From Newsgroup: alt.bible

Day 354, 20 December 2025 - 28th Day of Advent

1) Revelation 1 , 2 , 3 ,4 ,5

Revelation 1

Introduction and Salutation

1 (Rev 22:6; 22:16; Jn 8:26) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave
to Him to show to His servants things which must soon take place. He sent
and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
2 (Rev 12:17; 1Co 1:6; Rev 6:9) who bears record of the word of God,
and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3 (Lk 11:28; Ro 13:11) Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words
of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it,
for the time is near.
4 (Rev 3:1; 4:5; 5:6) John,
To the seven churches which are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was
and who is to come and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,
5 (Rev 3:14; 17:14) and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness,
the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
6 (Rev 5:10; 20:6) and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father,
to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7 (Da 7:13; Zec 12:10) Look! He is coming with clouds,
and every eye will see Him,
even those who pierced Him.
And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.
Even so, Amen.
8 (Rev 21:6; 22:13; Isa 41:4) "I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the Beginning and the End," says the Lord,
"who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

[1] The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto
his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and
signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
[2] Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus
Christ, and of all things that he saw.
[3] Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is
at hand.
[4] John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and
peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
[5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first
begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him
that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
[6] And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be
glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
[7] Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they
also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
[8] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,
which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

A Vision of Christ

9 (Php 4:14; Rev 1:2) I, John, both your brother and companion
in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,
was on the isle that is called Patmos on account of the word of God
and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
10 (Ac 20:7; Rev 4:1-2) I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day,
and I heard behind me a great voice like a trumpet,
(This must mean an out of body Divine appointment with the Lord )
11 (Rev 1:4; 3:1) saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First
and the Last," and "What you see, write in a book, and send it
to the seven churches which are in Asia:
to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea." (The order is important)
12 (Ex 25:37; Zec 4:2) I turned to see the voice that spoke with me.
And when I turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks,
13 (Da 7:13; 10:16) and in the midst of the seven candlesticks
was one like a Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet
and with a golden sash wrapped around the chest.
14 (Da 7:9; 10:6; Rev 19:12) The hair on His head was white like wool,
as white as snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire.
15 (Eze 43:2; Da 10:6) His feet were like fine brass, as if refined
in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters.
16 (Isa 49:2; Heb 4:12) He had in His right hand seven stars,
and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.
His appearance was like the sun shining brightly.
17 (Isa 44:6; Rev 22:13; Isa 41:4) When I saw Him, I fell at His feet
as though I were dead. Then He laid His right hand on me, saying to me,
"Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.

[9] I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in
the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
[10] I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great
voice, as of a trumpet,
[11] Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in
Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira,
and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
[12] And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I
saw seven golden candlesticks;
[13] And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of
man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
[14] His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
[15] And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and
his voice as the sound of many waters.
[16] And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
[17] And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right
hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18 (Ro 6:9; Heb 7:25) I am He who lives, though I was dead. Look! I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
[18] I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for
evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

(This is Jesus Christ talking)
19 "Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are,
and the things which will take place after this.
[19] Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and
the things which shall be hereafter;
( Jesus says will take place after this. Jesus transcends time)
20 (Rev 2:1; Zec 4:2) The mystery of the seven stars which you saw
in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks:
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches,
and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.
[20] The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and
the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven
churches.
( The order is important as it reflects Church History from
1st Century AD to the point of the Rapture of the Church)

Revelation 2
The Message to Ephesus
1 (Rev 1:16; 1:11-13) "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write:
"He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst
of the seven golden candlesticks, says these things:
2 (1Jn 4:1; Rev 3:1; 3:8) I know your works, your labour and your patience,
and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who
say they are apostles, but are not, and have found them to be liars.
3 (Jn 15:21) You have endured, and have been patient,
and for My name's sake have laboured and have not grown weary.
4 "But I have something against you, that you have abandoned the love
you had at first.
5 (Rev 2:16; 3:19) Remember therefore from where you have fallen.
Repent, and do the works you did at first, or else I will come to you
quickly and remove your candlestick from its place, unless you repent.
6 But this you have: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 (Rev 2:11; 2:17; Ge 2:9) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give permission to eat
of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

