Significance of Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem

Last night, during the Christmas Eve service, Pastor Miles McPherson of The Rock Church in San Diego shared the fact that the small town of Bethlehem has significant meaning regarding the birth of Jesus Christ.

"Lehem" means "bread."  "Beth" means "house of."   Put them together and we have "house of bread."

It is only fitting that the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of life,  would be born in a city that is named, "House of bread."


Jhn 6:35   And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Jhn 6:48   "I am the bread of life.

Jhn 6:51   "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

Merry Christmas everyone!

~ Christine

Is Christianity Just a Philosophy, a Religion, or a Faith?

Before we delve into answering that question, I would like to share this weekend's Turning Point devotional message:

Weekend, December 8 and 9

Not So Familiar Christmas Scripture: Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Recommended Reading Isaiah 9:1-7

Each of the titles in Isaiah 9:6 describes a different attribute of the Lord Jesus. He came as a Child and identified Himself as a Son. He wonderfully counsels us, is the Father of our Faith, brings peace to our lives, and is God Himself.

Let's focus on His counseling ministry. In the Gospels, distressed parents came to Jesus for help. The sick and diseased sought Him out. Wealthy men like Nicodemus and the Rich Young Ruler asked His advice; and the poor heard Him gladly. He counseled both men and women, both young and old. He guided His disciples through emotional problems, and even gave life-changing counsel to the repentant thief on the cross.

Today He still counsels us through His Word and by His Spirit. When you don’t know what to do or need a corrective or encouraging word, open your Bible. He's still the Wonderful Counselor. As hymnist John Morison wrote in 1781: "His Name shall be the Prince of Peace, forevermore adored, the Wonderful, the Counselor, the great and mighty Lord."

Read-Thru-the-Bible
James 3:1-5:20, 1 Peter 1:1-2:25

 

******* 

 

Recently, Bill O'Reilly had a debate on his show, The O'Reilly Factor, with a self-described atheist. The usual back-and-forth arguments occurred;  about Christmas displays of the Nativity, calling decorated trees "Christmas trees," and the erroneous claims of  "separation of church and state." However, O'Reilly tried to claim that "Christianity is a philosophy." Well, that is partly true and may be what some focus on entirely.   The definition for the term "philosophy" includes:

1. the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.

3. a system of philosophical doctrine

5. a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs.
 

Those definitions can be applied towards Christianity.  However, there is more to it than just being a philosophy.

There are people who may or may not adhere to Christianity (in general) and choose to focus on everything secular about Christmas (in particular), while ignoring the truth involved in the religion and the true Reason for the season - Jesus Christ.

Most Bible-believing born-again Christians consider their own Christian faith as a personal relationship with Christ.   We would most likely apply the word origin and history definition of the term "philosophy" because of its accuracy in describing what we gain from studying the Bible:

Word Origin & History

philosophy

c.1300, from O.Fr. filosofie (12c.), from L. philosophia, from Gk. philosophia "love of knowledge, wisdom," from philo- "loving" + sophia "knowledge, wisdom," from sophis "wise, learned."

 

It was interesting to see the atheist on O'Reilly's show become all upset about the "Christianity is a philosophy" argument that Bill opined during the debate.   The atheist wanted Bill to admit that Christianity is a religion. O'Reilly stated that a "Methodist" is a religion, and if someone was trying to promote only the Methodist religion at Christmastime, he would be on the atheist's side.

What???

Sounds confusing, doesn't it?

Well, O'Reilly put up a bit of a smokescreen during the argument; perhaps in an effort to try and win the debate. People often do such things. However, I watched the interview two times (it was repeated yesterday while Laura Ingraham was subbing) and did not hear the term "faith" discussed.   For some reason, Bill left that out; probably because it would have forced him to admit that Christianity is a religion.

 O'Reilly stated that Jesus "was a man" when the atheist (who figuratively was turning blue in the face with frustration) continued to argue that Christianity is a religion.

 Of course it is!

There are self-described "Christian religionists" who have their own kind of twisted beliefs that don't match up to what the Bible teaches.  That is a huge mistake!  Jesus informs us that the Father's "Word is Truth" and he asks the Father to "sanctify them by Your truth."

Jhn 17:17

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Jesus asks each of us, "Who do you say that I am?"

Mat 16:15

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

How one answers that question reveals just what kind of faith one has and whether or not one has a personal, soul-saving relationship with the one true God and only Savior, Lord, and King of the universe.

Peter got it right:

Mar 8:29

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ."

Hat tips:

Turning Point Devotional
Dictionary.com
Blue Letter Bible

Why Call Him Savior?

This Week’s Television Broadcast Why Call Him Savior? |

Week of December 2, 2012

Of all the titles and names given to Jesus, the name “Savior” most clearly describes what He has done for us. Dr. Jeremiah examines why He is called our “Savior.”

David Jeremiah.org: WATCH NOW

Hat tip: David Jeremiah.org

Last Ounce of Courage

Saw the movie Last Ounce of Courage today. I don't want to include any spoilers here, but I will say it was inspiring, encouraging,  and contained a really great message!! The description of the movie at the movie guide site link does not really do it justice. 

Click here at Stand U.S.A. to see a clip of the movie. That site has a better description.  Although the movie does concentrate on the issue of Christmas, it more about individuals taking a stand (no matter the cost) to protect our freedoms.

The fact that the issue of being able to freely celebrate Christmas or display Christian symbols in a town, outside your own home, at a soup kitchen, or even in a school play are several examples of how creeping secularism is attempting to destroy MANY of our freedoms, one by one. There are those who, though they are most affected by it all, unfortunately just sit and take it.

Great song at the end!  Gave me goosebumps!  I would highly recommend this movie. Bring some tissues. I plan to purchase and read the book, too.

~ Christine

Interesting News About The Lord's Prayer

It doesn't happen very often, but sometimes a secular magazine shares some good news about Jesus and the power of prayer.

