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poetry

Peace On Earth

listeningwithlaurette

Peace on Earth

““Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Peace On Earth

At this special season
When gifts are normally given
I have my online order ready
I am sending it to You in heaven

Is it too late for first class delivery
From Your heart to their address
You know the ones I pray for
Yes I am partial I must confess

I think they’ll be amazed
When they see it is from You
They’ve been so hurried this season
With all the things, so much to do

Lord what is the perfect gift this year,
Hope and Peace!
Likened to the hush of angels wings
Oh yes their spirits will soar
With hearts set free to sing

You will be delivering the gift in person
Oh no I’m not surprised
Why didn’t I think of this
Placed right before their eyes

Thank You Lord for taking
My online order this late
I know it’s so close to Christmas
I adore how You relegate

Thank You for Special Delivery
Upgraded at no extra cost
Free for returning customers
Wow! Personalized and embossed

When they see their name
Etched into Your palm
May their hearts soak in
Christmas peace and healing balm

The gift that last forever
Offering hope to one and all
Yes Jesus was delivered for us
Peace on earth, Christmas altar call

© laurette laster

Often we find ourselves hurried with last minute shopping and gifts to buy. Making certain no one is without a gift on Christmas Day. I cannot think of anything worse than to have someone in my home or at my gathering that didn’t have or receive a gift. Can you imagine the sting to the one left out? Imagine if you will if that someone were you, or one you loved. Oh our heart would break. We would feel the ache in the heart of one we loved. How much more the Father longs for each of us to receive His gift of salvation. The gift delivered at Christmas is opened at the cross but you must receive to understand and open.

As families gather this year I pray a deep famishing soul hunger engulf those around us. For unsaved or prodigals I pray they realize their spiritual starvation. Like the aroma from the oven I pray a soul hunger is ignited. If there be any in our midst without salvation I pray their soul hungers, sensing the love of Christ-mas. I pray they cry out for their gift, the gift of God’s redemptive love from Christ our Savior. This Christmas let’s not forget the True Gift, the gift of Jesus Christ who came to give light to a dark lost world. I pray we lead others who will pray the sinners prayer. What a gift for our Lord!

Oh yes Father, stir up the gift inside of every believer. Let the aroma of Christmas’ Love cause others to cry out where is my gift? I long for the gift of salvation Lord Jesus! Yes, what a celebration.

Merry Christmas

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom!

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

poetry

Christmas Altar Call

listeningwithlaurette

Christmas ‘Altar Call’

Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Holy salvation
God’s kingdom

Hark the herald angels sing
When bells of Christmas past did ring
Do you hear, can you feel
Christmas joy, tangible, surreal

As a Babe in Bethlehem come
God incarnate Gifted Son
Came to save and seek the lost
What great gain, What great cost

While you think of what to gift
I have a question, perhaps like this;
Do you know, have you seen
Heavens herald, when angels sing
At Migdal Edar, temple Shepherds saw
Heavens first ‘Altar call’

Oh Come and see what God has done
One and only perfect Son
Joy to the world sent to all
Christmas season ‘Altar call’
Bring your hearts on bended knee
God In Heaven has called to thee

This perfect GIFT, not available in any mall
Don’t mistake Christmas-it’s heavens ‘Altar call’
Life eternal, joy ‘Devine
Where it’s CHRIST mas all the time

© laurette laster December 2017

Luke 2:11-14
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and in earth peace to those on whom His favor rest.”

Simeon’s revelation by The Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen The Lord’s Messiah
Luke 2:30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation.

https://int.icej.org/news/commentary/tower-flock

There is so much to the Christmas story. Jesus Christ was and is the most tracked delivery known to man.
Each time we read scripture we clearly see the predetermined origination, the purpose, the appropriation, the destination, the regeneration, the fulfillment, the dissolution, the dread, the fear, the uncertainty, the cross, the death, and the utter abandonment felt by the many who had awaited His arrival. What kind of gift was this, it all fell to pieces. Was this how the gift of Christmas was to end? What happened to the promise? How could this happen?