[1] Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he
that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of
the seven golden candlesticks;
[2] I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst
not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
[3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
[4] Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy
first love.
[5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
[6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which
I also hate.
[7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life,
which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

(Remember the time you accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour?
Always relive that moment of love and do not lose that moment.
Imagine a Whole Church losing its first love?
Do not abandon the love you had at first)

The Message to Smyrna

8 (Rev 1:17-18; 1:11) "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
"The First and the Last, who was dead and came to life, says these things:
9 (Rev 3:9; 2Co 6:10; 8:9) I know your works and tribulation and poverty
(but you are rich). And I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews
and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
(Beware the synagogue of Satan to this very day!)
10 (Mt 10:22; Jas 1:12) Do not fear any of those things which you are
about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tried, and you will have tribulation for ten days.
Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 (Rev 2:7; 20:6; 20:14) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.

[8] And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
[9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and
I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are
the synagogue of Satan.
[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil
shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a
crown of life.
[11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

(Early evangelism that did succeed despite persecution of non-believers)

The Message to Pergamum

12 (Rev 1:16; 1:11) "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
"He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
13 (Ac 22:20; 1Ti 5:8) I know your works and where you live, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold firmly to My name, and did not deny My faith even
in the days of Antipas, My faithful martyr, who was killed among you,
where Satan dwells.
14 (Rev 2:20; 2Pe 2:15; Nu 31:16) "But I have a few things against you:
You have there those who hold the teaching of Balaam,
who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel,
to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.
15 (Rev 2:6) So you also have those who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 (2Th 2:8; Rev 2:5) Repent, or else I will come to you quickly
and will war against them with the sword of My mouth.
17 (Rev 2:7; Isa 65:15) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give the hidden manna
to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name
written, which no one knows except he who receives it.

[12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
[13] I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is:
and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those
days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
[14] But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock
before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
[15] So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
[16] Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against
them with the sword of my mouth.
[17] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no
man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

(Never let in false teachers IN as seen in 1,2,3 John and 1,2 Peter and Jude)

The Message to Thyatira
18 (Rev 1:11; 1:14-15) "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
"The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet
are like fine brass, says these things:
19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience,
and that your last works are more than the first.
20 (Rev 2:14; 1Ki 16:31; 2Ki 9:7) "But I have a few things against you:
You permit that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess,
to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality
and eat food sacrificed to idols.
21 (Ro 2:4-5; 2Pe 3:9) I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality,
but she did not repent.
22 (Rev 17:2; 18:9) Look! I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who
commit adultery with her into great tribulation,
unless they repent of their deeds.
23 (Ro 8:27; Ps 7:9) I will put her children to death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the hearts and minds.
I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
24 (Ac 15:28) "Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira,
as many as do not have this teaching, who have not known what
some call the 'depths of Satan,' I will put on you no other burden.
25 (Rev 3:11) But hold firmly what you have until I come.
26 (Rev 3:21; 2:7; 20:4) "To him who overcomes and keeps My works to the end,
I will give authority over the nations-
27 (Rev 12:5; 19:15) He 'shall rule them with a rod of iron;
like the vessels of a potter they shall be broken in pieces'(Ps 2:9.)-
even as I myself have received authority from My Father.
28 (Rev 22:16; 2Pe 1:19) And I will give him the morning star.
29 (Rev 2:7) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says
to the churches.

[18] And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith
the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet
are like fine brass;
[19] I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy
patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
[20] Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou
sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach
and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things
sacrificed unto idols.
[21] And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented
not.
[22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with
her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
[23] And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall
know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
[24] But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak;
I will put upon you none other burden.
[25] But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
[26] And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will
I give power over the nations:
[27] And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
[28] And I will give him the morning star.
[29] He that

( This Church exists today. Thanks to Emperor Constantine at 4th Century,
The Church is the Modern Day Roman Catholic Church. The Idol and Mother-son worship comes from Satanic Paganism!

