Daily Encouragement Net - Encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13)
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Home  About Us  Archives  Free email subscription  Listen to this message Listen to this message  Donate to this ministry

Thursday, December 22, 2005

"God Sent His Son"

"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons" (Galatians 4:4,5).

Here in the United States (and probably in many other countries) public Christmas expressions are increasingly seen as insensitive, unacceptable and intolerant. Many are aware that even using the customary "Merry Christmas" expression is banned in some settings.

Last week on a flight to California I was especially heartened when the pilot, in the customary "Thank you for flying with us" farewell announcement, also stated, "And have a merry Christmas."  I sure hope someone didn't turn him in for being so culturally insensitive (according to this world's sensibilities – or should I say nonsensibilities). After all, someone might be offended.

The incessant efforts of groups like the ACLU persistently seek to remove any hint of Christ from the public square and this is most pointedly seen at Christmas.

However there are those who still boldly express their view of the season. Along the main street in our town we have a large auto dealership with a lighted sign right along the highway which states "Merry Christmas because of JESUS."

Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe observes, "In this day when 'pluralism' is interpreted by most people to mean agree with everybody about everything and don't make waves,' Christians need to remember that they are different and must test everything by the Word of God. There are many religions, but there is still 'no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved' (Acts 4:12)." That name of course is Jesus.

Today let's remember the real focus of Christmas.  "God sent His Son."  This is the vital truth and the greatest source of joy and encouragement.  Jesus Christ is the greatest gift!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, before all the packages are torn into and after all the paper and ribbon mess is collected and thrown away You, by far, remain the greatest Treasure we receive at any time of the year. Thank You for coming to us when we needed You most.  May we not be fearful but openly voice Your presence in the public square even as the angels proclaimed Your arrival in Bethlehem.  

Personal note: Last week when I returned from my trip Ester excitedly told me she had come across a great song on the website of one of her favorite Christian artists. She was especially spiritually touched and she wanted me to watch it with her and then share it with the daily encouragement net readers. I ask her to write what she had on her heart out and here's what she wrote (slightly edited).

"This song is by Steven Curtis Chapman and is about kids who have no home and family. I am blessed to have a home and family who love me. I was adopted by loving people but there are children this Christmas who have no family to love. May this song bless you and your family as it did mine."  "All I really want for Christmas" (should play automatically when you open the site)

 

Sign up for the free daily email encouragement at www.dailyencouragement.net

Permissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. I do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact.


Please pass this webpage on:   


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. Used by permission; 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."

© Copyright 2005 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552

"Living today anchored in God's solid foundation"