Tag: Advent

Posted in Advent

10th December.

Posted on by Pure Joy

~ The Strength of The Donkey ~

To Enjoy the Full Experience of this message, it’s Best viewed on our Website on a Laptop/PC. www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk

Donkeys are Lovely. They've got a Wonderful Relaxing 'Aura' about them.

Donkeys have got a 'Cross' on their backs as part of their Natural Colours. My Wife & I Believe this is because of the Importance of Donkeys in Jesus' Life.

Jesus travelled into Jerusalem for His last ever Journey on earth on a Donkey.

When Mary & Joseph travelled to Bethlehem from Nazareth (when Jesus was Born), many people Believe they would have had a Donkey to Help them on their Journey.

The Bible doesn't give any Details about the Journey but as it was about a 100 mile Journey through difficult terrain (without any cars etc) and Mary was pregnant at the time, then it's Highly Likely they would have had some form of assistance, and as they were both poor then Donkeys would have been the Best option available for them.
We Believe they travelled to Bethlehem on a Donkey.

After Jesus was Born, Mary & Joseph then needed to travel the Very Long and difficult Journey to Egypt to escape from Herod when he killed all the children under 2 years old.
Then when Herod died they travelled the Long Journey back to Nazareth.

Altogether they travelled Vast distances and it's Very Likely they would have had a Donkey to Help them on their Journey.

At that time Donkeys would have needed to Carry Very Heavy Loads with the things people needed for the Journey and their belongings, as well as the people themselves.
 
Donkeys have got Wonderful Strength.

Donkeys 'Never Give Up'.

They 'Keep Going' on The Journey and they Stay Focused. 
Even if they were tired and feeling weak, even if they were miles away from where they would have Preferred to be, even if the Journey became tricky and difficult with lots of obstacles in their way, Donkeys 'Keep On Going' and 'Never Give Up'.

Where does their Strength come from?

Donkeys don't go to the Gym. They don't go to Mind Strengthening Classes.

~ Their Strength comes from the 'Only' True Source of Strength ~ Jesus.

That same Strength is Available to You.

~ Positive Bible Verse ~
I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13)
This message was Inspired by The Nativity Prayer. You can view the full Prayer on our website by clicking on The Nativity Prayer.  
~ Please feel free to look through the pages of our website for more ways to Help you Enjoy the True Meaning of Advent & Christmas. 
www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk
Posted in Advent

9th December.

Posted on by Pure Joy

~ The Innocence of the Lambs ~

To Enjoy the Full Experience of this message, it’s Best viewed on our Website on a Laptop/PC. www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk

Throughout history Lambs have been a symbol of Innocence. They represent Purity.

My Wife and I have been Blessed many times with being able to stay at a Cottage on a working farm in the Beautiful Highlands of Scotland.

We've been Very privileged to have witnessed many new Lambs being Born out in the Open Fields.

The Lambs are so Pure & Innocence, and they have an 'Aura' of Peace.

For a while they are Unblemished and as Pure as 'God Created' them to Be.

In modern day farming the farmer will often spray a coloured 'Mark' or number on the Lambs. This puts the farmers 'Mark' on the Lambs so they can 'Use' them in whatever way 'Suits the farmer'.

Back in the time of the Original Nativity, when a new Lamb was Born, the Shepherds would often wrap the Lamb in 'Swaddling Cloth' to Protect the Lamb from picking up any Blemishes or 'Markings' so that the lamb can be kept 'Pure'.

When Jesus was Born, he was wrapped in 'Swaddling Cloths' as a sign that He was being kept 'Pure & Innocent' without Any 'Markings'.

God's Original Intention when He Created humans was that we would All be 'Pure & Innocent'.

The 'Only' reason there is evil in the world is because the devil 'Deceived' Adam & Eve into eating from the Tree of the knowledge of Good and evil.

Ever since then the devil has been Deceiving people into 'Disobeying' God and the devil has put his 'Mark' on those people so he can 'Use' them in whatever way 'Suits him'.     

The devil has done that in such a Cunning and Manipulative way that many people don't even realise that they've been 'Tricked' into Disobeying God.

Over thousands of years the devil has Coned people into following him and his ways, and because so many people do it, then other people now see it as normal.

