THE WORD
Suggested Reading: Matt 1:18-25/ Matt 2:1-12/ Luke 1:26-56/ Luke 2:1-20
(click scripture link to read online)
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity is built over the place traditionally considered to be the cave of the birthplace of Jesus. A silver star in the floor marks the very spot where Christ is believed to have been born. The olive oil lamps are like those that provided light in the Temple at Jerusalem.
Key Verse: John 1:14
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.
The “Word” is one of the many names given for Jesus of Nazareth. God has essentially one “Word” to say to humanity: “JESUS.” Yes, we have many words in Scripture, but the person and work of Jesus, the Christ (Messiah), sums it all up. “WE BEHELD HIS GLORY.” Pilate, the Roman Governor, said to those gathered in his courtyard, “ECCE HOMO”…”BEHOLD THE MAN” is the translation of Pilate’s Latin tongue. Behold Him in the word pictures contained in today’s readings. Let us make this Christmas Day in 2012 A.D. (Anno Domine, the “Year Lord”) a day when we “Behold” Him with new insight. Almost 1000 years ago, the 14 point star was placed on the floor of the cave, 17 feet below the level of the floor of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The points of the star represented the 14 Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem, which were marked for middle ages pilgrims to remind them of the passion of Christ. We cannot separate the birth of Jesus from His suffering and death. The prophet Isaiah made this clear. Isaiah 7:14 (a virgin shall conceive), Isaiah 9:6 (a Child is born, a Son is given, and another of His Names, Mighty God), and then it’s well worth the time to read Isaiah chapter 53 (click here). These Scriptures will help us to “BEHOLD the MAN.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I am beholding You now with a fresh comprehension of Your Glory! Surely You are the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth!!!! I’m overwhelmed by the truth of Your Life amongst the human family. I ask for an ever-increasing flow of grace so that I “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…” (Eph. 3:18-19). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve taken the liberty to go well over my goal of 100 words which comment on today’s Bible reading. So I’ll just take this time to lift my heart and hands in worship. I believe I’m beholding His Glory. Hallelujah!
Yours for a truly Merry Christmas,
David
P.S. Here’s an extra photo for today from Bethlehem….
A man in Bethlehem carving olive wood. He creates these figures for those who want to buy mementos during their visit to the birthplace of Jesus.
Merry Christmas and blessings to all. Thank you David for your blogs. I look forward to reading them and enjoy Reynolds photos.
Wise-men were led by star light but our Lord Jesus is our light now and evermore to The Holy Father.
Isaiah 9:6
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.
To the Mainse family, to the Crossroads family and to all blog buddies of 100words, from my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas & God Bless.
Thankyou for these wonderful readings today, our prayer and the extra photo … so amazing, as I too carve. All Hail King Jesus! All Hail Emanuel! Merry Christmas, All!
The birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ–nothing could be more special. Merry Christmas to all, as we celebrate His day! To David Mainse, and family–thank you for making this Christmas and 2012 so uplifting, for so many of us who follow your blog. May you have a most joyful Christmas together!!!
For many, Christmas is a very lonely, difficult and sad time–without family and friends; having lost dear loved ones; feeling alone and afraid; sick and in unbearable pain. Call out to Jesus, for He will be with you. Read the book of Psalms and it will give you comfort, strength and peace. God bless you!!!
As we celebrate the most previous wonderful gift of all, I wish everyone who joins David each day THE MOST BLESSED CHRISTMAS?
Thank you David and the family for continually showing us the love of Jesus our Immanuel . The Christmas shows this week on Huntley street have been uplifting as I recover from a very difficult year but The Lord has been with me and my family each step of the way. Praise His Holy Name!!!!
It’s all about JESUS! I love the Isaiah 53 chapter…learned it as a child and still remember most of it. MERRY CHRISTMAS one and all.
Merry Christmas and God Bless you all. I cannot thank you enough for the daily blog. man cannot live on bread alone, only on the word of my lord and savior.
Love you in the lord
Thelma
Merry Christmas! Thankyou for your faithfulness in sharing the Gospel! May God continue to richly bless you
Merry Christmas to Everyone…God bless
Merry Christmas to everyone, I am so thankful for Jesus that He was born to save us.
God bless as you continue to do your blog, David it is a blessing in my life and I continue to learn so much from it. Also I love the pictures that your son has taken they are so beautiful.
David, we’re so happy that you chose those readings in Matthew and Luke for Christmas Day and putting Deuteronomy on hold. Also having Isaiah 53 was so fantastic!
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
We need a Savior because we are sinners,
and the wages of sin is death…
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith;
the only faith that saves is faith in Him.
Merry Christmas everybody!!
Nancy