John 17:4

As we prepare our celebrations and parties on the birthday of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; let us not forget why He came. His suffering and death was the plan to save us from our sin. Thank You, Lord Jesus.

11-21-19, * -- The death and resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment in history of the very mind and intent of God. There is no place for seeing Jesus Christ as a martyr. His death was not something that happened to Him— His life wasn't 'taken' it was given [John 10:11]. His death was the very reason He came.

We should not attempt to build a case for God's forgiveness on the idea that He is our Father and He will forgive us because He loves us. That contradicts the revealed truth of God in Jesus Christ. It makes the Cross unnecessary, and the redemption “much ado about nothing.” God forgives sin only because of the death and shed blood of Christ. God could forgive people in no other way than by our repentance and acceptance trusting Jesus alone for our forgiveness and salvation. The greatest note of triumph ever sounded in the ears of a startled universe was that sounded on the Cross of Christ— “It is finished!” (John 19:30). That is the final word in the redemption of humankind.

John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-10

Anything that lessens or completely obliterates the holiness of God, through a false view of His love, contradicts the truth of God as revealed by Jesus Christ. Never allow yourself to believe that Jesus Christ stands with us out of pity and compassion, or that He became a curse for us out of sympathy.

Jesus Christ became a curse for us by divine decree. Our part in realizing the tremendous meaning of His curse is the conviction of sin. Conviction is given to us as a gift of shame and repentance; it is the great mercy of God. Jesus Christ hates the sin in people, and the cross [tree, Acts 5:30] of Calvary is the measure of His hatred. 

*Excerpted and adapted full original message from the late Oswald Chambers here 

2 Peter 3:3-7

​‘The War on Christmas’ in America is ‘A War on Christ’

The last few decades in America have witnessed an increased hostility towards “the sacred nature of Christmas,” a stripping away of religious references in the public square that is “at its root and core” a “war on Christ and His Followers.” This was especially true under Barack Obama's leadership; thankfully President Trump has been turning the nation back to our Christian heritage; we can say 'MERRY CHRISTMAS!' again.

The late Reverend Billy Graham said, “The war on Christmas is a war on Christ - a “hatred” against a culture that celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh as a baby 2,000 years ago, and anticipates his second coming when, as a “conquering King,” He will “cast Satan and unbelievers into an eternal lake of fire.”

In a past 2014 issue of Decision magazine it reported that: “Stores, schools and communities across America continue to find new and intolerant reasons to remove any religious references to Christmas, stripping it of any holy or historical significance. Christian songs, prayers and other spiritually vital connections to the Lord Jesus Christ are deleted or diminished.” Examples:

• in Ramsey County, Minn. a courthouse “banned red poinsettias because someone deemed them a ‘Christian symbol
  
• in Pittsburgh PA the Christmas holidays are referred to “as ‘Sparkle Days,’ in an ironic attempt at avoiding offense.”
  
• In Georgia a Veteran's Administration hospital banned “religious Christmas songs in public areas.”

Between the time that Jesus came as a baby and His second coming are “the last days,” as the Apostle Paul wrote, the last days will be marked by “pride, brutality, treachery and heartlessness.” 

Billy Graham said: “We should not be taken aback, then, when a day that should be devoted to meditating upon the marvelous, virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is instead treated in a scandalously secular way that denies His deity and saving work. The Name of Christ is an offense to the unbelieving world.The mention of Jesus Christ's birth, or life, or death and resurrection, is an insult to them. The world, the flesh and the Devil all hate the mere mention of His glorious Name. They are mortal enemies of the Savior. The world system is enthralled with power and greed, and it wants no part of the Messiah’s absolute authority.”

That rebellion against God is animated by the Devil, the demon who, “knowing that his time to roam on Earth is short and that he will one day be cast into the lake of fire, he opposes Christ at every turn. He and his demons will help gather all the nations into a great last-ditch rebellion against the King of kings before he is defeated.”