But the Truth is, there are Only 2 Ways to Live Your Life, the devils way (which is just to suit him), or God's Way (which is for Your benefit so you can Live a Joyful & Peaceful Life).

God is so Loving & Caring that He sent His Only Son to Save us from being Tricked by the devil. That's Real Love.

Jesus is 'Pure & Innocent' so that we have All got a Wonderful Example to 'Follow' of How to Live our Lives.


~ Positive Bible Verse ~
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world".
(John 1:29)
This message was Inspired by The Nativity Prayer. You can view the full Prayer on our website by clicking on The Nativity Prayer.  
~ Please feel free to look through the pages of our website for more ways to Help you Enjoy the True Meaning of Advent & Christmas. 
www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk
Posted in Advent

8th December.

Posted on by Pure Joy

~ The Courage of The Shepherds ~

To Enjoy the Full Experience of this message, it’s Best viewed on our Website on a Laptop/PC. www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk

The Shepherds at the Original Nativity had Wonderful Courage. They Demonstrated Courage in many different ways.

Back then the Shepherds would have lived Outside most of the time.

They were Out in the Fields at Night. Their main purpose at Night was to 'Protect' the Sheep.
There would have been Wolves roaming around and the Shepherds needed to keep the Sheep 'Safe' from any attacks.
There would also have been 'thieves' hiding in the darkness waiting to Steel the Sheep.

A 'Good Shepherd' would do 'Anything' to Protect his Sheep. That takes Real Courage.

It's a Wonderful part of God's Creative Plan in the Nativity that the Very First people to Ever Visit Jesus were 'The Good Shepherds' who were Protecting their Sheep.

Jesus Himself is 'The Good Shepherd' and we are all His Sheep who He is Protecting.

~ ~ ~ 

When the Angel appeared to The Shepherds in the field at Night, they were very afraid, but when they realised the Angel was from The Lord, their fear turned to Courage as they made the 'Choice' to go and 'Search for Jesus'.

They made an 'Instant Decision' as they knew in their Hearts how Important & Special 'The Savior' is, and they didn't want to 'Miss' the Amazing Opportunity to meet God's Only Son.

The Shepherds only had a Small amount of information from the Angel that they would 'Find a Babe lying in a Manger'.

There would have been many Stables with Mangers in Bethlehem and it would have taken a Lot of Courage to Go and Search for Jesus when only a few people knew who He was.

The Shepherds showed us that you don't need all the Answers when you've got Faith & Courage.

~ The Faith & Courage of The Shepherds led them to Jesus.

When they met Jesus, it Filled them with even More Courage as they went out and Shared what had happened with many people.

At that time Shepherds were seen as 'nobodies' who were 'ignored' and 'looked down on'.

Yet they were Inspired & Strengthened by the Wonderful Experience they had with Jesus. It gave them Courage to be 'Bold in their Faith' and Share the 'Good News of Jesus'.

The Love of Jesus 'Shone' through The Shepherds and people Listened to them and were Amazed.

The Shepherds Demonstrated Wonderful Faith & Courage in Lots of ways.

That same Courage is Available to You.     


~ Positive Bible Verses ~
Stand firm in the Faith; be Courageous.
(1 Corinthians 16:13)

~ ~ ~

When they saw the Courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
(Acts 4:13)

~  ~ ~

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)
This message was Inspired by The Nativity Prayer. You can view the full Prayer on our website by clicking on The Nativity Prayer.  
~ Please feel free to look through the pages of our website for more ways to Help you Enjoy the True Meaning of Advent & Christmas. 
www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk
Posted in Advent

Nativity Poem.

Posted on by Pure Joy 
Mary and Joseph Trusted and Believed,
The Son of God had been conceived.
They lived by Faith and not by sight,
Lives Pleasing to God, doing what's Right.
God Chose them to take care of His Son,
The True Gift of Christmas had just begun.

Born in a Stable, no room at the inn,
A Baby born to take away our sin.

Shepherds were watching their Flocks nearby,
When Suddenly an Angel appeared in the sky.
Good Tidings of Great Joy was brought to them,
A Saviour had been born in Bethlehem.
Wrapped in cloths and lying in a Manger,
A Friend to All and not a stranger.

