'm joining into your beautiful prayer poem for all of us. Thanks Janet.

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    6. What a sweet and beautiful prayer dear Janet! Amen and Amen.

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  17. Amen, praying with you, and for you, Keith.God Bless.

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  18. Sharing - https://www.andiesisle.com/fathersloveletter.html
    Blessings and love to my JC FAMILY

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  19. Sheer panic! Thank You Jesus, my Co- Chef to the rescue! A mouse ate through my bread flour that I use for donuts😱. We are miles from the store, pouring rain, flood warnings. What to do? Hello! I had forgotten that a friend left me groceries when she moved out of state. There it was, bread flour! Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus💖

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    1. He was there all the time, Jan.
      Anyone know what can be done to get rid of mice?
      My brother's home is experiencing them.

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    2. Got two beautiful cats. Problem solved!

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  20. Oh, the blessings that abound on this page! I jumped for joy when I read that you are going home today, Maplewood! All of the singing, cooking, verses and prayers are like being wrapped in a warm, fuzzy blanket. I have more wrapping to do and will do most of my cooking tomorrow. Ham, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans and maybe Deviled Eggs. Mini Quiche and Orange Cinnamon Rolls for brunch. I don't know who is going to eat all of this food - I may be sending some home with anyone who shows up at our door. Or we'll be eating left overs for a while. :)
    Praying with each of you for the requests made known and for the ones God put on your hearts.
    Sassy Mom, I just listened to my Father's Love Letter. What a blessing! Thank you. Love to all of my JC Family.

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    1. Oh Norah, yours is the third JC home I am feasting at today. It's a progressive meal with my JC Family! Bless us O Lord and all the gifts you have given us, are now giving us, and will give us forevermore from Thy vast and abundant store. Amen.

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    2. Love this progressive dinner!

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  21. It is coming down in deluge. Hubby & I thought what would've happened if this was snow. We be stuck with all this food! To that hubby replied: " aaand that would be bad because?". To which I replied: we could take a picture & click, "send"! Of😜 course this is all in jest

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  22. Thabk you for prayers for my brother Keith. While I was reading them, someone from the cardiology office called to cancel Keith's much needed appointment. We now have another Cardiologist, Dr Cyril. Praise be to God for this miracle and your prayers! To be continued...

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    1. Continued prayers for Keith dear Brie. Prayers for his new doctor also. 🙏💕

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    2. Thanking God for opening up this new door. More answered prayers to celebrate! Praying Dr. Cyril will help your dear brother in many ways. God is so faithful and so merciful. He saw a need and immediately filled it. Praise be to Him who provides all our needs and blesses every new day. Thank You Jesus.

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    3. God is on the move in many mighty ways! Right people, right timing for your brother 👏♥️✝️

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  23. Christmas Eve

    10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  (Luke 2:10-14 (KJV))

    In a small group setting, the question was asked, ‘If you could go back to a moment in history, which moment would you choose?’  It didn’t take long for an answer to come to me. I would be a shepherd outside Bethlehem tending sheep when the sky exploded with the heavenly host singing, ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo!’

    Angels We Have Heard on High
    https://youtu.be/v5mdybeyLVc

    Thoughts from a sermon of Pope John Paul II:  The purpose of Advent has been to increase our joyful expectation of the return of Jesus and it helps us to understand the fullness of the value and meaning of the mystery of the Incarnation.  As tonight, we are given to contemplate the conception and birth of Jesus, the angels’ annunciation to Mary, the choir of angels in Bethlehem, it is not just about commemorating the historical event which occurred some two thousand years ago in a little village of Judea.  Instead we must understand that our whole life should be an advent in vigilant expectation of Christ's final coming. To prepare our hearts to welcome the LORD who will come one day to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize His presence in the events of daily life.  Advent has been a period of training that directs us decisively to the One who has already come, who will come, and who continuously comes. Glory to God in the highest!  

    The LORD bless you in your Christmas Eve observance.

