“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” Luke 2:9-11
Before we turn the page on Christmas, I’d like to share a few photos of a tree…where some festive pine cones are the main “ornaments” to see.
God sent His Son to be our Savior–what a great time of the year…when we celebrate the newborn King–sent to redeem us and deliver us from every fear.
P. A. Oltrogge
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me and deliveredmefromallmyfears.” Psalm 34:4
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“There is no fear in love; but perfectlove casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5
“But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.” Luke 12:31-33
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan’s pow’r When we were gone astray Oh tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Oh tidings of comfort and joy!
God chooses the foolish things to confound or shame the wise…yet some “wise men” had the wisdom to follow the Messiah’s star which was seen in the skies.
The ultimate in foolishness came through Adam and Eve’s failure to realize…that they had heaven on earth–but yielded to temptation, which proved to be terribly unwise.
Yet God isn’t any loser and had plans to redeem mankind. The first Adam would be surpassed by Jesus, the last Adam–the great Redeemer God had in mind.
We see in Genesis, God took a foolish act done by Joseph’s brothers…to fulfill Joseph’s great destiny. Through him, God saved the lives of so many others.
David committed adultery and devised other foolish plots regarding another man’s wife; but he repented thoroughly to God for having caused such strife.
It may seem foolish to some, that God’s Son was born and laid in a manger so low…but God knew He would be exalting Jesus as King since He would defeat every foe.
Such a lowly place to be born, for Jesus, was only the humble way that He would begin. One day, He would walk in even further humility to the cross, to redeem and free men from the death penalty for sin.
For Jesus to eat with sinners and tax collectors seemed foolish to some. The pharisees and sadducees didn’t understand His invitation for all to “Come!”
Foolishly, the disciples were concerned a second time when thousands needed to be fed. They’d forgotten the previous miraculous feeding of a multitude with so few fish and loaves of bread.
Peter was willing to do a foolish thing, by man’s way of thinking. He stepped out of a boat to walk on the water to Jesus–perhaps, with certainty, that He would save him from sinking.
Of course, when Jesus had been arrested, Peter was foolish to deny three times the Master. But, when the Lord was resurrected, He forgave him and asked him three times to feed His sheep thereafter.
The Bible declares that the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God and that which we’re cherishing.
Jesus warned us to be wise and not be foolish–to have our lamps lit for His return. That is certainly an up-to-date lesson…one He wants all of those who love Him–and those who don’t yet–to learn.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” …from the parable in Matthew 25:1-13
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written:
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent, I will frustrate.’
“Where is the wise person? Where is the leader of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NIV
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
“And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:45
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous actthe free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:18-21
I wonder how Christmas celebrations in heaven today would actually be.
Perhaps there are extraordinary garlands and a most brilliant Christmas tree!
Surely, the angels who lauded Jesus’ birth to shepherds in the field back then
are still singing the beautiful chorus of “Peace on earth, good will to men!”
Those shepherds who first heard the message are now in the presence of the Lord,
along with many faithful Christians who have gone on to their eternal reward.
Mary and Joseph, the chosen couple, would remember the time of Christ’s birth—
what a role they had in providing tender care for the Redeemer of the earth!
Beautiful carols, written over the centuries, must be so gloriously sung,
the saints joining in with grateful praise—people of every nation and tongue!
Love, joy, and peace would surround overwhelmingly in that heavenly place—
Christmas, or any season in heaven, will be the richest experience of God’s grace.
The wise men who traveled from afar, and fell down in worship of the Child,
are there in heaven, for they recognized Him, as the King who’d been born undefiled.
And, oh, The Bright and Morning Star—Jesus Himself, would tower over heaven’s Christmas tree.
He, who was crucified on a “tree” long ago, reigns in victory throughout eternity!
P. A. Oltrogge
Noting these scriptures after, and because of, Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross, also known as “the tree”…
“Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.” Acts 13:29
“(The Just Live by Faith) For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14
“…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16
Last year, a movie was made about the life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and many are thinking this season, too, of the carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” written by him. It was written during personal trial, as well as during the U.S. civil war. Here, again, are its words:
I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on Earth, good will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on Earth, good will to men!
Till ringing, singing, on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime A chant sublime, Of peace on Earth, good will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on Earth, good will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent, And made forlorn The households born Of peace on Earth, good will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on Earth,” I said; “For hate is strong And mocks the song Of peace on Earth, good will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on Earth, good will to men.”
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
…the following is Psalm 46:
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
spoken by Jesus:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20
…just a little poetry (not a scientific study of conifers, pines, etc.) which features part of God’s creation, found on what many of us simply call evergreen trees…
Dear Lord, you’ve fashioned and designed so many beautiful things…such as the flourishing evergreen, to which the unique pine cone clings.
Children and adults, as well, enjoy collecting the cones for their decorative use. On tree branches or scattered on a woodsy floor, their presence can be profuse.
From certain cones come the kinds of pine nuts that people have liked to try; but to creatures of the forest, the pine cones are a rich part of their food supply.