Wise Men travelled from afar,
Following the Guidance of the Bright Shining Star.
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were received with Joy,
Precious Gifts for the Most Precious Little Boy.

Jesus was born for All Mankind,
To All who seek, they Will Find.

The True Meaning of Christmas is to be saved from sin,
So open your Heart to Jesus and Let Him Come In.
Posted in Advent

7th December.

Posted on by Pure Joy

~ The Wisdom of The Wise Men ~

To Enjoy the Full Experience of this message, it’s Best viewed on our Website on a Laptop/PC. www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk

The Wise Men (also known as Magi) travelled from the East to Bethlehem, which would have been thousands of miles.

There were No cars, trains or plains back then. Their main form of transport would have been Camels. 
Horses & Donkeys were also available at that time and course 'Walking with their own 2 feet', (they had no comfortable walking shoes, it would have been very basic open sandals).

There would have been No proper roads available for them back then and the 'Long Journey' would have crossed vast Deserts & Mountains with tricky and dangerous terrain.

The Journey would have taken months and possibly over a year, so they obviously needed to 'Be Prepared'.

For the Wise Men to have even Started a Journey like that, and then to have Continued until they 'Reached Their Goal' meant that they obviously knew the 'End Result' was Worth It and was Something Special.

To have the Experience of 'Meeting Jesus' as the Goal in Your Life, means that Anything is Worth Doing to Achieve It.

You too can 'Meet Jesus' in Your Heart, Mind & Soul. 'Simply Set Your Goal'.

~ ~ ~

The Wise Men would have studied Astronomy for many years. They Clearly Understood the Stars, as it was a Star that Guided them to the place where Jesus was.

It's Clear that they had studied the Scriptures as they had a Good Knowledge & Understanding of the Importance of the Messiah (Jesus).

They were obviously Very Intelligent people.

Studying, Knowledge, Understanding and Intelligence are all Good things.

But that's Not what made them Wise.

~ What made the Wise Men 'Wise'?

True Wisdom can Only come from One Source ~ God ~.

The thing that made the Wise Men 'Wise' was their 'Commitment' to 'Follow Jesus' and 'Give Their Hearts to The Lord'.

That same Wisdom is Available to You. 

~ Positive Bible Verses ~
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
(James 1:5)

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
(Matthew 9:9)
This message was Inspired by The Nativity Prayer. You can view the full Prayer on our website by clicking on The Nativity Prayer.  
~ Please feel free to look through the pages of our website for more ways to Help you Enjoy the True Meaning of Advent & Christmas. 
www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk
Posted in Advent

6th December.

Posted on by Pure Joy

“Thank You Lord for The Nativity”.

To Enjoy the Full Experience of this message, it’s Best viewed on our Website on a Laptop/PC. www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk

The Nativity is a Beautiful story of how God 'Chose' how His Only Son would be Born on earth.

He Chose the Right Time, Right Place and Right People so that it would be so Special & Memorable that even after 2,000 years, people are Still Celebrating it.

Everyone that was part of the Original Nativity was 'Chosen' to be a True Inspiration to us All. 

As well as the Positives, we can also Learn how 'Not to Be' from the 'bad Examples' of people like King Herod, who in reality was in a Position of Privilege & Authority, and he should have been Setting a Good Example.

We can Learn from him that Power doesn't mean Anything if it's Not from God.

There are also Many, Many Positive Examples of how we 'Should Live' from people like Mary & Joseph, The Shepherds and The Wise Men etc.

We can Learn a Lot from them about how 'Real Faith & Trust' in God will have a Big Impact on the Entire World with 'Everlasting Results'.

God is 'Clearly' Very Capable of working things out in the 'Right Way' at the 'Right Time'.

God Truly does 'Know Best'.

You can be certain that you can Can 'Trust Your Life' to the 'Capable Hands' of the Almighty & Loving God.

~ Positive Bible Verse ~
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
(Psalm 126:3)
This message was Inspired by The Nativity Prayer. You can view the full Prayer on our website by clicking on The Nativity Prayer.  
~ Please feel free to look through the pages of our website for more ways to Help you Enjoy the True Meaning of Advent & Christmas. 
www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk
Posted in Advent

5th December.

Posted on by Pure Joy

Are You Ready For Jesus?

