The Bell Collection
I shared with you the other day about the delightful "bell" gift I received. This Christian company, in Texas states, on a card in their packaging, that it is the mission of their staff to honor God in all their endeavors by always putting God and family first and to bring joy into the lives of others with their craft. What a great mission! On their site: http://www.collectbells.com the themes of the various bells is vast. The one I received is called the Nativity Bell and here at Christmas I wanted to share what they wrote about this bell.
"Truly a work of art that fittingly depicts the birth of God's beloved son. The bail represents the Star of Bethlehem, while four scenes portray Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, a shepherd, a wise man following the star and Baby Jesus in a manger."
(I must stop and tell you a funny. When I first read bail, I thought that was Texas talk for bell.)
Take those five elements and ask God what they represent in your relationship with Him.
The Star Quest
The Search for Shelter
The Security of the Shepherd
The Seeking of the Wise Men
The Salvation brought to earth by a baby in a manger.
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. Matthew 2:9-10
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
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 the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those whom his favor rests."
Luke 2:8-14
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all those things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he came and set his people free. He set the power of salvation in the center of our lives, and in the very house of David his servant, just as he promised long ago through the preaching of his holy prophets:
Deliverance from our enemies and every hateful thing; Mercy to our fathers, as he remembers to do what he said he'd do, What he swore to our father Abraham-a clean rescue from the enemy camp. So we can worship him without a care in the world, made holy before him as long as we live. And you, my child, "Prophet of the Highest," will go ahead of the Master to prepare his way. Present the offer of salvation to his people, the forgiveness of their sins. Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's Sunrise will break in upon us, shining on those in darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death. Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.
Luke 1:67-79 (The MSG)