    With love, Bob

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    1. Love it BOB!
      I can hardly believe the period set aside for Advent is over. I shall continue to treasure this one of a kind, first ever in my life, ADVENTure. Thanks BOB for tour guiding our journey. What great Inspired guideposts you provided all along the way. Everyday's menu was topped off with a song for dessert to help us pray twice and make the ending sweet.
      Since I don't know how to thank you, I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song!
      MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE to you and yours! I know Jesus is pleased with your gift of redirecting many souls back to focusing on Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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    2. Thank you Bob for this wonderful Advent series. And thank you MadFox for posting it and thank you Paytonfamily for this blog. What a blessing for this year and for years to come. I pray that the whole JC family has a blessed Christmas.

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    3. Thank you Bob for enriching our Advent with your beautiful writing and wonderful songs. You blessed our hearts and made our waiting time so meaningful! What a wonderful gift you have given us to treasure. God bless you and your family in all things. God be with you all. <3 Jeanne

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    4. I loved this series and especially the insight of the worship songs. Thank you for this gift, Bob! Merry Christmas ♥️🎄

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  24. Continued prayers for your brother, Keith, Dear Brie. For your sense of taste returning, Jan and for your heart to be merry and light in spite of the ones who won't be with you, Jeanne. Bob, your messages have kept my heart light throughout this season - anticipating Christ's return kept me grounded in so many ways this holiday season. We have so much to be thankful for.
    As I head to bed, with a house that is far from ready to receive the family coming tomorrow, I know it will all get done - we'll be ready and we will all give thanks for those with us and for the ones we'll miss because we will "Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response to My glorious gift. Let My Peace rule in your heart, and be thankful." Praying that I remember these great words and the 'reason for the season,' tomorrow, all throughout the day and the next...Let Your Peace rule in my heart!
    Praying for all and giving thanks for the joyfulness of this season.

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    1. Praying for your peace, our dear sister friend in Christ, Norah. As long as your home is filled with love, then it is ready to receive the family coming.
      I am reminded of a quote from Oswald Chambers: When you really see Jesus, I defy you to doubt Him. If you see Him when He says, “Let not your heart be troubled…” (John 14:27), I defy you to worry!
      Much Love, Brie

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    2. Praying you will get everything done on your to do list and God will be your constant Helper. God bless you and your family and your get together. Praying with you for our Jan that her sense of smell comes back soon.
      Thank you dear Brie for that wonderful quote. Putting worry and fear far behind me. My heart is full of rejoicing. I will have a houseful of dear family and I aim to feed them to bursting! God is so good.

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  25. You hear Me in the depths of your being...Yes, Lord I heard you say get up and pray on night watch duty. Pray for your family of origin. Pray for your family by marriage, Pray for your JC Family. Pray for your Church Family. Pray for your Friendship Family. Pray for each of their dear ones.
    So here I am family, up and praying by the light of the Silvery moon. Hope you sleep well under the Holy Comforter. Let me know of any special prayer needs. Whether or not you post them, know that I'm praying especially for you and yours. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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    1. I am praying for everything.

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    2. Thank you Brie for the nightwatch prayer. May you and yours be blessed with the same blessings you prayed for us. Hallelujah!

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    3. Joining in gratitude for your nightwatch prayer. Amen Be blessed with all the blessings you prayed for us. May all our prayers be answered by the Great Way Maker. Have a sweet and special Christmas Eve.

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  26. Good Christmas Eve dear ones. God in His mercy has brought this family full circle to yet another reason to share this season. Once again am heading for my kitchen to bring forth favorite offerings to celebrate the love of our dear Christ & family. Managed to make a Busche de noel, same asian dishes, pancit & lumpia, trying something new, shrimp scampi dip, shrimp with bacon wrap ( can you tell I'm craving shrimp?). Then of course Grammy's cinnamon rolls, baked french toast. Maybe my smeller will come back. If not, PTL anyway, for I will take pleasure at each bite family enjoys! 😋. Merry Christmas dear loved ones! Much love from our house to yours💕🎄!