The following is a brief article found in the January 2, 2012 issue of FIRST magazine:

The Lord's Prayer Activates the Happiness/Energy Area Of the Brain

When Danish researchers at Aarhus University asked 20 devout Christians to offer up a personal prayer, recite the Lord's Prayer, recite a rhyme and wish to Santa Claus while having MRI scans of their brains, they discovered some surprising differences. While both prayers activated a part of the brain called the dorsal striatum, which is associated with the release of dopamine (a neurotransmitter that fights tiredness, depression and cravings), the Lord's Prayer had more than double the positive effect.

Why? In the paper, the researchers speculate that it could be due to the fact that the Lord's Prayer "according to Christian tradition, is sanctioned by Jesus as encompassing all important aspects of life. This God-given authorization may reinforce practitioners' expectations of reciprocity in comparison with the often more idiosyncratic and individual requests in personal prayers." As for rhyme and wishing to Santa Claus? Both decreased the activation of this dopamine-releasing part of the brain.

I often chuckle when I read scientific studies that claim to find something that the faithful in Christ already know via God's Word, the Bible!  Nonetheless, it is extremely telling that the power of prayer - specifically, The Lord's Prayer - has double the positive effect on the brains of individuals who recite it.  It just goes to show that the Lord Jesus Christ provided the most perfect prayer for us; and it is to be used as a model for our own individual prayers.

As I have stated many times at this blog, "science is always trying to catch up to God." 

The fear (meaning reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. -

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven.  Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever.  Amen.

Says it all...doesn't it?

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members, readers, and guests a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Keep Christ in Christmas!

In Christ's service,
 ~ Christine

Why There Must Be Christmas

Dr. David Jeremiah's Turning Point ministry has to rate as one of the best Bible-based ministries in the multi-media world today. In case you missed the television broadcast this past Sunday, you can watch it at David Jeremiah.org. Just click on the green box that reads "WATCH NOW - This Week's Broadcast.

Excerpt from site:

Special Christmas Programming
ABOUT THE CURRENT TELEVISION SERIES
Christmastime is filled with wonder and awe, particularly for Christians. Sometimes it’s hard to explain the joy and excitement that we feel . . . until we remember the manger! On that first Christmas the angels brought great news for the world: “… for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 10:11-12)

This news changed the world forever! Because of Christmas we have hope for today and for eternity. God fulfilled His promise and sent His son to earth that we might be forgiven, redeemed and have access to the throne of God through prayer in Jesus’ name. Jesus bridged the gap between sinful man and our perfect Creator.


Tune in to Turning Point Television during the month of December as Dr. Jeremiah teaches the importance of Christmas and Jesus’ birth. He uses Scripture to explain “Why There Must Be Christmas” and gives biblical answers to the questions, “Why the Wonder of Christmas?” “Why Call Him Jesus?” and “Why Call Him Immanuel?”

With each passing year, I have found that the secular media shells out lots of so-called "Christmas" movies, but what percentage of those movies share the story of Jesus Christ? Unfortunately, not many. The ongoing and increasingly evident habit of the secular world taking Christ out of Christmas (and even showing hostility towards Christ and his followers!)  shows what a sad state of affairs our nation is in. Our Christian heritage is often being sabotaged by those who object to the One who holds the true meaning of Christmas - namely - Jesus Christ.

I thank God for the ministry of Turning Point! Via television, the Internet, and through printed devotionals, the gospel of Jesus Christ is vibrantly being shared throughout all the world!

Just before ascending back into heaven after his death and resurrection, Jesus himself told the disciples (and all Christians since):

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Imagine how difficult it would have been in biblical times to accomplish such a feat! But Jesus knew what technologies would be developed in the future. Now, with millions of people each holding an iPhone in their hands, such a goal does not sound very difficult today.

The TRUTH of God's Word stands forever! We can be completely confident that the prophecies regarding the return of Jesus Christ will happen. Only God the Father knows the day or hour. But God's word assures us of this fact:

2Pe 1:16 ¶ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.


2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.


2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.


2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:


2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.


2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

One of my favorite verses:

1Th 5:23 ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hat tips to all links.

Have A Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Dear Friends and Visitors,

Christmas Eve is almost here! This is often a busy day for most people. It certainly is for me so I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! May the blessings of Jesus Christ be upon you and your loved ones during the celebration of the miraculous occasion almost 2,000 years ago - the birth of the Savior of the world - JESUS CHRIST!

In the previous blog post entitled If Our Greatest Need Was... I wrote about the fact that the "politically correct" greetings around this time of year generally do not include the mention of the name of Jesus Christ or why he came to earth for our salvation.

Noooo!

Can't say that!

It's deemed "too religious" or a host of other excuses are used.

In the comment thread, Stevex09 shared:

Hey Christine;
I couldn't agree with you more. A person is very hard pressed to find anything about Jesus Christ or at least the mention of his name at this time of year. It saddens me immensely. Last week I took Sandy and went to a friend's home where about 7 others were gathered and we read the Christmas story from Luke and Matthew. What a great and edifying time I had. (Sandy is my Shi-Tzu). Take comfort that not all of us has forgotten what Christmas is all about.

I sincerely wish you and your family a wonderful and blessed Christmas day.

In my reply to Steve I wrote:


Hi Steve,

It warms my heart to hear about fellow Christians gathering and sharing the TRUE meaning of Christmas together - the Person Jesus Christ. He is the Light of the world!

Someone recently asked me, "why do people put Christmas lights up on their homes."

The answer is that it originally was meant to recognize that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is the Light of the World!

Of course, many people who do not know Him would probably have other reasons for putting the lights up. But how ironic it is to realize that they inadvertently are recognizing Jesus Christ through their actions.

I have a great post coming up that I can't wait to share with everyone!

As each busy day passes, I find that my time on the computer has been very limited! Right now, I only have about 10 minutes to spend online.

