His Birth Was A Miracle

His birth was a miracle, His love was a Gift Red poinsettias in a basket

Death Destroyed

O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? —1 Corinthians 15:55

Medical researchers are working tirelessly to find a cure for cancer, a clue to the mystery of Alzheimer’s, and ways to conquer a host of other debilitating diseases. But what if you awoke to headlines saying DEATH DESTROYED! Would you believe it? Could you believe it?

The New Testament proclaims that for the believer in Christ, death has been destroyed—reduced to inactivity—rendered incapable of doing what it once did. “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Cor. 15:54).

This good news is for everyone who will receive it—just as the angel told the shepherds when Jesus was born, “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).

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the end for death. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:56-57).

That is why we celebrate Christmas! —David McCasland

Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. —Wesley

The birth of Christ brought God to man; the cross of Christ brings man to God.

Christmas Journey

When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. —Galatians 4:4

How far is it from Nazareth to Bethlehem? If you’re in Pennsylvania, it’s about 9 miles and takes about 10 minutes by car. But if you’re in Nazareth of Galilee, and you’re traveling along with your pregnant wife, as Joseph was, it’s about 80 miles to Bethlehem. That journey probably took Joseph and Mary about a week, and they didn’t stay in a nice hotel when they got there. All Joseph could find was a stall in a stable, and that’s where Mary delivered “her firstborn Son” (Luke 2:7).

But the journey for the infant Jesus was much farther than 80 miles. He left His place in heaven at God’s right hand, came to earth, and accepted our humanity. Eventually, He was stretched out on a cross to die, and He was buried in a borrowed tomb. But the journey was not over. He conquered death, left the tomb, walked again among men, and ascended to heaven. Even that is not the journey’s end. Someday He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords.

As you take a Christmas journey this month, reflect on the journey Jesus made for us. He came from heaven to earth to die for us, making salvation available through His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection.

Praise God for that first Christmas journey! —Dave Egner

When God stepped out of heaven above
And came down to this earth,
He clothed Himself in human flesh—
A Child of lowly birth. —D. De Haan

Jesus came to earth for us so we could go to heaven with Him.

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born.
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

One More Week!

Luke 2:11

For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Pretty light pink poinsettias

Christmas Decorations

Christmas decor is always so beautiful this time of year. It's one of my favorite things to photograph.

Reason for the Season

His birth was a miracle, His love was a Gift

Christmas Cards

Scripture Christmas Cards

These are blank on the inside, 12/$15.00

Christmas Scripture Pictures

Download Christmas Scripture pictures and use for your graphic designs, Christmas cards, bulletins, etc.

Luke 2:11 A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.

You can also purchase these as Christmas cards.

3.5x5, blank on the inside 12/$15.00

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Here's the song lyricks to this wonderful Christmas carol.

When was the last time you just read the song lyricks?? Message in Song.

Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"

God's Christmas Gift to You

"God's Christmas gift to you has three qualities that make it unique. First, it is the most expensive gift you'll ever receive. It's priceless. Jesus paid for it with his life. Second, it's the only gift you'll ever receive that will last forever. Finally, it is an extremely practical gift - one you'll use every day for the rest of your life."

Rick Warren's "The Purpose of Christmas"

Jesus Birthday on the Calendar

In Rick Warren's "The Purpose of Christmas" book, he points out that everytime you check your calendar or use the date you are using Jesus Christ as a reference point.

History is divided by BC (before Christ) and AD (anno Domini, in the year of the Lord)

Jesus Christ was so important that the world changed the calendar. Think about that.

My birthday (and yours) is dated by His birthday!

Pink Poinsettias

Pretty light pink poinsettias with Christmas scripture.

Luke 2:11 "A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."

The Christmas Story in Matthew

The Message version of Matthew 2:1-20.

Mat 2:1-20
(1) After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory--this was during Herod's kingship--a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East.
(2) They asked around, "Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We're on pilgrimage to worship him."
(3) When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified--and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well.
(4) Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"
(5) They told him, "Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:
(6) It's you, Bethlehem, in Judah's land, no longer bringing up the rear. From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel."
(7) Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared.
(8) Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, "Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I'll join you at once in your worship."
(9) Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child.
(10) They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
(11) They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.
(12) In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.
(13) After the scholars were gone, God's angel showed up again in Joseph's dream and commanded, "Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him."
(14) Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother under cover of darkness. They were out of town and well on their way by daylight.
(15) They lived in Egypt until Herod's death. This Egyptian exile fulfilled what Hosea had preached: "I called my son out of Egypt."
(16) Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills. (He determined that age from information he'd gotten from the scholars.)
(17) That's when Jeremiah's sermon was fulfilled:
(18) A sound was heard in Ramah, weeping and much lament. Rachel weeping for her children, Rachel refusing all solace, Her children gone, dead and buried.
(19) Later, when Herod died, God's angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt:
(20) "Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead."

The Christmas Story in Luke

When was the last time you read the Christmas passage in Luke??

In Rick Warren's book "The Purpose of Christmas", he suggests reading the story when you gather with your friends and family at Christmas.

Here's The Message version.

Luk 2:1-52

(1) About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire.
(2) This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
(3) Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for.
(4) So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there.
(5) He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.
(6) While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
(7) She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
(8) There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep.
(9) Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified.
(10) The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide:
(11) A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.
(12) This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
(13) At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
(14) Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
(15) As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us."
(16) They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.
(17) Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child.
(18) All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
(19) Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
(20) The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

The Purpose of Christmas

I picked up this book the other day because I wanted to be ever mindful of the real reason for Christmas. In the following days, I want to share things from the book.

I hope you get a chance to buy this book because it's one of those that you'll keep on your bookshelf for a long time.

The Reason for the Season

Christmas Poinsettias

Beautiful poinsettia photos!

This one can be downloaded for only $6.00.

Christmas Desktop Wallpaper

I have some Christmas wallpaper on my website! I hope you enjoy these. Probably more to come if you want to check back.

Free Christmas Desktop Wallpaper