SUMMARY OF GOD'S GIFT TO US

 

GIVING

Joseph gave his obedience.

His obedience was expedient.

Only once did he question God's request.

From then on, obeying God was his quest.

Mary gave God reverence.

Her prayers were godly and precious.

Generations have called her blessed.

Giving reverence was giving her best.

The innkeeper gave, he was courteous.

There was no time to be more gracious.

Though seemingly his second best,

he gave shelter and rest to his guests.

The cattle also gave their assistance.

A feeding trough became a cradle in its substance.

Though humble, giving was expressed,

to this welcome surprise guest.

The angels gave praise surrounded by brightness

for they were adorned with God's holy radiance.

Praising God was expressed.

When we praise God, we are also blessed.

The shepherds gave testimonial with assurance

for they had seen God's heavenly hosts beingness.

Mary and Joseph were extravagantly blessed

when they heard of these events so boldly professed.

The star gave its brilliance

through its lone persistence.

Leading and guiding the wise men from west to east.

It was God leading the way through the long distance.

The wise men gave perseverance,

not stopping until they reached their pursuance,

then giving the Christ-child their best -

myrrh, frankincense, and gold in a chest.

* * * * *

Yes, Christmas is a joyous season of giving,

but our focus shouldn't be on gifts we're receiving.

Our focus should be on that first gift

given to the world in Bethlehem one night.

We celebrate the birth of God's Son, Jesus,

in December when we celebrate Christmas.

It's not about the tree, the toys, the parties, the presents.

The real, true Christmas is about God's gift.

God's gift to us: His Son.

What will you give Him, dear one?

He desires you give Him your heart.

He's only a prayer away, so start:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I believe in my heart that your Son, Jesus,

came to earth to die in my place, my sacrifice.

Jesus came to save me because I am a sinner

and I need a savior. I accept Jesus as my Savior.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

When Joseph woke up,

he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:24

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Luke 1:47

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

Luke 2:9

The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

The star they had seen in the east

went ahead of them until it stopped

over the place where the child was.

Matthew 2:9

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:2

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GIFTS OF FAITH

 

GIFTS OF FAITH

Christmas, a time of giving to others,

to show our love for one another.

Christmas, though a time for giving and receiving presents,

is oftentimes forgetting to include Christ's presence.

Busyness with many festivities,

recapturing childhood memories,

yet the reason for the season is oft forgot,

though it's the reason we exchange gifts we brought.

So how about we make a conscious effort

this year to give Christ heartfelt, faith-filled gifts.

What would you give to Christ this Christmas?

What would you freely give if someone asked?

Let's start with the three gifts the wise men brought to Christ.

These gifts will also make a difference in our lives.

As you know, these gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Precious, meaningful gifts meant for a king, they were.

Gold is the symbol of royalty, a gift fit for Jesus Christ,

as the wise men acknowledged Jesus was King of the Jews.

When we acknowledge and confess Jesus as Lord of our life

we agree His way is best and give Him the right to rule.

So we faithfully follow God's commands

written in God's Word for His children.

We know that obedience shows God we love Him

so we endeavor to live our lives to please our King.

Frankincense is a symbol of Christ's purity, His sinless perfection,

being God's provision to guarantee our sins are forgiven.

To be pure is to be "set-apart" from the influences of this fallen world.

To live in this world as ambassadors being obedient to God's Word.

Striving to be pure in word, thought, and deed;

living a life of love instead of greed.

Having the Holy Spirit who enables us

to remain strong when sin attracts us.

Myrrh is a symbol of Christ's death and suffering

used at that time in burial preparations.

We imitate this by "dying to self," daily to aspire.

Seeking God's ways instead of our own selfish desires.

Dying to self is a daily battle,

one in which God will enable.

To say "no" to ungodliness,

as we acknowledge God's way is best.

* * * * *

Three gifts to give to Christ each day of the year:

l acknowledging Jesus is Lord keeps His presence near,

2 being pure or set apart from the world,

3 daily dying to self by saying "no."

These three gifts of abiding faith

we give to Christ who by His grace

was the very first Christmas present.

Don't forget to acknowledge His presence.

Lord, may I seek to please you

in all I say, think, or do

so that my life is a testimony

giving you praise, honor, and glory.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him

with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?"

Matthew 2:1-2

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

Hosea 6:3

And this is love:

that we walk in obedience to his commands.

