12/14- Day 18- Light the first 3 candles (the third is the pink/joy candle).
(Tree of Jesse- Commissioned by James IV of Scotland 1510-20)
Thoughts: The Spirit of God rests on Jesus who is of the line of Jesse. Jesus began His ministry claiming an anointing of the Holy Spirit. The word “Christ” means “anointed one.” Anointing was a symbol of calling. Sometimes people were anointed to do certain tasks or fill certain offices (1 Kings 19:15-18). But anointing is also a symbol of blessing and smoothness. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and of things fitting right without squeaking or yanking. When God blesses us with His Spirit- things seem to go smoothly and rightly- the way they are designed to be. Perhaps in the rush of Christmas shopping, cooking, decorating, and parties maybe you feel exhausted more than blessed. Seek God’s Spirit to make the way smooth before you.
The Messiah shall be filled with the Holy Spirit- Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 3:16,17
1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD— 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11:2)
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. (Luke 4:18-19)
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)
Prayer: Bless me Lord this advent, that I might be a blessing.
No comments:
Post a Comment