To Enjoy the Full Experience of this message, it’s Best viewed on our Website on a Laptop / PC. www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk .

When Jesus was Born there were people who were Ready for Him, but there were many who were not.

30 years later when Jesus performed Miracles and showed people the Right Way to live, there were people who were Ready, but many were not.

Now over 2,000 years later with all the Knowledge, Experience, Understanding and Wisdom of 'Who Jesus Is', there are people who are Ready, but there are still many who are not.

~ Are You Ready For Jesus?

When Jesus was Born, the Innkeeper & Staff were not Ready for Him. They were 'Too Busy' with 'other people'.

King Herod was not Ready for Jesus. Herod wanted to be King. 
His 'arrogance, selfishness and craving for control' meant he was not able to Accept Jesus as King.

The Pharisees (the very people who had 'studied the Scripture' and knew the Law inside out) were not even Ready for Jesus. They 'expected' something else and they were too 'stubborn' to be Open Minded to 'God's Way'.

~ On the other hand, Mary & Joseph were Ready for Jesus.
Even though they didn't Understand how it could be possible that Mary would be pregnant as they had not been intimate together, they Both put their 'Faith & Trust' in God. 
They Believed that even though 'people' can't explain how it's possible, 'Nothing is impossible with God'.

The Shepherds were Ready for Jesus. 
Back in that time, Shepherds were considered as 'outcasts'. People overlooked them, they would have been called and put down. Yet the Shepherds Faith & Belief was Stronger than All of the popular people put together. 
By their 'Simple yet Powerful Choice' to Trust God, they were Blessed with being the First Ever people to visit Jesus. WOW.

The Wise Men were Ready for Jesus. 
Even though they were 'thousands of miles' away from the place where Jesus was Born, they were 'Willing' to do 'Whatever It Takes' to Meet Jesus.
Because of that Humble Attitude, they were Filled with 'Exceedingly Great Joy'.

~ Are You Ready For Jesus?

Are you 'Too Busy' with 'other people' and 'other things' to even notice that Jesus is 'Knocking at the Door of Your Life'.
Or are you 'Willing' to do 'Whatever it Takes' to Make Room to 'Welcome Jesus In'.

Are you trying to be King or Queen of your own Life and not Accepting Jesus as 'Your Lord'. 
Or will you make the 'Simple yet Powerful Choice' to put 'Your Trust' in God and Discover the Strength of Real Faith.

Is your 'Knowledge' and the things 'people' have taught you 'Holding You Back' from Experiencing New & Exciting Things when God Himself reveals them to You.
Or are you 'Willing' to put 'Your Faith & Trust' in God and not in people, so that you too can Enjoy the Freedom & Peace of Mind, knowing that with God & Jesus in your Life, you don't need to Understand everything, you 'Just Need to Believe'.

Don't Miss Out on the Wonderful Blessings of letting Jesus be 'King of Your Life'.

Do 'Whatever It Takes' to 'Welcome Him In'.


~ Positive Bible Verses ~
Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
(Luke 10:41+42)

~ ~ ~

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the Truth.
(John 18:37)

~ ~ ~

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And do not lean on your own understanding
(Proverbs 3:5)


~ ~ ~

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man (Jesus) will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
(Matthew 24:44)
~ Please feel free to look through the pages of our website for more ways to Help you Enjoy the True Meaning of Advent & Christmas. 
www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk
Posted in Advent

4th December

Posted on by Pure Joy

The History of Advent

   The Meaning of Advent has Always had the same basic Foundation, 
~ To Focus on Jesus and to Prepare Yourself for Jesus.

How to Achieve this has had different variations over the years.

The Earliest known Record of Advent was in 380 AD by the Council of Sagossa.
Back then people were advised to attend Church from 17th - 29th December.

At one time Advent was in January in the run up to Epiphany and new Christians would prepare themselves for Baptism.

Later this changed into the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas Day.

Some people now prefer to spend Advent as starting on 1st December.

Some people spend Advent up to 24th December whereas some people prefer it as 25th December.

There Isn't a set rule as to the Timing of Advent. The Most Important thing is 'How You Spend Advent' and 'Who & What You Focus On'.

The word Advent comes from the Latin word 'adventus' which is a translation of the Greek word 'parousia'.

