Archive for the ‘Christmas’ Category

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Hark the Herald Angels Sing

December 13, 2016

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” was written in the 1700’s by Charles Wesley. He and his brother John were dynamic preachers in that time and were responsible for revival in both England and America. They founded the Methodist Church.Charles wrote hundreds of hymns, first published in the Methodist Hymnal. He was saved under the preaching of George Whitfield, who also had a part in the lyrics of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” as he changed some of the words to the hymn as we know it today.

The influence of these great men of the faith are still being felt today. If only we would see men today of such dedication to the preaching of the Gospel.
Unfortunately a lot of the churches have started singing “new” Christmas songs and the old familiar hymns are being tossed aside, along with the power of the Holy Spirit. Programs have replaced power in many churches today. If you hear or sing this great hymn this Christmas stop for a minute or two and pray for revival. Our churches need revival, our homes need revival and our nation needs revival.

1. Hark! the herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem!

(Chorus)
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!

2. Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Ris’n with  with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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Caesar Augustus

December 12, 2016

All those even vaguely familiar with Luke’s Christmas account have heard of Caesar Augustus and his famous decree. It was this decree that sent Mary in the ninth month of her pregnancy 80 miles south to Bethlehem, along with husband Joseph.Caesar Augustus reigned as emperor of the Roman empire from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D. 41 years in all. His decree had two purposes, for an accurate census and to determine taxation.
Caesar Augustus’s reign was marked by peace and security. Augustus was very interested in the number of citizens in his empire; he was especially interested in whether that number was growing.

Augustus was so concerned about the declining marriage and birth rate in his empire, that he passed legislation that made promiscuity a crime, which penalized bachelors in their right to inherit, and which bestowed political advantages on fathers of three or more children. Because of his demonstrated concern about marriage and birth rate in his empire, it is likely that one of the reasons that Augustus authorized the censuses was to see whether his legislation was working, or, at the very least, to see if the birth rates increased. Each Citizen had to return to the place of their birth fulfilling God’s prophecy that The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

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Joseph, Husband of Mary

December 11, 2016

Joseph was a good man. Engaged to Mary and most likely looking forward to taking her for his wife, when an angle came to him and told him to not fear to take Mary as his wife as the Child she was carrying was conceived by the Holy Ghost. He was a brave and righteous man to believe God and take on that great responsibility. He was an obedient person, Joseph took care of Mary and Jesus and we know from scripture that he was still living when JESUS went to the temple at twelve years old.
That is the last mention Joseph in the Bible and he must have died before Jesus started His public ministry.

Matthew 1:24-25 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son:and he called his name Jesus.

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Mary, Mother of Jesus

December 10, 2016

Mary, a young virgin, was engaged to Joseph. God chose her to be the mother of the Lord Jesus. When Gabriel came to her she was frightened at first, listened to his message and then was humble and honored. In those days being pregnant without marriage was a great disgrace but Mary was willing to obey.When the angel told her of Elisabeth’s pregnancy, Mary, went to stay with her. Elisabeth confirmed what the angel had told her because the baby leaped in her womb.
If you have not read and thought about the people in the unfolding Christmas story it would be good to read it again. We learn much about obedience and love of God as we realize that every person was human and had the same emotions, fears, joys and problems we do. Mary is a great example to us and she surely was blessed among women.
Luke 1:30-31 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary:for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

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Zacharias

December 8, 2016

Zacharias, husband of Elisabeth, was a righteous and blameless person was childless! Zachariah was also a priest. One day as he was serving in the temple the angel Gabriel appeared to him and announced that his wife would have a child.

Although Zacharias was moved by the awesome presence of the angel, he could not accept that his aged wife could still give birth because she was beyond child bearing age. In order to stop him confessing his unbelief he was unable to speak and remained speechless until the day that the baby should be given a name.

The custom was to name the baby after his father but Zacharias asked for a tablet and wrote, his name is John as instructed by the angel. Then he was able to speak.
Luke 1:63-64 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

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Gabriel, Angel Sent From God

December 7, 2016

Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Only two angels are mentioned by name in the New Testament. Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel was an archangel who was a messenger sent by God to deliver news to Zacariah and then later to Mary. Gabriel is also mentioned in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. Angels had an important role in the birth of the Lord Jesus. Their presence brought fear into the hearts of the people they appeared to according to scripture.

We tend to forget that people like Zacariah, Mary and Joseph were just ordinary people that God used in extraordinary circumstances. If Gabriel appeared to us today we too would be afraid. As Christians we can look forward to the time when we will see angels in Heaven. What a wonderful future we have and there will be no fear, only wonder and beauty as we behold Heaven and meet Jesus face to face.

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Keep Christ in Christmas

December 6, 2016

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

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Billy Graham Christmas Quote

December 5, 2016

“An angel announced His conception and gave Him His name. The heavenly host sang a glorious anthem at His birth. By the extraordinary star, the very heavens indicated His coming.In Himself He was the most illustrious child ever born-the holy child of Mary, the Devine Son of God.” Billy Graham
Mathew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

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Church, Full or Empty

December 4, 2016

The church is decorated for Christmas, wreaths, garlands, lights, beautiful flowers. The choir is prepared, the Pastor has his message ready and the congregation comes to worship.There are two times a year when the churches are full, Christmas and Easter. Both times are to celebrate the coming of Jesus. Christmas to celebrate His birth and Easter to celebrate his coming out of the grave and victory over death.

Are you a two times a year church goer? If that is the only time you worship Jesus, you may miss His second coming when He will meet born again Christians in the air.Then the churches that preach the gospel should be empty. Think about going to church and it is almost empty. No Pastor, no choir, only a few people who missed the true message of Jesus birth. God sent His Son as a gift that we might be saved. Do not be left to go to an empty church. Accept God’s gift of salvation today, then go to church and celebrate Jesus’ birth and you can truly worship from your heart.

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

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Child’s Gift

December 3, 2016

In the next few weeks there will be Christmas programs in churches and schools (of course to be politically correct in schools they will be called holiday programs).Songs will be happy and you may even hear a Carol or two. Looking back in memory there was one program that stands out in my mind and I have seen and even directed many of these programs.This only one that I remember clearly is when my son, who was about 3 years old, recited this little poem:

“I’m not very big or very tall you see, but to the dear Lord Jesus I give all of me.”

From the mouth of a child, that is what our gift to the Lord should be. Our heart, mind and body should be dedicated to Him this Christmas. We scurry around finding the perfect gift for each friend or loved one and many times forget the One whose birthday we are celebrating. So this season enjoy all festivities but put Jesus first. He desires our worship, love and devotion.

Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

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