HOW ANCIENT THE CHRISTMAS STORY?

HOW ANCIENT THE CHRISTMAS STORY?

Friday, December 6, 2019



Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was this way (for His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph) before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.



  There are those today that are clueless as to Christmas beyond its commercialization. There are also those that know better but don’t live accordingly in the true spirit of Christmas. For some it’s a fixation on the immediate of presents, trees, and tinsel.

  We must not limit God working in us by confining our thinking to “Over 2,000 years ago …”

  First, considering it’s the Bible that tells us the wonderful story, let’s look at a few foundational truths.

·         Old & New Testament contains total of 66 books.

·         God used about 40 penman over a 4,000+ year period.

·         Most of them never knew each other.

·         Their writings were not the product of writer’s workshops or seminars.

·         They were from diverse cultures, areas, and educational backgrounds.

·         Their writings, though not concurrently penned, are harmonious.

·         Their style is various, but their theme is consistent.

·         They served under the aegis of The One Editor.

  Some wrote of the coming First Advent of Christ, that which we know as Christmas. (Dates are circa by Ussher.)

·         BC 4004, Genesis 3:15, the initial prophecy of Christ’s birth.

·         BC 1452, Numbers 24:17, the Star of Bethlehem.

·         BC 977, Ecclesiastes 9:14-15, He would come, save, and be forgotten by His own people.

·         BC 742, Isaiah 7:14, virgin birth foretold; 9:17 Messiah prophesied.

·         BC 600, Jeremiah 10:3-5, Christmas tree?

·         BC 710, Micah 5:2, birthplace foretold.

  Though some may believe so, Christmas didn’t begin with the St. Nicholas. 

EBB4

THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

PERSONAL RESURRECTION

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Jesus declared “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. … For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” 

  The Biblical answer to yesterday’s DT question “Is it possible to have an authentic Christmas without Biblically personal resurrection?” is no, we cannot have an authentic Christmas (Christ-worship) without personal resurrection as provided by the John 1:1 Word of God; He that began His life here in a stable manger and finished it on a cruel cross.

  As with all things in genuine relationship with God, Christmas is a John 1:12 family matter. Outsiders may look, but they cannot really see.

  Jesus explained this to Nicodemus and for all to know hereafter in reading the record; individuals must gain new life in order to see clearly God’s kingdom present and future. (Jn.3:1-21)

  As recorded, Paul, a dynamic follower of Christ, explained this rebirth to the congregation in Ephesus. (Eph.2:1-22)

  If you have not gained His new sight through trust in Him, I encourage you to this day to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive His gift of present and eternal redemption and all it entails, including Christmas joy beyond this world’s norm.

EBB4

AN ESSENTIAL QUESTION

AN ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS QUESTION

Wednesday, December 4, 2019



Is it possible to have an authentic Christmas without Biblically personal resurrection?

EBB4

DEPRESSION

Dear fellow travelers,

  This time of focused thanksgiving and celebration is wonderful, but not for all. For some it is a time of sadness, depression, and worse. Knowing and seeing this I am this month including applicable and hopefully helpful essays. I begin today with the topic of depression from GotQuestions.org.

EBB4



 What does the Bible say about depression? How can a Christian overcome depression?

  Depression is a widespread condition, affecting millions of people, Christians and non-Christians alike. Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. They may begin to feel useless and even suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed. Depression is often triggered by life circumstances, such as a loss of job, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.
  The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11), so God apparently intends for us all to live joyful lives. This is not easy for someone suffering from situational depression, but it can be remedied through God's gifts of prayer, Bible study and application, support groups, fellowship among believers, confession, forgiveness, and counseling. We must make the conscious effort to not be absorbed in ourselves, but to turn our efforts outward. Feelings of depression can often be solved when those suffering with depression move the focus from themselves to Christ and others.
  Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician. It may not be caused by unfortunate life circumstances, nor can the symptoms be alleviated by one's own will. Contrary to what some in the Christian community believe, clinical depression is not always caused by sin. Depression can sometimes be caused by a physical disorder that needs to be treated with medication and/or counseling. Of course, God is able to cure any disease or disorder. However, in some cases, seeing a doctor for depression is no different than seeing a doctor for an injury.
  There are some things that those who suffer from depression can do to alleviate their anxiety. They should make sure that they are staying in the Word, even when they do not feel like it. Emotions can lead us astray, but God's Word stands firm and unchanging. We must maintain strong faith in God and hold even more tightly to Him when we undergo trials and temptations. The Bible tells us that God will never allow temptations into our lives that are too much for us to handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). Although being depressed is not a sin, one is still accountable for the response to the affliction, including getting the professional help that is needed. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Recommended Resource: How to Win Over Depression by Tim Lahaye



PS. The first mention of Christmas in God’s Word is Genesis 3:15.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHRISTMAS

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SAVIOR

Monday, December 2, 2019



  Where in God’s Word is Christmas, the Savior, first announced?

EBB4

MANGER DANGER

STUCK IN THE MANGER?

(Manger Danger)

Sunday, December 1, 2019



“… Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52



Christmas: Originally 2 words derived from Christ mass; Mass of Christ; around middle 1400s becoming Christmass/Christmas. Mass/mas being gathering to worship Christ; Christ meaning anointed, Messiah.



  For some, Christmas is centered in tender nativity scenes

  Indeed there is inspiration in considering the manger, but let us not dare to make it the exclamation or expiration point of Christmas.

  Let us not get emotionally trapped in manger-mindedness, some highly romanticized version of Christ-mas. Jesus did not preach on His humble manger history. By His words our life is to be defined by subjectivity in carrying the cross of self-denial in all of our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind; for it is such reasonable service alone that is acceptable to God. (Mt.22:37; Rom.12:1-2, rational, logical, well-pleasing to God.) 

EBB4 

POLE IN STORAGE?

POLE STORED ON PEW?

Friday, November 29, 2019



Matthew 4:18-22 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.  And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. [Mk.1:14-20]



  A thought struck me last evening: If we’re not fishing, we are not following.

EBB4