I am really looking forward to creating the new post! I'll give you a hint - it is about studying the word "power" in the Bible. It occurred to me that people probably wouldn't care less about other's belief in Jesus [and the outward expressions of the true meaning of Christmas] if they truly believed, in their heart of hearts, that there wasn't any power in His Holy Name!

I will be working on the essay over the next day or so until it gets done!

Anyway, have a Merry and Blessed Christmas! All the best to you and yours in the coming New Year!

Sincerely,
Christine

As Roy Lessin wrote in his wonderful piece of prose:

...But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Saviour.

If Our Greatest Need Was...

How sad it is to realize that certain magazines have to be so "politically correct" that their December issue does not even mention the true meaning for the celebration of Christmas?

In this example, I am referring to the fact that Prevention magazine (one that I consider as a good resource for health issues) could not see fit to mention the name of Jesus Christ anywhere in their publication!

Why is that?


The December issue is filled with "holiday" articles. However, the only time that the term "Christmas" is mentioned is within an article entitled "Why puppies make poor presents."

Not to be a Scrooge, but a Christmas canine can be a holiday hazard.

The article goes on to say:

Christmas litters may not be healthy...

Perhaps this is good advice, but is this the only article that warrants the use of the term "Christmas?"

The year that my daughter wanted a puggle puppy for Christmas ended up being fine. We bought the dog three months before Christmas so she was further along in the training schedule by the time Christmas Day was here. Of course, we were fortunate enough to be able to barricade the puppy in the kitchen when we were out and didn't have to leave her cooped up in the dog crate for hours.

Back to the topic.

Another interesting article was entitled,

"Everything you think you know about beating stress is wrong."*

*Read on for six smart new strategies to start now.

I had to laugh when I read that the authors wrote:

Yesterday's Wisdom: "OM" your way to calmness.

How ironic it was to read that some people find meditation as a "fast track to frayed nerves." According to a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54% of participants reported feeling anxious while meditating!

In contrast to "yesterday's wisdom", the magazine claims that

Today's Smart Strategy says, "do something you love."

I'm surprised that reading or playing with your pets wasn't mentioned. They are great stress reduction activities. Our dogs are a great joy in our lives.

The article goes on to explain "anything that allows you to disengage from your thoughts can help you relax." They mention several activities, like jogging, swimming, knitting, etc. and surprisingly, the author wrote,

"or praying, will work just as well, he says."

I would have to say that praying, Bible and devotional reading are far more superior than the other suggestions. It is unfortunate that the author either doesn't know about how calming Bible reading can be, or he didn't want to get too "religious." At least he did mention "praying."

I suppose mentioning Bible reading would have been to "divisive" in this current age of anti-Christian bigotry. It's O.K. to mention other religions, but Christianity? At Christmastime? Apparently, that's off limits at Prevention.

I dislike having to complain here but what ticked me off the most was the "Give Yourself the Gift of Holiday Healing" pages that listed "putting happiness and health, joy and inspiration on your calendar every day of December" list.

Want to know what was listed for December 25, 2010?

Window-shop. The same brain chemicals that make sex so pleasurable rise sharply when you're window-shopping. (No wonder Sex and the City had such a winning formula!) To avoid overspending, peek through the glass when stores are closed or you've left your wallet home.

WHAT????? THIS IS WHAT THEY RECOMMEND TO DO ON CHRISTMAS DAY?

How utterly sad it is to realize that the Greatest Gift of all given to mankind was ignored on this calendar list!

In closing, I would like to share a copy of what is written on this year's Christmas cards that were sent out by our family:

God Sent Us a Saviour

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
so God sent us a Saviour.

- Roy Lessin

Inside the card:

This Christmas may you see and know anew how great His love is toward you.

For unto you is born this day...a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11 KJV

Why Christmas Conquers Fear

David Jeremiah.org: Why Christmas Conquers Fear

Special Holiday Programming
ABOUT THE CURRENT TELEVISION SERIES
Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year. As we move into the wintery month of December we surround ourselves with warm fires, twinkling lights, shiny decorations, the delicious smells of cookies and holiday treats, and joyful Christmas music. For a whole month (at least) our senses are filled with the magic and wonder the season brings. But for Christians the joy of the season is more than an outward, sensory-induced happiness, it is a spiritual joy rooted in our hearts. We know that the joy of Christmas is in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Mary was the first to experience this Christmas joy. The Angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her that she would concieve the Son of God! She broke out in praise of her mighty Savior: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior… For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His name.”(Luke 1:46,48). She was overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving for the wonderful work God was doing in and through her life.

That is the spirit we need to emulate this season; an irrepressable joy and admiration for our Lord and thankfulness for the gifts he has given us.

During this month of broadcasting we will focus on Jesus as the real reason for the season. We’ll explore the importance of Bethlehem, why God chose Mary, and how He used each individual associated with the Christmas story to bring about His will. Most importantly, we will discuss how the birth of Jesus impacts eternity.

Many people have phobias that control their actions and lives. But God designed a plan and a purpose for each of us that will provide the peace to overcome any apprehension. Dr. Jeremiah offers solutions for the anxious in “Why Christmas Conquers Fear.”

CHRISTMAS PROGRAMMING
Dr. David Jeremiah
“Why Christmas Conquers Fear”
Selected Scriptures
December 19, 2010
Luke 1:12
Luke 1:29
Luke 2:9
I. God Still Answers Prayer – Luke 1:5-14
Hebrews 4:14-16
II. God Still Keeps His Promises – Luke 1:26-31
Matthew 1:21-23
Psalm 27:1
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 27:10
Hebrews 13:5-6
III. God Still Has a Purpose – Luke 2:8-11
Luke 1:13-14
Luke 1:46-47
1 John 4:18
2 Timothy 1:7
John 3:16

True Meaning of Christmas

While waiting in line to mail packages at the post office, I couldn't help but notice that every Christmas card on display was of a secular nature. The only cards that actually said "Christmas" on them were of the Peanuts gang and Santa Claus.

