Christmas Archives - Vineyardmaker

Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree – Christ

Posted on December 25, 2024 | by admin

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:

How can I honour Christ’s sacrifice in my daily life?
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

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

Jesus the Prince of Peace

Posted on December 24, 2024 | by admin

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.

#christmas2024 #Jesusisthereasonfortheseason #12daysofchristmas

Three Kings Day

Posted on January 6, 2021 | by Vineyardmaker | Leave a Comment

The twelve days of Christmas have traditionally ended with the Feast of Epiphany also called “The Adoration of the Magi” on the 6th of January. It is also known as the day of the Three Kings (or wise men/magi). It is the day when the the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and gave their gifts to the baby Jesus.

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Fifth Day of Christmas: Five Gold Rings

Posted on December 29, 2020 | by Vineyardmaker | Leave a Comment

The first five books of the Old Testament, also known as The Law, Torah, or Pentateuch (Greek: πεντάτευχος, pentáteuchos, ‘five scrolls’), refers to the book of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. These books are originally ascribed to Moses, and is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.

Genesis talks about the Creation of the world and traces the ancestral origins of Israel, while Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy recounts the Israelite salvation from Egypt (see “Prince of Egypt”), the wilderness journey, and the revelation of law at the divine mountain.

The stories are told as they are – the good and the bad. This is the story of mankind, and for them to be true, they must contain the success and the failures of the people whose stories are being told, their strengths and weaknesses are part of being human.

Genesis: Creation of Earth, the first humans, sin and fall, the Flood, Canaan, the Famine, move to Egypt.

Exodus: Salvery in Egypt, flight from Egypt led by Moses, worship of the golden calf, building of the Tabernacle

Leviticus: the laws of Holy Living, reward and punishment

Numbers: rebellion, Israelites wander 40 years in the desert

Deuteronomy: setting things right, seeing the Promised Land (Canaan)

The Pentateuch gives us a glimpse of our ancestry and reminds us that the standards of holy living are high. All have sinned and fallen short. That is the human nature. We need to stop doing what is comfortable for us and start living right even if it means more work and effort. It is never easy, just as portrayed in The Pilgrim’s Progress (from This World, to that Which is to Come) by John Bunyan. As Christian’s journey proves, the road to Heaven is not easy, the cost is great, and the true Christian must be willing to pay the cost no matter what.

Pilgrim’s Progress synopsis: https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Pilgrims-Progress

#12daysofchristmas #Christmas #fifthdayofchristmas #pilgrimsprogress #ourstory

Fourth Day of Christmas: Four Calling Birds

Posted on December 28, 2020 | by Vineyardmaker | Leave a Comment

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The four calling birds calling out the Christmas message. The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John bring the Message of Hope. The word “gospel” (euangelion in Greek) means “good news.” Paul writes that “our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5. We understand that the stories told in the gospels are not simply words, but life-transforming through the exemplary life of the Saviour, who was fully God and fully human, able to empathise with human weakness. He was considered a rebel in the culture and society of His times, yet He did no wrong. Through the Gospels, we can understand His teachings and model His works.

The Gospels are accounts of four very different persons telling the story from different perspectives. Luke is a doctor and writes for the non-Jewish audience. John writes from a totally different perspective from Matthew, Mark and Luke where he begins the story with “In the beginning…”, emphasizing the divinity of the Saviour. The Gospels quite frequently refer to the Old Testament to infer the fulfilment of the prophecies.

Jesus was never in a hurry, never worried, and always in time (even to raise the dead). He talks to different audiences, addressing their needs, speaking with love. He reveals who He is and who God is. He responds to different situations, not react. We often react without thinking. based on fear and insecurities. These reactions might not always be the best course of action, and can make others unhappy, make things worse for us, make the situation worse. Responding, on the other hand, is taking the situation in, and deciding the best course of action based on values such as reason and compassion.

#12daysofchristmas #fourthdayofchristmas #gospel #goodnews