Category: Jesus

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JESUS, BELOVED SON – ADVENT THOUGHTS (2)

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Advent is well on the way. We are making our lists, attending Christmas events, maybe even switching on our Christmas lights. Let’s take a moment today to remember the One this is season is all about. Jesus, the Beloved Son.

The following is a an extract from my recently published Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is‘, 24 daily devotions based on the names of Jesus.

BELOVED SON

The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and declared that the child she would conceive by the Holy Spirit would be called the ‘Son of the Highest’ (Luke 1:32). On two further occasions God Himself speaks confirming Jesus as His Son: at His Baptism (Matthew 3:17), and at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). On both occasions God declares ‘This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’.

Loving Parent

Can you picture God the Father, looking down with His heart bursting with love and pride for His Son? Those of us who are parents can perhaps understand that feeling. I know that we can’t wait to tell people how wonderful our children, or our grandchildren are, and how proud we are of them. We see beyond their mistakes and imperfections and love them fiercely and unconditionally. Seeing God as a loving parent dispels the idea of Him being a distant figure. He was completely and utterly besotted with His son, His perfect Son, and was totally invested in what Jesus was doing. Isaiah 42:1 tells us that Jesus, His servant, delights God’s soul.

Loving the World

But not only did God the Father love His Son, He loved the world that He sent His Son to (John 3:16). So much so that He willingly gifted His only son to the world. Jesus, the Son, came, sharing the very nature of His Father. He became the expression of the Father’s love for us: love incarnate, willing to lay down His very life for us.

As parents we love to give our children what they wish for, especially at Christmas. If we could afford it, we would give our children the world. Funnily enough that was exactly what God the Father promised His Son,

‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.’         Psalm 2:7-8

That inheritance includes you and me! Because Jesus came willingly and obediently to earth, and humbled Himself to death on the cross, God exalted His Beloved Son to the highest place. And every knee in heaven and earth will one day bow to His beautiful name (Philippians 2:8-11).

~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: Do I find it hard to see God as a loving father? Why is that?

Ask God: Reveal to my heart, Jesus, just how much you love me personally.

Pray: Thank You Father that You loved the world enough to send Your Beloved Son to live among us, and to die for us. Thank You that just as You delighted in Jesus, so You delight in me as Your child. Even when I make mistakes, it doesn’t change how You love me, and You demonstrated that love for me in sending Jesus. Thank You that I am part of Jesus’ inheritance, and that one day I will worship at His feet, knowing that I belong to Him.

Help me to see how much You love and delight in me. Help me to love Jesus as He deserves to be loved, and to walk in His love.

Amen

Further Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Purchase a copy

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

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JESUS – THE WORD. ADVENT THOUGHTS (1)

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I love Advent. I love the excitement of preparing for Christmas; gift shopping, cake baking, tree decorating. But the main reason I love Advent is that it is a time every year when we can contemplate the wonder of Christ’s coming.

This year I am so excited to have my own Advent Devotional in print. I have decided to take some of the thoughts from ‘Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is‘ and publish them here on my blog. If you want all 24 daily devotions to inspire and encourage you, you will have to purchase the book!

THE WORD

John’s gospel begins with the familiar words, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ’ (John 1:1). To know he is speaking of Jesus we only have to jump down to v14, and to these words, ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.’

Logos

I wonder if you have ever struggled to understand this description of Jesus? I certainly have. I love words, I love reading them and writing them. I love the beauty words can portray when used creatively. So how does this relate to Jesus? The Greek meaning of ‘word’ here isn’t so much the written word but the spoken word, or ‘logos’. It is the expression of a thought. It makes much more sense to describe Jesus in this way, as the spoken, outward expression of God’s thoughts. The manifestation of all that He is.

His spoken message

Scripture tells us that ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ (Matthew 12:34). God had so much in His heart that He wanted to express to mankind of His love, joy, truth, holiness, grace and mercy, that He sent us His spoken message in the person of Christ. In effect Jesus was the embodiment of all that God wanted to say to us. How beautiful is that!

