For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light Colossians 1:9-12
The power of intercessional prayer must never be underestimated. Paul began this letter to the church of Colossae praising them for their acts of love. He said that the report of their faith in Jesus Christ was even further displayed by their acts of love toward others and particularly their loving care of other Christians. Yet, Paul was well aware that the journey ahead for them as believers would be laden with obstacles, with ridicule, and with trials of their faith. There would be those who infiltrated their ranks with ideologies or philosophies which would attempt to undermine the truth of the gospel. For that reason, Paul said, we do not cease to pray for you.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Because Christ lives, we do not have to fear tomorrow nor weep for yesterday. Every memory of love, joy, and hope have been God’s gift to us throughout the years. If any of you awoke this morning alone, this poem I wrote is for you. My hope is it lifts your spirit just a little; especially, if you have a missing place at your table.
A Christmas Dance
By Effie Darlene Barba
The fireplace was blazing, the lights turned down low
While outside was falling a blanket of snow
So handsome you were with your suit and your tie
The guests had all left, it was just you and I
You reached out your hand to ask me to dance
Without a word but such love in your glance
The Christmas tree sparkled like stars in the night
The children asleep with dreams of delight
It soon would be morning, a bright Christmas day
But for now, we would twirl, turn and would sway
Wrapped in your arms, my heart soared or so it did seem
Until I awoke, it was only a dream
As I lay there in bed I felt so alone
‘Til I thought of you there before God’s throne
I imagined the joy as you danced and you sang
The chorus of angels as Christmas bells rang
The tears that were falling faded away
As I remembered God’s gift that first Christmas Day
CHORUS
The baby, God’s son sent from above
A sacrifice great to show me His love
He came to this earth to live and to die
And pay then sin’s price for you and for I
One day I’ll join you when God calls my name
Until then with joy, my life will proclaim
Jesus was born, what a Glorious day
Emmanuel lives in my heart to stay
So, Merry Christmas, my darling; now I must run
To celebrate joy, the gift of God’s son
As I now see that this memory of you
A wonderful gift that only God knew
Would fill me with hope, my love renew
One day we will dance again face to face
Celebrating our King for His Saving Grace
CHORUS
The baby, God’s son sent from above
A sacrifice great to show me His love
He came to this earth to live and to die
And pay then sin’s price for you and for I
One day I’ll join you when God calls my name
Until then with joy, my life will proclaim
Jesus was born, what a Glorious day
Emmanuel lives in my heart to stay
[bctt tweet=”My beloved husband went to be with God, July 23, 1994. We danced in my dreams last night.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”One day we will dance again, this time it will be celebrating our Lord and King” username=”effiedarlene”]
I would love to here about your journey; please scroll down to comment below.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth. Colossians 1:3-6
Paul as he wrote to this young church in Colossae who were literally under attack for their faith from every side and even within spoke of hope. They were in a melting pot of societies who desired they blend their faith with other philosophies to be more tolerant of ideologies rather than to hold fast to the truth of the gospel. They faced ridicule from those around them. Often, they faced even possible imprisonment or death for their faith. Life was not easier; indeed, in many ways life’s journey became harder as they began this new found life as Christians. They sacrificed more. They gave of their time, their money and their resources to spread the truth of the gospel; often to be met with resistance anger, and ridicule. So, on what did they anchor their hope? Without hope, it is difficult or nearly impossible to press on when things get tough.
Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. It is that feeling that all is going to be ok in the end. If I hope to finish the race; then, I will press on when my legs grow weary. The greater I perceive the treasure at the end of the race to be; the higher my hope grows each step of the race. Anticipating with great joy the finish line; I press on. Continue reading Can True Hope Really Be Found in The World?→
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:3-8
What distinguished the early Christian Church from all other religions and allowed it to spread? What caused the early Christians to be fruitful in their endeavors? And what seems to be the stumbling block for the present-day church? How do we uncompromisingly hold fast to truth while at the same time do so with a spirit of love?
What stood out most in the early church were the selfless acts of kindness, love and community among the believers; as well as their willingness to suffer whatever consequence of standing firm for the truth of the gospel. They also were quick to do random acts of kindness for even those who persecuted them. Humility, servitude, kindness and the willingness to suffer for the furtherance of the gospel marked the early church and drew people in. This is something we must remember and not get caught up in the “me” society of Christians who act for the sake of gaining ourselves anything.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:10-14
As Christmas approaches with great joy and hope we sing of peace on earth; yet, all around us we see anger, pride, terrorism, war, and violence. How was it that over 2000 years ago, the angels sang of peace? How was it that Paul wrote to the Colossians of peace? Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:2 As I already pointed out last week, they were a church being bombarded by false doctrines who bid them be open minded. There was conflict and controversy within the church as well as the society that surrounded them. People were being tortured and killed for speaking the truth of the gospel. Paul himself was in prison. So how could Paul write of peace? Was this merely a hope for one day when Christ returns to set up reign on earth? There will be that day! But, how do we as Christians sing of peace now while living in a war-torn world ravaged with division, hate, and anger?