I’ve felt the sinking disappointment, opening a package believing the picture on the outside was the product inside. The anticipation, the excitement quickly turning to dread realizing the work involved; required study, reading (and following) the directions before having what I saw in the original advertisement.

Yes that is what Christmas is. The Hope! The Anticipated Joy! The Arrival! The Study! The Truth! The Light! The Loss! The Waiting! The Uncertainty!

Yes! The Promise of Christmas is alive and continues to be unwrapped as we go forward with the original tracking device, The Word of God. You should track your gift.

Who do you think could believe such a thing? Well here’s hoping to Heaven you do!

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Merry Christmas

Until next time, thanks for listening with me. Laurette

poetry

Dare to Believe

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Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem during the second century B.C., following the triumph of a small group of Jewish rebels, known as the Maccabees, against their oppressors the Greek-Syrians, who had defiled the temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls. In order to rededicate the temple, the Maccabees had to light a menorah that would burn within the temple at all times. However, they only had enough pure olive oil to last for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, leaving time to find a fresh supply of oil.

Something seems extra special to me this year. Can you feel it? Actually I don’t feel it at all, but I sense it in my spirit. I sense a newness, something extraordinary, extravagant, exciting, excellent, exceptional, and yet unexplainable because it makes no sense to the human mind.

Stirring inside of me are visions but not of sugarplums. I think this is what it is to have a sense of wonder, true wonder when experienced leaps and dances, adding rhythm to faith, causing faith to whirl and swirl with extravagant expectancy. Yes stirring inside of me is a sense of true wonder. A Wonder that dares to believe then take action.

Will you dare to believe with me? Will you dare to believe one more time? Will you expect to experience an extravagance released from heaven, from Him, from the Holy Spirit of our Savior as we celebrate this season of His birth?

Dare to Believe


The lamp still burning 
How can this be
A miracle happened 
Hanukkah teaches me 


The God of Israel 
Is The Light
Our God with us
Is in the fight


Fighting to regain 
What the enemy had stolen 
A time of rededication 
Forward and emboldened 


ThIs menorah 
With a days measure of oil 
Burns brighter today
In darkness and turmoil 


A special time to remember 
Abounding joy on the horizon
The Light Of Christmas 
The miracle still mesmerizes 


Behold The Lamp
Behold The Light
Behold The Miracle
A Sacred Sight 


Hanukkah beckons 
Only receive 
Miracles still happen
Dare to believe  


@ laurette laster 





“His head and his hair were white like wool—white as glistening snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire! His feet were gleaming like bright metal, as though they were glowing in a fire, and his voice was like the roar of many rushing waters.”
 ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:14-15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Merry Christmas

Happy Hanukkah

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

poetry

Miracle of Oil

listeningwithlaurette

Happy Hanukkah

2020 date
Sunset, 10 December –
nightfall, 18 December
Miracle of Oil


There was only enough oil 
For just this one night
What would be the outcome
When the Menorah did light


Once the flame was lit
Servant candle forever burning
How to fuel the light of God
To this command concerning


What would they do
The dilemma and shortage
Only pure and sanctified oil allowed
Required to cleanse what’s been distorted


What could they do
Yes following God commands
They did light the menorah
Witnessing the miracle of His Hands


For on this night 
The abundance of oil did flow
So that all could see
Now all would know


There is a God in Israel,
Miracle seen so all will know
Hanukkahs miracle of oil 
Today does still flow


In the faces of all who see Jesus
The Servant light of The Menorah
The Light of God ever brighter
Burning bright straight out of the Torah


Poem written by © Laurette Laster 


“After this the Feast of Dedication [of the reconsecration of the temple] was taking place at Jerusalem. It was winter, And Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch in the temple area. So the Jews surrounded Him and began asking Him, How long are You going to keep us in doubt and suspense? If You are really the Christ (the Messiah), tell us so plainly and openly. Jesus answered them, I have told you so, yet you do not believe Me [you do not trust Me and rely on Me]. The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father's name bear witness concerning Me [they are My credentials and evidence in support of Me].”
 ‭‭John‬ ‭10:22-25‬ ‭AMP

Revelation 1:10,12-13 
It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast.