The Word of Life

But there is more. John 1:1-3 tell us that Jesus was there in eternity with God and through Him all creation happened (Colossians 1:16). We know that God spoke creation into being (Genesis 1:3). It was in His heart already, but speaking the words had the power to bring what was in His heart to life. In and through Jesus, God speaks the desire of His heart, to bring life, eternal life, life in abundance to all who will believe.

Jesus is ‘the Word of life’ (1 John 1:1). In Revelation John describes Jesus as the all victorious One riding on a white horse, bearing the words ‘faithful and true’. He gives Him the name ‘The Word of God’ (Revelation 19:11-13). This is the One who shed His blood and rose again to purchase life for us. He wears the victor’s crown.

As John declares, of Jesus, the Word,

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men (John 1:4).

~~~~~~~

Ask Yourself: How does seeing Jesus as God, the One who created the world, and who is the human expression of God in all His fullness, change the way I understand the nature of God?

Ask God: Show me, Jesus, how powerful my words are. They have the power to bring life or to bring death (Proverbs 18:21).

Pray: Thank You Jesus, that You are the living Word. You are the full expression of God and You came to earth to show us the Father. Thank You that as God’s Word you offer life to all who will accept You. You are the Word of Life.

Help me to see You as God, to acknowledge You as the creator of the world, and to worship You as the victorious One. Help me to understand that just as Your words have power to create, and to express God’s heart, so do mine. Help me to speak of God’s love and mercy with my words, but also with my life, as You did.

 Amen.

Further Reading: John 1:1-18

Purchase a copy

Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional

Purchase a copy direct from the author here

Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here

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BOOK REVIEW: THE JESSE TREE ANTHOLOGY Compiled by Rachel Yarworth

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Graphic with the cover of The Jesse Tree Anthology, alongside a list of dates and names for the Blog Tour

I am thrilled to be able to take part in the Blog Tour for this exciting new Advent Resource. Especially thrilled because I have the joy of being one of the contributors! So this review is not biased in any way, honest!

A Good God idea

Many months ago, Rachel Yarworth had an idea, and shared it with a group known as the Association of Christian Writers. She wasn’t sure if it was a good idea, but it so happens that quite a few other people thought it was actually an excellent idea, as they readily signed up to be involved. I believe that Rachel’s good idea was a God idea, and one that has resulted in this really beautiful book.

The Jesse Tree

What was her idea? Well she had the vision for producing a family friendly devotional style book, that could be used during Advent. It would be based on the idea of the Jesse Tree – traditionally a pictorial or physical  representation of a tree with its branches that helps to tell the story of the Bible from creation right up until to the nativity of Christ. Although Jesse was a direct ancestor of Jesus, the Jesse Tree is more than just the physical lineage of Jesus. It is a study of how the people and the events of the Old Testament all point towards His coming.

Image shows the full front and back cover of The Jesse Tree Anthology

25 Fabulous Writers

But Rachel did not want to do this on her own and so asked if people would be willing to contribute to one of the 25 daily studies that would make up the whole. Before long she had 25 fabulous Christian Writers* keen to take part. The result is a wonderful collection of different voices, telling different stories, and adding their own insights and flavour to them. Every one of the contributors love Jesus, and that is so obvious in their writing.

Family friendly

 The daily thoughts are short, and written in accessible language, so they are great for family use, and for those new to, or just exploring the Christian faith. After each story are some thoughtful questions to ponder and discuss together. And then to top it all there are beautiful stained glass images to colour and cut out so that families can make their own Jesse Trees. If you don’t want to cut up the book these Jesse Tree decorations can also be downloaded from Rachel’s Website here.

Graphic with examples of the colourful decorations for making your own Jesse Tree, alongside the image of the front cover.

God’s Extraordinary Plan