Thank you, Lord, for these trees and seed-bearing cones that are like a distinctive flower. Along with other wonders of nature, they speak of your creative and life-giving power.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You.” Psalm 145:9-10
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5 NKJV
…not only a way but THE way…
“Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'” John 14:5-7 ESV
(The Way) Away in a manger No crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus Lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky Look down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing The poor baby wakes But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my bed side ‘Til morning is nigh
Be near me, Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care And take us to heaven To live with Thee there
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9 ESV
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 KJV
Though this event took place somewhat later than at Christ’s exact birth, it’s often mentioned at Christmas…
“…they went their way, and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His Mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11
The Bible relates that some magi sought a gift so priceless that it couldn’t be bought. A star was their guide in this long-ago quest; and it went before them, coming to rest, over the place where God decreed it should, designating the Christ child—and there it stood. It must have been brilliant as it stopped above to point out the gift of God’s divine love. They worshiped Jesus there, going inside, trusting that the star was their heaven-sent guide. The child was the very reason God had brought them to this place, and they sensed that redemption was theirs to embrace. A Redeemer God had sent, as had been foretold— The magi presented gifts—myrrh, frankincense, and gold. God’s righteousness and holiness would require a sacrifice— that justice would be met when this Child paid the price. He would live a perfect life, fulfilling all that’s right, and would urge all to repentance, saying He was the world’s Light. As an individual, you may think that your life has been good— but “falling short of God’s glory” needs to be understood. God sent for all a Savior, an old familiar story— only Christ’s sinless life met and satisfied that glory. Fitting it was for a sparkling star’s light to magnify the greatest Light on that special night. Today God sends His Spirit to lead and be your guide— It’s standing above the Lord’s house, inviting you to come inside. There find the God-sent Christ for you to worship and believe. You’ll find that He gives gifts to you—from His goodness you’ll receive!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world, He who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.’” John 8:12
“But now apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe, for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness because in the forbearance of God, He passed over the sins previously committed, for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17
There’s a song in the air; there’s a star in the sky… There’s a mother’s sweet prayer, and a baby’s low cry. And the star rains its fire, while angelic choirs sing, for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
There’s a tumult of joy, o’er the wonderful birth, for a virgin’s sweet baby is the Lord of the earth. Lo, the star rains its fire while angelic choirs sing, for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
In the light of that star, angels sang of His worth, and their song from afar has swept over the earth. Every hearth is aflame, as we join in and sing, in the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!
We rejoice in His light as we echo the song that was heard in the night from the heavenly throng. The shepherds rejoiced and also made known that the Savior had arrived from God’s heavenly throne.
Josiah G. Holland/Karl P. Harrington
Since this was authored long ago, I adjusted the song somewhat to a bit more modern thought… It is a beautiful Christmas hymn and was featured and sung at yesterday’s service at Eagle Mountain International Church. You can hear it, and the message, “Jesus–The Greatest Man in History” at http://www.emic.org
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“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’
“So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.” …from Luke 2
…and of the journey of the wise men, we read:
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’” Matthew 2:1-2
“…and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:12-14
…a few more poetic thoughts:
In the Light of His Star
In the light of a brilliant star that was shining in the East…was found the prophesied Savior and our great High Priest.
There’s only one Mediator between God and man–Jesus, our Redeemer, who was sent by God’s plan.
Mankind needed to be saved from this world’s evil foe. Now Christ’s redeeming blood makes sins as white as snow.
For guidance to the Messiah, God had used a star. Wise men came to worship Christ–they’d seen it from afar.
Those who see their need for the redemption that Christ brings…do worship Him, as well–our Mighty God and King of Kings!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 KJV
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all….” 1 Timothy 2:1-6
“…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:16
Thank you for all that you do for our friends and for your generosity to bring the love and hope and joy of Jesus into their lives!. Because of your donations, I was able to go around the room yesterday to make sure that everyone would have a place to sleep inside over the holidays and offer a room inside at a Motel (that we paid for thanks to your donations for anyone who wanted it). I have never seen such a desperate time for our homeless in Chicago for 20 years with regard to shelters and even housing availability but I thank God for each of you for making it possible to help people – and we will do whatever we can because God is with us!. People were so grateful to know they will be inside from Friday night until next Wednesday and I am personally so grateful to each of you so that we could make this happen because it is wrong for people to live outside (or in abandoned buildings or sleep on a train) any time of the year…but especially on Christmas. It was just wonderful to know that anyone who wanted to be inside is right now in a warm motel room.
Thanks to an anonymous donor, we asked our friends who are homeless a couple of weeks ago to give us their special request/wish of whatever they would love to have (exact size/color boots, coats, or whatever they wanted), and yesterday they were given wrapped gifts of exactly what they asked for and there was so much joy! To top everything off, Mel and Todd and Family came down and provided and served a beautiful beef tenderloin lunch that they served to everyone and also prepared a second meal for ‘take-home’. There were gifts for everyone including gift cards and even a jewelry table that my friend Karen put together for our women to help themselves. Please take a look at the photos below.
And, in the midst of all of the celebration, we prayed and read from the Bible and we experienced such love and joy that could only come from God through the Holy Spirit! One of the most important gifts any of us needs is to have family and loved ones around us especially at Christmas, and God has created a family for our friends at Tim’s House…God is with us! Immanuel! Merry Christmas!
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2 NLT
From destined Bethlehem Ephrathah, a town that was very small, would come the One who would be Ruler of Israel and the Lord of all.
The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, a virgin humble and mild, who God the Father had chosen to bear the Messiah—Jesus, His Holy Child.
Coming forth from the family of Judah, Jesus’ birth was lauded that night, by rejoicing angelic voices, as the world’s Savior from sin’s blight.
His goings forth, the prophet Micah said, were actually “from of old…from everlasting,” as He preexisted with God the Father, if the truth be told.
After His birth, Mary laid Him down in a manger—a depiction very sweet. But He was Immanuel, the eternal Mighty God, sent to bring about Satan’s defeat.
P. A. Oltrogge
…this writing inspired by a devotional written by Kenneth E. Hagin, Founder, Rhema Bible Training Center
Joseph, betrothed to Mary, was troubled, having learned she was with child, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying…
“Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:20-23
Prior to this, Mary had been visited:
“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’
“But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’
“Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.’
“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:26-38
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”
Luke 2:7-14
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
“The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—“. Acts 10:36
The Porch of the Lord 