Parousia means 'The Arrival of The Lord' or 'The Coming of Jesus'.

The historic way of spending Advent was to spend the 1st '2 weeks' Focusing On & Preparing Yourself for when Jesus 'Comes Back', (know as the 2nd Coming), and the 2nd '2 weeks' Focusing On 'The Birth of Jesus' (know as the 1st Coming).

The more modern way to spend Advent is the Themes of 'Hope, Peace, Love and Joy', one for each week leading up to Christmas Day. 
Candles are lit for each week to symbolise the Meanings of each theme.

Some people choose to light candles every day of Advent and spend Quality Time in Prayer with Jesus and reading Positive Bible Verses.

As long as Your Heart, Mind and Soul are 'Focused on Jesus', thats all that matters.

The Truth is Whatever works Best for 'You' to Help you 'Stay Focused on Jesus', then that is what's 'Right For You'. 
~ Positive Bible Verse ~
You will keep them in Perfect Peace, whose Mind is Stayed on You.
(Isaiah 26:3)
~ Please feel free to look through the pages of our website for more ways to Help you Enjoy the True Meaning of Advent & Christmas. 
www.JourneyingWithJesus.co.uk
Posted in Uncategorized

3rd December

Posted on by Pure Joy

Discover New & Exciting Things

  Advent is a Great Time to Discover New Things about Jesus. 

No matter whether you're new to Faith or a Life Long Christian, there's Always something New & Exciting to Learn & Discover.

If you're New to Faith then Advent is a Wonderful Time to start Reading the Bible.
It's best to start with the New Testament and read the Gospels first (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).

The first 2 Chapters of 'Matthew and Luke' describe the Birth of Jesus (The Nativity) and Advent is a Special Time to read these.

God has Blessed us with the Wonderful Gift of Imagination. Use this Gift to Imagine what it was like for the people who were there at The Original  Nativity.

Maybe Imagine Yourself as one of the Shepherds who were out in the Fields looking after their Sheep. When Suddenly an Angel appeared to them and said that a Baby had just been Born who will Save All people from their wrong ways of living, and that they will 'Find Him' in a Manger.

Imagine what it must have felt like to make a 'Choice' to 'Go and Search' for Someone Who Will Save You. ~ That's Faith.

Imagine the Excitement of when they Discovered Baby Jesus in a Manger, just like the Angel had said to them.

Imagine the feeling of Joy, Amazement and Wonder as they Realised that 'God had Communicated Directly to Them' and 'Guided' them to Jesus. WOW.

You too can Experience that feeling of 'Pure Joy' when you 'Search for Jesus' and 'Find Him'.

God Guided the Shepherds, He Will Guide You as Well.  
~ Positive Bible Verse ~
The Angel said, "do not be afraid for behold I bring You Good tidings of Great Joy".
( Luke 2:10)
Posted in Advent

2nd December

Posted on by Pure Joy

Stay Focused on Jesus

 Advent is a 'Time to Focus on Jesus'. 

As with any time of the year there will always be 'things' that try to 'Distract You' from Jesus.

- Shops Compete for 'Your Attention' so that you will buy their products.
- TV channels Compete for 'Your Attention' so you'll watch their programs.
- Entertainment venues Compete for 'Your Attention' so that you'll go to their events.
- Social media Competes so you'll 'Follow them'.
- Even people Compete for 'Your Attention' to get you to do what they want.
  
Yet Non of these 'things' are for 'Your Benefit'.
They are all aimed and designed so that 'they benefit' from 'Your Attention'.

Whereas Jesus is for 'Your Benefit'.
Only Jesus can 'Offer You' Lasting Satisfaction, Joy, Happiness and Peace.

All the 'things' above are 'brief and temporary'. They're designed that way so that you Feel 'empty' afterwards and you then think you need More shopping, TV, Entertainment, Social media, People etc to 'fill the emptiness'. 

Yet Jesus' Peace, Love and Joy is Everlasting.
That's why it's so Important to 'Stay Focused on Jesus'.

Make a Choice Today to spend this Advent 'Focused on Jesus' and Discover the True Meaning of Joy.
~ Positive Bible Verse ~
You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord 
(Jeremiah 29:13)