Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 Annunciation to Virgin Mary

Psalms: 8

V1 “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.”

Israel was waiting for the Messiah to deliver them from oppression and to reestablish the throne of David. Every Jewish woman had the desire for the Messiah to be born in their home. Virgin Mary submitted to the will of God, even without consulting with Joseph to whom she was betrothed, when angel Gabriel spoke to her. 

The Creator of the universe left all his glory, humbled himself and came down to earth as a fetus in the womb of Virgin Mary. This is the greatest miracle. He was born to a village girl and lived dependent on her to meet his needs. Virgin Mary had the unique privilege to be the mother of the Son of God. This fulfilled the annunciation of angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary, about the birth of Jesus. Father God used Virgin Mary as His chosen vessel to send his Son, as a gift to the world. She was the only person, fit to be the mother of Jesus. 

The Word became flesh and lived amongst human beings. Jesus was born to die as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. He came to planet earth with this divine mission and he accomplished it. He is the Lamb of God and the Light of the world. He went through all the trials and temptations that we go through in our lives and he overcame the world. 
The Master Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep on the cross. On him was laid the sins of the world, He nailed it to the cross, paid in full for our sins. By His vicarious death, His finished work on the cross, we have redemption from our slavery to our sins. He gave salvation as a gift, to all who believe in Him. In Christ we have eternal life. 
 

Prayer
 Thank you Lord for your gift of salvation. Enable us to live a life pleasing in your sight.

Thought of the Day
““Behold, the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel”—which, when translated, means, “God with us.”” Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭23‬ ‭

Saramma Chacko
 Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, NY
 

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more