2 John 1:6

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable -

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

while we wait for the blessed hope -

the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness

and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,

eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11-14

You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being.

Revelation 4:11

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WORSHIP

 

WORSHIP

Worshiping God is simply praising Him.

Praising God is often expressed in a hymn.

When the angels announced Christ's birth to the shepherds

that night long ago as they watched over their herds,

the angels sang in worship:

"Glory to God in the highest!"

Those words have been composed into a hymn.

Next time you sing this hymn, you are worshiping.

"Angels we have heard on high

sweetly singing o'er the plains,

and the mountains in reply

echo back their joyous strains.

Gloria, in Excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in Excelsis Deo!"

Which means "Glory to God in the highest!"

Praising God in song is one way to worship.

The shepherds worshiped through their witness, telling

everyone all they had heard and seen that evening.

Shepherds were considered unclean in that day's society

as they prepared sacrificial lambs as directed by legality.

Yet God used the lowly, the humble, the rejected,

to proclaim His gift of salvation to the world.

The shepherds worshiped Jesus Christ the Lord

by telling everyone all they had seen and heard.

Their testimony to what they had witnessed

is in keeping with God's wonderful promise,

as the prophet's prophesied long before

to kings in their kingdoms and to the poor.

Joseph worshiped through his continual obedience.

Joseph's obedience was evidence of his reverence

to the God he served

and wholly adored.

He was ready, willing, and available

to do whatever God directed, though incredible.

Mary's prayer in Luke 1 records her worship.

Her prayer expresses her soul's and spirit's

total devotion

and compassion.

Her prayer even includes us when she refers to generations.

Her prayer reminds us of God's mercy and faithfulness in action.

Mary's prayer shows us she was acquainted with scriptures

so we can deduce she worshiped God by studying Scripture.

She spent time with Elizabeth and Zechariah,

who could be referred to as her spiritual mentors,

as they were upright in God's sight,

doing what God said was right.

Simeon, being righteous and devout, through waiting,

worshiped by being in tune to God's leading.

Simeon was waiting for God's promise.

He prayed praising God for keeping His promise,

for bringing God's promised gift of salvation:

to the Gentiles, a light of revelation;

to God's people, Israel, His glory -

revealing the fulfillment of God's story.

The prophetess, Anna, worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying, giving thanks always.

She loved God with all her heart,

all her soul, all her mind, and all her strength.

Not only did she believe God's promise of salvation,

she witnessed God's gift personally when she saw God's Son.

We read that the wise men worshiped the Christ-child

after traveling months and months, mile after mile,

following a bright, shining star

which guided them from afar,

when they presented to Him their treasures.

Treasures meant for a king, they were.

* * * * *

Worshiping God is expressing our love.

Several ways to worship are mentioned above.

Some ways we worship God might be through:

singing,

witnessing,

obeying,

trusting,

praying,

giving,

praising,

listening,

waiting,

meditating,

fasting,

thanking,

serving,

loving,

believing.

We also worship God through:

obedience,

reverence,

devotion,

compassion,

studying scriptures,

being a spiritual mentor.

These are just a few ways to worship

all leading to personal relationship

with the Creator

who became our Savior,

who loves you more than anyone,

who desires you believe and come

to Him through a simple prayer

from your heart and soul where

in confession

and declaration

you believe God's promise of forgiveness,

then eternity is yours to receive. You’ll be blessed.

Believe

and receive.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest."

Luke 2:13-14

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:17-18

The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod,

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east

and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:1-2

After they had heard the king,

they went on their way,

and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them

until it stopped over the place where the child was.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:9-11

A priest named Zachariah..., his wife Elizabeth...

Both of them were upright in the sight of God,

observing all the Lord's commandments

and regulations blamelessly.

Luke 1:5-6

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.”

Luke 2:28-32

There was also a prophetess, Anna...

She never left the temple but worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying.

Coming up to them at that very moment,

she gave thanks to God

and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward

to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:36-38

Love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul,

and with all your mind,

and with all your strength.

Mark 12:30

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A NEW WAY

 

A NEW WAY

Miles and miles of dry, sandy terrain behind them

with miles and miles to go under the hot sun

the wise men had come a long, long way from afar

being led along a NEW WAY by a bright star, His star.

No map to guide them along the way.

Just a star in heaven making a pathway.

Their goal was to worship the newborn King of the Jews.

Not something they questioned. A fact they just knew.

