Rethinking “Twas the Night before Christmas”

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Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house.

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hope that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed

Not once ever knelling or bowing a head.

And Mum in her rocker with baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open  the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a ray

I knew in a moment this must  be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus returning just like He had said.

And though I possessed wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His Hand

Was written the name of every saved man,

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;

When He said “Its not here” my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without a sound.

While all the rest were left standing around.

I feel to my knees but it was too late;

I had waited too long and this sealed my fate,

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh! If only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There’s only one way life and when comes the call

We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!

CHALLENGE: Since there are approximately 300 prophecies about His first coming and over 1500 prophesying He will come again, His second advent is imminent. In the middle of all the hustle and bustle in preparing to celebrate His Birth do we even give it a thought to prepare for His second coming?

 

He is the Gift of Christmas

It has been said that we should never judge a book by its cover. During this gift giving season I want to remind us that we should never judge a gift by its wrappings! The most expensive, the most planned and thoughtful gift ever offered to this world was placed in an old unclean manger for a box and wrapped in lowly swaddling clothes but as we start to unwrap this precious gift we find it is tied with red ribbons dipped in the blood of the greatest love mankind has ever known.

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John 3:16 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

As Isaac Newton writes

“Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.”

Remembering the Gift of GOOD Friday on BLACK Friday 

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Yes it’s Black FRIDAY again! The biggest shopping day of the year with everyone in search of the best bargain.

I’m reminded of a Good FRIDAY which provided the greatest bargain of your life

A free gift that will provide the need of everyone on your list

A free gift that will provide for every need in your life

Exchange filthy rags for royal robes of righteousness

Exchange stress and anxiety for a peace that passes understanding

Exchange hopelessness for a joy unspeakable

Not 50% off or even 70% off BUT something that is FREE!

The most expensive gift that this world could never afford!

1 Peter 1:19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot

Fresh Appreciation

Giving thanks causes you to be reminded of what you are thankful for and this gives you a fresh appreciation of all the blessings in your life. This appreciation stokes the flame of joy unspeakable to burn afresh in your heart.

As the old hymn says:

Count your many blessings

Name them one by one

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!

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Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things. Psalm 103:2

Contentment

Truly one of the keys of true contentment is a sense of inward sufficiency, which only comes from our relationship to our Heavenly Papa. With appreciation and thankfulness for His provision let us be content. Let us be satisfied with ENOUGH!

  •  Lucifer was the highest of the angels in heaven yet not content!
  •  Adam was in paradise yet not content!
  •  Angels were in heaven yet not content!
  •  Haman had a great court position yet not content!
  •  Ahab was on a throne yet not content!

Page 149 DEVELOPING A SECRET HISTORY WITH GOD

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“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that make us happy”

Charles Spurgeon

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