What does Noah’s ark have to do with Jesus? Or Abraham and Isaac? Or Jacob’s ladder, or Rahab’s scarlet rope? Why did God give the prophets things to say that didn’t make sense at the time they were living? Or use the most unlikely people to become the physical ancestors of Jesus? The Jesse Tree Anthology takes us in a wonderful journey from creation to Christmas, and opens our eyes to God’s extraordinary extravagantly detailed plan to bring Salvation to the world in the person of Jesus.

A Valuable Resource

Rachel has done a fabulous job of drawing the Anthology together and getting it published. The themes, the questions, the artwork and the glorious cover are all due to her hard work and commitment to her original vision. I can so heartily recommend The Jesse Tree Anthology to you. It is far more than a book; it is a valuable resource that can be used over and over again, and will bring Jesus into the centre of Christmas for families everywhere.

The Jesse Tree Anthology  ISBN 978-1739257712 RRP £8.99 can be purchased via Amazon or direct from Rachel’s website at https://rachelyarworthwriter.uk/books/

I will also have a few signed copies available to sell myself. Contact me if you are interested.

*Contributors include: Liz Carter, Maressa Mortimer, Natasha Woodcraft, Jocelyn-Anne Harvey, Rob Seabrook, Emily Owen, Claire Musters. Sheelagh Aston, Joanna Watson, Shaoan Hazel, Liz Manning, Matt McChlery, Lesley Crawford, Alex Banwell, Olusola Sophia Anyanwu, Joy Margetts, Joy Vee, Ruth Leigh, Jonathon Bugden, Jo Acharya, Anne Calver, Jenny Sanders, Fay Rowlands, Rowena Cross, Rachel Yarworth

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. ‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel ‘The Bride’ will be published on 20th October 2023. She also has her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional called ‘Christ Illuminated‘, being published by Kevin Mayhew this autumn.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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A GOOD WORK

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Inside Out

Image shows a woman wearing a black cardigan over a pink top

A couple of weeks ago in a prayer meeting somebody called me a cardigan. And I wasn’t offended! I had been sharing how I felt my health limitations combined with recent demands on my time and energy had left me feeling deeply unsettled. I couldn’t clearly see what my role was to be going forward, in church particularly, where other changes are taking place. Good, exciting changes, but changes that we are having to adapt to. At the moment that I was sharing another friend entered the room and took off her coat to reveal that she had been wearing her cardigan inside out all morning. We laughed with her, but then another friend turned to me and said, ‘You are like that cardigan. Even though it looks a bit different being inside out, it still works. It still kept her warm.’ It really encouraged me. Sometimes we don’t feel we are the same people when circumstances mean we can’t do what we used to do. But God might just be turning us inside out, showing others a different aspect of us, changing our own perspective. We are still cardigans!

Valuable

I am reading a book at the moment, which I will be doing a fuller review on in time. Valuable, by Liz Carter, will be published in June 2023, and I an honored to be reading a pre-publication copy. One of the main messages the book tackles is the whole issue of ‘usefulness’. The narrative that we accept that says that somehow our value to others, and even to God Himself, is tied up with how useful we are. What we can do or achieve. When in fact God sees us as valuable even in our weakness and uselessness. It is a great book and has made me think deeply as to how we are so quick to judge others by their jobs, callings or giftings. Rather than to value them as God does, just for being them.

A Good Work

In the week leading up to Easter I re-read the story of Christ’s passion. This time as I was reading Matthew’s account one verse hit me like never before. The story is beautiful and probably familiar (Matthew 26 : 6 -13) Within hours of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, whilst He is at the home of Simon the Leper, a woman comes with an alabaster jar of costly perfume and pours it all over Him. It is an act of adoration and worship. An act of love, the fragrance of which stayed with Jesus as He faced the agony of rejection and crucifixion. But it was Jesus’ words that stood out to me anew. When His disciples criticised her extravagant waste, He said “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.”  ( Matthew 26:10)

