The New Testament begins its account of Mary’s life with the visit of Gabriel the angel who was sent by God as His messenger. The Lord God had selected Mary to be mother of Jesus. The Bible records Mary’s role in key events of the life of Jesus from his virgin birth to his crucifixion.

Quote: There are a number of significant doctrines concerning Mary that are held by some churches. The most well known doctrines are that Mary lived a sinless life, and that as mother of Jesus, she became Theotokos, literally the “God-bearer”, or “Mother of God”. This doctrine was established by the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in the year 431. Christians of the major ancient traditions, namely the Catholic and the Orthodox, offer prayers to God through Mary and venerate her as intercessor and mother of the church. Many Protestants, however, do not follow these devotions. Mary is also honoured in Islam as the virgin mother of Jesus. In Jewish Toledot Yeshu Jesus was recorded as the son of Mary. – www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Christians acknowledge that Mary is “blessed among women” (Luke 1:42) but we do not all agree that Mary is to be venerated. She is considered to be an outstanding example of a life dedicated to God.

Luke 1:38 say’s “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

Mary used the word “handmaid” which is usually translated as “bond-servant” or “slave”, which refers to someone whose will is consumed by the will of another—in this case Mary’s will is consumed by God’s. From this I see her attitude being parallel with what John the Baptist said in John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease” (KJV) or, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (NIV).

Whichever argument you choose, or doctrine you follow, Mary had to have been one special lady for God to choose her to be the mother of Jesus. She was a handmaiden of the Lord.

This Christmas, let us remember that we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who came to earth as human child. It was Jesus who died for our sake and took our sins upon himself. He is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.

He was born of Mary—a servant of the Lord.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated.

We who have had children know just how precious babies are. They are a delight, cute, soft and cuddly. They’re innocence is as pure as pure gets. Babies fill us with hope and anticipation for the future. We count their fingers and toes and memorize their unique and delicate features. We ponder on how they will change our lives, and what wonderful things they will do when they’re all grown up. I think babies are one of the most precious gifts given to us from God.

Mary would have experienced these things too. In addition, Mary’s thoughts would be on the promises the angel Gabriel her:

Luke 1:26-33 “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

No doubt Joseph recalled his dream and his visit by an angel:

Matthew 1:19-25 “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 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. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

This baby Jesus grew to live a life that would set the standard for every Christian in every generation—until his return. This baby is our one and only, all powerful God, and King of all ages. He is the counselor to all mankind and he rules with justice and righteousness:

For unto us a child is born,
To us a son is giv’n;
The government shall rest on him,
Th’ anointed one from heav’n.
His name is Wonderful Counselor,
The Mighty God is he,
The Everlasting Father,
The humble Prince of Peace.

Christmas is not about the world we live in It isn’t how many presents we can receive, or how much we can spend on our credit card. It’s about this child that has been born for us. The birth of Jesus is the true reason we celebrate today. Jesus came because we needed him to save us from eternal destruction. He came for you and for me, and that is the best reason to rejoice and celebrate.

The increase of his government
And peace shall never end;
He’ll reign on David’s ancient throne
As ruler of all men.
Upheld with justice and righteousness,
Forever his kingdom will last;
The zeal of the Lord God Most High
Will bring these things to pass.

Let’s remember the full meaning of Christmas this year—The birth of Jesus Christ. Honor him with worship and praise. Give Jesus that place in your life that he was born for.

“Lord Jesus, come now and reign in me,
Be Lord of my life this hour.
Come be my Counselor and my God,
My source of wisdom and power.
Watch o’er me with your Father care,
My heart and my mind, fill with peace.
I worship you, my Lord and King,
My praise will never cease.” Amen

For unto us a child is born to save the world

May you find the peace that only Christ can give.

© Chrissy Siggee

Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

It’s sad to think that for many of people Christmas means nothing more than shopping, parties, decorations, holidays and time off work. As Christians we see more to this time of year; it’s a blessed reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ. Our hope is founded in this baby; a baby that was born to save mankind. Our hope in him is real.

In reality though, it’s difficult for many people to find hope. We live in a misplaced world of social injustice, crime, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disease, pain and loneliness. Jesus means hope to all mankind, but we have to grasp the promises of God and take them to the world – whether it be across the road or a across the ocean.

When you find Jesus, you find hope, and there’s no false hope in Jesus. It’s not a fanciful fairy tale wishing for a happy ending. We as Christians need to spread hope; not just by preaching The Word but by doing The Word. Millions of people do not even know Christmas is just around the corner, or what the fuss is about. Many people don’t know where their next meal will come from, and wouldn’t know what turkey and Christmas pudding is. They don’t see any hope. They see nothing but despair.

As Christians, we are supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As His hands and feet we are to serve Him by serving others. Christmas is a renewal of hope. It reconfirms for us the revelation that Jesus is the reason for this season. It was settled long ago, so we don’t have to doubt. Jesus is the fulfilment of our hope, our deepest longings come true.