From https://amazingdiscoveries.org/S-deception_end-time_paganism_Catholic_Mary

<a href="https://amazingdiscoveries.org/S-deception_paganism_Catholic_symbol_St-Peter">
As we have already seen,</a> Catholic customs stem from ancient pagan
practices and beliefs. Pagan priests were celibate, tonsured,
and received the power of sacrificing for the living and the dead.
The same power is given to
<a href="https://amazingdiscoveries.org/S-deception_pagan_priest_tonsure_celibate">
Roman Catholic priests.</a>
Pagan celibate priests are dedicated to the mother goddess,
and Catholic priests to Mary the mediatrix.

{ Gaia comes to mind?}

Elevating Mary

Public Domain https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Madonna_Benois.jpg

In 1854, the Papacy declared Mary sinless, and in 1951,
they declared that she had ascended unto heaven, where she was crowned
as the
<a href="https://amazingdiscoveries.org/S-deception_paganism_Catholic_Nimrod_Mary">
"Queen of heaven."</a> {No human has that power!} This was called the
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_Mary">
Assumption of Mary.</a>
Since then, the complete system of Babylonian worship,
with Mary taking the role of the mediatrix,
has thus been established within Catholicism.

The goddess in ancient religions was worshiped as the life giver
and nurturer and, as such, this religion was full of sexual undertones.
Phallic symbols, as well as symbols of femininity and divine intercourse,
were common in ancient temples, as they are in modern temples,
particularly in India.
These symbols are equally common in Roman Catholic cathedrals.

The breasts of the goddess formed a prominent part of the goddess cult, goddesses often being depicted with many breasts to nurture the world.
Even the sun god was depicted nurturing at the goddess' breast.

Catholicism carries the same mythology. Take for example the
<a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/what-is-love-pope-other-elders-share-stories-for-netflix/">
Magharet Sitti Mariam, or rCLMilk GrottorCY as it is commonly known,</a>
where Catholic tradition has it that Mary spilt milk from her breast
while feeding Jesus. This milk supposedly squirted onto the walls
of the cave and formed white markings. The grotto has become a shrine,
revered today as a place of pilgrimage for healing and fertility.

"The sinner that ventures directly to Christ may come with dread
and apprehension of his wrath; but let him only employ the mediation
of the Virgin with her Son and she has only to show that Son
the breasts that gave him suck and his wrath will immediately be appeased."

Pope John Paul II believed that Mary
intercedes for the faithful who honour her during mass:

"As they listen to the word proclaimed in the Sunday assembly,
the faithful look to the Virgin Mary...From Sunday to Sunday,
the pilgrim people follow in the footsteps of Mary,
and her maternal intercession gives special power
and fervour to the prayer which rises from the Church
to the Most Holy Trinity."

Read more about the Catholic worship of Mary

And That is https://amazingdiscoveries.org/S-deception_paganism_Catholic_Nimrod_Mary/

The pagan system of sun worship had three main aspects: the father, mother,
and the son. In ancient Chaldean times, these were the god Bel or Merodach, Ninus the son who was also worshiped as Tammuz, and the female goddess Rhea
who was also worshiped as Ishtar, Astarte, or Beltis. She was also referred
to as the rCLqueen of heaven,rCY and the rCLwrath subduer.rCY
<a href="https://amazingdiscoveries.org/S-deception_paganism_Catholic_Mary_mediator">
Mary has received these same names in Catholicism.</a>

A statue of Mary and Jesus at Westminster Abbey. Notice the globe Jesus is holding.

Source:Flickr.

Mother and child worship was the basis of the ancient religions.
In the various religions of the world, the same system of worship
was perpetuated under different names.
In Egypt , the mother and child were worshiped as Isis and Osiris or Horus,
in India as Isi and Iswara, in China and Japan as the mother goddess
Shing-moo with child, in Greece as Ceres or Irene and Plutus,
in Rome as Fortuna and Jupitor-puer, or Venus and Adurnis,
and in Scandinavia as Frigga and Balder. The mother and child
were worshiped in Babylon as Ishtar {And that is where
the word Easter comes from} and Tammuz,
and in Phoenicia, as Ashtoreth and Baal.
Moreover, the child was worshiped as both husband
and son of the mother goddess.
The male component is a counterfeit of Jesus Christ.
The Biblical names used for Jesus were also used for the child
in ancient religions. Zoroaster was referred to as the seed,
Mithra the Persian sun god was referred to as the Saviour,
Dionysus as the sin-bearer, Bacchus as the branch,
Vishna as the victim-man, and Osiris as the king of kings.