Until that happens, however, “we should expect stiff, relentless opposition to the Gospel message from our culture.”
He added that the brutal persecution of Christians in other countries may be “far into the future for us” in the United States, but we cannot expect “that it will not intensify and heighten.”

"There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day." John 12:48

Patheos.com, December 2017, 'Incognito' Here: goo.gl/vXHJit
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The Song: 'TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS'
What was the partridge doing in the pear tree? The song was a rhyme to instruct children in the Catholic or Christian faith during the Reformation of God. Rev Mark Lawson Jones suggests in his book:

1. One partridge – Jesus
2. Two turtle doves – the Old and New Testaments
3. Three French hens – faith, hope and charity
4. Four calling birds – the four Gospels
5. Five gold rings – the Pentateuch
6. Six geese a-laying – the six days of creation
7. Seven swans a-swimming – the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8. Eight maids a-milking – the Beatitudes
9. Nine ladies dancing – the nine fruits of the Spirit in Galatians
10. Ten lords a-leaping – the Ten Commandments
11. Eleven pipers piping – the 11 faithful apostles
12. Twelve drummers drumming – the 12 tribes of Israel

A good way of remembering some Bible truths at Christmas - Source

Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:11; Matt 1:16; John 11:27; Acts 2:36, 13:23

Jesus said, "Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:18

​Author Dr. James Allan Francis of Nova Scotia, Canada. Pastor at age twenty-one and served in ministry for the remainder of his life. His first pastorate was in New York City at the Riverside Baptist Church, and in 1914 after served in Los Angeles CA.  'One Solitary Life' originated as part of a sermon that he delivered on July 11, 1926 to the Baptist Young People’s Union at a Los Angeles Convention. More here

Luke 1:47

​12-22-18, The Holy Bible clearly states that all men have sinned, including the virgin Mary, the mother of the Messiah and Lord Jesus Christ. All of us have fallen short of the glory of God [Romans 3:23] and death spread to all men [Romans 5:12]. Jesus came to save us from our sin and when Mary went to see her cousin Elizabeth, she said:

"My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed forever."  Luke 1:47-48, 49-50, 51-52, 53-55

Scriptures categorically state that the Lord Jesus’ human family consisted of many children. His mother, Mary can never be considered ‘immaculate’ as the Roman Catholic Church proclaims her a perpetual virgin. Mary & Joseph's children; Jesus’ half brethren: James, Joseph, Simon, Judas [not Iscariot] and at least two unnamed sisters. Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Jude 1:1

Luke 2:7

12-21-18, After Joseph and Mary traveled by foot and donkey from Nazareth to the city of Bethlehem, they found all inns were over crowded and no room for them as so many other people were there for the registration and paying their tax. 

However, one inn keeper offered them the only accommodations he had ... his stable. At the same time, there were shepherds watching their sheep in the field when angels appeared in the heavens singing and praising God. They were told:

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.​ Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will toward men." Luke 2:10-11, 13-14

Luke 2:1-2, 3-5

12-20-18, Joseph's hometown was Bethlehem so because the Emperor aka Caesar Agustus declared all the people had to go register and be taxed, Joseph took his very pregnant wife, Mary with him to Bethlehem. (Isaiah 7:10-16; Micah 5:1-6; Matthew 1:18-25) 

Philippians 2:5-7

12-18-18, The anti-God world has failed in its attempt to remove the Lord Jesus Christ from the annual CHRISTMAS holiday when mankind celebrates His birth. 
​
The historical facts begin when the Angel Gabriel went to the virgin Mary in the town of Nazareth. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph of the house of David. Gabriel told her she was blessed, highly favored; the Lord was with her and not to fear. Mary was troubled about his salutation and message.

Gabriel told her she would become pregnant and bring forth the Son of the Highest, He shall have the throne of David, reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom shall have no end and shall name Him Jesus.

​Mary questioned how it was possible as she was a virgin never being with a man. Gabriel told her the power of Holy Ghost would overshadow her and her son would be called the Son of God. Luke1:26-35​

Although Mary was a virgin and her fiancé Joseph never ‘knew’ her; when he found out she was pregnant he planned on protecting her. However, in a dream the angel Gabriel appeared to him letting him know - THAT which was conceived in her - was of God and not to fear.  The birth would be fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah 7:14. He would save His people from their sins and His name would be Jesus.

