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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Downy woodpecker (photo by Doris High)
Downy Woodpecker
(photo by Doris High)

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"The Wonder of Life"

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well" (Psalm 139:13,14). "Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I am a virgin?' The angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God'" (Luke 1:34,35).

Fetal developmentMy life began as a separate single cell about 58 years ago. During the next nine months, as I grew in my mother's womb, nothing new was added but oxygen and nutrition. My entire genetic makeup was contained in that single cell. Thankfully for me, and my parents who loved me, this process was not interrupted and after nine months of being "knit together in my mother's womb" I was born on October 14, 1954. I never existed before and there will never be another me, contrary to what false religions might teach about reincarnation.

True for each of us, I calculate that the initial fertilized cell from whence we all developed only weighed around .0000000015 pounds.  But by the time I was born this one single cell became two hundred million cells and at birth I weighed six billion times more than the fertilized egg. If this rate of growth had continued by my first birthday I would have weighed 72,000,000,000 pounds! (That would have been an extremely "heavy" burden for my Mom.) In addition I also consider if I’d continued to grow at this rate!!!

Let’s turn our attention to the wonder of Christ's birth and more specifically His miraculous conception. Indeed biologically the unique and miraculous component to Christ's human beginning was His conception. His humanity also began as a single divinely fertilized cell in Mary's womb and His further physical growth and development from that point on was similar to each of ours, being knit together in His mother Mary's womb. Though the prophets foretold of the coming Messiah hundreds of years earlier, at God's appointed time, Mary gave birth to her newborn Son; the Son of God.

This week and always let us marvel at the wonder of life and especially the miraculous conception, development and birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men" (John 1:4). The great Charles Wesley Christmas hymn, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" describes the Messiah as He who brings light and life to all. 

Today let us declare "Glory to the newborn King!"


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber


Praying manDaily Prayer: Jesus, in Your human birth, You became the very character and expression of God in human form.  Miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit You came as light to the world dispelling the darkness that would otherwise overwhelm us. When we walk with You we no longer walk in darkness but have the light of life. May Your light be reflected through our lives to the darkened world around us. The miracle of Your birth and the wonder of Your life refresh our spirit and renew our resolve to follow You wholeheartedly. It is in Your name that we pray. Amen.



Here's an interesting website dealing with the chronology of a new life.

With Bill Hoke
Life's brief journey on this side of eternity: This morning I received word that my longtime friend, Bill Hoke, went home to be with the Lord. Bill and I became friends over 10 years ago shortly after we moved to Lancaster, our association mostly through CBMC, a Christian fellowship for businessmen. His obituary states it well: "He has a multitude of friends whom he touched and who touched him during his life journey, and all will miss him."  Bill had a real love for the Lord and caring interest in other people. For those who may know Bill here's his obituary and service information from the Lancaster newspaper.



Some photos from our travels yesterday

Children playing violins at the Messiah Village Christmas party 2011
We joined with residents of Messiah Village for a family dinner.  Guests included these two siblings who played many songs, all by memory. The girl is 9 years old and her brother is 7.  They were amazing and, if they continue to play, they could become professional.  The young boy is singing "I Saw the Light" - all four stanzas!  They were delightful!!

Seniors along with Brooksyne at the Messiah Village Christmas party 2011
After the young generation departed Brooksyne "jammed" with residents, Naomi on the harmonica and Joe on the recorder, as they played 20 or more Christmas carols. Joe and Naomi had no problem keeping up and did so without sheet music to follow.

Arlin Buckwalter 50th birthdayArlin's 50th: Last night we went to a birthday party for our friend, Arlin. His four children prepared and served a spaghetti meal to a large group of friends. Following the meal a microphone was passed for people to express observations and appreciations for Arlin's friendship.  Since he has a great sense of humor this was a fun time as he commented on our comments.  But the compliment that stood out was given by Jay, a fellow teacher, who spoke of Arlin's integrity. Jay told the crowd about an important matter voted on by about 50 educators at the school. It was agreed upon by those who voted that Arlin should tally the votes due to his being trustworthy and honest.

Life is but a brief journey. The older you get the more you realize this is the truth. Have you committed your life to Christ?



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"  Video  Chris Tomlin

"I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now"
 Video  For some reason reflecting on my life this song came to mind this morning.  Now it's very gospel and country with a great message. Both Howard and Vestal Goodman are now with the Lord.


Resources for Christmas Celebrations
(We will leave these resources posted below our daily messages through Christmas)

Each year we share several online resources that we have used over the years and that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season.

"In Remembrance of Me" pdf  This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Brooksyne and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services many years.  We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling.

"When Christ Was Born" pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of "How Great Thou Art". It's a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with and love the tune.

Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18  pdf
"O Come Let Us Adore Him"  pdf

My First Christmas In Heaven  This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year.  This is the poem that Brooksyne read and wrote about in this message.  

Christmas Knowledge Test

We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).



Are you Christmas shopping online?

Christianbook.comDaily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop. This Christmas many of our readers will be shopping for gifts that have spiritual and lasting value as well as a means of witness and encouraging others.

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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