Happy Birthday Baby Jesus

Luke 2: 8-20

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

I thank you, heavenly Father for the gift of your son

the perfect lamb that was slain for us 

so that we might have eternal life.

Amen

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mou

se.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by a Gentleman in Southern PA

Please Pray for Newtown, Conneticut

Prayers for all the families in Newtown affected by this tragedy today.

I know God is embracing those children killed in this senseless violence

and giving them a love like no other.

I pray for God's love and comfort for the families of those taken.

I pray for God's love and comfort for all the children traumatized by this horror.

I pray for blessings and an outpouring of love on this town.

We can not make sense of this tragedy

but we trust in you, Lord.

We trust in your love.

Amen.

Happy Chanukah!

No, I'm not Jewish,

But I love the Jewish Religion and Have Jewish Friends!

So I would like to wish them Happy Chanukah!

Today is the 1st day so tonight they light the 1st candle of their Menorah!

Many Jewish Holidays are so interesting to me because

they are so tightly entwined with history.

Here is the Story of Chanukah in a nutshell

(and to my Jewish friends, if I am wrong on anything, please correct me!)

Over 2000 years ago the country of Israel  was conquered / controlled by outsiders that wanted to destroy their religion.  The Jews defeated them and re-established their Holy Temple.

Back then they would honor God by burning purified oil on a Menorah 

(a candle holder for 8 candles)

but they only had enough oil for 1 day.

But miraculously it replenished itself to light the candles for Eight days!

To Celebrate God's Greatness the Jewish leaders created the Chanuka celebration

that continues on to this day!

During this time, Jewish peoples praise and thank 

God for all  He has done.!

Praise Be to God!

And May God Bless his Chosen People!

Want to Know More about Chanukah? Click Here!

PS:  In the Hebrew Calender today is: Kislev 24, the year:  5773