Joseph married Mary and did not ‘know’ her until she brought forth her first born son, Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25

Mary said:
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed for ever." Luke 1:47-48, 49-50, 51-52, 53-55

​Saint Nicholas of Myra was a 4th-century Greek Christian bishop of Myra (now Demre) in Lycia. The real person was famous for his generous gifts to the poor. He was very religious and from an early age devoted his life entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ. Surely he would despise the way the world has honored HIM instead of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... The remains of Saint Nicholas are in Italy; and in 1087, the city of Bari mounted an expedition to locate his tomb. More here

Holy Bible Old Testament About the Lord's First Coming

The Savior: "Born of a Virgin" Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.  Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

The Savior: "Born in Bethlehem" Micah 5:2 
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me one Who is to be ruler in Israel, Whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."

The Savior: "Rule the Nations" Psalms 72:11; Isaiah 9:6
"May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve Him! v6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting  Father, Prince of Peace." More here

The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-20
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

December 1, 2017
 
Hello dear friends,
 
Well, as you know, it's time for My birthday again [Isaiah 7:14, 9:6]. Last year, they had a really big party for Me and it seems like they will again this year. After all, they've been shopping and preparing for it for months now, and there have been announcements and advertisements almost everyday about how soon it's coming! They really do go overboard about it, but it's nice to know that at least on one day of the year some people are thinking a little about Me.
 
It's been many centuries now since they first started celebrating My birthday. Back then they realized and appreciate it was My birthday [Micah 5:2]. Nowadays, the celebration has excluded Me. Imagine! 
 
It's happened so often in recent years, I'm no longer surprised. The celebrations today have people drinking, laughing and having a grand time. Their guest of honor is this fat fellow in a bright red suit, wearing a phony white beard and shouting, "Ho Ho Ho!" When he arrives everyone cheers. All the  precious children seem to love him calling him "Santa!"
 
Sad to say, things are getting worse each year. You can just imagine My shock when they took My name out of My birthday replacing it with an X. What an insult - X-mas! [Luke 2:7] They greet each other with 'Happy Holidays!' What holiday? [Matthew 2:1-12; John 1:9-14]
 
Not to be depressed, because it won’t be long until we celebrate My party [Revelation 1:7]! It's going to be the biggest most fantastic feast you could possibly imagine! It might not happen this year, but I'm sending out invitations anyway, because I know you'll want to come.
 
There's going to be room for billions [Matthew 24:31-33] of My faithful children! Some really famous old timers and celebrities are going to be there and I'll reserve your seat of honor with them! (Matthew 8:11) So hold on to your hat because when everything is ready, I'm going to spring it as a big surprise and a lot of people are going to be left out, because they didn't answer My invitation.  [Matthew 24:40]
 
Let me know right away if you'd like to come and I'll write your name in large golden letters in My big 'reservation' book. [Revelation 3:5, 20:15]
 
Much Love, JESUS
​The Saviour of all Mankind

"The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious." Isaiah 60:13

Christmas trees seem to have their origins in the ancient celebrations of Saturnalia. The Romans decorated their temples with greenery and candles. Roman soldiers conquering the British Isles found Druids who worshiped mistletoe and Saxons who used holly and ivy in religious ceremonies. All those things found their way into Christmas customs.

Possibly, in appx 1520 AD, the first person to bring a Christmas Tree into a house, in the way we know it today, may have been German Christian preacher, Martin Luther. Reportedly, one night before Christmas, Martin was walking through the forest looking up at the stars shining through the tree branches. It was so beautiful, that he went home and told his children that it reminded him of Jesus, who left the stars of heaven to come to earth at Christmas. He cited Isaiah 60:13 as biblical authority for the practice.
​
Wonderful joyful tradition, thank you, brother Luther!