When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest.
‭‭

I believe in miracles. I believe this is again a year that witnesses miracles of Christmas in the United States of America. 

Miracles flow from His hand and from His heart. Israel is the heartbeat of God and of the world. Standing with Jer USA lem and Israel is why we have the miracle oil of God’s anointing to prosper over our Nation. Protect what God loves and God protects everything we care about.

Hanukkah the miracle of rededicating the God’s temple from the defilement of pagan worship...

Feast of Dedication
The Feast of Dedication is mentioned in the New Testament Gospel of John 10:22.
The story of Hanukkah, which tells the origins of the Feast of Dedication, is recorded in the First Book of Maccabees

Do you hear what I hear?

(From Learn Religion)
According to ancient records, King Antiochus IV (who was sometimes called "The Madman") defiled the Temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar and spilling its blood on the holy scrolls of Scripture.

As a result of severe persecution and pagan oppression, a group of four Jewish brothers led by Judah Maccabee decided to raise up an army of religious freedom fighters. These men of fierce faith and loyalty to God became known as the Maccabees. The small band of warriors fought for three years with "strength from heaven" until achieving a miraculous victory and deliverance from Greco-Syrian control.

After regaining the Temple, it was cleansed by the Maccabees, cleared of all Greek idolatry, and readied for rededication. The rededication of the Temple to the Lord took place in the year 165 BC, on the 25th day of the Hebrew month called Kislev.

Hanukkah is called the Feast of Dedication because it celebrates the Maccabees' victory over Greek oppression and the rededication of the Temple. But Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, and this is because immediately following the miraculous deliverance, God provided another miracle of provision.

In the Temple, the eternal flame of God was to stay lit at all times as a symbol of God's presence. But according to tradition, when the Temple was rededicated, there was only enough oil left to burn the flame for one day. The rest of the oil had been defiled by the Greeks during their invasion, and it would take a week for new oil to be processed and purified. However, at the rededication, the Maccabees went ahead and set fire to the eternal flame with the remaining supply of oil. Miraculously, God's Holy presence caused the flame to burn for eight days until the new sacred oil was ready for use.

This miracle of the long-lasting oil explains why the Hanukkah Menorah is lit for eight consecutive nights of celebration. Jews also commemoratethe miracle of oil provision by making oil-rich foods, such as Latkas, an important part of Hanukkah celebrations.

The Hanukkah menorah, also chanukiah or hanukkiah (Hebrew: מנורת חנוכה‎ menorat ḥanukkah, pl. menorot; also Hebrew: חַנֻכִּיָּה‎ ḥanukkiyah, or chanukkiyah, pl. ḥanukkiyot/chanukkiyot, or Yiddish: חנוכּה לאָמפּ‎ khanike lomp, lit.: Hanukkah lamp), is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holidayof Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold lights (candles or oil lamps) that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday; on each night, one more light is lit than the previous night, until on the final night all eight branches are ignited. The ninth branch holds a candle, called the shamash (“helper” or “servant”), used to light the other eight.

And now we see our tradition and the birth of Christmas celebration. Jesus Christ is The Light of the World. The light has come and the darkness will not overcome His light or those who walk in His light.

More About Hanukkah 

Hanukkah is traditionally a family celebration with the lighting of the menorah at the center of the traditions. The Hanukkah menorah is called the hanukkiyah. It is a candelabra with eight candleholders in a row, and a ninth candleholder positioned slightly higher than the rest. According to custom, the candles on the Hanukkah Menorah are lit from left to right.

Fried and oily foods are a reminder of the miracle of the oil. Dreidel games are traditionally played by children and often the whole household during Hanukkah. Probably because of Hanukkah’s proximity to Christmas, many Jews give gifts during the holiday.

