…the following is an update by Mike Evans on the children’s outreach in Ukraine, which occurred over the weekend:
Yesterday we showed the love of Jesus to 1,000 Ukrainian children gathered near the Russian border, where more than 70 missiles had recently fallen. We held a Christmas party in a massive bomb shelter underground. It was amazing! I’m writing because we stepped out in faith to do this. We are still short $22,030, so I’m asking you to please give your most generous Christmas gift.
Here is what these precious children received:
1) Christmas candy packs (two pounds each) for 1,000 children 2) blankets 3) winter hats 4) gloves 5) socks/slippers/boots – various sizes 6) pajamas 7) soccer balls and other toys and gifts 8) cookies 9) juice and other kids’ drinks 10) balloons 11) games for children 12) 9 power stations with solar panels 13) 1 power generator 14) 100 electric blankets 15) 2 heaters 16) heater fans 17) infrared heaters
Michael has gone to Ukraine by faith. He said to me, “Dad, with my four young children, it’s so hard to leave during this Christmas season, but there are 1,000 children that need help and are suffering.” I wept as I prayed for him and said, “Son, I am so proud of you. Jesus is so proud of you, and our precious partners are so proud of you.” Will you be a light in the darkness with your generous gift today?
You may already be giving and praying for JPT or other organizations, which are reaching out to help in Ukraine (or other areas of the world); but I wanted to give the update, above, having shared about it previously on the blog. Thank you for your prayers/giving on behalf of others, and God bless you at this Christmas season.
An angelic message came to a virgin by the name of Mary–and to her betrothed, Joseph, of a Child, a Son, that she would carry. How wonderful, that their faith, despite men’s probable scorn, made the way for the Savior of this world to be born.
Having arrived in Bethlehem for a census, there was no room in the inn. So the precious gift of God was laid, after His birth, within…a simple bed of hay, away in a manger. His destiny would be that of forgiving sins, healing the sick, and rescuing souls from danger.
But Jesus would also tell the people about the way…to live a life that is blessed, teaching them how to pray. Oh little town of Bethlehem, that night, you were so still…years before He would carry a cross on the way to a Jerusalem hill.
Shepherds, keeping watch over their sheep by night out in a field…were the first to hear of the Savior, whom the angel of the Lord revealed. The Good Shepherd and our Redeemer, Jesus was to be–having come into the world to set the contrite sinner free.
Guided by His star, which they had seen in the sky…some magi were recorded, in the Bible, as, later, coming by…to find “He who has been born King of the Jews,” the One of whom the angel had shared this very good news.
Valuable gold, frankincense, and myrhh…were gifts they presented to Him, who was completely pure. The wise men from the East worshipped the King, the Child–the Son of God and Son of Man–God’s Lamb, born undefiled.
All of this transpired according to God’s plan. Have you received Jesus–this Son of God and Son of Man? Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King! Please don’t delay, for taking Him as Savior and Lord is a gift, for you, that’s greater than anything!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And in the sixth month, the angel, Gabriel, was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.
“And the angel came in unto her, and said, ‘Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 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.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
“And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:26-38
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“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ‘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.’
“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25
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“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made 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
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The King James Version relates that Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to be taxed. Other translations read that their travel was due to a census. The wise men arrived at a later time/place, going into a house, to see “the young child.”
“…and, lo, the star, which they saw 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 exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11
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)
I was taking an evening walk, when I saw some shepherds in a field. Then I saw a light surround them–they trembled, their fear revealed. The light grew brighter, and it became an even more glorious light. Then I realized that we were all seeing an angel on that night.
He came and stood before the shepherds. I was able to hear him some…something about there being good news and that a Savior had come. Next, to my absolute amazement, suddenly the night sky was filled, with what looked like an army of angels–a scene with which I was thrilled!
They shared a message of peace on earth, with their voices raised, proclaiming now good will toward men and that God be praised! They greatly were rejoicing, but then suddenly disappeared from sight. Later, in town, the shepherds confirmed to me all that I’d seen that night.
They said they’d gone on, as well, to locate the One of whom they were told…just a newborn baby in a manger, but the divine Child for them to behold!
P.A. Oltrogge
“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, good will toward men.’” Luke 2:13-14 KJV
The NLT description is “a vast host of others–the armies of heaven…”
Christmas is all about God becoming Man, by a birth that was heaven-sent. The birth of mankind’s Savior is what Christmas has always meant.
Jesus Christ, God’s holy infant, slept in a stable on a bed of hay, which demonstrated that genuine humility is always the Lord’s way.
This newborn baby would grow up to be the greatest teacher of all time. It’s of His life and redemptive work that the joyous Christmas bells chime.
Mary and Joseph were chosen as parents to nurture God’s very own Son—to guard and protect Him carefully until their guidance over Him was done.
Then Jesus began to follow what His Heavenly Father was conveying—and His Father’s will was reflected in the things He began doing and saying.
He taught by Word and example, but eventually was led to a hill, where something more lowly than His birth in a stable was awaiting Him still.