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    1. Sounds delicious dear Jan! I believe you will regain your sense of smell very soon to your delight and God's glory. Have a blessed day with your family. They will be satisfied and their hearts will be thankful and joyful. Merry Christmas! Much love to you dear sister!

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    2. Anything or nothing beats the smells the Birthday Boy had on His first day :) love you sis, Larry's kindred snifter!

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  27. Good morning dear ones: Although I will be celebrate Christmas in the hospital, I had to have an emergency tracheotomy from having non epileptic seizures. I'm blessed for being alive and giving thanks!I also have familial visits ,so today it will be hubby and oldest son. God is good and Thank you Jesus.

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    1. Bless you and yours to celebrate Him who was inside a stable on that first Christmas Xay. Wherever you are Jesus is, you are safe and secure. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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  28. Dear Butterfly love. God is in that room with you and He led the doctors to restore you so you can continue to praise His Holy Name. Have a blessed visit with your dear ones. Amen God is so good and we are blessed to be His beloved children. Praying for your complete recovery and a sweet Christmas in Jesus' Name. Amen

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  29. Christmas blessings and prayers for each of you! My heart is full as my daughter is at home with her fiance and puppy. My heart is heavy because my hubby is an hour away staying at his brothers side in this time of transition. Thank you Father that you are with us all. 🙏

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    1. My prayer for you Audra, and for all of us.
      Glory be to You God the Father, and to You Jesus the Son, and to You God's Holy Spirit. As one generation passes away, another generation comes, and the earth abides forever. Please continue to bless our going outs and our coming ins in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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    2. Amen! God's will be done. We must put it all in His Hands and let Him lead us through the valleys and mountains. Be not afraid. Enjoy the sweet moments He gives us. Amen He is always with us.

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  30. Let God’s peace rule in your hearts. That means we must be kind hearted to others and forgive them and also ask for their forgiveness. He must reign in our hearts above all else. We are all imperfect but God is molding us every day to become more like Him.
    Ephesians 4:31-32. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

    And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

    When we get together with our family this year, let’s try to see them through Christ’s eyes. My older brother is difficult. He needs a real strength of faith and some gratitude. God can lead him to good things in his life but he is far from thankful. He doesn’t have a wife or kids or even a good friend. Only his dog. He is lonely and angry. I do my best to show him love but it is hard especially when he says a curse word or something hurtful.
    I forgive him and keep telling him I love him. Praying for him always that God will lead him to true love, joy, friendship and fulfillment. Thank You Jesus!

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  31. Just wishing you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and Christmas Eve! Jesus is the Reason for our joy so let us rejoice and be glad in these special days and let’s try to be Marys instead of Marthas.

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    1. Dear Jeanne --- Thank you for your blessing. It was received with thanksgiving. I ask the Lord to shower you and your family and this AWESOME JCFAMILY with His Great Love.
      I thank You, Lord, for being the Prince of Peace and I ask You for that Supernatural Peace to reign in our hearts. Thank You for the simple but life-changing message of Your Love for us in Jesus's Name, AMEN and AMEN. In His Grip of Grace. JJ

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    2. Amen Jeanne and JJ!! May our Father reveal Himself to your brother and open his heart to receive the best gift of all!!! Thank You Jesus 😊. Amen 🙏.

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    3. Amen sisters! Such a great reminder, Jeanne! Tuning into my Mary and quieting my Martha!

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    4. Thanks dear JJ for that beautiful and heartfelt prayer! Amen. Thanks dear Janet and dear NJS! Hope and pray you and all our JC Family have a blessed and happy Christmas! Much love 💗

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  32. Amen! The greatest blessing of all 'Christ saved me'!

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  33. Good morning JC Warriors. Thank you all for your posts. I enjoy reading them daily and feel like they help me grow. Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Merry Christmas to all.

    SC Anonymous

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  34. AMEN and thank you, Janet, for that beautiful prayer! Merry Christmas! "For unto us a child is born!!!"

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  35. Blessings to all the Christmas Eve morn. John H.