So by looking up they plodded along

through many days and starry nights long.

Stopping for direction in Jerusalem along the way

they asked the priests and teachers of the law if they knew the way.

The wise men learned Bethlehem had been prophesied,

so off they went on this NEW WAY, despite being tired.

Day after day, night after night, not giving up

their only direction came from looking up.

This special star led them

to a house in Bethlehem

where they bowed down and worshiped this child-King

who came to earth with a NEW WAY of life to bring.

Worshiping by adoring Jesus Christ the Lord.

Worshiping through praising and glorifying in word,

just as the shepherds had earlier done,

when announcing a "NEW WAY" had come.

This NEW WAY of life for mankind brought needed salvation

and as Simeon spoke of, "a light for revelation."

This NEW WAY of life now assures us

that Immanuel or God is with us.

After weeks of searching for, then finding the Christ-child,

the wise men were ready to return to report to King Herod,

except they were warned in a dream not to,

to return home by a NEW WAY hereto.

A NEW WAY, the opposite direction, both figuratively and literally.

This NEW WAY is also available to each one of us personally.

So off these truly wise men (and humbled shepherds) went

though never again the same

for a NEW WAY of life was available to them, and to us also,

as God's Word claims.

* * * * *

Do you need to make a U-turn?

It's never too late to return -

to seek God's way, His plan and purpose for us

by living a life of believing faith and trust.

As the Bible is written for our example

the Old Testament records many samples

of Israel turning to the Lord in times of trouble

after finding out going their own way became a hassle.

Where did they turn to when they repeatedly got themselves into trouble?

It was always the Lord they depended on to get them out of their struggles.

God is always ready, willing, and available to help us in our times of trouble.

Do you need to return by going the opposite direction? God is abundantly able.

If you truly know the Christ of Christmas

you'll find it will make a difference

as His presence will go with you

as you travel a way that's NEW.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod,

they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:12

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

"For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel."

Luke 2:28, 30-32

“Come, let us return to the Lord...

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 6:1, 3

"Even now," declares the Lord,

"return to me with all your heart..."

Return to the Lord your God,

for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and have pity

and leave behind a blessing.

Joel 2:12-14

"Return to me," declares the Lord Almighty,

"and I will return to you."

Zechariah 1:3

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

Here's some verses to contemplate as you go your NEW WAY.

Teach me your WAYS so I may know you.

Exodus 33:13

What does the Lord your God ask of you but to

fear the Lord your God,

to walk in all his WAYS,

to love him,

to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees

that I am giving you today for your own good.

Deuteronomy 10:12

Show me your WAYS, O Lord,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

I will instruct you and teach you in the WAY you should go;

I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

Your WAYS, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God?

You are the God who performs miracles;

you display your power among the peoples.

Psalm 77:13-14

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your WAYS acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

"This is the WAY, walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21

I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the WAY you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

I am the WAY and the truth and the life.

John 14:6

I worship the God of our fathers

as a follower of the WAY.

Acts 24:14

And we pray this in order that

you may live a life worthy of the Lord

and may please him in every WAY

bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God,

being strengthened with all power

according to his glorious might

so that you may have great endurance and patience,

and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints

in the kingdom of light.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:10-14

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LEADERS

 

LEADERS

The first Christmas story mentions the leaders of that day,

though our focus is on the angel's message, the baby,

the shepherds, the manger, Mary, Joseph,

a bright star and wise men bearing gifts.

There were political leaders

and unnamed religious leaders.

The political leaders were Caesar Augustus

and the governor of Syria named Quirinius.

Another leader was King Herod, a malicious fellow,

who issued an edict for the wise men to follow.

The wise men were very astute, quite true to their name, it seems,

as they heeded an opposite instruction from a dream.

There were also religious leaders well versed in Old Testament law.

These were the chief priests, or Sadducees, and other teachers of the law.

These priests ensured that the order of worship was adhered to,

obeying the law, but in their hearts they didn't have a clue.

Even the teachers of the law practiced a legalistic religion,

one lacking relationship, following rules vs. heart application.

Gaining head knowledge, obeying the law which is right,

but lacking heart knowledge leading them to the Light.

When Herod inquired of them where Christ was to be born

they knew the answer based on scripture – in Bethlehem.

Old Testament prophesy was being fulfilled right then, in their lifetime,

but these leaders seemed to be too preoccupied to take time to seek and find.

So all these leaders learned that the king of the Jews, as prophesied, was born.