I decided to do a search to find out the last year that the Madonna Christmas stamps - depicting Mary with the Christ Child - were sold at the post office.

In my first search, I found the following stamp dated 2006:



Description from USPS.com:

Christmas: Chacón Madonna and Child with Bird

The 2006 Christmas stamp features an oil-on-canvas entitled Madonna and Child with Bird. Dating from around 1765, the painting is attributed to Ignacio Chacón-an artist active from about 1745 to 1775 in Cuzco, Peru. It is now part of the Engracia and Frank Barrows Freyer Collection of Peruvian colonial art at the Denver Art Museum. In designing the stamp, art director Michael Osborne slightly cropped the painting's floral "frame" and surrounded the entire composition with a gold border that echoes Chacón's use of gold-leaf embellishments.

A famous painting by Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo entitled La Sagrada Familia del Pajarito (The Holy Family of the Little Bird) probably served as an indirect prototype for Chacón's Madonna and Child with Bird. The importance of birds in Inca culture would have made the topic of Murillo's painting particularly resonant in Peru. Birds were sacred to the Inca, partially because of their ability to fly and move closer to Inti, the sun god. So in Cuzco, colonial artists often incorporated birds or feathers into images of the Virgin and Christ to indicate their divine status.

Of course, this stamp is created more for the Catholic religion which believes that Mary was also divine - as was Christ. Unfortunately, that is incorrect. According to the Bible, Mary is NEVER mentioned as "divine." She is properly honored as the mother of Jesus (not "the mother of God") and is called "blessed."

During my second search, I found an article dated back in 2008 at The Telegraph UK which was entitled, "Church leaders fear religious Christmas stamps will be scrapped."

The sub-title tells us why:

Church leaders fear religious Christmas stamps could be scrapped for pantomime designs after Royal Mail forced them to be sold "under the counter".

Take a look at the ugly "pantomime design!" I don't even want to post the photo here at this blog. Well - at least "pantomime sisters" are rightly labeled as "The Ugly Sisters!" Ha! But...c'mon!! What do their ugly faces have to do with Christmas?

I agree with this Canon Chancellor:

Canon Chris Chivers, the Canon Chancellor of Blackburn Cathedral, has called the choice of stamps "utterly demeaning" and said in a letter: "If we are to have Christmas stamps at all, let them be Christian. But if for some mindlessly secularist reason we must have a choice, then let there be stamps of both sorts, in equal number."

Continuing on in my search, I found a blog called Darleen's Place. Her blog archive contains an essay entitled, "US Post Office goes Politically Correct - Updated". She claims that the Mary With the Christ Child stamps were not available in 2005, but correctly speculated that it would be back in 2006 (see stamp above). Lots of great comments there, too.

Darleen's blog led me to a 2005 post entitled, "The War Against Christmas" at Michele Malkin.com. Lots of additional links to explore there, too.

One of the prettiest Christmas stamps I found during my search was from Canada!



Ahhh! I'm running out of time. Hopefully, I can return to the search and find more photos of the Madonna and Christ Child commemorative stamps.

USPS.com Postal History PDF page has listings of all of the Christmas stamps over the years, but no photographs of them. According to that page, the last stamp of this kind issued was in 2009.

4424 Christmas: Madonna and Sleeping Child
by Sassoferrato, by Giovanni Battista
Salvi.
After 17th c. painting by Italian artist
Giovanni Battista Salvi, more commonly
known as Sassoferrato. Hearst Castle,
San Simeon, California.

Oct. 20, 2009 44¢ Carl T. Herrman

It appears that the site hasn't been updated past the date of January, 2010. Perhaps there IS a Mary and Christ Child stamp out there but it's under the counter and customers need to ask for it?

How sad!!!

Darleen was unfortunately correct back in 2005 when she shared:



P.S. After waiting in line and shaking my head about the secularism displayed at the post office, I went to The Family Christian Store and found some beautiful CHRISTIAN themed ornaments!

One is a blue bulb ornament from "The True Meaning of Christmas" line that says, "A Child Is Born" with Isaiah 9:6 NIV on the other side: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given."

A pretty red bulb ornament says, "Keep Christ In Christmas."

A flat wooden look ornament with a north star design depicts the nativity etched upon it.

A hand painted ceramic heart-shaped design on a dark red background states, "Be still and know that I am God."

The fourth one is in the shape of the cross and has the entire 23rd Psalm written on it!

Psa 23:1 [[A Psalm of David.]] The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.


Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.


Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.


Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.


Psa 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.


Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

All so beautiful!







Hat Tips:

USPS.com

The Telegraph UK

Darleen's Place

Michelle Malkin.com

Every Knee Shall Bow

While grocery shopping at Stater Bros. late this afternoon, I decided to get some "Christmas" stamps. I asked the lady at the checkout stand if there were any "religious" stamps available. She said that the only ones they have were ones with pine tree branches and pine cones.

Hmmm...Winter solstice anyone?

The man behind me in line stated, "First they took Christ out of Christmas, now they are also taking the Christmas tree out!"

So true!

I remember the beautiful stamps from years ago that depicted Mary, the mother of Jesus with her Holy Babe in arms. Sigh...those were the days!

Speaking of Mary, this week's Turning Point T.V. Sunday service program was entitled "Why Mary?" It was wonderful!

Dr. David Jeremiah did a great job of pointing out how blessed Mary was to be chosen to bear the Messiah - Jesus Christ - without elevating her above where she belongs in that respect. As always, I highly recommend viewing the service at David Jeremiah.org.

The little skit at the beginning of the program speaks about the controversy that goes on each year between the atheists/agnostics/skeptics (AAS) who hate Christmas displays (like the Nativity scene) and the Christian believers who want to keep Christ in Christmas.

