Celebrate the gift of life today— don’t let troubles steal away your joy. Jesus offers us abundant life, while the devil only seeks to destroy.
There’s so much good to appreciate; open your eyes to the blessings you’ll find. And don’t let past disappointments cloud today and your future that God has in mind.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 NASB
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 NKJV
“The Lord will work out his plans for my life— For your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138:8 NLT
“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 NKJV
“‘For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 AMP
“Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NKJV
Jesus, the Son of God, was birthed by Mary and laid in a manger. King Herod sought to kill Him, but He was kept from danger… for His earthly father, Joseph, having been enlightened and driven, by instructions in a dream that the angel of the Lord had given, took the Child and His mother away to a distant Egyptian location. And, there, the family stayed for a specified duration.
In later years, during Jesus’ ministry, others opposed Him, too. But no one could actually harm Him until His ministry days were through. The devil himself confronted Jesus, with temptations to disband from loyalty to the Godhead and to all that was divinely planned. Jesus was obedient, however, to His Father throughout His days. Then, even death, with its finality, couldn’t hold Him—God be praised!
Today, some seek to downplay Jesus’ divinity or worldwide fame, or they deny acknowledging the Lordship of His name. But His is a name that’s above all names—an everlasting name, a name through which we’re made righteous, for He took all our blame. And one day every knee shall bow, acknowledging all that’s been said, of Jesus Christ as Lord of all, who is surely the Church’s head.
Some, who are doubtful, try to put Jesus completely out of thought, abandoning the Christian truths that they were previously taught. But His is a name which we should praise, and certainly not ignore, for there IS no other God—Jesus said, “I am the Door.” How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which God has freely offered to all people of every nation?
It is through Jesus Christ that God has sought to bless us all. He’s the one and only Savior sent to redeem us from man’s fall. He’s the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end… and about whom the scriptures most assuredly were penned. And, thankfully, we can bring to Jesus any problem, large or small. He’s “The Everlasting Father,” on whom we’re privileged to call.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58 KJV
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, 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; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.’ Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” John 14:6-9 NKJV
Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 NIV
“For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” Hebrews 2:2-4 NASB
“And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18 KJV
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 NKJV
“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV
It’s a funny thing, but I never saw Why You might have been laid in a bed of straw. That’s where the animals came to feed, And that was representative of our daily need Of the Bread of Life, which, Jesus, You are. We’re drawn to Your Word like wise men to a star. To all people the angels proclaimed tidings of great joy, By pointing to the birth of that God-indwelt boy, Who lay down in the manger where the animals were fed. Jesus–the Word was God–You’re our daily bread.
P. A. Oltrogge
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son, and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 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.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 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. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!”
15 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.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made [f]widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
(From Luke 2 NKJV)
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“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 King James Version
A blessed Merry Christmas UNTO YOU, dear follower or friend of this blog…
Greetings dear followers and friends of this blog,
As a “gift,” by way of suggestion, you may enjoy taking in a wonderful Christmas concert from December, 2020, or a previous year (with full orchestra) by doing an internet search for: You Tube Alistair Begg Christmas Concert, A Parkside Christmas, presented by Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
“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 College
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 NKJV
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 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—“. Acts 10:36 NKJV
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
“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.’
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’
“Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.’
“When they heard the king, they departed; 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.
“Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.” Matthew 2:1-12 NKJV
There’s something very compelling about a brilliant star; and that, dear Lord, is what You are…
“The Bright and Morning Star,” is one of Your titles, which inspires— “Glory to God in the highest” was sung at Your birth by heaven’s angelic choirs.
The wise men followed the guiding light of a certain star in the sky, which led them to You, the Bright and Morning Star— Jesus, the Son of the Most High.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 NKJV
“And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” Luke 1:30-33 KJV
“For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2 NKJV
“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.” Psalm 50:14 NKJV
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 NKJV
If interested, http://www.answersingenesis.org has information about the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn today, an event which is reminding many of the Biblical star that guided the wise men from the East. The star that led them may have no scientific explanation but that it was specially brought about by God.
The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel….
A familiar carol that’s sung every Christmas is “The First Noel,”
about an angel coming from heaven, with the greatest news to tell.
The King of Israel and Savior of the world that day had been born.
He’d come to bring us God’s peace, though He would meet with scorn.
He aimed to please His Father in heaven, seeking only His will,
even to the point of death on a cross, in order that He would fulfill
His Father’s desire for us to have relationship with Him as well.
Of that greatest birth, the first Noel, He’s now appointed us to tell….
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel…born is the King of Israel!
P. A. Oltrogge
“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!”
(From Luke 2 NKJV)
Years later,, during His ministry as an adult, Jesus gave this commission:
And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He who has believed (in Me) and has been baptized will be saved (from the penalty of God’s wrath and judgment); but he who has not believed will be condemned.'” Mark 16:15-16 AMP
And the Apostle, Paul, wrote to the Romans:
“Therefore there is now no condemnation (no guilty verdict, no punishment) for those who are in Christ Jesus (who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior).” Romans 8:1 AMP
Of the first Noel, the good news of great joy, rings every Christmas bell!
My prayer is that each poetry post that’s found at this internet site will be an extra way for you to meditate in God’s Word…any day or night.
We’re all growing in faith and the grace of God as we feed upon His Word, through reading it, as written, and as it’s shared and being heard.
Jesus said that we don’t live by just partaking of our daily bread, but real strength comes from the scriptures, by which we’re spiritually fed.
And the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. Many things are important to God, but living by His love stands out the most.
P. A. Oltrogge
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” John 1:8 NKJV
“And what this love consists in is this, that we live and walk in accordance with and guided by His commandments–His orders, ordinances, precepts, teaching. This is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you continue to walk in liove–guided by it and following it.” 2 John 1:6 AMPC
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night, He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5 KJV
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 NASB
“…It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4 NKJV
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 NKJV
“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 NKJV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25 NKJV
“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.'” 1 Peter 4:7-8 NKJV
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height–to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21 NKJV
“Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV
John 3:16; Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 4:17-20
Lord, at Christmas and throughout the coming year, may we turn to your light so that we may better live by your love.
The Porch of the Lord 