Christmas is one of the most celebrated  Christian holidays of the year, but what is the true meaning of Christmas? It is the celebration of the beautiful birth of Jesus Christ our Savior .. but is there more? 

 Christmas appears zero times in the Bible. But in the New International Version of the Bible, “Christ” appears 453 times! 

In order to understand the word CHRISTmas I decided to look at the two syllables that make up this word we have grown to celebrate annually...

The word is a shortened form of "Christ's mass", or "Cristes Maesse" as it was first recorded in 1038. 

Christ was the title given to Jesus. It was not His given name. It actually comes from the Greek word Christos which means "anointed one" or "chosen one.". 

The second syllable “mass”  comes from The English word “Mass” which comes from the Latin word missa, which means to be “sent.” This Latin word has been used since the 6th or 7th century. The mass is the gathering of people to celebrate the life of Jesus. This practice is the ritual we know as Holy Communion and the Lord's Supper.

So to summarize the word CHRISTmas: it is a word that was given to a Christian event that has celebrated the birth of Jesus since  Dec. 25, 336 AD.  

It is the annual celebration of “anointed” one. The style of this celebration is the drinking of wine and eating of bread to remember our beautiful Savoir. 

So how and when did this monumental day become so commercialized? When did we decide to give this “gift“ an annual birthday celebration? Do we even celebrate its true significance?  Or do we get caught up in all the materialistic trappings? 

This tiny newborn life that we celebrate on Christmas, comes from the very essence of God our Creator. We know Him as the son of God.  This beautiful soul came to earth to live and taste life. He wanted to understand first-hand man's journey and how to live life as a human. He wanted to teach us a value system that would bless our lives... He is our living example of how to conduct ourselves with others... He allowed men to take His life in order to offer us a way home and to clean our transgressions before our Heavenly Father... He came to us as a gift with a mission... 

So as we break bread, and pour the wine in celebration ... Take a few moments.. and put those shiny new gifts aside.. and let’s bow our heads ... and truly thank Him for being the reason we are blessed to gather today... He is the reason we celebrate life... It’s because of Him that we have been able to share in God's human anointing...  We can further discover in 1 Samuel 16:13; Matthew 25:1-13 that the act of anointing symbolizes the Holy Spirit. 

So are we to understand CHRISTmas... Is Jesus Christ the anointed one.. He is God, the man, that has been sent to us as the deliverer and He reigns as promised under the title of Messiah.. the expected king. 

Mass is the gathering of the masses.. To share in the beautiful gift of life. I can only bow my head and thank Him ... The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit for His abundant love. His abundant grace and His patience as I unravel the many clues He has given us. 

It makes me smile when I see how He has woven every celebration, every word, every gift... to Him... Because He knows that our lives are much like a butterfly ... We come to earth and stay in the dormant state of our cocoon... Until the day, His love breaks our spirit free and we become alive... This transformation begins our migration home to Our Creator. 

Today I celebrate His life, His Love. His gift of the anointed one Jesus Christ...  He is my masterpiece of splendid wonder... I appreciate Him beyond this life... He WOWs me... 

It’s Him, It’s always Him 

Merry CHRISTmas 

Hmm, 🤔 More clues to this amazing heavenly puzzle?  ...are we ready?? 

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; Revelations 19:7 ESV 

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23

“Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” Revelation 3:21-22 NLT

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

You're Here Francesca Battistelli - Mary & Jesus Christmas Music Video

Occupy until I come!!!!

The word occupy means to take back and keep that which is His aggressively. 

Occupy is used 45 times in the Bible. 

He is coming again in the same form as He left. Two thousand years ago, He ascended into the clouds. Are you looking for His return?

While we wait, we are to occupy? What does that mean today? If you follow Jesus, what are you doing to occupy?

Are we taking a stand in this world? Do we have influence in government, entertainment, the education of our children, and the technology that every child and adult holds in their hands every day?

Do we complain there is no prayer in our schools?

If we are to occupy, take, or possess what is His, we must be bold. He has given us the talents and gifts we will need. He has given us His love, His power to speak, to write, and to share His wonderful message with the world. 

In the Old Testament, there was a man named Caleb. It says that when facing the enemy, he had a different spirit, and he followed God fully. That different spirit in Him said our God is mighty, and with Him, we can take the land, even the giants in it. 

We can also say this: The enemy is defeated. Our Father has given us the tools to occupy and stand strong. We can wield His sword and shine His light in the darkness that seems to be trying to take over our world. Let us join our hands and our hearts and hold fast our positions. I urge you to discover your talents and gifts and use every possible way to share Him!! 

He is our hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

“And he called his ten servants and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 

Luke 19:13 KJV

Image and Written by Joann Turnbull

Sinners Prayer

Digital creation by Lori Garner 

Inspiring Music by (YouTube) 

MORIAH - Stand Strong (Official Lyric Video)

The meaning of sit: adopts or be in a position in which one's weight is supported by one's buttocks rather than one's feet and one's back is upright.