The Legend of Nimrod

The system of worship has its origin in the legend of Nimrod
and his wife Semiramus. Nimrod (the great-grandson of Noah)
rebelled against God, like his father Cush.
Eventually Nimrod was put to death for his evil deeds,
and according to the ancient patriarchal system,
parts of his body were sent to various cities as a warning.

His wife Semiramus fled, but spread the rumour that
he had ascended to heaven, where he had become one with the sun.
When Semiramus later gave birth to a son, she claimed that
it was the reincarnation of her deified husband,
and that he had returned to save the human race.

She was later deified as the mother of the sun god,
and it was supposed she had ascended into heaven
as the queen of heaven. In the various cultures
throughout history and around the world,
the same basic deities have been worshipped under different names.

Read about Mary, the mother of the true Saviour,
and how paganism has twisted the truth about her identity

.These articles interlink but as you seen The Modern
Roman Catholic Church is The Church of Thyatira of Revelation.
)

Revelation 3

The Message to Sardis

1 (Rev 1:4; 1Ti 5:6; Rev 1:16) "To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
"He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars says these things:
I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive,
but you are dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain but are ready to die,
for I have not found your works perfected before God.
3 (Rev 2:5; 2Pe 3:10; 1Th 5:2) Remember therefore how you have received
and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch,
I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour
I will come upon you.
4 (Jude 1:23; Rev 6:11) "You have a few names even in Sardis
who have not soiled their garments. They shall walk with Me in white,
for they are worthy.
5 (Mt 10:32; Rev 13:8) He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments.
I will not blot his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess
his name before My Father and before His angels.
6 (Rev 2:7) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says
to the churches.

[1] And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works,
that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
[2] Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to
die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
[3] Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief,
and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
[4] Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their
garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
[5] He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I
will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his
name before my Father, and before his angels.
[6] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches.

( I ponder if the Lutheran Church and the Anglican Church with latent
Catholic practices falls in the category of being Sardisian)

The Message to Philadelphia

7 (Rev 6:10; Isa 22:22; Mt 16:19) "To the angel of the church
in Philadelphia write:
"He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David,
He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens, says these things:
8 (Rev 2:13; Ac 14:27) I know your works. Look! I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it. For you have a little strength,
and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
9 (Rev 2:9; Isa 49:23; 60:14) Listen! I will make them of the synagogue
of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie. Listen!
I will make them come and worship before your feet
and to know that I have loved you.
10 (2Pe 2:9; Mt 24:14) Because you have kept My word of patience,
I also will keep you from the hour of temptation which shall come
upon the entire world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 (Rev 2:10; 2:25) "Look, I am coming quickly. Hold firmly what you have,
so that no one may take your crown.
12 (Rev 22:4; 21:2; Gal 2:9) He who overcomes will I make a pillar
in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him
the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem,
which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My own new name.
13 (Rev 2:7) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says
to the churches.

[7] And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith
he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
[8] I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no
man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
[9] Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
[10] Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try
them that dwell upon the earth.
[11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man
take thy crown.
[12] Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and
he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and
the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down
out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
[13] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches.

( Many of the "Conservatives" Church fit this description from Quakers,
to Pentecostal, to Baptists and strong Evangelicals. Please note verse 9,
that if hold strong, even the synagogue of Satan will acknowledge you.
You have to firmly hold on to what you have. Do not let humanistic
or secularistic adherents deceive you or you can end up
as Thyatiran, or even Laodicean. Laodicean you say?)