Did any of them jump on their chariots or horses creating a dust storm?

It seemed to be just another day in the neighborhood.

Perhaps if they had heart knowledge they would have understood.

Were they too busy to even set an hour apart?

Or maybe not interested because of calloused hearts?

No one interrupted their schedules from their daily duties

to go see a newborn baby whom everyone thinks is a cutey.

Not just any baby adored.

He was the Savior, Christ the Lord,

of whom the heavenly hosts did joyfully sing

and of whom the wise men called a newborn king

Quite the opposite from the shepherds and the wise men who

sought the promised Christ-child until He was at last found.

The shepherds hurried off to see if the announcement was true.

The wise men persevered for months following the star eastward bound.

The shepherds through their witness and testimony gave glory to God

telling everyone everything while glorifying and praising God.

Matthew records that when the wise men saw the child they worshiped him

recognizing that the Christ-child was God's promised one, the King of Kings.

Two totally different responses. The political and religious leaders were indifferent.

The shepherds and wise men testified of this One who was born to make a difference.

The shepherds and wise men wholeheartedly made time

while the leaders had no interest on their mind.

* * * * *

Who are we most like?

Do we search and find the Light?

Do we make the time for Bible study

or do we find we are too busy?

Do we make the time to make a difference

imitating Christlikeness

or do we often find ourselves indifferent

to our neighbor's trials and stress?

Be like the shepherds or wise men.

Do not be like these leaders, those men,

who were too busy, too preoccupied, too indifferent.

Study God's Word, imitate Christ. You'll see in yourself a difference.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod,

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed,

and all of Jerusalem with him.

When he had called together all the people's chief priests

and teachers of the law,

he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied,

"for this is what the prophet has written."

Matthew 2:1-5

"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,

which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby,

who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

Luke 2:15-17

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.

John 8:12

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

Pharisees and Sadducees (from NIV):

The Pharisees were a legalistic and separatist group who strictly, but often hypocritically, kept the law of Moses and the unwritten "tradition of the elders."

The Sadducees were more worldly and politically minded, and were theologically unorthodox – among other things denying the resurrection, angels, and spirits.

Chief priests - Sadducees who were in charge of worship at the temple.

Teachers of the law – The Jewish scholars of the day, professionally trained in the development, teaching and application of OT law.

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PERSERVERING

 

PERSEVERING

December 1, 2010

For weeks and months they hike

persevering countless days and nights

with only a star shining bright

as a beaming, guiding light

wise men or magi alight

persevering camels that fight

sandstorms at night

and windstorms quite

harsh and not liked.

Whatever their plight

they persevere with might

keeping that star in sight.

These camels, stately like a knight

or a steed, persevere day and night

plodding along keeping one bright

glorious shining star in sight.

Persevering these wise men are right

to persevere and not give in to fright.

It is their hope, this shining star so bright,

of which poets across the ages write.

That star, His star, in the sky, so bright

unbeknownst to them will bring delight

for it leads them to the one who is the Light.

The Light of World, in fact, is in sight.

You know, it's only God who could write

a story with such intrigue and delight.

Who would ever think that a star shining bright

or camels that plod day-after-day and night

would be part of the greatest story ever told, that's right!

This story that guided countless civilizations alright.

A story that unfortunately has become an oversight

for many keep Christ out of their Christmas celebration night.

The greatest gift you could give your family tonight

is to read this true story one December night.

This story that never grows old and will delight

when you persevere in doing what is right.

* * * * *

What if the camels had gone on strike?

What if the wise men had given up their flight?

What if there had been no extraordinary star?

This story would have had a different ending, by far.

Have you ever felt like giving up?

Do life's hardships seem like too much?

Perhaps it's because you're not looking up?

Perhaps you need to feel God's loving touch.

If you fix your eyes on your circumstance,

then you are not giving the Lord a chance

to perform a great and good work in you.

Is that the reason you've been feeling blue?

Consider that circumstance a test

that is sent to grow your faith,

then look to the Lord who has your best

interests – always – in His heart.

Don't give up.

Keep looking up.

God will be there for you

with a good plan for you.

In fact, something extraordinary

that He can only accomplish through you.

So that circumstance - less than ordinary -

is sent to perfect, mature, and complete you.

View it as a gift.

Then you'll see your spirit

within you lift.

Doesn't God give good gifts!

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him endured...