Do you ever find life so busy that sitting still can be a challenge?? We seem to be so busy that we can not stop our minds from racing ?? Do we busy ourselves so much that we get lost in the LIFE shuffle??  

Where can we go to escape? Who will understand? Who will comfort us with no questions asked??? Where can we find that freedom of a child? There is an answer.

But are we too busy to see Him? Are we too busy to talk to Him? Are we too busy to love Him? Are we too busy to FEEL Him? 

I have found a safe place to hide in a world that seems to have gone mad... I want to share with you the answer...

He came to rescue us from the madness of our world... He is our first love... He is gentle, kind and our soft place to fall.. He loves us far greater and deeper than anyone.. in all the universe! 

I cherish each second that I sit in His presence. He comforts my anxious soul. He fills my heart with a love that engulfs my very existence. I see Him in all creation ... 

It’s at that moment..  when I feel Him that time seems to fade away...My heart and soul are freed ... to feel such amazing rest, peace, and acceptance, even when life seems to continue to spin out of control in the distance. 

I am swept away... 

Things of this world do not necessarily go away...  It’s our heart, soul, and mind that gets refreshed as we sit with Him... He brings such amazing balance, joy, and love... that the burdens of life seem to lift... You feel that you can finally breathe... 

If I have learned anything during this amazing journey I have learned... this, 

We must learn to sit still and open our hearts, talk to Him from the depths of our soul... Humble ourselves and surrender your entire life into His loving arms...

And love Him with ALL!!!! all your Heart, Soul, and Mind... 

It’s where healing begins.. mountains crumble, and clarity can be obtained.. and you will be loved far greater than you ever dreamed possible... 

I used to find sitting still difficult.... 😍 until now !!!  I now crave these moments...They are the reason I breathe... 

My heart is calling me now... I am done... 

I am going to my favorite place where I can not be reached by things of this world...

It’s Him! It’s always Him... He refreshes my soul... ❤and yes He takes my breath away... 

And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. Matthew 20:23 

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, Psalm 17:8

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Sit With You Awhile Todd Agnew

"If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own powers." - Mother Teresa

Meaning of pride: a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

Ok stand back and brace yourself most if not all of us could use a hefty dose of humility when we crack open this word...

It just might hit you like a cold glass of water on a blistering summer day... Will it be a pleasant tune or just a bunch of white noise... 

I think we have hit a sensitive cord... Pride can be dark, it can be full of self... and the shrapnel it releases can wound unsuspecting hearts...

Is this word always an ugly word? Is there a time when pride can be an emotion that can drive us to a place of beautiful growth ?? 

As parents, we tell our children we are proud of their achievements... But when we take it to others in a boastful manner I think we have just shifted pride to a displeasing level... When pride points to self that is when we lose our humility.. our grace, and our focus on what truly matters... 

Would it be out of line if I said I am proud that I am a follower of Christ?  Or would I rather hear my Father say He is pleased with who I am becoming... I pray the latter.

When we do not own the word but give it the way it takes on such a beautiful meaning... 

The heart you gifted that emotion to may have needed your approval or just a few words of encouragement... 

When you weld this emotion mix it with a pinch of love and make sure it lands firm and does not boomerang. 

Be a humble encourager ... 

Be the most amazing soul you can be!!! Make our Father be delighted in the soul you have become.

Then suddenly the voice of the Father shouted from the sky, saying, “This is my Son—the Beloved! My greatest delight is in him.” Matthew 3:17

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Selah + Pride Of A Father - Hillsong Young & Free //// Subtítulos en Españo

The meaning of prosper: To favor; to render successful. All things concur to prosper our design.

The word prosper is in the KJV approximately 104 times.

How do you measure success? Is it that job at the top? Is it that big house? Or that shiny new car? 

This word can go deeper if you study it with your soul.... You will never see the word prosper superficially again... It can point you to what is important in your life... 

I listened to a gentleman yesterday.  He is a covid survivor. He shared that he considered himself a success. He had all the trappings of a successful life.. beautiful house, car, job... and as He laid there gasping for air thinking about his past and his future. He realized none of those things truly mattered... It became evident that it was his life, his relationships, and where he would transition if he became a covid statistic? 

So as we study this word I ask how do we see this word? Are we a success? Do we prosper spiritually? Do we chase the things that truly matter? Or do we collect “things” for someone to sell in an estate sale when we leave this earth ??? How do we live a rich life?? Do we pour out love to the ones who live in our hearts? Do we care enough for the lost? Do we put ourselves in God's hands?  We are only here for a short time to make your mark! Leave loving memories in the hearts of others... 

We have been given directions for life many times. How do we not see it? How do we not live it... Are we lost or are we too busy, to truly prosper and live a rich life.  We must find Him. We value Him above all else. We must love with all our heart and soul. Our Creator has given us the tools... I challenge you to pick them up and follow Him!! 

It’s Him, it’s always him 

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law, he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalms 1:2-3 NASB

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Treasures In Heaven / BURLAP TO CASHMERE