It was the sixth and final week in the study, “True Light For Everyone”, the perfect time to bring the study to a close and take a breather …

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We began the week in Matthew 2:1-6 which brought several thoughts:

• Time. Matthew tells us “about that time” some wise men came. What time? During the reign of Herod which was not such a good time for the people. God always knows the right time to show up, for He knows when our circumstances need His intervention.
• Guidance. The wise men followed the star which led them to Jesus. God will always guide us to Himself.

The wise men followed, not knowing where they were going until they came upon the baby. We may not know where we are headed, but when we arrive,  we will surely know He led us all the way.

Think on these two things – God’s timing and His guidance -  and how they have been true in your life. Ask Him for the patience to wait on Him as He continues to guide you.

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We continued with reading Matthew 2:13-15, where we find the wise men leaving and the Lord appearing to Joseph in a dream. In the dream, an angel tells Joseph to take his family and “Flee!”

Joseph awakens and wastes no time. Scripture tells us: “That night Joseph left for Egypt” (verse 14, NLT).

It was instant obedience for Joseph. He didn’t wait for morning.

Joseph had a heart to protect his family, to safeguard what had been given to him, which brought two questions to ask of ourselves:

1. Do I safeguard all that has been given to me?
2. Do I remember and praise God for the times He has protected me?

Take time to reflect on God’s protection on your life. Our God, our faithful Father, is always present and protecting us – even when we are unaware.

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We brought this study to a close with reading Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40.

Here we find another dream and yet another journey. This time to Nazareth.

Nazareth – a town for the humble. Not a town of renown or wealth or influence. But it was there where Jesus lived like one of us, so that He could identify with us in all of our struggles and pains.

Throughout each reading this week, I was struck with how often we are told that something occurred so that prophecy or Scripture could be fulfilled.

This is our assurance that every word of Scripture is true and will yet be fulfilled. Not one prophecy will go unfulfilled. His birth assures us, He will return “so that what was spoken by the prophets will be fulfilled.”

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Time.
Obedience.
Fulfillment.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

May you have a blessed Christmas with family, leaving you with the gift of wonderful memories. I’ll be back January 6th, 2020 to start off a new year and decade. Blessings!

Graphics by Megan Della Tingle.
Wreath photo by Jodie Walton on Unsplash

Today I am joining … Inspire Me Monday .