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men,

so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1b-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 10:36

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Sounds of Christmas

 

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS

(new rhymes written to Christmas carols)

Carolers harmonizing

of Christ's birth they're now telling

with dear, old Yuletide hymns

about the newborn king.

Take a minute to treasure

these familiar carols treasured

with a current day twist -

perhaps with brother and sis.

- - -

O little town of Bethlehem

where Jesus Christ was born

now celebrated Christmas morn

with pretty papers torn.

Gifts given and received,

some for you and for me

bring much delight to all tonight

around the Christmas lights.

Good friends and kin will gather

on Christmas Day with others

sharing and making memories

to last throughout the years.

Let's not forget the reason

we celebrate this season.

It's more than in receiving,

it's found in believing.

God's gift to us is Jesus,

His promise when we trust

and believe in His sacrifice

upon the cruel cross.

He died for your sin and mine

once-for-all for all time

and now lives with God in heaven,

our new home when we're born again.

Believe and receive God's gift

then live a life of trust.

He’ll remain faithful

whenever we might call.

For it's in prayer God hears us

as we live in faith and trust.

God has a purpose and a plan

for all men and women.

Let's not forget the reason

we celebrate this season.

Christmas is God's Son's birthday,

a day when God made a way

bringing peace on earth and joy

to men, women, girls, and boys.

Simply in Jesus Christ believe

and God's beloved gift receive.

- - -

While shepherds watched their flocks by night

God's glory shone all around.

The night sky filled with heavenly light,

when the angel chorus came down

and God's glory shone all around.

Shepherds saw the newborn baby there

who lay sleeping in the manger.

They all were filled with awe and wonder

as they stood around the manger

as God's glory shone all around.

This Good News was shared with all in town

while God's glory shone all around.

Pass on the Good News you have heard

found recorded in God's Word

then God's glory will shine all around.

- - -

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

glory to the newborn king.

King Jesus has come to save us

when we believe and learn to trust.

Trust and hope for each new day

as we journey on our way.

Trust that God knows what is best.

Hope as we face each new test.

Help is as close as a prayer

as we learn that Jesus cares.

- - -

Silent Night, Holy Night,

all is calm, all is right.

Angel choirs sing "do not fear”

when before shepherds they appeared.

Christ the Savior is born.

Christ the Savior is born.

Silent Night, Holy Night,

all is calm, all is right.

There's a baby in a manger bed

for there's no room in the inn instead.

Christ the Savior is born.

Christ the Savior is born.

Silent Night, Holy Night,

all is calm, all is right.

Shepherds hurriedly entered in

come to worship their newborn king.

Christ the Savor is born.

Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night,

all is calm, all is right.

Shepherds told all what they had seen.

Jesus Christ God's Son now reigns.

Christ the Savior is born.

Christ the Savior is born.

- - -

Away in the Manger no crib for a bed

in a stable where barn animals were fed

a new-born baby would lay down his sweet head.

Luke tells us this story, in the Bible it's read.

Jesus Christ was born there that day in the hay.

Now we honor His birthday on Christmas Day.

Giving gifts we remember the gift gave that day -

Jesus came to bring peace, in our hearts to stay.

- - -

Joy to the World the Lord is come

and carols now are sung.

Let every nation

and all generations

remember now to sing

sweet anthems to the King

giving glory and honor to Him.

Christ is the Lord this Christmas Day.

Let us worship and pray

a prayer of thanksgiving

with joyful singing

that Jesus Christ was born

this blessed Christmas morn

giving glory and honor to Him.

- - -

The First Noel was Christmas Day

in a stable where oxen and donkeys stayed

when angels sang, then shepherds ran

to see what the angels had proclaimed.

They found it was just as they were told

and left with a testimony bold.

Today we celebrate Jesus birth

when Jesus was born upon the earth.

We read about it in Matthew and Luke

where it's been recorded for all who look.

Because someone told us about the Lord

they too have a testimony bold.

Our own testimony should most gladly proclaim

to all that the Lord to earth once came.

Born in a manger then died on the cross,

came to save us all because we are lost.

May our own testimony most gladly proclaim

the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ's holy name.

- - -

Three Wise men and possibly more

following a bright shining star

up and down through deserts and towns

seeking a king newborn.

O King Jesus He's our light

He will guide us through the night

always with us

always for us

everything will turn out right.

Our light is Jesus Christ the Lord.

He is with us forevermore.