The Message to Laodicea

14 (Rev 1:5; 3:7) "To the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write:
"The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation
of God, says these things:
15 (Rev 3:1) I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.
I wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will spit you out of My mouth. (I feel that way about lukewarm water as well) 17 (Hos 12:8; Zec 11:5) For you say, 'I am rich, and have stored up goods,
and have need of nothing,' yet do not realise that you are wretched,
miserable, poor, blind, and naked.
18 (Rev 16:15; Isa 55:1; Mt 13:44) I counsel you to buy from Me gold
refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments,
that you may be dressed, that the shame of your nakedness
may not appear, and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 (Rev 2:5; Jer 31:18) "Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline.
Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice
and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.
21 (Mt 19:28; Jn 16:33) "To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me
on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 (Rev 2:7) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
says to the churches."

[14] And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation
of God;
[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
[16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will
spue thee out of my mouth.
[17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need
of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
[18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of
thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and
repent.
[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and
open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. [21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even
as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
[22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches.

( Laodicean churches or "Liberal" churches like The united church of Canada , The Presbyterians, the Congressationalists, the Methodists in North America. Very Laodecian. Verse 20 is quoted out context. Why ? You need to understand vv. 17-19 why the Lord is knocking on your Heart)

Revelation 4

The Heavenly Worship

1 (Rev 1:19; 1:10; 11:12) After this I looked. And there was an open door
in heaven. The first voice I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me,
saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things
*which must take place after this.*"
2 (Isa 6:1; Rev 1:10; Eze 1:26) Immediately I was in the Spirit.
And there was a throne set in heaven with One sitting on the throne!
3 (Eze 1:28; Rev 10:1; Eze 28:13) And He who sat there appeared like
a jasper and a sardius stone. There was a rainbow around the throne,
appearing like an emerald.
4 (Rev 4:10; 11:16) 24 thrones were around the throne. And I saw 24 elders sitting on the thrones, clothed in white garments. They had crowns of gold
on their heads.
5 (Rev 1:4; Zec 4:2; Rev 8:5) Lightnings and thunderings and voices proceeded from the throne. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne,
which are the seven Spirits of God.
6 (Rev 5:6; 15:2) Before the throne was a sea of glass like crystal.
(A picture of people at peace, beleivers at peace, most like just after
the Rapture)
In the midst of the throne, and around the throne,
were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back.
7 (Eze 1:10; 10:14) The first living creature was like a lion,
the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature
had a face like a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle.
8 (Rev 1:8; 4:6) The four living creatures had six wings each,
and they were covered with eyes all around. All day and night,
without ceasing, they were saying:
"'Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,'(Isa 21:9.)
who was, and is, and is to come."
9 (Rev 15:7; 1:18) When the living creatures give glory and honour
and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
10 (Rev 4:4; 5:8; 5:14) the 24 elders fall down before Him who sits
on the throne, and worship Him, who lives forever and ever.
Then they cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 (Rev 5:12; 10:6) "You are worthy, O Lord,
to receive glory and honor and power;
for You have created all things,
and by Your will they exist
and were created."

[1] After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
[2] And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
[3] And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
[4] And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the
seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and
they had on their heads crowns of gold.
[5] And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices:
and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
[6] And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full
of eyes before and behind.
[7] And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf,
and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a
flying eagle.
[8] And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy,
holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
[9] And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat
on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
[10] The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before
the throne, saying,
[11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for
thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were
created.

( A beautiful scene of Worship!)

