Day 3: Three French Hens – Faith, Hope, and Love

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faith-hope-love

“Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Reflection:

The three French hens symbolize faith, hope, and love, foundational virtues for the Christian journey. Reflect on how these virtues are growing in your life.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. Which of these virtues do I need to nurture more?
  2. How can I share faith, hope, and love with those around me?

The “three French hens” symbolize faith, hope, and love—the foundational virtues highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13:13. These virtues serve as the lifeblood of a believer’s journey, guiding our walk with Christ and shaping our relationships with others.

Faith: Trusting in God’s Promises

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It’s the bedrock of our relationship with God, calling us to trust in His promises even when circumstances seem uncertain. Faith invites us to step beyond what we can see and rely on God’s character.

Much like the French hens, which were considered a valuable gift in 18th-century France, faith is precious in our spiritual lives. It sustains us through trials and nurtures our connection with the Divine. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we’re reminded of the profound faith of Mary and Joseph. Their willingness to trust God’s plan, despite its challenges, inspires us to cultivate faith in our own lives.

Hope: Anchored in Christ

Hope is not mere optimism; it’s a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. This hope anchors our souls (Hebrews 6:19), especially during life’s storms. In a world often overshadowed by despair, hope reminds us that the story isn’t over.

The birth of Christ is the ultimate expression of hope fulfilled. God’s promise to send a Savior came to fruition, offering humanity the assurance of eternal life. As we reflect on this season, hope encourages us to anticipate God’s continued faithfulness. It calls us to be bearers of light, sharing the message of Christ’s love with a world longing for redemption.

Love: The Greatest of These

Paul declares love as the greatest virtue because it is the essence of God’s nature. While faith and hope will find their fulfillment in eternity, love endures forever. It is the bond that unites us with God and with one another.

Jesus’ life exemplifies perfect love. From His humble birth in a manger to His sacrificial death on the cross, Christ demonstrated love that transcends understanding. This love compels us to embody His compassion, grace, and forgiveness in our relationships.

Living Out the Three Virtues

Faith, hope, and love are not abstract ideals; they are active principles that shape our daily lives. Faith calls us to trust God. Hope empowers us to endure and look forward. Love invites us to serve and give selflessly.

As we meditate on the third day of Christmas, let us embrace these virtues in tangible ways. Strengthen your faith by immersing yourself in Scripture and prayer. Share hope with someone who is struggling. Practice love by extending kindness, even when it’s challenging.

May the three French hens remind us of the enduring gift of faith, hope, and love this Christmas season—and inspire us to live these truths every day.

Reflection Questions:

Faith

  1. What does trusting in God’s promises look like in your daily life?
  2. Can you think of a time when your faith sustained you through uncertainty or trials?
  3. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God, especially in areas where you struggle to let go?

Hope

  1. What is a promise from God that gives you hope, even during challenging times?
  2. How does the hope of Christ’s return influence the way you live today?
  3. In what ways can you share hope with others who may be feeling lost or discouraged?

Love

  1. How has God’s love transformed your understanding of what it means to love others?
  2. Are there relationships in your life where you need to extend forgiveness or grace?
  3. How can you make love the central focus of your actions this week?

Living the Virtues

  1. Which of these virtues—faith, hope, or love—feels most natural to you? Which one feels the most challenging?
  2. How can you intentionally practice these virtues during this Christmas season?
  3. Who in your life exemplifies faith, hope, and love? How can their example inspire you to grow in these areas?

Day 2: Two Turtle Doves – The Old and New Testaments

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“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 (NET)

Reflection:

The two turtle doves represent the harmony of God’s Word in the Old and New Testaments. How can you deepen your connection to Scripture this season?

Questions to Ponder:

  1. What passages of Scripture have been meaningful to me recently?
  2. How can I integrate God’s Word into my daily routines?

God’s Love and Our Worship in the Old Testament versus the New Testament

The theme of God’s love is a central thread running through both the Old and New Testaments, but the way His love is expressed and the way humanity is called to respond through worship evolves between these two sections of the Bible. By examining these shifts, we can better understand the fullness of God’s plan and His desire for a relationship with us.

In the Old Testament, God’s love is demonstrated through His covenant relationships with His people. From the promises made to Abraham to the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, God’s steadfast love (often expressed through the Hebrew word hesed, meaning covenantal loyalty) is evident. The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai was a profound act of love, providing guidelines for living in harmony with God and one another. Worship during this period was structured and formal, centering around the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Sacrifices, offerings, and festivals were integral to demonstrating devotion and atoning for sin. The requirements were clear: obedience to God’s commandments was the primary way to show love for Him and remain in His favor.