I often think that those who wish to squelch the reality of our Savior entering into the world via the virgin birth in a manger in Bethlehem end up accomplishing just the opposite effect that they intended to do. More people are coming to Christ for salvation today than at any other time in history! The AAS's are in for a BIG surprise on the day that they will be face to face with the risen Savior, Jesus Christ!


They are free to reject Christ now - during the age of grace here on earth - but there is a day coming where EVERY knee shall bow before Jesus Christ.

Every knee shall bow - a Christian perspective
God is the creator and ruler of the universe. Everybody, whether they love God, resist Him, or ignore Him, will ultimately come face to face with His majesty, and will recognize Him for who He is.
http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2045:23&version=NIV

Isaiah 45:23 (New International Version, ©2010)

23 By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.

Every knee - a Christian perspective
Paul tells the Philippians that Jesus has been exalted to the highest places of honor. He says that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.
http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202:9-11&version=NIV

Philippians 2:9-11 (New International Version, ©2010)

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Hat tips to all links.

The True Meaning of Christmas

What an awesome Christmas Eve service at The Rock Church last evening! I just loved singing so many traditional Christmas songs (about Jesus!!) along with the chorus. The message by Pastor Miles McPherson that followed made it one of the best Christmas services I have ever attended!

Later in the day, the video of the entire service should be posted here at the church's message page. I don't want to give anything away, but there was quite a surprise at the beginning of the service message!

Just as I was about to type this next sentence, my son reminded me that Pastor Miles McPherson is on Good Morning America this morning. In fact, he's on right now (7:00 a.m. PT)! I stopped to watch it.

The discussion panel included four people; a priest, two Christian pastors (Pastor Miles and Max Lucado who are also authors), and a female Christian author. What was said was very good, but you could tell that the panel discussion was chopped up in only small segments of what each person said and wanted to share with the T.V. audience! How sad is that?? My son commented about how that show is three hours long and they only gave five minutes to religion?! What a disappointment. My son commented that the same thing happened last year, when Miles appeared on the show at that time. I had forgotten about that.

When the hostess of the show asked the question, "what message do you want to give to people this Christmas?" each person's answer was way to brief to really get out what they truly wanted to share! I know Pastor Miles! I'm sure that he shared much more than they allowed to be broadcast in the brief segment.

Ahhhh!! I didn't mean to be negative on this joyous day of our Christmas celebration - the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior - but I needed to report what just happened.

To me, it is a clear sign of what a low priority faith is to most of the mainstream media. It's the "cut it short - can't get into too much detail because someone might be offended" politically "correct" (more accurately, INCORRECT!) attitude that permeates most of the media today.

What a shame.

So much could have been shared to help those who needed to hear the true meaning of the Christmas season! A billboard near the Rock Church clearly states the truth: "Jesus is the ONLY reason for the season!"

Anyway, I sincerely hope that you will make some time to view the video message when it is up at the link I provided. You can also view Part One of The Promise message from last Sunday, since the Christmas Eve message was Part Two of The Promise message series.

Enjoy your Christmas celebrations with friends and family! Thank God for your loved ones, for they are really what matters most in our earthly lives. And thank God for His love, and the unfathomable gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, without whom we could never be forgiven for our sins and reconciled back unto God.

Have a blessed Christmas Day!

In Christ's service,

Christine

The Joy of Celebration Begins!

Last evening, I arrived home at around 7:00 p.m. after purchasing a few last minute gifts for my family. I left the house at 11:00 a.m., with every intention of getting home much earlier in the day. But as it turned out, I was gone for 8 hours! Eight precious hours that should have been spent more wisely. Oh well, at least I got the chance to meet my daughter and share lunch out at a restaurant with her. It was probably the first real meal that she has eaten since getting her wisdom teeth extracted on Thursday. My advice? Don't have anyone in your family get their wisdom teeth out around any holiday season! I lost four days of decorating, shopping, and preparing for Christmas Day as I helped nurse my daughter and watch movies with her. After all, caring for her at this time was more important. No need to go into the details of her pain and suffering. Due to the office being closed, we had difficulty reaching her surgeon by phone until yesterday to get some answers to several questions we had about her recovery. Though we felt guilty about doing so, we finally called the emergency number provided by the answering service. However, the surgeon was kind enough to call during his trip to Disneyland with his kids!

My daughter is much better now and improving each and every day. Thank God!

When I looked around our house last night I realized that all we had on our Christmas tree were the lights. There was one Nativity scene set up, but no Christmas village. My favorite Nativity set was still in one of the boxes that line our hallway. I haven't even found the stockings which are to be placed above our fireplace! I mentioned to my husband that we must be one of the most dysfunctional Christmas decorating families ever this year! No outdoor lights were put up at our house while most of the rest of our block have gorgeous lighting arrangements neatly in place. At least I put the wreaths on our two front doors!

Today will be spent finishing some of the decorating and wrapping gifts. It won't be the usual amount of holiday decorations, but the most important ones will finally be set up.

Just before turning the multi-colored lights off of our tree last night, I thought that despite our lack of decorations around the house this year, our love for the Lord and our celebration of His birth will not be minimized. After all, He is the Light of the world and the focal point of tomorrow's celebrations. Despite what the secular world wants people to think, Jesus is the reason for the season!

I have a decorated hand painted sign up that reads, "Keep Christ in Christmas." It is a constant reminder to us about what is truly important during this holiday season.

The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ changed history forever. His birth, life, ministry, death on the cross and bodily resurrection to life is the true hope that we have in this world filled with turmoil. Faith in Him and the realization that He keeps his promises demonstrates to us that we can place our full trust in him! He will never leave nor forsake us! All that had been prophesied about him in the Bible before his first coming has been fulfilled! We now await for him to return and take us unto himself at the Rapture - which will occur in the blink of an eye!