Revelation 5

The Scroll and the Lamb

1 (Isa 29:11; Eze 2:9-10) Then I saw in the right hand of Him
who sat on the throne a scroll written within and on the back,
sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice,
"Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?"
3 (Rev 5:13) But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth
was able to open the scroll or to look in it.
4 I began to weep loudly, because no one was found worthy to open
and read the scroll, or to look in it.
5 (Isa 11:1; 11:10) Then one of the elders said to me,
"Do not weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah,
the Root of David, has triumphed.
He is able to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals."
6 (Zec 4:10; Jn 1:29) I saw a Lamb in the midst of the throne
and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders,
standing as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes,
which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
7 (Rev 5:1) He came and took the scroll out of the right hand
of Him who sat on the throne.
8 (Ps 141:2; Rev 4:10) When He had taken the scroll, the four living
creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb,
each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense,
which are the prayers of saints.
9 (Rev 14:6; Ps 33:3; 40:3) And they sang a new song, saying:
"You are worthy to take the scroll,
and to open its seals;
for You were slain,
and have redeemed us to God by Your blood
out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 (Rev 1:6; 20:6) and have made us kings and priests unto our God;
and we shall reign on the earth."
11 (Da 7:10; Heb 12:22) Then I looked, and I heard around the throne
and the living creatures and the elders the voices of many angels,
numbering ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,
(That is a huge number of souls/believers!)
12 (Rev 4:11; Zec 13:7) saying with a loud voice:
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing!"
13 (Php 2:10; Rev 5:3) Then I heard every creature which is in heaven
and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea,
and all that are in them, saying:
"To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and power,
forever and ever!"
14 (Rev 19:4; 5:8) The four living creatures said, "Amen."
And the 24 elders fell down and worshipped Him who lives forever and ever.

[1] And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
[2] And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
[3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
[4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
[5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to
loose the seven seals thereof.
[6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four
beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
[7] And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
[8] And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty
elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
[9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and
to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God
by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
[10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on
the earth.
[11] And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the
throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten
thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
[12] Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
[13] And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
[14] And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell
down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

2) Our Daily Bread for 20 December 2025 Titled
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/12/20/the-truth-never-changes">
The Truth Never Changes </a>

Matthew 1:18-25

The Birth of Jesus Christ

Lk 2:1-7

18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child
of the Holy Ghost.
[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her
a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
[20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost.
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.
[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet, saying,
[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. [24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Hebrews 13:5

5 (Jos 1:5; Dt 31:6) Let your lives be without love of money,
and be content with the things you have. For He has said:
"I will never leave you,
nor forsake you."(Dt 31:6, 8; Jos 1:5.)

[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake
thee.

Henry David Thoreau described a city as a place where many people are "lonesome together." Those words have the ring of truth. In my youth, songs like "Mr. Lonely," "Only the Lonely," and "Eleanor Rigby" focused on isolation and loneliness. In recent years, the pandemic was one of the most isolating seasons the world has known. And social media can feed that loneliness, giving us connection without relationship. Perhaps loneliness is the new pandemic.

As Matthew shared the story of the birth of Jesus (1:18-25), he told us,
"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet [Isaiah]: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us') " (vv. 22-23).
Ponder that for a moment. God with us!

As believers in Jesus, we're never alone. We've been born again
into the family of Christ, a family that spans the globe and the ages.
The apostle Paul said, "You are no longer foreigners and strangers,
but fellow citizens with God's people and also members
of his household" (Ephesians 2:19). We're loved by the ever-present God, who said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Whatever you're facing today, your heavenly Father is present with you. Allow Him to help you as you step into liferCOs uncertainties and challenges. He's with you.

Reflect & Pray

When have you felt lonely? When experiencing this sense of isolation,
how do you respond to it?

Thank You, Father, that because of Your abiding presence, I'm never alone.

<a href="https://reclaimtoday.org /3-steps-to-enjoy-being-alone-instead-of-lonely/">
Discover more about being lonely by reading Alone
Instead of Lonely by Reclaim Today.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 7 Our God reigns!

Is 52:7

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

A messenger has a single duty: to carry information. During World War II, many parents dreaded the arrival of the Western Union messenger, believing that delivery of a telegram meant that their son has been wounded or killed.
Isaiah 52:7, however, indicates that a messenger's word is not always unwelcome. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring
good news ..." the prophet says. The "Good news"? Peace , salvation,
and the resultant message: "Your God reigns!"
Our God reigns - in forgiveness, in reconciliation, bringing peace and freedom and joy. Our God reigns, controlling our lives with a loving hand, ordering
our experiences for our good, and his glory. Our God reigns in relationships, in professional circumstances, in families, in churches. The good news is proclaimed: Life is not unmanageable. Our God Reigns!
When we know that God reigns in our lives, we can relax, let go of the reins
of control, and live in peace. We can forgive those who have hurt us, knowing that God will reveal to them what they need to know. We can live
with good times and bad, recognising that God uses every circumstance
of our lives to conform us to the image of his Son. We can rejoice in his grace, free from the compulsion to earn his love and acceptance, and
we can live in the peace that comes only through his lordship in our lives.
Our God reigns - that is , indeed "Good news".