From the stable to a criminal’s cross, the Spirit of God was His guide. Christmas is Christ—He was born for us all, and for all of us He died.
But a joyous resurrection came about—He’d vanquished all of His foes! Now, we too, can walk in newness of life because Jesus Christ arose.
The little town of Bethlehem is where Christ’s ministry began. Foretold and fulfilled, Christ accomplished for us God’s redemptive plan.
So share, “A blessed Merry Christmas!” greeting, honoring the Biblical scene…of the beautiful Nativity of Christ, something “Happy Holidays” can never mean.
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
“God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
“He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
John 1:1-14 NLT
Jesus is the very Word of God, giving life to every created thing. The darkness can never extinguish the light of Him of whom we sing.
Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, the Word became flesh…to dwell among us, offering salvation, so that every life might begin afresh.
He’s the Light unto our path—the Way, the Truth, and the Life—and the Prince of Peace unto a world that’s been tainted by sin and strife.
His life brought the Light of the World to all—forever Jesus Christ will reign. Because He defeated death, “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 NKJV
“I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NKJV
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him, who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2: 9-10 NKJV
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJV
“(The Word Becomes Flesh) 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 1:14 NKJV
“I know all the birds of the mountains….” Psalm 50:11
“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:14-15
There isn’t any situation of which God, the Father, doesn’t know. He cares for the little birds in the midst of the winter snow.
Right in the midst of worrisome trouble, He’s the One upon whom to call. Deliverance is ours through prayer to Him, in the name of Jesus, who is Lord of all.
Let every care be cast aside–it’s in the shelter of the Most High that we abide.
P. A. Oltrogge
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT
“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NLT
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14
“And in that day, you will ask Me nothing, Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24
“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.” Philippians 4:6 GW
“Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GW
“But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all–that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached.” Acts 10:35-37
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” Psalm 107:6
“The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:14-16 (and all of Psalm 145)
Protection from plague, pestilence, and peril is proclaimed in Psalm 91; and the following are words from Psalm 103:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.” (1-6)
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it, with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
At the Christmas season, with decorations inside and out, the poinsettias reflect what it’s all about. Clean as the whiteness of a lamb or a dove– the purity of ivory petals speaks of the Child sent from above.
Pink reflects cheer and the joy that was proclaimed by the angels about the Christ child–Jesus, He’s named. Crimson red speaks of blood that was shed for mankind by Jesus Christ upon the cross–our salvation defined.
The lives of those who receive Him gain a new lease in finding faith for living through this Prince of Peace. So, in seeing the poinsettias, rejoice for the reason that His birth in Bethlehem is what gave us this season.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 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.” Luke 2:9-11 KJV
“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
“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.”
…passing this along, for us to pray and/or give, as we can….
This week, in the midst of winter cold, more than 500 Ukrainian towns and villages were without power. This is the result of deliberate and continued Russian attacks on the power grid. The hardest hit region is around Kharkiv, one of the places Michael will be going in just a few days. The toll of the war is greatest of all on the children, and I’m asking you to help us bless 1,000 of these precious little ones with a Christmas party Michael will host for them in just ten days on December 17.
Our goal is to take another convoy of supplies before Christmas. The children of Ukraine have suffered unspeakable hell this year. We need to raise another $180,000 for this Merry Christmas Ukraine outreach very quickly. So far 1054 friends have given $109,286 toward this vital project. Your love will provide food and generators to bring heat during the brutal winter that is coming. We would love to make this Christmas special for Ukrainian refugees, but we can’t do that unless you say “Yes.”
Michael has been to Ukraine again and again—going right to the front lines to ensure the help you provide goes to those who need it most. He has risked his life because the cause is so great and the need is so urgent. Carolyn and I have decided to give a generous gift to honor the birth of our Savior by caring for those who are homeless and hungry please join us today. “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death cast its shadow, a light has shined” (Matthew 4:16). You can be that light right now with your Christmas gift for the people of Ukraine.
Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to purchase food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors of Ukraine, as well as to continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, to stand up and speak out for Israel, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people living in Israel. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.
Your ambassador to Jerusalem,
Michael David Evans
Jerusalem Prayer Team | PO BOX 30246, Phoenix, AZ 85046
(website temporarily being worked on, but the link above is good)
Another ministry helping in Ukraine is Operation Blessing, http://www.ob.org
For God so loved the world… Can we comprehend His very big heart? All the way back to Adam and Eve, He loved us from the start.
God, the Father, would send a Savior through Jesus Christ, His Son. Born of the virgin, Mary– through Jesus, His plans would be done.
Jesus, the Son, would die for our sins; He would teach us about loving and giving. I thank God for the gift of Jesus at Christmas, who renews my faith always for living.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV
“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB
“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His commandments and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:10 RSV
“…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NKJV
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 NLT
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34 NKJV
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NKJV
“…for in Him we live and move and have our being….” Acts 17:28 NKJV
“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 NKJV
