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Yesterday we passed this quaint old farmhouse in rural Lebanon County. Brooksyne said it looks like a house where Grandma and Grandpa have decorated and are waiting for the children to come home over the Christmas holidays. I agree!
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"Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2).
The
title of "king" is used a lot. There are certain countries that still
have a palace with a king on the throne. I think of two deceased
musical entertainers who are referred to as the "king of pop" or the
"king of rock and roll". There's a popular beer brand known as the
"king of beers". Gene Wenger is a friend of ours who is known as
"Pennsylvania's Pork King" due to his very popular hamloaf mix!
Today I'd like to sift through the world's view of an earthly king and the trivialization of such a title. Instead I want to examine the true King taking a few moments to consider the phrase, "born King of the Jews". The Magi from the east ask the question in our daily text, "Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."
Little is known about the identity of these Magi (or wise men). I believe they were descendants of the Jews who had been taken captive to Babylon about 600 years earlier. Although many returned to the land of Judah following the Babylonian exile, some did not. The existence of small pockets of exiled (and later dispersed) Jews throughout the world who kept their identity and faith is a wonderful sign of God's promise.
These Magi came to Jerusalem to make inquiry about a special birth. King Herod heard about it and was greatly disturbed. He was threatened by the prospect of another king. The rest of his response is well known. He feigned interest and sent the Magi to find the child so he too could worship Him (or so he led them to believe).
But the Magi's interest was earnest and after their worshipful encounter and offering of gifts to the baby King, they were warned in a dream to depart by another route. Joseph was also directed in a dream to take his little family to Egypt. Herod came down to Bethlehem and we have the record of the horrible carnage from the slaughter of all the infant boys two years old and under.
The contrast in the attitude between the Magi and Herod is representative of the response of the world, even 2,000 years later, to the King of kings. Some will make great effort to worship and bring their very best gifts. Others are furious and will go to any means to silence the King. We hear new stories every year regarding those who want to do away with the nativity displays which would prompt viewers to think of the original Christmas setting.
What about you today? What is your response to the birth of a King? The truly wise still seek and worship Him!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we worship You, the Lord of lords and King of kings. We travel back in time to that original Christmas when You sent forth Your One and only Son to redeem the world from sin. We are grateful for the amazing sacrifice You made on our behalf as we receive You into our heart, King of kings. Amen.
It is our desire to share online resources that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season. We will continue to post these resources through Christmas Day. As we find additional material that we believe will be a blessing we will add it to this list as well.
Christmas Memories Here's a collection of Christmas memories sent in by daily encouragement readers several years ago, along with an opportunity to share your own story.
"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 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?
Daily
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.
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?
"The Best Gift You Can Ever Give Your Parents"
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
"The Blessing"
Friday,
December 18, 2009
Yesterday we passed this quaint old farmhouse in rural Lebanon County. Brooksyne said it looks like a house where Grandma and Grandpa have decorated and are waiting for the children to come home over the Christmas holidays. I agree!
Listen to
us share this message on your
audio player."Born A King"
"Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2).
The
title of "king" is used a lot. There are certain countries that still
have a palace with a king on the throne. I think of two deceased
musical entertainers who are referred to as the "king of pop" or the
"king of rock and roll". There's a popular beer brand known as the
"king of beers". Gene Wenger is a friend of ours who is known as
"Pennsylvania's Pork King" due to his very popular hamloaf mix!Today I'd like to sift through the world's view of an earthly king and the trivialization of such a title. Instead I want to examine the true King taking a few moments to consider the phrase, "born King of the Jews". The Magi from the east ask the question in our daily text, "Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."
Little is known about the identity of these Magi (or wise men). I believe they were descendants of the Jews who had been taken captive to Babylon about 600 years earlier. Although many returned to the land of Judah following the Babylonian exile, some did not. The existence of small pockets of exiled (and later dispersed) Jews throughout the world who kept their identity and faith is a wonderful sign of God's promise.