As born-again Christians, there is nothing to fear about what man will do to any one of us. Though we are mocked, disparaged, hated, cursed, discriminated against, persecuted, and even killed for our belief in Jesus Christ, NOTHING can take us away from his eternal protection for our souls. When we die (or are killed), it is a fact that Jesus has taken each of us away from evil. The world is filled with evil, but we are to have no fear of those who would kill the body. Our eternal souls are in the caring arms of Jesus Christ - FOREVER!

While driving home last night, I heard a portion of a repeat broadcast of an interview between Sean Hannity and Anne Graham Lotz. The subject of death came up and Sean mentioned that "he's not ready to go just yet." He wants to see his children grow up, marry and have their own children. He's not done with all he needs to do and wants to do on this earth. Many people feel the same way, of course. But we don't know how many days the Lord has given to each of us. Any one of us could die tomorrow. Or, perhaps we will live to age 90! We just don't know. However, if you (and I) would live each day as though it was our last, what would you be doing? That's a great question to answer!

Anne Graham Lotz mentioned the Scripture verse that tells us how beautiful heaven will be. She compared our lives here on earth like being in the foyer of a great cathedral. Compared to the awesomeness of the cathedral, the "waiting area" before entry into the beauty of that place can't compare. It is a good analogy as to what it might be like entering into eternity.

But no matter how beautiful we could imagine heaven will be, seeing Jesus Christ and being with Him forever will make the "place" pale in comparison. After all a house is not a home without the people whom you love - and who live in it - sharing that home with you...Amen?

It is Christmas Eve! The joy of celebration begins! God bless!

The Gift of Himself

The Gift of Himself

Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!
Psalm 68:19

Recommended Reading
Romans 5:15-21


Long ago, there ruled a wise and good king in Persia who loved his people and often dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar so he could visit the poor and learn about their hardships. One time he visited a very poor man who lived in a cellar. He ate the coarse food the poor man ate and spoke cheerful, kind words to him. He later visited that poor man again and told him, "I am your king!" The king thought the man would surely ask for some gift or favor, but he didn't. Instead he said, "You left your palace and your glory to visit me in this dark, dreary place. You ate my coarse food. You brought gladness to my heart! To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself!"

God gave us the gift of Himself when He sent His Son to this dark, dreary place. Have we accepted Him graciously and thankfully as the poor man did, or do we take this gift for granted? This Christmas season, let's remember to thank Him for His most precious gift to us: Himself.


Read-Thru-the-Bible
Revelation 6:1-7:17

Hat Tip:

David Jeremiah.org

*******

With all of the turmoil that we are experiencing here in America because of our current gangster government and clueless congress, it might be difficult to push it all aside and be at peace during the celebration of the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. But that is what we, as devout born-again Christians must do!

Jesus told us, "In this world, you will have trouble (tribulation)."

However, his very next words say:

"But take heart!"

Why should we "take heart" even through those moments, days, weeks, months, or even years of tribulation? This is why:

"I have overcome the world."

Jesus came to save mankind from their sins. His Incarnation and birth on this earth some 2,000 years ago happened after almost 400 years of silence - between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The naysayers of the OT probably wondered if the promised Messiah would ever arrive!

When we think about time, we are limited in our scope because we are physically finite creatures (with an eternal soul) during our existence here on this earth. God is eternal. He always was, always is, and always will be. So, as the Bible states, "one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years is as one day" to the LORD. It's hard for us to grasp the truth of that. However, when we think of God existing eternally outside of the confines of "time" as defined here on this earth, we can at least get a glimpse of what that saying means.

Jesus' miraculous birth was the beginning of his mission to "overcome the world." His mission was completed, for our sakes and the forgiveness of sins, at the cross of Calvary. His subsequent resurrection from the dead proved that he was (and is!) who he said he is - God in the flesh!

As Dr. Jeremiah's devotional states, God gave us the gift of Himself, through His eternal Son, Jesus Christ! Such a Gift should NEVER be taken for granted! I always tear up when I hear "O Holy Night."


O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wise men from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Why No Room in the Inn?

The title of Dr. Jeremiah's sermon today was "Why No Room in the Inn?" However, the message was absolutely spectacular!! It has to rank as one of the best Christmas messages that I have ever heard!!!

From Dr. Jeremiah.org:

Every year we sing songs about it. We adorn our homes with scenes and reminders of it. We greet strangers with its glad tidings. And even a world ignorant of its basis and its purpose celebrates its remembrance. It is Christmas, the time of year when we rejoice in the earthly coming and birth of Jesus Christ. It is the season when all the world stands still at the celebration of this, the most significant event in human history. But even as believers, how often do we really focus our attention on this remarkable story? If we are truly honest, the answer is not very often. Let us rediscover all of the beautiful, majestic, and divine elements in the Christmas story. We will see by examining, question by question, that this one moment in time was the pivotal moment of all time and that it was assembled in such a way that we can only say it was the work of God.

LightSource presents Turning Point Broadcast: "Why Was There No Room?"

The sermon starts at about 22:07 into the video.

God’s plan for our salvation did not fit the preconceived ideas of those who awaited the Messiah, but it was perfect and complete.

You will be greatly blessed when you watch this video sermon!!!

Merry Christmas!

This photo was taken on Sunday while we were visiting the Thornton Winery in Temecula. From my family to yours - have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

In Christ,
Christine

Christmas Stories

My family and I are all fans of the annual "A Christmas Story" movie. It is a comedy that is usually broadcast as a "marathon" on Christmas day on the USA channel.

The only criticism that I have about this movie is the fact that the family does not mention the REAL meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ. And, they do not attend church either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day - something that most people in the 50's would have done as part of their family traditions.

Of course, the secularists in our society wouldn't miss such a family tradition.

Anyway, today I want to post two of my favorite Christmas stories. Even though secular America may want to leave Christ out of Christmas, true believers still get to enjoy the realization of our Savior's birth and what His birth, life, ministry here on earth, death at the cross, and resurrection to life means for our salvation.