The center or middle candle is called the Helper or Servant candle. In Rev 1 where was Jesus our Messiah standing when John turned to hear the One speaking to him?

“And in the midst of the lampstands [One] like a Son of Man, clothed with a robe which reached to His feet and with a girdle of gold about His breast. [Dan. 7:13; 10:5.]”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:13‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Yes I do still believe, here’s hoping to Heaven you do.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

poetry

Have you Received The Gift

listeningwithlaurette 
Have you received The Gift

 Wrapped in Gold 

This gift so gloriously fashioned
Something priceless inside
This gift wrapped in gold 
The place His presence abides

The surrounding of their wings  
Extended covering the top
Yes they’re awaiting something special 
Likened to a MASTER’S workshop 

Lavishly covered in pure gold
The story now has been told
It is the place of covering
The Covenant Ark of His abode

The Ark of His Covenant
The Place of His abiding Presence
Where He writes upon our heart
Inside our heart the law is evidenced 

He purposed the law securely 
Underneath His seat of mercy
Does this design point to us
Will there be some controversy 

His presence is here
The seat where He abides
Covered by wings so large 
A safe place where we can hide

The place of eternal protection 
Guarded shelter under His wings
A place for perfect atoning  
Covered only by His anointing

The gift where love meets me
Covering my every flaw
His Golden Ark of Covenant 
A gift of eternal awe

Mercy was placed atop
Covering the law 
Because His grace is needed
When we sin and helplessly fall

His gift so intricately wrapped
Covered with purest gold
Yes it holds the greatest Christmas gift
More precious than the gold

Covered by His wings
The place His blood was applied 
Because mercy always triumphs law
His Gift salvation securely supplied

 © laurette laster 

 It’s Time

January 1, 2020 something was stirring in my spirit. I sensed The Lord asking what does it mean. Our Western traditions, customs, and holidays are illustrations, mimicking the Fall Feasts and other Appointed Times of the Lord, even though others may not be aware of this.
 Christmas is here. It is the Christmas season.
 Our lights burn brightest in the darkness. I turn the window candles on each night loving the nostalgic feel of times gone by. I miss the the festive decorations when the season is over but carry the meaning of Christmas in my heart everyday.
 Our traditions and Holidays (Holy Days)Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, represent The Fall Feasts of The Lord our God. Yom Teruah or Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur also known as Day of Atonement and Tabernacles, and Hanukkah or Feast of Dedication are Holy times of God. We’ve been honoring and handing down remnants or portions of these Feasts for generations.
 Greg and I were talking January 1, the beginning of 2020, I asked him, if you had to define time what would you say time is, how would you describe time? He sat there for a moment then answered, “I don’t know.” It isn’t easily definable or described in one word. 

How applicable.
Time is a noun, a verb, and an adjective. 
Time is a season, a decade, a day, a moment, a year, an eon, an event, a measure, a duration, a date, an occasion, time is passing, can be appointed and time can be missed. The list can go on and on.
 We know that the stroke of a clock doesn’t really change anything, and neither does the day on a calendar, yet we need the boundary time marks and sets. God established time of light and dark, evening and the morning, making a distinction between day and night at the beginning of creation. 
 We need the measurement and the distinction time offers. 
 While we read many opinions or rants about celebrating pagan holidays, I thank God for the reason we celebrate. 
 I also have a word for Christmas 2020 that has had several confirmations of late. We will celebrate His Presence this year and be utterly amazed. One confirmation is from 2006 from Kim Clement. Now I understand more the stirring in my soul, what time is it? What does is mean? 

 Looking intently, searching the scriptures the prophets searched for when this event, the advent of Christ  would come. The people of God were intensely looking, listening for, longing and believing for The King to make His entrance as spoken through the words of Isaiah and Jeremiah and other prophets, longingly looking for the consolation of Israel.
 In remembrance of Him and tHis sacred event we observe tHis set apart time, recognizing and honoring our God. He set, kept, and fulfilled, His promised appointment with mankind, sending His Son, Jesus Christ, our promised Messiah. This promised event changed the destiny and eternity of mankind.
 The first Christmas Gift ever given was in the beginning, wrapped in pure gold, Emmanuel, God’s presence with His people. The first article to be built was the Ark of The Covenant. His plan, Emmanuel, God with us, from the beginning with the construction of the Ark. 