The word ‘WORK’ leapt out of the page. I even went back to the Greek, and yes the word Jesus used of that woman’s act of worship, was the word ergon – that means work, task, employment, accomplishment. How often do we believe we have to do some great work for Christ, to be useful and fruitful to make Him pleased with us. All that woman did was pour perfume and love all over Him. Sure it was costly, and sacrificial, but it was her genuine heartfelt response to her Saviour. And He honoured her for it.

Cropped image of a person dressed in simple white robes pouring liquid from a decorated jar.

Image courtesy of https://the-alabaster-jar.com/

Pour out our Love

It is still mind blowing to me that Jesus called her love act ‘work’. And it is something that I will have to continue to meditate on in the days going forward. As I think about who I am, what I can do or not do. What roles I will take going forward. Perhaps the very best work I can do for Jesus is to just sit at His feet and pour my love over Him. And it doesn’t necessarily mean that I should do nothing else. But that what I do actually do for Him should flow out of that love response, rather than the quest for approval. Maybe, just maybe, it is enough for Him, for me to worship and adore Him, and to revel in His love for me. It is good work enough.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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A CONSTANT HEART

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UPS AND DOWNS

Image shows a tiny hand of a newborn baby grasping an adult's thumb

A little over a month ago I posted an emotional blog about the loss of our dog, and our grief over it. Our feelings of sadness at the time were really intense, coming on the back of a difficult few months. And then suddenly, within weeks, everything changed and joy replaced grief. Busyness replaced loneliness, and the unwelcome quiet was replaced by the longing for a little peace! Life is like that. You can step from sadness to joy in the matter of weeks, and then sometimes back to sadness again. Or worry, or excitement, or frustration, or fulfilment. Sometimes the ups and downs can leave us feeling pretty storm-tossed!

GOOD THINGS

Image shows a phot of the author signing a contract

In the last month some really, really good things have happened in our lives. Firstly we welcomed our second grandchild into the world. She came early, and came tiny, but she also came healthy and everyone is doing great. We are overjoyed to be invited to be so involved in our grandchildren’s lives – it is such a privilege. They are a delight to be with, and being a grandparent is one of the greatest joys of my life.

A second thing that brings me joy (and not a little anxiety) is my writing. In the same week that our grandchild was born, I signed a contract with my publisher for a third novel, that will be out later this year. This is exciting, and I am thrilled, but it also brings with it pressures, deadlines, stress. Publishing a book is a rollercoaster ride all of its own.

A CONSTANT HEART

Life is never all about one kind of emotion. We have to learn to navigate the seasons, or sometimes, the moments that we are in. We need to guard our hearts to ensure that extremes of emotions don’t derail us. That we remain constant, in our faith, our trust in God, our belief that He is in control, in being who He has called us to be.

One passage of scripture that always speaks to me is from Matthew 14: 13 – 21. Jesus hears about the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. That he dearly loved John, and deeply grieved his loss is evident. He goes away by Himself to find a deserted place to be alone, with the Father, to process His loss. Only He is not alone for long, because the crowds follow Him. Did He send them away? No, v 14 tells us that He was ‘moved with compassion’ seeing how many of them needed to be healed. So after hours of healing and teaching them, does He send them away to find food for themselves, as His disciples suggest? No. He feeds them – and what a 5,000 guest party that was! So in a matter of a few hours Jesus grieved, was filled with compassion, poured Himself out, and then celebrated an extraordinary miracle. All the time He stayed right in the centre of God’s will for Him.

A STEADFAST HEART

Jesus’ example is hard to follow. I’m not saying that we should not take time to grieve, or to celebrate, but that whatever life throws at us, we can still seek to be at the centre of God’s will. We can listen to Him, trust Him, look to the needs of others, and keep our hearts constant. Or steadfast, as the Psalmist did – always finding a reason to praise. Psalm 57:7

Image contains the words of Psalm 57:7 against a background of abbey ruins and green leaves.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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ADVENT 24: LOVE CAME DOWN

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LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS

