BOUGHS OF HEMLOCK

Boughs of hemlock, full, adorning,

blessed to greet the chilly morning;

as when Magi came afar,

from the east, beneath the Star,

and gave sweet gifts to the King of kings,

Creator of created things,

who became a man—a babe to carry—

and trusted the goodness of Joseph and Mary.

Boughs of hemlock, rich and stately,

by the roadside waving greatly;

likened to the branches’ way

in Jerusalem that day,

when our Savior Jesus Christ wept,

and on the road to the cross, kept,

to atone for us eternal peace,

from sin’s sure hold, a sure release.

Boughs of hemlock sprinkled snow,

delicate grace on branches show;

like the change from winter time to spring.

A new life planted, faith will bring

fruit and life from a spirit clean,

and fine harvest of an evergreen.

Truth and honor in scripture well

will be honored, as time will tell.

And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

Leviticus 23:40

BOUGHS OF HEMLOCK

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 

Isaiah 9:2

God gave His Word through the prophet Isaiah. Light changes a dark scene. Hope alleviates trouble. Joy lifts turmoil. And being self-controlled keeps you alert.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Isaiah tells us God’s plan with remembrance of a past event. It was deliberate in the day of Midian when the odds looked ridiculous for Gideon who led a few men blowing trumpets and breaking jars against their enemy.

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, and the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 

Isaiah 9:4

It was also deliberate when Sarah gave birth at the age of 90. It was deliberate when King Hezekiah saw an angel standing in the battlefield after it killed 185,000 men of the king’s enemy because he had prayed for help.

Let there be light. I think God’s first words in Genesis were deliberate too. Jesus is the Great Light seen by the people walking in darkness. Only Jesus Christ can break the yoke of sin and swipe the staff of the task-master, the rod of Satan, the prince of darkness, the roaring lion who devours.

For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 

Isaiah 9:5

What are the results of losing the battle of salvation? Hell. We will not all be blessed in the end and some have said. Jesus will divide the grain from the chaff, the believer from the non-believer. The grain will go into His good barn while the chaff will be tossed into the fire.

Now is the time to be saved by the only one who can save.

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

Jesus Christ is God’s Son given to us through the Virgin Mary. God became what He created—a human being! Jesus is God incarnate. Emmanuel, God with us. God came to us in the form of a baby boy. Jesus is the exact representation of Almighty God and is the Savior.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:7

There is ongoing just government and perpetual peace in the kingdom of the King of kings because of zeal. God’s enthusiasm has brought about His Word. Christ is able to accomplish great things! All power is given unto Jesus by Almighty God the Father. Jesus’ name is exalted above all names. He is the only one who is worthy to break the seals and begin the end times.

Keep asking God for the help needed to endure any hardship. He is able to hear us in prayer. Sometimes, we have to keep at it like the persistent widow. But in faith, be diligent, be controlled. The devil cannot stop God from answering prayer. But, being a deceiver, he is able to stop prayer from happening.

This is my last post for the year 2024. I'll have a new word for the end of each blog post in 2025. I've already picked it, but you'll have to read it next year to find out! :-)

We have snow on the ground here in Veery Glade. Sunshine on the snow crystals reminds us of the verse about our sin becoming as white as snow. Live a life trusting Jesus and look for that day of waving boughs upon entering the Heavenly realm as promised.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

With green boughs in hand, submit to the Spirit's call to maintain your self-control.