 A gift given to us, then poured out for us at the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins. At His resurrection This Gift would open unto us the offer of complete salvation and meaning, new life, a living hope, redemption, restoration, sanctification, and eternity with Him in the next life giving us power here and now.
 What a God, what a glorious event; The Gift that is still being opened.
We have been given a set time, the acceptable day, an appointed time to die and then judgement. 
 Why would anyone miss the day of salvation?
It is time! Today is the day, now is the acceptable time of God’s favor. If you haven’t already made Jesus Lord of your life, I pray you will stop right now and receive The Gift that Christmas delivered, ask Jesus to be your Savior. 
 He is The Real Gift and the meaning of Christmas!


Merry Christmas-Laurette

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thanks for listening with me. Laurette

poetry

The Gift of Christmas

listeningwithlaurette 

The Gift of Christmas 


Why get so busy and hurried
Purchasing gifts for under the tree
This is Christmas’ Holy arrival 
Emmanuel, God with us for eternity


A Gift so Holy awe inspiring 
A Gift more valuable than gold
Money can’t buy and man can’t make
A Gift human hands can’t mold


The Gift for hearts and minds made new 
This is why Christmas came
It is life and power to our spirit
This Christmas Gift changed everything 


Stop for a moment take a deep breath
Ponder and think about why
Silently pray and listen
As we hear the Christmas lullaby 


Behold the angel said
I bring good news that will be great joy
He has come, Emmanuel God with us
Better than any trinket or toy


Today hearts can be made new
Today broken dreams revived
All because God chose
To come and die and make us alive


Oh Yes the Gift of eternity 
The Gift so amazing and Divine 
Stop for a moment this Christmas 
Hear how Christmas came alive


© laurette laster 2019


“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

 And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him.”
 ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭2:6-7, 14, 40‬ ‭NIV)

What a wonderful time to focus on The Gift, The Love, The Delivery, delivered for us, to bring deliverance for us. The Gift from heaven that caused the heavenly host to proclaim in the highest heaven, “Glory to God in the highest”‬‬

At just the right time Emmanuel, Christ The Lord, as a babe born in Bethlehem, named Yeshuah by God, came into the earth, born of a virgin named Mary. Could there be a better time than now to worship God for His precious Gift freely given to all who will receive? Yes Christmas is about The Perfect Gift; The Gift from God to man. Religion is man reaching for God; at Christmas God reached down and gave of Himself, touching the world giving The Greatest Gift; Himself; Emmanuel God with us; Oh what a glorious night.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette



poetry

My Christmas Wish

listeningwithlaurette 
My Christmas Wish


Nourish my hungry heart
Fill my starving soul
This Christmas Lord I have a wish
More of Your glory to behold


I’ve made a solemn vow
I’ve prayed a heartfelt prayer
God of my salvation
I’m creating more room to share


I’m creating room for You
A permanent dwelling place
Love was born at Christmas
My heart’s saving grace


Yes Love came down at Christmas 
Heavenly Hope has been delivered 
His perfect love poured out 
May we stop and truly consider 


Christmas is more than tradition
The festivities were not trite
Emmanuel, eternal and lasting
Oh what a Glorious Sight

© laurette laster 

We read and have read many stories filled with tradition but void of facts. Often the writer in order to bring a story to life embellishes or enhances from their emotional bend or tradition handed down. We as believers are told wisdom is the principle thing and must be accompanied with understanding. 

Recently I read, we are the Inn Keeper who decide if there is room for Jesus. This is unique and catchy and might well jar us awake, causing us to think. But this wasn’t the main theme of The Christ Child’s birth. The stable wasn’t dirty as many songs and stories relate, but yes it was a stable. 
The shepherds were Temple shepherds who were looking for and awaiting the coming Messiah and the beloved consolation of Israel. These men were not some misfit, dirty, unknowing men, given the heaven sent, earth changing, most prophesied announcement in all eternity, the message of the birth of our Messiah, hearing, “Today in the city of David a Savior is born”...