He has many Names

And the greatest of all is Love.

Love came down at Christmas

Love all lovely, love divine.

Love, He is Love.

Love incarnate

Love clothed Him with human flesh. Love planned it before the beginning of time. Love humbled Himself and crept silently, yet powerfully, into a troubled world. Love challenged hatred, fear, shame and oppression. Love took a willing girl and grew within her. Love spoke to a troubled man and calmed him to obedience. Love drew shepherds in wonder and kings in worship.

The word LOVE in a white heart, on a background of all the Names of Jesus in lilac coloured script.

Love opened His arms wide and embraced a world yet to know Him, giving all of Himself. Love that was, and is and ever more will be. Love that saves, redeems, restores and sustains. Love that embraces us still, every day and into eternity.

Love came down at Christmas. Wonderful Love, we embrace you, we bow in reverence before You, we worship You, we give ourselves to You.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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ADVENT 23: JESUS – I AM

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BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS

In John 8 :58, Jesus said something extraordinary which astounded His listeners; ‘Before Abraham was, I Am’. This would have shocked them because He was claiming to have existed before Abraham lived on earth. The Jewish leaders and scholars could make no sense of that, how the man who stood before them could claim to have also been alive before the man who was the great father of their nation. Unless… He was claiming to be more than a man.

Text of John 8 v 58 on a blue background surrounded by Christmas tree decorations

I AM WHO I AM

His wording was no mistake. He did not say ‘Before Abraham was, I was’. He said ‘I AM’.  In fact He had already used the phrase ‘I am’  twice in this discourse, in John 8:24, and John 8:28 (the ‘He’ is not there in the Greek). If they hadn’t got it before I believe they would have heard it for sure the third time. And it angered them so much that they wanted to stone Him. Because His listeners would have known those two words as the title God used of Himself when He talked to Moses from the burning bush, ‘I AM who I AM’ (Exodus 3:14). That is, the One that just exists, the One that is, and always has been, and always will be. The eternal One who is all and holds all in His hands.

THE GREAT I AM

Jesus was claiming deity. He did it again in John 18: 5-6, when the soldiers came to arrest Him in the garden, and either consciously or sub -consciously, they knew the power in His words. When He said, ‘I AM’ (again, the ‘He’ is not there in the Greek), the soldiers fell back to the ground. God in human form allowed Himself to be taken by cruel human hands and led to His death, for our salvation.

Image of a blue sky with white clouds that have taken the shape of a lion and a lamb. The words 'I Am alpha and Omega' in blue text

Be in no doubt, the baby that shepherds ran to find, and kings knelt to worship, was and is the great I AM. The same God of the burning bush, who delivered His people from Egypt and parted the Red Sea, came in the form of a baby to Bethlehem. God the Son was not a lesser version of God the Father. He was, and is, God eternal. ‘I Am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End’ He declares from heaven (Revelation 1: 11).  This is the One who deserves all our honour, all our praise, and our very lives in worship this Christmas. So, so much more than a baby in a manger.

Text of Revelation 1 v 11 on a blue background surrounded by Christmas tree decorations

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

Bible, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

ADVENT 22: JESUS – THE WORD

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THE SPOKEN WORD

John’s gospel begins with the familiar words, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God’(John 1:1). To know he is speaking of Jesus we jump down to v 14, ‘and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father.’

Text of John 1 v 14 on a background of an open Bible and Christmas lights

 I wonder if you have ever struggled to understand this description of Jesus? I certainly have. I love words, I love reading them, writing them and the beauty words can portray when used creatively. How does this relate to Jesus? The Greek meaning of ‘word’ here isn’t so much the written word but the spoken word, ‘logos’. It is the expression of a thought. It makes much more sense to describe Jesus in this way, as the spoken, outward expression of God’s thoughts.