Through valleys and mountains,

with a solution -

He is Emmanuel.

O King Jesus He's our light

He will guide us through the night

always with us

always for us

everything will turn out right.

- - -

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

when angel hosts appeared.

Singing to shepherds “peace on earth,”

with all their heavenly worth.

With wonder the shepherds entered in

that stable there by the inn.

It was just as they had been told

that night out in the cold.

Wonderful news for all was heard

when shepherds everyone told.

Good news now written in God's Word

for everyone is stored.

Matthew and Luke is where you'll find

this story from God so kind.

Christmas is more than receiving gifts

it's knowing about God's gift.

God's gift is Jesus Christ, His Son,

sent to this earth to be born.

Was born to give us eternal life

and give us peace in strife.

Simply believe in God's gift to all

when in prayer you call.

Just pray “Dear Heavenly Father”

and God the Father will hear.

- - -

Angels from the Realms of Glory

with good news for every nation.

Came to earth to tell the story

of peace on earth, good will to men.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God with us, Emmanuel.

God with us through difficulties,

trials, troubles, uncertainties.

Yes, God with us He has promised

promising peace to all of us.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God with us, Emmanuel.

Peace comes down from God the Father

helps us cope whate'vr the matter.

Peace despite anxieties.

Peace with us through emergencies.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God with us, Emmanuel.

Peace comes down from God our Counselor.

He's known as the Prince of Peace.

Peace from the Everlasting Father.

Our Mighty God gives us peace.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God with us, Emmanuel.

- - -

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

they're ringing peace to all today

for Jesus Christ has come to save us

when we believe and simply trust.

We need not fear but only trust

for Christ has come to save us

to right the wrongs, to heal the harms

and give us peace whatev’r alarms.

Peace was the anthem of that day

when Jesus Christ came down to stay.

Peace still today for you and me

when we trust the Lord and believe.

- - -

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

when the Lord came down

to be born in a manger here.

Angels announced His birth

to shepherds on earth

with singing and much fanfare.

What wonderful news, Lord Jesus,

when you came down to earth for us.

For us you have come

to a lowly home

being born in a stable there.

And it was for us you were crucified

on the cruel cross you died.

What wonderful news, Lord Jesus,

when you came down to earth for us.

That's not the end of the story

for up from the grave You arose, glory!

and now lives in heaven waiting for us

when we believe and trust.

What wonderful news Lord Jesus,

when you came down to earth for us.

- - -

God Rest You Merry Gentlemen

and women and children

for you can find rest, joy, and peace

in this world of unease.

For Jesus Christ was born this day

now known as Christmas Day

bringing peace to all who believe

when you receive.

Bringing peace to all who believe.

- - -

There's a Song in the Air

so let this be our prayer

to praise the Lord today

and to thank Him always.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming that glad day

and thank you for coming into my heart to stay.

Now let this be our song

each and every day long

may our words and our deeds

all be joyful indeed.

Giving thanks to our heavenly Father in heav’n

who now waits to hear from us with arms wide open.

- - -

O Come, All Ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant,

come receive blessings with other Christians.

O come all, o come all, with joyful voices.

Forget about your worries.

Come praise God, give Him glory.

Come hear the Christmas story -

Jesus is born.

- - -

Angels we have heard on high

when they came down from the sky

to announce the Savior's birth

to mankind upon the earth.

Sing gloria, sing gloria, sing gloria, (whole note on sing)

to God in the highest.

Sing gloria, sing gloria, sing gloria,

to God in the highest.

Let's join in and sing this song

to the Lord upon His throne.

Sing it loud and sing it from

a thankful heart the whole day long.

Sing gloria, sing gloria, sing gloria,

to God in the highest.

Sing gloria, sing gloria, sing gloria,

to God in the highest.

- - -

What child is this who came so we

could have new life eternally?

What child could save us from our sins

and give us new life within?

This, this is God's own Son

named Jesus Christ, the Holy One.

This, this is our Savior

who came for young and old.

What child is this who would give His life

upon the cross as a gift?

A gift to mankind to believe

then pray to God to receive.

This, this is God's own Son

named Jesus Christ, the Holy One.

This, this is our Savior

who came for young and old.

Receive forgiveness for all our sins

and help each day as we begin

to live our life of Christlikeness

with much love, joy, peace, and rest.

This, this is God's own Son

named Jesus Christ, the Holy One.

This, this is our Savior

who came for young and old.

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

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