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger”
‭‭(Luke ‭2:8-16‬ ‭NIV).‬‬

These shepherds were watchers, diligently ‘keeping watch’ over the sheep. The field was not far from the temple stables, located in Bethlehem. Isn’t it interesting the shepherds knew exactly where to look or go to Bethlehem.


“The shepherds said to one another let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which The Lord has told us about”

“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger” (Luke 2:15-16 NIV).

The shepherds were given two signs to identify ‘the baby’ lying in a trough and swaddled (wrapped) in linen, the trough or the manger is the only indication Christ was born in a stable. 

However, we have the exciting gift of scriptures being opened and having been fulfilled. We understand our Savior was indeed born in Bethlehem. Heralded by angels, 

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heavens, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:13-14 NIV).

And we who celebrate this season, knowing the date is not accurate but setting aside time that accompanies and coincides closely with Hanukkah and The Feast of Dedication, choose to celebrate the birth of our Savior and Messiah. We create room in our hearts for more of Him. We do not become entangled in the commercialism nor lose sight of why we celebrate. Indeed this is 

GOOD NEWS, GREAT JOY TO ALL! Glory to GOD in the highest heaven! 
Have you heard the Good News? If not I’d love to share this News with you.


Merry Christmas 
Mas means celebration
Christ we know is The Anointed One, 
Merry is joyous, so yes Merry Christmas, 
Joyous celebration of The Anointed One!
Noel Noel, come and see what God has done.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette
poetry

A Christmas Heart

listeningwithlaurette 
A Christmas Heart


Can you feel it in your heart        
Christmas time- a special part
Consolation has come for Israel
That Prophets of old did foretell


Do you feel Him in your heart
Emmanuel, Salvation's start
Gabriel's news to Mary he gave
Birth of Messiah, born to save


God has come in flesh to dwell 
Heavens glory did show and tell
About Messiah and His entrance
A virgin shall give birth, to His preeminence


Hearts will break when they believe
Giving thanks on bended knee
The time had come for God's own plan
Eternity set in the heart of man


No more to sing Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel 
The Lord was born at Migdol Eder
He has come to save us from our sin
Of His kingdom there shall be no end


© laurette laster 2018


Isaiah 9:6 NIV
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Luke 1-31-33 NKJV
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.

Who do you think could believe such a thing? Well here’s hoping to Heaven you do.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom!

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

poetry

Christmas Altar Call

listeningwithlaurette

Do you remember when you knew?

Christmas ‘Altar Call’

Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Holy salvation
God’s kingdom

Hark the herald angels sing
When bells of Christmas past did ring
Do you hear, can you feel
Christmas joy, tangible, surreal

As a Babe in Bethlehem did come
God incarnate Gifted Son
Came to save and seek the lost
What great gain, What great cost

While you think of what to gift
I have a question, perhaps like this;
Do you know, have you seen
Heavens herald, when angels sing
At Migdal Edar, temple Shepherds saw
Heavens first ‘Altar call.’

Oh Come and see what God has done
One and only perfect Son
Joy to the world sent to all
Christmas season’s ‘Altar call’
Bring your hearts on bended knee,
God In Heaven has called to thee

This perfect GIFT, not available in any mall
Don’t mistake Christmas-it’s heaven’s Altar call.’
Life eternal, joy Divine
Where it’s CHRIST mas all the time

© laurette laster 2017

Luke 2:11-14
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and in earth peace to those on whom His favor rest.”

When the time has come for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Temple to present Him to The Lord.
Simeon was given special insight from the Spirit that he would recognize the Messiah.

Simeon’s revelation by The Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen The Lord’s Messiah
Luke 2:30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation.

