THE WORD
Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:18-25/ Matthew 2:1-12/ Luke 1:26-56/ Luke 2:1-20
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity is built over the place traditionally considered the birthplace of Jesus. A silver star in the floor is said to mark 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 2016 A.D. (Anno Domine, the “Year of our Lord”) a day when we “Behold” Him with new insight. Almost 1,000 years ago, the 14 point star pictured above 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 (gazing at intently) You now with a fresh comprehension of Your Glory! Surely You are the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth!!! 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…” (Ephesians 3:18-19). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve taken the liberty to go well over my goal of 100 words to 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….and here’s another one of the interview videos on Christmas locations in the Holy Land with Moira Brown and Dr. Craig Evans (click here).
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.
Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas fellow saints in the Lord, as we celebrate in honour of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! God bless you all, this day. Enjoy your families and friends. If you are alone, know how very much you are loved. Our Lord will never leave you nor forsake you. You, dear Child of God are never alone. Be with Him, today. Merry Christmas!!!
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 ESV
Away in a Manger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnVorT14i4I
8 HOURS ♫ CHRISTMAS MUSIC ♫ with ☆ FIREPLACE ☆
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32-t79ls3rM
Amen
Christmas Blessings to Norma Jean, Ron, Ann, Reynold, Kathy and all your families. Also to all at Crossroads and fellow bloggers.
Thank you all for your continued encouragement. It is very much appreciated.
A Merry and Blessed Christmas to you all! Because Jesus came, we have hope and love and meaning in our lives, forever! Hallelujah!
Amen Deanna!
Yes, Merry Christmas to the Mainse family–Norma Jean, Ron, Ann, Elaine, Bruce, Reynold, Kathy, Ellen, Nizar, and families. May God’s blessings be yours and the memory of dear David, be joyous in your hearts! Thank you for carrying on his blog and legacy! <3
Amen Beverlee and a Blessed Christmas to you:)
Merry Christmas Irene!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL BLOGGERS TOO!!!
Merry Christmas too everyone connected with this blog,especially the Mainse family.Been busy trying to find the video by Joe Amaral on the significance of the ‘swaddling cloths’ but unsuccessfully.However,I just finished this video pinpointing the date and time of Jesus birth and also when He died.It’s biblical and Joe is blessed with filling in the blanks.God bless
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb6UHOd5TZQ
http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2011/04/understanding-jesus-cultural-insights.html?m=1
Christmas greetings from sunny Florida.
Happy birthday, Jesus.
Thank you God, for the gift of your precious son, we would all be lost without him.
Blessing to all blog readers.
TY Lord for this blog! Bless all who post! Give complete healing for all in need! Grant forgiveness where it is needed! Lord enter the hearts of those dealing with addictions! Give them a sign of HOPE, completely remove all the addictions! Lord You did this for me! I know and believe You can do this for all! Give them clean, happy,safe lives! Give them good health! Lead them to exercise routines that are so GOOD for our bodies, mind and soul!
Bless all who can help others by using their money for good! Lord lead our leaders into a an understanding of how to manage money because there is enough for all and for housing for all…..Lord forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us, bless our families, their families, in Jesus Name we pray amen
Amen SAH!..Thank you SAH for your big heart! May God bless you!
Merry Christmas to all and may God’s will e done in our world!
TY Anne and God bless you also!
Pray for our leaders, that the Lord will guide them and keep them safe. amen
somebody needs to tell 100 Huntley Street that their phone lines are not working and neither is the online Prayer form, nothing is working, get some people out to fix these things, very frustrating
100 Huntley Street needs to be told that the phone lines and prayer form on line are not working and have not been working for a month or more………