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…
The first Noel the angels 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!
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.”
Isaiah 40:11
While shepherds watched their flock by night, an angel appeared, and God’s glory shone bright. The angel told the shepherds to not be afraid since a proclamation of great joy was being made! A Savior for all people was born, who was Christ the Lord! And then more angels praised God for the Baby adored. Straightway to Bethlehem the shepherds went to see this One whom God had sent. To everyone they saw, they made known what was told of God’s gift, who was cut from the shepherd’s mold. He would have a flock–the Good Shepherd He would be- He would die for that flock, both for you and for me. To rescue and die for the lambs–no greater love could have been sent to us from above. If you’re not yet His lamb, be aware there is danger– we have need of the Good Shepherd, once a babe in a manger. Just receive Him as Savior–then learn of His great care in shepherding your life as you come to Him in prayer. At Christ’s birth, we were blessed, and God’s message came then— of “peace on earth and good will toward men!”
P. A. Oltrogge
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even 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.” John 1:12
“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 (King James Version)
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
May you have received Jesus Christ and His peace, thereby knowing that you are ready for the return of the Good Shepherd who loves you so dearly.
“A Light to the Gentiles,” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.GregOlsen.com
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In Jerusalem, there was a devout man named Simeon, in early New Testament days, who’d been waiting for the promised Messiah, in order to give Him praise.
The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon and had revealed that he wouldn’t die, until he would get to see that One, who was the object of his heart’s cry.
One day the Spirit led him to the Temple and there he saw a Child, whom he knew, by the Spirit’s prompting, to be the One born undefiled.
Mary and Joseph were amazed to hear what Simeon then said about their boy–Jesus would cause many in Israel to fall, but to many others He would bring joy.
Simeon warned that many would oppose Him–the deepest thoughts of hearts would be revealed; A sword would pierce Mary’s very soul–a reference to the cross, to which He’d yield.
Simeon said Jesus was sent as a sign from God, to reveal Himself and be a light…to every nation upon the earth — “the glory of God’s people Israel” was His birthright.
Just as Simeon was speaking with Mary and Joseph, another given to prophecy came by–Anna, who never left the temple, but stayed day and night, raised her praises high….
How about you? Have you “seen” the Savior, as these people did who were old? Assurance and peace was theirs, having seen Jesus, whose life became the greatest story ever told!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now Lord, Thou dost let Thy bond-servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou has prepared in the presence of all peoples. A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:28-32
(Luke 2:21-38 for the entire account of Simeon and Anna)
“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 2:10-11
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
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
A very blessed, Merry Christmas to all of you who read/follow The Porch of the Lord blog. Thank you for taking an interest. God’s blessings to you in the new year!
“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
We always met at our grade school on an often snowy Christmas Eve, anticipating the gifts back home that we knew we would receive.
But thoughts, really, were on the Lord Jesus and the amazing story, that we would be telling of God sending us His Son amidst angelic glory.
We each had a part we had practiced for the yearly Christmas Eve service–those who may have had a bigger role were sometimes a little bit nervous.
The atmosphere was one of warmth, though, but so respectful of the divine–at my church very many years ago, these Christmas memories of mine.
We stepped outside the school and crossed over the connecting street, to the large decorated church sanctuary where everyone would meet.
To us children, the lights and nativity were always greatly impressive. Beautifully-ornamented, tall Christmas trees made the night so festive.
Boys wearing new suits and ties and the girls in fine dresses sewn, began to sing the great Christmas carols, backed by the organ’s deep tone.
Often a solo was sung–one of the most endearing was “O Holy Night,” which spoke of the guiding star and its sweetly gleaming light.
This song told of the wise men who came from a distant Orient land, and how we were meant to love each other, as God had always planned.
“The weary world rejoices” were words that carol would recall, and that Jesus Christ had been born to us in a lowly manger stall.
“His law is love and His gospel is peace.” I remember the song so well, along with the serenity felt, as we heard the old church steeple bell.
Some of the children had the roles of shepherds or of the wise men to play. Of course, there were Mary and Joseph by the Baby in the hay.
We were depicting the humble place where that great King had arrived–the Giver of everything good in life that could ever be wanted or derived.
“Joy to the World” was sung with robust joy to the pipe organ music’s final beats, after which we returned to our classrooms for sacks of nuts and other treats.
Heading home in the car with our families to continue the Christmas Eve fest, we knew it was because of Jesus, that our lives were truly blessed.
Perhaps this reminds of your own childhood. If not, come now to join in its peace; God wants you in His family forever, to abide in His love that will never cease.
P. A. Oltrogge
O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ’til He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices, O night divine, O night when Christ was born, O night divine, O night, O night divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, with glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, here came the wise men from Orient land. The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; in all our trials, born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger; Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend! Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother; and in His Name, all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we; let all within us praise His holy Name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever; His power and glory evermore proclaim. O night divine, O night, O night divine!
I was just learning to care for sheep–a very young shepherd boy; and, like David, watching over the sheep in the fields gave, to me, much joy.
I was out there on the special night at the time that an angel appeared–who said, first, despite the glory of the Lord shining around us, that there was nothing to be feared.
A Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born into the world, the angel joyfully declared…and could be found, wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger–this, he also shared.
To the little town of Bethlehem was where we were clearly directed…to see this Child through Whom so many lives would be perfected.
Prophetic voices had given to us an expectation…of a Deliverer who would rule over Israel and (“to the ends of the earth”) every nation.
But we hadn’t thought that this would come about, as it did, so quickly for us, or be announced to ordinary shepherds by a great angelic chorus.
I was excited to go to Bethlehem to see the Babe, so holy…a Savior for all people, yet even a Savior to every individual, solely.
There, as told to us, we found Mary and Joseph and the Baby on the hay. I remember it so vividly and always have to this day…
I followed His life, His unexpected death, but then His resurrection! Son of God and Son of Man–Jesus, God’s Son, sent as Savior, was His wonderful selection.
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, goodwill toward men!'” Luke 2:13-14
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“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
“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 are from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2
“And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth; And this One shall be peace.” Micah 5:4-5
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'” John 1:29
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, our Good Shepherd and, Himself, the Lamb of God…
Safely at dock, with its sweet Christmas lights raised, a sailboat spreads cheer, for our God is to be praised…
For He sent us His Son as a baby in a manger, who would bring us His peace and be a world changer.
“Glory to God in the highest,” the angels proclaimed at Jesus’ birth. Many carols have been sung thereafter, echoing His great worth!
Jesus would come to minister, to those of various trades, telling them of God’s love, which, unless rejected, never fades.
He called to discipleship some fishermen, and also many others, to enter God’s own family–there to become sisters and brothers.
Jesus slept peacefully on a boat in the midst of a storm at sea… Another time, He gave Peter a haul of fish, demonstrating God’s generosity.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son… For those who take Him as Savior, God’s blessings have just begun.
Whether you travel by air, by land, or are a sailor of the sea… just remember every day these words: “Jesus, my Savior, loves me!”
Merry Christmas!
P. A. Oltrogge
“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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 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, good will towardmen!”
Luke 2:4-14
…And we can demonstrate God’s love and generosity to others in this season, as we assist ministries of which we’re aware….
As can be seen in the story of the prodigal son, God’s love will never fade, only if one has rejected Him in finality… (Luke 15:11-32)
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now isthedayofsalvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
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