Scripture tells us that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12 : 34). God had so much in His heart that He wanted to express to mankind – of His love, joy, truth, holiness, grace and mercy. So He sent us His spoken message in the person of Christ. In effect Jesus was the embodiment of all that God wanted to say to us. How beautiful is that!

An open Bible against a background of soft focus Christmas Lights

THE CREATIVE WORD

But there is more. John 1 : 2-4 tell us that Jesus was there in eternity with God and through Him all creation happened (Colossians 1:16). We know that God spoke creation into being, it was in His heart, but speaking the words had the power to bring what was in His heart to life.  In and through Jesus, God speaks the desire of His heart, to bring life, eternal life, life in abundance. He is ‘The Word of Life ‘(1 John 1: 1). Pictured on a white horse in the book of Revelation, the all victorious one, Jesus is given the name ‘The Word of God’ (Revelation 19 : 13). He shed His blood and wears the victors crown to purchase life for us; ‘In Him was life’ (John 1: 4), and in Him IS life.

Text of John 1 v 2-4 on a background of an open Bible and Christmas lights

‘I believe that God speaks all the time to us, brother, but often our hearts are closed to hearing Him. Perhaps you have consciously opened your heart towards God more as you have journeyed on this pilgrimage, and so you have heard Him speak. Not in an audible voice, perhaps, but through the things you understand and relate to.’

‘So, I might hear God more from now on?’

‘I pray so, son. That’s why you are on this journey, after all. We are all on a journey closer to His heart. For you, it is treading the path of pilgrimage; for others, like me, it is serving Him in the everyday and doing the best with the life He has given us.’

‘How do you hear God speak, brother?’

‘Like you, sometimes in the things I am doing, just naturally; a thought comes to me that I believe is from Him. Other times He speaks to me through the wise words of others; sometimes through songs and liturgies, most often when reading and meditating on His word.’

THE PILGRIM

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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ADVENT 21 : JESUS – BELOVED SON

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THIS IS MY BELOVED SON

The Angel Gabriel came to Mary and declared that the child she would conceive by the Holy Spirit would be the ‘Son of the Highest’ (Luke 1: 32).  On two further occasions God Himself speaks confirming Jesus as His Son: at His Baptism (Matthew 3 : 17), and at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17 : 5). On both occasions God declares ‘This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’.

Text of Matthew 3 v 17 against a gold background with Christmas stars.

LOVE AND PRIDE

Can you picture God the Father looking down with His heart bursting with love and pride for His Son? Those of us who are parents can understand that feeling. We can’t wait to tell people how wonderful our kids, or our grandkids are and how proud we are of them. We see beyond their mistakes and imperfections and love them fiercely and unconditionally. This dispels the idea of God as a distant figure. He was completely and utterly besotted with His son, His perfect Son, and totally invested in what Jesus was doing. Isaiah 42 : 1 says of Jesus, this is ‘My Chosen One in whom my soul delights’.

Painting of Jesus coming out of the waters of Baptism, with his arms stretched out to heaven. He is gazing up at a bright light in the form of a dove.

GIVEN THE WORLD

But not only did God the Father love His Son, He loved the world that He sent Him to (John 3: 16). Jesus, the Son, shared the very nature of His Father. He became the expression of the Father’s love for us: love incarnate. As parents we love to give our children what they wish for, especially at Christmas. If we could afford it, we would give our children the world. Funnily enough that was exactly what God the Father gave His Son. ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you. Ask of me and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession’ (Psalm 2 : 7-8). That includes you and me! Because Jesus came willingly and obediently to earth, and humbled Himself to death on the cross, God exalted His Beloved Son to the highest place in heaven and earth. And every knee will bow to His beautiful name (Phil 2 : 8-11).

Text of Luke 1v32 against a gold background with Christmas stars.

Image of front cover of the book The Healing

