Happy New Year!

Originally uploaded by Storeyland.

Are you ready for a blank slate, a fresh new canvas labelled 2007?

I am! Not that the Lord wasn't good to me in 2006 but I am expecting even greater things in the coming year. So I thought I would celebrate a bit here online with a fireworks display in anticipation of a future I can hope in (see Jer. 29:11).

Here are some things I'm looking forward to: quick answers to prayer (source: Graham Cooke); a [spiritual] breaking out among North America's youth (source: Wesley and Stacey Campbell); a year of success and fruitfulness (source: Patricia King); a year of increased revelation of scriptures, prophecy, dreams and visions (source: Rick Joyner); a season of clarity and vision (source: Cindy McGill); and one of the greatest years of restoration (source: Kim Clement).

ANGEL MESSENGER

THE GLORY OF THE LORD

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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

HEAVENLY HOST

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14

Angel in Krakow Originally uploaded by wit.

A Very Beanie Nativity

Beanie Nativity Originally uploaded by rachelandrew.

I recently searched through hundreds of nativity scenes on flickr Creative Commons and surprised myself by liking this one the best. "Why?" I asked myself. Why do I prefer this one to those that have real people in them or real animals? Why did this one most touch my heart?

Hmmm. I'm not sure we humans always understand why something touches our hearts, but as a writer, I need to try to explain my choice.

COMMUNING WITH HER CREATOR

The artist who put together this seemingly simple nativity scene was concerned with the glory and awe of the occasion. That's what I see in Mary's upturned face and prayerful posture. What God said would happen, did happen, and she is communing with her Creator, who is also the Father of her miracle baby.

POIGNANT AND PENSIVE

In one word, I would say her face and posture define the word, "poignant." My word for Joseph would be "pensive." I imagine he is feeling the responsibility of raising God's child, the promised Deliverer.

What do you think?

Beany Nativity photo by rachelandrew

DO YOU NEED A BREAKTHROUGH?

FAITH WILL ARISE AND BRING 'SUDDENLIES'

Following is part of a recent prophetic message from Patricia King:

Get ready for great victory and breakthroughs! A season of acceleration is at hand; even though the enemy attempted to bring discouragement, faith will arise to release the power and purposes of God. "Suddenlies" are on their way!

Do not be discouraged at the trials you face at this time, but look to the Lord your God. There is nothing you are facing at this time that cannot be overcome in Christ. What do you need? Is it wisdom? Is it grace? Comfort? Health? Finance? Your need at this time is your next potential testimony of Christ's victory.

Click here for the rest of this encouraging message by Patricia King, as well as scriptures to meditate on to boost your faith to receive your breakthrough.