However, even in the Old Testament, God emphasized that outward rituals were not enough. Through prophets like Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah, He made it clear that genuine love and justice were at the heart of His desire for His people. Hosea 6:6 captures this sentiment: “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” This pointed to the need for an internal transformation, not just external compliance.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God’s love through Jesus Christ.In Jesus, the Law is fulfilled, and the sacrificial system is replaced by His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Worship becomes less about a specific location or ritual and more about a heart posture. Jesus teaches in John 4:24 that true worshipers “will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”

The New Testament calls believers to respond to God’s love with faith, repentance, and a transformed life. Love becomes the defining mark of a disciple, as seen in Jesus’ command.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Paul’s letters further emphasize that worship involves offering our entire lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), aligning our actions, thoughts, and relationships with God’s will.

While the expressions of worship and requirements for God’s people have changed from the Old to the New Testament, His love remains constant. Both Testaments reveal a God who seeks a deep, loving relationship with His people and calls for a response that moves beyond surface-level rituals to genuine, heartfelt devotion.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How do you see God’s love reflected in the laws and covenants of the Old Testament?
  2. In what ways does Jesus’ life and sacrifice deepen your understanding of God’s love?
  3. How can you make your worship more “in spirit and truth” in your daily life?
  4. What steps can you take to reflect God’s love to others as a living sacrifice?

Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree – Christ

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Reflection:

The partridge symbolizes Christ, who gave His life for us. Just as the partridge protects its young, Jesus offers us eternal protection through His sacrifice.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. How can I honour Christ’s sacrifice in my daily life?
  2. In what ways can I show sacrificial love to others?

Our Identity as Children of God: A Reflection on Seeking the Kingdom First

Identity is a cornerstone of how we see ourselves and navigate the world. For Christians, our identity is profoundly shaped by a truth that transcends earthly labels: we are children of God. This identity, rooted in God’s unchanging love, anchors us amidst the storms of life and provides a firm foundation for our purpose and destiny.

Identity as Children of God

Being a child of God is not just a title; it is a profound reality affirmed by Scripture.

“But to all who have received Him – those who believe in His name; He has given the right to become God’s children.” John 1: 12 (NET)

This verse reminds us that our identity is not earned through achievements, status, or works but is a gift received through faith in Christ.

As God’s children, we are loved unconditionally, chosen, and cherished. This truth liberates us from the need to strive for validation or to define ourselves by the standards of the world. It invites us to rest in the assurance of who we are in Him, secure in His promises.

Identity in Christ

The Apostle Paul frequently spoke about being “in Christ.”

“So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away, look – what is new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NET)

Our identity in Christ means that we are made new, forgiven, and empowered to live a life that reflects His glory.

This new identity transforms how we view ourselves and others. It calls us to live with humility, compassion, and purpose, recognising that we are part of a greater story—God’s redemptive plan for the world. Our identity in Christ also gives us access to the Holy Spirit, who guides, strengthens, and equips us for the journey ahead.

Seeking the Kingdom of God First

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Jesus’ exhortation highlights a profound principle: when we prioritise God’s kingdom, everything else falls into place.

Seeking the kingdom of God means aligning our lives with His values, purposes, and desires. It involves a shift from self-centered ambitions to a God-centered perspective. It’s about trusting Him to meet our needs as we focus on advancing His kingdom through love, service, and faithfulness.

When we seek the kingdom first, we experience freedom from anxiety and fear because our trust is in the One who holds all things together. This pursuit also deepens our identity as children of God, as we grow in intimacy with Him and discover the joy of living for His glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your identity as a child of God influence the way you see yourself and others?
  2. In what areas of your life are you striving for validation rather than resting in your identity in Christ?
  3. What steps can you take to prioritise seeking the kingdom of God in your daily decisions and actions?
  4. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you as you live out your identity in Christ?

Take some time to meditate on these questions, and allow God to reveal areas where He wants to draw you closer to Him. Remember, your identity is not in what you do but in whose you are: a beloved child of the King.

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Jesus the Prince of Peace

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Merry Christmas, everyone! This holiday season, remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Let us take a moment to reflect on our journeys both with Christ and with others – and embrace the gifts of growth, connection, and creativity. May this festive season bring you moments of love, joy, and peace. Have a blessed Christmas with your loved ones! In the next days, we will bring you the 12 days of Christmas as we reflect on Christ in our lives.

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Treasures in heaven

Where is your heart set upon? Treasure and hearts

Posted on | by Vineyardmaker

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The theme for the day is love and we’ve covered this in our previous post on LOVE.

The other word associated with this day is heart. Love and heart-shaped decorations fill the day, but what exactly is the significance of the heart?

Love is a choice and an action, while heart is the motivation and the force behind the action.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:9-21

If you were to list three most important things in your life right now, what will they be? Do they have lasting value? If not, are you willing to give them up in exchange for something of more lasting value?

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