In the wintry month of December, during the Christmas season each year, a nearby church creatively causes the town of Bethlehem to appear.
Not as Bethlehem is seen today, but, instead, how it might have been–with people of different trades at work; and there’s even the sold-out inn.
Watching a person making pottery or someone doing basket weaving, or kneading dough for some bread makes you feel you are there and not make-believing.
An actual camel with a rider and some shepherds watching over their sheep…add to the atmosphere of old Bethlehem as the night turns dark and deep.
“Angels” in white, with golden sashes, and “wise men” in rich-looking attire, also walk among the visitors, who can warm up at a carefully-tended fire.
Hot cider or chocolate are provided, and Christmas carolers are heard…here and there on the “Bethlehem” grounds, reflecting the joy of God’s Word.
The highlight is the blessed manger scene—or the nativity, as it’s called—featuring Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus, with whom we’re most enthralled.
Little children, as well as adults, walk away with hearts that are fully amazed…at having taken a walk down Bethlehem’s streets—to ponder the Lord’s birth—God, our Father, be praised!
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 2:13-14
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.” (from the message to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-12)
…of course, we pray for those in today’s Bethlehem, Israel, and the people of all nations…to recognize Jesus, their Savior, who really was born there…
Be blessed by yesterday’s service at Eagle Mountain International Church at: http://www.emic.org
“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
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When it looks to you, at times, like there’s simply no way out, let thanking God, the Father, be your sure and chosen route.
When it seems that pressing problems have no known solution, let thanking the Lord turn any worries into a grace revolution.
Paul and Silas were imprisoned but raised their praises high–then found they were delivered, with praise their only cry.
When the way seems very foggy and you’re tempted to despair, just know, though you can’t yet see it, the victory is there.
A great principle of the Bible is to walk by faith and not by sight–so thank God for His presence when it’s dark and you need His light.
Like a pilot relies on instruments through weather good or bad–let thankfulness be the “instrument” with which your life is clad.
P. A. Oltrogge
Acts 16:23-40: “But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” (25-26)
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 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 3:14-17
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“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.” Psalm 1:1-2
Of that greatest birth, the first Noel, He’s now appointed us to tell….
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel…born is the King of Israel!
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”Matthew 1:23 KJV
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A simple book of poems appeared a few short years ago, and that book reappears at the time of the winter’s snow.
Christmas on the Porch is Biblically-based research…on the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the head of His blood-bought church.
“Come, they told me, pa rum pum pum pum, to see the newborn King”…a carol tells of a little boy coming to play for Him on his drum.
Oh come, oh come…Jesus came, not just for some–God wants the WORLD to know … Emmanuel has come!
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“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 KJV
“All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.” Psalm 86:9-10 NKJV
Oh come, oh come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily. To us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree, free men from Satan’s tyranny…from depths of hell, by Thy power to save, and give them victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel… shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by Thy drawing nigh. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home. Make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Desire of nations bind, in one the hearts of all mankind. Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, and be Thyself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to Thee, oh Israel.
J. M. Neale/C. W. Douglas
Jesus came–He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life of servanthood, yet died through crucifixion as a sacrifice for our sins, but was resurrected, and then ascended to His Father in heaven…and Jesus is coming back again:
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:9-11 NKJV
To many, Christmas is about finding that special gift and tying it up with a bow; but JESUS is the true “Reason for the Season” amidst the winter’s snow.
Today is the day that Christmas shopping officially seems to start… Giving Christmas on the Porch as a gift can be an expression of God’s heart.
“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!
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
“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
The Porch of the Lord 