The Candy Cane at Christmas

THE STORY OF THE CANDY CANE AT CHRISTMAS.

A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane.

He incorporated several symbols from the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and firmness of the promises of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as a Candy Cane -- a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there for those who "have eyes to see and ears to hear."

Every time you see a Candy Cane, remember the Wonder of Jesus and His Great Love that came down at Christmas, and that His Love remains the ultimate and dominant force in the universe today.

Religious Meaning of "The 12 Days of Christmas.

"The 12 Days of Christmas"

~ Origins and Religious Meaning ~

Caveat: I've discovered that there is a controversy disputing the authenticity of this interpretation, just to inform you. There are some who have labeled this an "urban legend."

Also: I heard this on a Christian radio station today, so I do not deem it only a "Catholic" religious message. It is inherently Christian and does not add any false doctrine (as far as I can see) to Biblical Christian faith.

Note: The concepts symbolized in "The Twelve Days of Christmas," are not just considered Catholic, because these were basic articles of faith common to all denominations of Christianity.

*******

Background:

Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829 were prohibited by law to practice their faith either in public or private. It was illegal to be Catholic until Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England in 1829.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the "catechism songs" to help young Catholics learn the basics of their faith. In short, it was a coded-message, a memory aid. Since the song sounded like rhyming nonsense, young Catholics could sing the song without fear of imprisonment. The authorities would not know that it was a religious song.

"The 12 Days of Christmas" is in a sense an allegory. Each of the items in the song represents something significant to the teachings of the Catholic faith. The hidden meaning of each gift was designed to help Catholic children learn their faith. The better acquainted one is with the Bible, the more these interpretations have significance.

The song goes, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…"
The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, but it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. i.e. the Church.

1st Day:

The partridge in a pear tree is Christ Jesus upon the Cross. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge because she would feign injury to decoy a predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them. The tree is the symbol of the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the symbol of its redemption by Jesus Christ on the tree of the Cross.

2nd Day:

The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.

3rd Day:

The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love—the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (1 Corinthians 13).

4th Day:

The "four calling birds" refers to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

5th Day:

The "five golden rings" represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

6th Day:

The "six geese a-laying" is the six days of creation.

7th Day:

The "seven swans a-swimming" refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord
.
8th Day:

The "eight maids a milking " reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

9th Day:

The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

10th Day:

The "ten lords a-leaping" represents the Ten Commandments

11th Day:

The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.

12th Day:

The ‘twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles’ Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

So the next time you hear "the Twelve Days of Christmas" consider how this otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in keeping alive the teaching of the Catholic faith.

Adapted from email messages,from "How To Decode the Twelve Days of Christmas,"by Hugh D. McKellar, U.S. Catholic, 12/1979, and from "‘12 Days of Christmas’ is no nonsense, but a serious riddle" by David Crowder, El Paso Times, 12/19/1993.

Also, Origin of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" An Underground Catechism by Fr. Hal Stockert 12/17/95 http://www.cin.org/twelvday.html

Note: P.S. It has come to our attention that this tale is made up of both fact and fiction. Hopefully it will be accepted in the spirit it was written. As an encouragement to people to keep their faith alive, when it is easy, and when any outward expressions of their faith could mean their life. Today there are still people living under similar conditions, may this tale give them courage, and determination to use any creative means at their disposal to keep their faith alive.

Why Bethlehem?

Have you heard about the controversy going on up in Washington state regarding the atheists who put up a sign (right next to the Nativity scene, I might add) extolling the "virtues" (?) of the "Winter Solstice" while denigrating all others who believe in God (especially Christians who hold belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the world) and who believe that God really does exist?

It's an interesting paradox. I always ask the question - if atheists are so sure that "there is no God," then why do they need to rail against those who do believe?

Think of it this way. Let's say that I believe that the color blue is the prettiest color and it's my favorite. I put up a mural in the California State rotunda that exhibits what "blue" is all about and the display has high meaning for me, as well as many others. A "color-atheist" (who happens to be color blind - mind you) comes along and sets up a display that states, "there is no color blue."

Why does he do this? To prove his own point. He wants lots of other people to believe what he believes. He also includes some derogatory statements about the color blue believers just for the sake of offending them.

Well - my analogy may not be the best, but what I'm trying to say is that those who don't believe in God often have an obvious hatred for those who do. They especially hate the gospel message that we are all sinners - desperately in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

This is precisely why both the Christian faith and Jewish faith are so rabidly hated. Jesus is the God-man who was born a Jew for the purpose of saving all of mankind from the eternal consequence of sin. People who are in bondage to sin don't want to hear that. They are repulsed by it. The Bible even tells us that "the gospel is an offense to those who are perishing."

I love studying the Bible. It is the most unique Book on earth! We NEVER stop learning from it! It is a Book that is forever teaching those who delve into its pages on a regular basis. The more I learn from it - the more I realize what I DON'T KNOW! Isn't that a fascinating paradox?

Sunday morning, I listened to Dr. David Jeremiah's sermon which was on the subject of "Why Bethlehem?" Did you know that the place called "Bethlehem" occurs 39 times in 38 verses of the Bible?

One out of the many key verses is this one in Micah:

Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

When you view and listen to the message, you will understand the significance of that verse! I would encourage everyone to go over to LightSource Ministries and view the video of the lesson. I learned so much new and fascinating information about why Bethlehem was in the Father's foreknowledge as the place that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would be born.

Perhaps after viewing it, you might be a person who can say, "I knew that!" If you are, please comment! If you discovered something new (like I did) please share it!