‘It isn’t the end of the story, though,’ Hywel continued. ‘For the whole time that his son had been away, the father had looked out for him. Every day he would go out and search for him, or stand at the threshold of his property just looking out, watching and hoping for his wayward son to return. He still loved him, and was deeply concerned for him. He desperately wanted him home, despite what he had done. Sitting in his pigsty one day, the boy looked around at his surroundings and realised something – that even the servants in his father’s household lived better than he was living. He was desperately ashamed of what he had done, and wondered if there was any way he could return to his family, even if he could perhaps become a servant. He decided he would return home, and beg his father’s forgiveness, and take his chances. He got himself up out of his self-made pit and headed home.

‘Before he had got anywhere near his old home, he saw a figure come running towards him. Terrified, he thought his father had sent out a guard to beat him off. He fell to his knees sobbing in desperation. But then he realised it was no guard, but his father himself. And he carried no weapon, but instead his face was wreathed with joy. The father ran to his son, grabbed him, stood him to his feet, and then gathered him into his arms and wept on his neck.’

THE HEALING

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

advent, Bible, Christian Writer, christmas, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

ADVENT 19: JESUS – THE VINE

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I AM THE VINE

In John 15 :1 Jesus makes another statement about Himself; ‘I am the Vine, and my Father is the Vinedresser’. In v 5 He repeats the statement, but this time He says to His followers – ‘you are the branches’. Branches that need to stay connected to the main vine in order to produce fruit for Him.

Text of John 15 v 5 on a white background with Christmas baubles of assorted colours hanging to one side

GOD’S VINE

Have you ever wondered why Jesus used the picture of a Vine? Could he not have said that He was an olive tree, or a fig tree, perhaps. The picture still would have worked for a plant with fruit yielding branches. His listeners would have understood why. In the Old Testament, vines and vineyards were often used as pictures for Israel. Most notably in Psalm 80: 8-19 we have the description of a vine, brought out of Egypt, planted so that it took deep root and flourished. This is an obvious reference to God’s chosen people of Israel. Yet the Psalm goes on to lament that God has let the hedges surrounding this vine/vineyard be broken down so that the fruit can be stolen, by thieves and wild beasts. The cry is for God to restore His vine and His vineyard.

Israel had been God’s chosen people, to carry His presence and declare His glory. But they had failed to do so through their sin and disobedience. Here in the New Testament we have Jesus saying ‘I am the Vine’, and you can be a part of Me. He was the new vine that God had planted – and those who believed in Him would become the God’s chosen people to carry His presence and reflect His glory.

Photograph of clusters of grapes hanging from a vine, with the words 'I am the Vine'

BEARING FRUIT

Vines are planted in order to produce fruit, so it is with the Vine that is Christ Jesus. It’s branches must bear fruit, fruit that glorifies God. As branches of the Vine we don’t produce fruit of ourselves, He produces His fruit from our submitted lives, the fruit of His spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  Sometimes He needs to prune things from our lives that prevent us bearing fruit. Sometimes He has to bind up the branches so that they can bear the weight of the fruit. Always His Word brings the truth we need to keep our lives clean and attached to Him (John 15:1-7). Jesus, the Vine, asks us to abide in Him. To make Him our first focus and be willing to submit everything to Him. Then we will see His fruit flourish in our lives.

What does abiding in the Vine look like for you?

Text of Galatians 5 v 22-23 on a white background with Christmas baubles of assorted colours hanging to one side

‘Huw, do you know my story?’

‘In part. You considered taking vows yourself, did you not?’

‘Yes. Truthfully, I did. I too thought it was the only way to live a life of devotion to God. And God had spared my life miraculously, so I believed it was my only reasonable response to Him. And then Efa came back into my life.’ Philip paused, a look of quiet joy crossing his face. ‘A wise friend showed me then that a life of devotion to God does not always have to be inside abbey walls. I realised that my path lay in being a husband and a father. And that I could still live each day serving God and others.’

‘You and your wife are well known and loved for the way you serve others, and care for the needy. And for your godly lives and wisdom,’ Huw said with quiet respect.

THE BELOVED

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com