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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

The Christmas Message

Marie Jon’ speaks of what used to be commonly understood: Christmas is about Christ Jesus.

The Star Will Return, Merry Christmas To All
By Marie Jon’

How many of us, in our good-hearted way, have ridden past the stable on the high horse of our opinions and convictions, leaving the Child behind, not realizing he was there? How many of us have stood up for what we believed, even in defiance, but were not awake to the fact that we were riding past a miracle ? the miracle of life and love?—Alfred Delp  

Nearly two thousand years ago, the appearance of angels in a shepherd’s field would change the lives of all mankind. Before the eyes of lowly shepherds, who were attending their flocks of sheep, angels appeared and asked of these men to look around. They found a Savior in a small little town in Judea.  Shepherds adoringly cast their eyes upon the newly born infant, who was wrapped warm and snuggly. “This will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2.12  

Theologians do not know exactly when Christ was born. They believe He was born in the spring, not on a cold winter’s night. The magnificent account of Christ birth will bless you. Christmas is celebrated as a national holiday.  

The BIBLE Story: Text of the Biblical Account of Jesus Birth: Resources: Bible Gateway (Luke 2, KJV) ;  

A good shepherd looks over his sheep; he does not yell at the flock when they are caught in the thickets. A good shepherd gets right down amongst his sheep and he physically moves them when in harm’s way. He will search for a lost sheep until it is found.  

The world then, as well as now, desperately needed a Savior. The Lord Jesus came in human form and at the perfect time, He began His own earthly ministry. Christ preached the plan of salvation. The Lord of all would eventually give His own life for all mankind, so they could be free from all sin. Only Christ could become the sin offering. After His death, the sacrificing of animals would no longer be a teaching tool before God’s people  .

Lambs are mentioned in God’s Word as part of a mosaic tapestry. Every written word is there so that you may understand why deity came to this earth as a little baby. “The word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us.” (John 1:14 )  Because of Jesus Christ, we are able to “live life more abundantly.” “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10) He gave to this world a gift of the blessed hope.  

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)  

Eternal life awaits those who will follow Him now. “If any person wants to follow me, he must say ‘no’ to the things he wants. That person must accept the cross that is given to him, and he must follow me.” (Mark 8:34) “For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)  

God gave of Himself and offers a free gift. His Christmas present will last you for eternity. The Baby born in Jerusalem came to earth to die for you and for me. He lives!  

The first Christmas came and the world will never be the same because of it. ‘Tis the time of the year when the star of hope reappears.  Remember that Christ did not arrive on the scene through human efforts. The Lord came Himself to this earth as a miracle. The Child born that evening fulfilled biblical prophecies. Jesus was a gift from our Father, a loving God who to this very day continually opens His arms to receive them unto Himself and rekindles the earth once again with the light of glory.

  Christmas is that time of year when human hearts are touched. It is a time when the seed of faith can be planted. Thus, the belief in the only one and true living God can take root.

  If you are still and listen, a renewal can begin in your own life. God can and will awaken your soul to return to a loving and heaven-sent Savior.

  "The star will return, and then it will shine not just for a few, but it will quickly spread its brilliance over the whole world.” ?—Christopher Blumhardt

  Because of this, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee must bend, in the heavens, on the earth and under the earth and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father that Jesus Christ is lord” (From the Epistles of Paul to the Philippians: Chapter 2 Verses 5-11).  

At this time of the year, we should take the time to thank The Light of The World for the many blessings that The Creator God as bestowed upon America. The Almighty is a God of liberty and of freedom.  

His Name alone has many scriptural depictions:  

Jesus Christ, The Man of Sorrows, Worthy of All Praise, Emmanuel: God With Us, The Word Made Flesh, The Word of Life, The Son of The Living God, Son of the Virgin, The Messiah, The Most Holy Messiah, The Lamb of God, The Lamb of Salvation, The Lamb That Was Slain, The Lion of Judah, The Root of David, The Balm of Gilead, The Great High Priest, The Anointed One, The Christ, The Holy One of Israel, The Bridegroom, The Light of The World, The Sun of Righteousness, The Bright Morning Star, The Savior of The World, The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, The Way, The Way For Our Life, The Truth, The Only Truth, The Life, The Real Life, The Resurrection and The Life, The Living Word, The Bread From Heaven, The Bread of Life, The Living Water, The Fount of All Holiness, The True Vine, Author and Foundation of Our Faith, The Shepherd and Bishop of Souls, Head of the Church, Universal Redeemer and King, The Just Judge, The Righteous Judge, The Solid Reality, The Saint of Saints, The Cornerstone, The Chief Cornerstone, The Rock of All Ages, The Sure Foundation, The Strong Tower, The Mountain refuge The Chief Shepherd, The Good Shepherd, The Doer, Day Spring Governor, Christ, The Lord of Hosts, The Lord of All, The Deliverer, The Redeemer, The Promise of The Father, The Horn King, The King of Salvation, The Prince of Life, Our Covenant, Our Portion and Cup, Our Salvation, Our Advocate, Our Sanctification, Our Righteousness, Our Justification, Our Redeemer, Our Wisdom, Our Strength, Our Fortress, Our Victory, Our Shield, Our Champion, Our Joy, The Most High God, The Mighty Warrior, The Great ‘I Am,’ The God Hero, Mighty God, Wonder Counselor, Lord of Lords Prince of Peace, Blessed Master, My Patience, My Provider, My Defense, My Hiding Place, My Healing and Wholeness, My Life and My Love, All That I Need All That I Want, Lord God Almighty, The Beginning and The End and The Alpha and The Omega.

  Merry Christmas to all. Our Savior will return so that where He is we may be also. (John Chapter 14 ) “And on His robe and thigh will be written KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF ALL.” (Revelation 19:16)  