Lord, Let your hope and joy radiate through us. Help us to embrace the hope we have in you and share it with the those less fortunate than ourselves, whether it be spiritually, emotionally or by using our hands and feet for your glory. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

Midnight services fill the churches
Choirs sing in joyous proclamation
Nativity scenes and dramas unfold
Ascending praises announce His birth
Jesus Christ, Saviour and Lord

Silence falls before the dawn
Christmas excitement awakes the birds
Gifts exchanged and children squeal
Doorbells ring to kith and kin
Celebrations unfold with festive feast

Church bells echo through the town
God’s people gather near and far
Scripture is read of our Saviours birth
Mankind raise their voices with carols sung
Christians celebrate the birth of Christ

***
Homeless wander deserted streets
For some it’s cold and wet, no heat to find
Others seek relief from the heat filled day
All over the world they suffer and die
Christmas Eve, it’s just another lonely night

Children salvage what they can
They live as refugees in a dying slum
No shelter, no food, no sanitation
They huddle beside smouldering fires
Siblings share their meagre rations

Families left without possessions
Homes destroyed from fire or storm
Sadness fills their hearts and lives
A loved one’s life ended in a moment
Everything they own, gone forever

Royal birth graces a humble stable
His mother lays him in a bed of straw
Angels sing in realms of glory
Shepherds view their newborn king
This weary family rests at last

© Chrissy Siggee

When things come against me in any area of my life, I find the simple peace in knowing that God is with me makes life so much easier to bear. He is right beside me and He will guide me through the challenges that I face. Nothing is more precious to me than knowing God’s right hand is holding me in the midst of my pain, in the circumstances of life, and in all that I do.

Proverbs 3:6 tells us that we only need to acknowledge Him, and He will direct out paths.

God is just a prayer away and will answer even before we ask. We are His children and He is our Father; the Father of the heavenly lights.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. .

Have you ever stopped to think where you would be if there was no God and if he hadn’t sent his only son to die a cruel death on the cross for you? To think there would be no heaven or eternal life; I don’t even want to image it. I could not survive without my Lord in my life.

Father, I acknowledge that you are forever with me. I’m grateful for your presence. I will take your right hand and allow You to lead me along every path of life. Guide me in wisdom and strength that only You can provide. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

How should we view the trials that we go through?  First we should reflect on the reasons why we are facing them. Unfortunately, for most of us, our questioning comes from our human form of questioning of the—‘why me?’ aspect.  This is of course is just questioning God. Often this type of thinking easily moves into anger. This is the exact opposite of how we are directed to respond.

We are told to “count it all joy.” Now that’s seems a strange statement. If someone were to teach me to do that when facing trials, I would be tempted to call him an idiot. This would of course reveal only an immaturity and the unbiblical nature of my biblical and spiritual thinking.

We should view our trials with joyfulness, knowing what is really happening. That is, when we are being tried, our faith is being tested. What does that mean? When we face a challenge, do we respond by what we see and feel—or by what we believe to be true? If we are being tested it should increase our stability, our steadfastness and our faith.

How does that matter?

When steadfastness is developed in us we are complete— that is to want nothing.

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

My grandmother used to have some funny sayings that left me wondering. One of these sayings was: I’m as contented as an old cow put out to pasture. It was like she was trying to teach us something but I was too young to understand.

We all understand contentment in our own way just as we are all different in our own likes and dislikes. Contentment is a satisfaction or an accomplishment in something we have achieved, or in life itself. I would be surprised if my grandmother hadn’t found satisfaction in her senior years.

I’ve met people who are never contented. They always want the ‘greener pastures’ just beyond the fence. And, although striving for a better job, a better lifestyle or a better future can be a good thing, we need to be careful about how we achieve our goals.

Do we allow the temptations of cutting corners, taking advantage of others or neglecting our priorities in our attempt for a better life? Do we compromise our Christian beliefs or family’s needs? We need to take a good look at our actions and the motives behind our actions to get to where we want to be. Sometimes we need to take a step back and be contented. If we allow God to use what we have He will take us forward into the desires of our hearts, if it’s in His plan.

1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

“The faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel.” (Colossians 1:5)

Do you ever feel like giving up? Do your circumstances weigh you down? Being a Christian doesn’t mean that life is going to be easy, nor does it mean that nothing will ever go wrong. We all live in the same world as we did before our salvation, but now we have an overcomer–we have a hope for better things to come.

To live in hope gives new meaning to all situations, and believing is the key to hope. Nothing is impossible with God. Nothing is too big. Even in your darkest hour, don’t give up hope. God is bigger than any of your struggles, and he watches over you every minute of your lives. He will bring you into that place of restoration and healing. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and hang on to the hope you can have in him.

Father, teach me to trust you in every circumstance that threatens. Help me to believe in a better tomorrow and reveal to me how to be strong in your Word through the promises you have given to me. All of my ambitions hopes and dreams, I give to you. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

This is such a beautiful verse; I couldn’t help but share it. At first read one would think it to be a Psalm. I pray it will bless someone today as it has blessed me.

Have you ever wondered how great our Lord really is? I can’t measure His greatness but when I walk beside a raging river, take in the glories of secluded valleys, wake to see the amber sunrise and watch whispers of candy pink clouds left by the setting sun as it slowly melts into the horizon, I know I have only witnessed a diminutive glimpse of His infinite greatness.

I can’t imagine this universe without being able to see God’s beauty all around me. There’s nothing more beautiful than God’s creation. It’s as much a part of me as my Saviour himself. Everything he created was to His will and glory, and nothing was made by accident. Because of His majestic sovereignty, I worship and praise His Holy name.

Lord, your greatness is all around me and yet I only see a speck of the enormity of how great you really are. I cannot comprehend your power and glory but you are the Lord of all and greatly to be praised. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

- Nowhere will I find a friend so true…

At the cross I laid my burdens down,
For all my wrongs you heard my plea;
The trauma and burden weighed you down—
You shed your blood for all to see.

- Nowhere will I find a friend as real…

On the cross you took my faults,
For each and every guilt and pain;
The sadness and despair came with assault—
The bitterness of sin, full of strain.

- Nowhere will I find a friend who loved…

From the cross you paid for it all,
For my life alone I know you would give;
A man of sorrows, a death cruel and brutal—
Your life you gave so I could live.

- Nowhere will I find a friend like you…

© Chrissy Siggee