Yesterday, our family went out and bought our Christmas tree. We put the lights on it and started decorating the rest of our home with two Nativity sets, a Christmas Village, green festive garlands with red bows tied to them, and placed our "Peace on Earth" lace mantel runner across the top of our large fireplace. While I was hanging our stockings from the mantel, my husband commented from the kitchen, "You (and our daughter) do such a great job of decorating our home for Christmas. We have the best kind of fireplace that makes it so homey and festive."

I agree!

Update: Here is a picture of my husband and I before we attended a wedding in November. You can see our mantel and fireplace behind us.

Here is a picture of us at the Justin Winery Cafe during our 25th Wedding Anniversary trip. My love bought me the necklace I'm wearing!




This year, both of my children got me some of the best birthday gifts. My daughter bought me a wooden plaque that states, "Keep Christ in Christmas." She also bought a Christian book and the new WOW Christian artists CD (great songs!). My son bought me two Christmas CDs from two of my favorite artists - Third Day and Casting Crowns; as well as two Christmas tree ornaments. They are beautiful to look at, but most of all, have beautiful messages on them.

One is silver with five hearts dangling down in a row which state, "Faith (Galatians 2;20), Hope (Romans 15:13), Love (Romans 5:5), Joy (Nehemiah 8:10), Peace (John 14:27) Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11)" with an accompanying Bible verse on the back!

Gorgeous!!

The second one is a delicate silver snowflake design that states, "JUST THINK - God compares you to no one else, you are one of a kind."

Aren't they both beautiful messages?? Love it!

Our tree is always decorated with meaningful ornaments that state the REAL reason for the Christmas season. I have been collecting them over the past 20 years or so. Now, many of the regular, "Christian message-free" ornaments that I used to use to fill up the tree aren't needed anymore.

I am so thankful that there are still Christian book stores that carry ornaments that reflect the true meaning of Christmas. Retail stores usually never carry them anymore.

I will close this post with the weekend Turning Point devotional message:

The Green Stuff: Christmas Trees

He came into the world…
Hebrews 10:5

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 10:5-10


In ancient Scandinavia, the evergreen tree was considered a symbol of life amid the bleak darkness of winter. Vikings reportedly cut down evergreens and brought them into their homes as a source of encouragement. In the 600s, Boniface, a British missionary, traveled across Europe using pines as object lessons of eternal life. Even the harsh winter couldn't kill them, said Boniface, who also used their triangular shapes to teach about the Trinity. For centuries afterward, people cut down trees and brought them indoors, creating a celebratory midwinter atmosphere. As an added benefit, the tree's fragrance provided a pleasing aroma during the confining months of winter.

According to tradition, it was Martin Luther who popularized trees as a Christmas symbol of the new life given us by the Christchild, and it was also Luther who wrote a carol that's been sung around Christmas trees for nearly 500 years: "From heaven above to earth I come, / To bear good news to every home."

May all the Christmas trees we encounter this year point our hearts upward toward our blessed Savior!

Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes! Who is it in yon manger lies? Who is this Child so young and fair? The blessed Christchild lieth there.
Martin Luther

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Hebrews 12:1 - 13:25 & James 1:1 - 2:26

HT's:

LightSource & Turning Point Ministries

David Jeremiah.org

*******
My recommendation for all of the pending SCOTUS Updates regarding Obama's ineligibility for POTUS is to make the following blogs daily visits:

1. Natural Born Citizen

Recent headline: WROTNOWSKI APPLICATION REFERRED TO FULL COURT BY JUSTICE SCALIA - DISTRIBUTED FOR CONFERENCE ON DEC 12 - SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF TO BE SUBMITTED TOMORROW

Excerpt:

Cort Wrotnowski’s emergency application for a stay and/or injunction as to the Electoral College meeting on Dec. 15 was today referred to the full Court by the Honorable Associate Justice Anotonin Scalia. It has been distributed for Conference of Friday December 12. The official case name is WROTNOWSKI v. BYSIEWICZ, United States Supreme Court Docket No. 08A469.

The Wrotnowski Supreme Court application was prepared by Leo Donofrio, Esq. and is centered on the same issue from Donofrio’s case which was discussed by the Supreme Court in its conference of December 5 - whether Barack Obama is not eligible to the office of President due to the fact that he was a British citizen at the time of his birth.

2. Citizen Wells

Excerpt:

Philip J Berg, Press Release, December 8, 2008, Injunction to stay Electoral Votes, US Supreme Court, Obama ineligible, Prohibit House and Senate count, Obama not natural born citizen.

3. The Right Side of Life

Wrotnowski v. Bysiewicz: Distributed for Conference by Justice Scalia

Here With Us

Here With Us
by Joy Williams

12/25/07 Update: Re-posted due to previous video no longer being available.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Love and God Bless,
Christine

*******
Here With Us Youtube video by Joy Williams

At Christmas, We Celebrate God's Provision

Weekend, December 22 & 23

A Way to the Manger: The Gift of Eternal Life

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
John 17:3

Recommended Reading
Acts 4:8-12

It's a classic plot line of spy thrillers and edge-of-your-seat espionage movies: The protagonist is sent into hostile territory where he is to make contact with the one individual who can "save the world." Meanwhile, the bad guys are searching for the same secret agent to take him out of the picture before the good guys can make contact with him. The twists and turns are breathtaking. All the while, the clock is ticking . . . .

This good versus evil storyline, centered on one person who can save the day, is central to the world's literature because of the element of truth it contains. God sent one "contact" into the world to save it from destruction—to offer eternal life. He didn't send multiple saviors at different times and in different cultures. One Savior was all that was needed, so one is the number He sent. And His name is Jesus. When the Bible says there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, it's speaking of Him.

At Christmas we celebrate God's provision. Instead of wondering, "Why just one?" we celebrate the fact that One is all we need. And through Him, we receive the gift of eternal life.

For a small reward, a man will hurry away on a long journey; while for eternal life, many will hardly take a single step.
Thomas à Kempis

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Revelation 17:1 - 18:24 ; Revelation 19:1 - 20:15

HT: Turning Point online