I first saw this picture Christmas Eve 2013, it was the cover page of The Upper Room pamphlet. With great excitement I said to Greg, “oh look it is Simeon with Jesus.” Later after leaving the candlelight service, Greg ask how I ‘immediately’ knew that was Simeon when seeing the picture, asking had I seen this photo before? I said I’m not sure, I just knew.

I’ve not met Simeon or ever seen a picture to my knowledge, how did I know? I felt the power of the a painter’s captioning because the same Spirit that lives in us still gives insight.

I was ecstatic Christmas 2014 after (finally) receiving this painting, from my husband Greg for Christmas. A few wrong deliveries, to Greg’s chagrin as he sat proudly with me. (His perfect plan for Christmas Eve delivery destroyed as I sat awaiting in great expectation my gift, him receiving the email notice; your package has been delivered. His face flushed when finally finding out it had mistakenly been dropped off at a distribution center, now closed until after Christmas) the painting finally made its way home to me.
It is one of the first things I see each day as I awaken.

Do you remember when you received the gift of your Salvation?

Simeon’s moment by Ron DiCianni. I added the captioning to a photo of my painting for this post

Merry Christmas-

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

Blog, photo, poetry

What was it like?

listeningwithlaurette

“So they ran into the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in a feeding trough.

But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and often pondered what they meant.”
‭‭(Luke‬ ‭2:16, 19‬ ‭TPT)‬‬
I find too often the romanticized and dramatic themes surrounding the events may well diminish the reality.

Why would Mary need to ponder the words of Gabriel, or the shepherds and others for what they meant? Did she not know, did she not understand?

Could she see the trough was to be a sign, a picture of a future fulfillment? Could she understand that giving birth in the Temple Stable would also be pointing to a futuristic time? How could anyone not understand all this? Did Gabriel mention or take time to explain to Mary the harsh grueling reality facing her and her newborn babe? Did he? This painting hangs in my house becoming one of my favorite. To me this is the reality. A young husband obedient to messages received in dreams and a young woman with a promise from a supernatural encounter with the one who stands in the presence God. Mary now a new mother giving birth all alone with a man she hasn’t even been intimate with, giving birth in the Temple Stable at Migdol Adar. The place where lambing was overseen for the sacrifices. The lambs for Temple sacrifice at Passover had to be without spot or blemish. The lambs wrapped and swaddled to protect them from blemishes during the awkward stage, did anyone see the symbolism? Did Gabriel explain all these signs to Mary? Or was she ushered along the way? Was she amazed? Was she astounded? Was Joseph amazed? Did they live life day to day?


I believe it is safe and secure to say God used the OANTKB?

On a need to know basis, (the giving of information that has remained secret or kept hidden until it is needed to be shown or known by a particular party or parties.

Would Mary and Joseph question their call? Would Joseph ever question or ask why me. Would Mary wonder asking herself if she heard correctly? Would Mary ever say did I imagine this? I believe it is completely reasonable to say yes they did because they like us are human. But oh the joy unspeakable as they sit in heaven today knowing their role changed history and is still the greatest GIFT ever given to mankind. The gift of our Savior born of a virgin laid in a feeding trough…

Be careful when thinking the decorations

 And all of the festive trimmings

 Are the meaning of the Christmas season

 Because it is in giving, His love was brimming

 Yes Christmas would come in the form of a babe

 Swaddled and lain in a manger

 But the love poured out, that is the gift

 Couldn’t have felt any stranger

 Yes the true cost of love is to Give

 Insurmountable, amazing and immeasurable 

 For the real Christmas story is told

 His love came down and it was inevitable

How can you receive this gift that came at Christmas

Well lets look to see if it comes with instructions

Oh yes I’ve found them in His own words

How about this for the introduction

Repent and be baptized simply believe

 The gift of Love, Christmas has truly come

New life New Hope, The Gift

God’s perfect gift, His only begotten Son!

Yes we celebrate the birth of Christ

Can you believe this story is true

The only gift fit for our King

Here’s hoping to Heaven you do

 laurette laster December 2018

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette