Peace, provision and health have all become major themes in a world torn apart by war, destruction and disease. It should also be an acknowledgment that this season should also be a time of reflection, contemplation and repentance as we prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to judge the world at an unknown time in the future. His sets are made from wood, coal, newspaper (Allen suggests that particular set, from the Philippines, shares the “good news”), various metals, tin cans and containers, porcelain, plastic and one from bulletproof Lucite. Judging by this outlandish list of unusual Christmas customs, there is a lot of weirdness about in the big wide world. Would Jesus have demanded that his name be included on everything imaginable, alongside snowflakes and candy canes, for the duration of his birthday month?
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And the image of the shepherds in most Christmas carols has always been problematic for Biblical scholars. That’s why he transcribed his teachings into easy-to-read, easy-to-repost Internet memes that let your Facebook friends know why they are facing eternal damnation and why you aren’t.
But many of those same people wonder out loud about the state of the world and why everything appears to be spiraling out of control. I believe that Christmas is defended when communities of faith here in Sturgeon Bay celebrate a worship service for those who are depressed, alone, and for whom Christmas is a hard time. It has never been about Santa Clause or mistletoe. I will look toward each new day and will count each life saved from you as a blessing.
He is real and alive and His impact is tangible everywhere you look. Therefore we need to study these passages of Scripture so we know the signs.
These words of Jesus are for any person who is stressed out, any person who is under pressure, and any person who is carrying a burden of any kind. He is also the flawless reflection of Father God and His unbelievable character. Anyone that reaches out to Jesus and puts their faith in Him will never be ashamed of his decision.
In conclusion the bible says in John 10:10, Jesus declares he has come off the bench to give us life and life to the fullest, so if we desire to win in life we must make a daily decision to keep Jesus off the bench.
Jesus said you would know the end of the world was near when Satan took over the White House and tried to ban the sale of assault rifles. For instance, as much as we sometimes go overboard with gift-giving on the one hand, we can go to the other extreme as well in our lament over the materialism associated with it. But gift-giving originally represented something meaningful as it allowed us a small taste of what God did in giving us His Son as a sacrifice for our sin. God bless you this Advent season in the midst of joy and lament.
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Give alms, not (just) gifts. That is the message of Christmas: God is with us. He is worthy and the affection you lavish on Him and the adoration you pour out upon Him will not be squandered but will render for you a sweet fragrance that no scented holiday candle or freshly baked Christmas cookie can possibly rival. Religious words and calculated condolences aren’t going to restore God’s peace to our streets. He is uniquely focused on relationship. Please choose to receive God’s personal gift to you today. The debt of our sins has been forgiven, and the righteousness of Christ has been placed into our account. I believe your Son Jesus was sent to die for me on the cross and that He rose from the dead. Jesus was born in a cave so that those wishing to find him and his mother and the Holy Family have to stoop and become low to find the Savior in the arms of his mother. Advent means coming, and Christians use this time to both remember and anticipate the coming of Christ. Welcome to God’s family!