Application

a) Have I ever felt that life was "out of control"? Why?

b) What does it mean in practical terms to know that "Our God reigns"?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Luke 12:21

21 "So is he who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:

When you are Impatient

James 5:7-11

Patience and Prayer

7 Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.
Notice how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth
and is patient with it until he receives the early and late rain.
8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, lest you be condemned.
Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 My brothers, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord,
as an example of suffering and patience.
11 Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job
and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.

7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold,
the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord
draweth nigh.
9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned:
behold, the judge standeth before the door.
10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful,
and of tender mercy.

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer

Matthew 6:9-13

9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)

The Northern Territories of Canada

Yukon

Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69

In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Northwest Territories (NWT)

NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473

The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year. To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million Islamic Centre.

Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Nunavut (NU)

NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86

The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory. Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.

Adding further

30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and, of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other, "What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

Peter's Speech at Pentecost

14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)

7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada

http://www.ehc.ca

20th Day of the Month

a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.

( Matthew 19:14

14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

)

b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.

(

Eph 6:12

12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

)

Advent Day 27

FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

Early Offering

to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

-Luke 2:5

Luke mentions that Mary was "great with child" (KJV) so
candidly that we don't pause to ponder how difficult it

must have been for her to travel all the way (about 70 miles!)
from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. Even more significant,
the Christ Child she carried must have been jostled and jarred
by the movement, Loo.


Those of us who use statements of faith in our worship services declare
in the Apostles' Creed that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified ... " I believe instead we should say, "suffered, under Pontius Pilate was crucified" to be more accurate to the original. Jesus suffered
all his life, not just under Pilate. When we reflect on the appalling
journey that he endured in the womb, we might imagine that his sufferings
on our behalf began even before he was born.
What amazing love that Christ sustained such adversity for us!

prayer

Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.

Read Luke 2:1-7.

1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca/"> On Eagle's wings </a>

Abundant Joy

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement.

[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Matthew 2:10

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. Matthew 2:10
The Magi travelled a long distance to find what a star had promised.
While not on the backs of camels, our multi-day truck journey to the
Northwest Territories felt like a long distance as well.
I had never been to the North before, so there were many surprises.
We saw new landscapes of short trees and flat land, hiked down to the
only salt flats in Canada, and experienced gorgeous sunrises over the
river. Yet our time in the community was full of surprises, changed
plans and revised expectations.
The Magi experienced surprise when they arrived in Jerusalem. They
expected to find a celebration - but King Herod knew nothing! He had
to consult his experts to even find out the meaning of the star. The
Magi left Jerusalem and continued their search for the Messiah.
When they found the star had stopped over Bethlehem they were
overjoyed! They offered gifts of great value to Jesus celebrating who
he was. They met the God of Creation in human form because they
had followed the star.
In the same way we were led by the Spirit to travel North with On
Eagle's Wings, but the reality was different from our expectations. We
had to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit in each moment as we
engaged with both children and adults, remaining open to what God
wanted to do while we were there. In this we experienced the gifts of
God's grace with, and through our Northern hosts.

Kim Sesink
Bible Camp volunteer

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to spiritual Philadelphian and to know
the future judgments on humanity.

Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, Father, that because
of Your abiding presence, I'm never alone."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know that Lo9rd Jesus is in full control.

Pray to the Lord and pray to lay up treasure in Heaven.

Pray to the Lord and pray to be patient.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together, and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.

Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.

Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.

Pray : God of Creation, help us to see the signs of your coming and to seek you. May we be filled with abundant joy as we seek and find you this
Advent season. Amen.

<a href="https://ourdailybread.ca/god-became-a-man/">
Christ is the reason for the season </a>.

ERITREA20

Pray that released Christian prisoners in Eritrea will receive
help - spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially.

Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising! Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
Merry Christmas 2025 and Happy New Year 2026
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2