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    1. God bless you and yours dear John H.

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  36. Lost power for HOURS during the night. Woke up to low 60 degrees house temp. Outside temp is minus 5 degrees. Streets are covered with snow, power coming and going, I'm playing Hide and seek with microwave trying to get a sip of coffee. I will praise HIM IN THE STORM.
    https://youtu.be/MgpaULjZOl8

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  37. Praying with you and for you, dear Sassy Mom! This is a difficult Christmas for you because you miss your dear Debbi. God knows how you feel. May He resolve all your problems and keep your power on and keep you warm. Thank You Jesus.

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    1. Praying for you, Sassy Mom and all of my JC Family! May each of you find ways to enjoy this unprecedented Christmas season. Praying for safe travels for everyone, power coming back on, comforted hearts and joyful celebrations.
      Love to all of you!

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    2. AMEN and AMEN!!! Great Blessings to All!!!

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  38. Amen, Amen and Amen! Gathering into your perfect prayer dear sister! Thanks for the gift of it to my heart. Love you.

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  39. On this day I gift my Lord an "X" sounding word of EXTRAVAGANT.
    Romans 5: 8 "But God (just can't get enough of those But Gods) demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
    THAT IS EXTRAVAGANT LOVE!!!
    HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!!

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    1. Thanks JJ for sharing His EXTAVAGANT Love with us.

      In addition to God's eXTRAVAGANT Love, today's devotion reminds us to take time to eXPLORE the vast dimensions of that Love. To let His Peace rule inside our heart, and then allow thankfulness to freely flow eXTERNALLY from our heart, as a response to His eXELLENCY'S Glorious Gifts.

      Ephesians 20 tells us,  Now glory be to our God, Who by His Mighty Power at work within us is able to do eXCEEDINGLY abundantly above all we ask or think, more than we even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.
      To celebrate Advent on the 24th day of this celebratory month, I am eXCITED to give JESUS "X" gifts of eXCLAIMING His eXCELLENCY to everyone I encounter in the eXTERNAL world today, and sing Gloria In EXCELSIS Deo (Glory To God In The Highest)

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  40. Wonderful X sounding words. God is also EXTRAORDINARY! And I'm EXCITED to be His daughter. His Love for us is EXCELLENT and EXTRAVAGANT, and with His Power, we sure are able to EXCEED in all things. Singing Gloria in EXCELSIS Deo with you sweet sisters, JJ and Brie! And with all of you, dear JC Family. Glory to God in the Highest!
    I'm singing for the Lord this morning and cooking for my dear family. I'm tired but blessed. May you also be blessed and strengthened to produce good fruit today for God's glory.

    John 15:1-2
    I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

    John 15:8
    By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

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    1. Your family will be blessed by your eXUBERANCE in taking good care of them, doing what Jesus did and feeding the multitudes!
      Thank you for a continual reminder to eXUDE Jesus' Light through my many broken and cracked pieces! < !eXCLAMATION point!
      Love to all my JC Family.

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    2. Thanks sweet sister! You made me smile. So true. We are all flawed and broken so His light can shine through our cracks!
      You EMBODY EXUBERANCE! God bless you always. Amen! Love to all our JC Family seen and unseen.

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  41. Merry Christmas everyone. May the Peace, Joy, Love and Hope of the season be abundant today, and everyday.

    God's Blessings,

    John H.

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    1. Same to you and yours, John H.

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    2. Thanks dear John H. Merry Christmas to you and yours too.

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  42. Peaceful blessings at Christmas time to y'all. I'm delightfully mesmerized (put that one down for my "Z" sounding word for next Tuesday, Brie 😉) by the view of the Pacific coast and the never ending pulse of the rhythmic waves. God's handiwork is so beautiful!

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    3. Yes it is eXHILARATING to see His eXPRESSIONS in nature, Audra, which are always beauty par eXCELLENCE, because our God is! It makes us want to breathe it all in and never eXHALE it all out!

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    4. Enjoy every beautiful moment of His amazing handiwork!

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