These Magi came to Jerusalem to make inquiry about a special birth. King Herod heard about it and was greatly disturbed. He was threatened by the prospect of another king. The rest of his response is well known. He feigned interest and sent the Magi to find the child so he too could worship Him (or so he led them to believe).
But the Magi's interest was earnest and after their worshipful encounter and offering of gifts to the baby King, they were warned in a dream to depart by another route. Joseph was also directed in a dream to take his little family to Egypt. Herod came down to Bethlehem and we have the record of the horrible carnage from the slaughter of all the infant boys two years old and under.
The contrast in the attitude between the Magi and Herod is representative of the response of the world, even 2,000 years later, to the King of kings. Some will make great effort to worship and bring their very best gifts. Others are furious and will go to any means to silence the King. We hear new stories every year regarding those who want to do away with the nativity displays which would prompt viewers to think of the original Christmas setting.
What about you today? What is your response to the birth of a King? The truly wise still seek and worship Him!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we worship You, the Lord of lords and King of kings. We travel back in time to that original Christmas when You sent forth Your One and only Son to redeem the world from sin. We are grateful for the amazing sacrifice You made on our behalf as we receive You into our heart, King of kings. Amen.
These barns are just beyond the farmhouse used in the top photo.
The bright red barns are stunning along with the native stone.
The bright red barns are stunning along with the native stone.
Today's
Suggested Music
and
Supplemental Resources
Click
on the link to open and play.
(In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)
(In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)
We have been sharing videos from our Christmas musical, "Hope Has Hands" which was presented last weekend. Mike
Martin, a friend in our church, spent a great deal of time
getting these videos up on Youtube so we can share them with others.
Today we share three more songs and intend to share the remaining songs from the musical on Monday.
"Mary Rocks The Rock" is a creatively written song with an interesting play on words. JoAnna Gardner has a solo in this song.
I had the privilege of conducting the wedding ceremony for JoAnna and
her husband Mike nearly four years ago and rejoice as they
continue to build a Christian home. They have a daughter who is almost
two and are expecting their second child. Video
"Hope Has Hands" This is the signature song in the musical. These words really touch our hearts! A young friend of Ester's, Renee' Buckwalter, has the solo in this song. Video
"Mary Did You Know"
This song has been very popular the last several years and is a
powerful theological presentation causing us to consider just how much
Mary was aware of her Son's significance. Video
Our church building, although built in 1878 has had some rennovations through the years and is overall in remarkable shape. The sanctuary does not feel old at all (at least to me). However the lower level has a very low ceiling and due to the duct work I avoid it as much as possible since I've bumped my head numerous times! An interesting feature is a huge attic that people used to stay in for extended meetings with mutiple churches involved. I doubt if you could find too many people interested in sleeping there in our current age!
Here's an interesting presentation concerning "The Star Of Bethlehem"
Yesterday
Brooksyne and I shared at a senior program
called "Golden Nuggets". This is a neat ministry out of a local church
illustrating the true church at work in compassion. Not only are
the elderly people from the church invited to the monthly meeting, but
also neighbors, widows and widowers. We had as our main meat
"Gene Wenger's Famous Ham Loaf"!
The coal slides from the truck down the chute into the bin. The four tons I had delivered filled the bin and should last well into next year's heating season. I take the coal into the house in two large buckets once a day and fill a hopper behind the stove. From the hopper the coal is slowly fed to the fire. I also have to empty the ash pan and dispose of the ash daily. The stove essentially heats our entire home with a little electric heat assist on really cold days.
Inside the stove the coal on the burner plate is white hot.
Today we share three more songs and intend to share the remaining songs from the musical on Monday.
"Mary Rocks The Rock" is a creatively written song with an interesting play on words. JoAnna Gardner has a solo in this song.
I had the privilege of conducting the wedding ceremony for JoAnna and
her husband Mike nearly four years ago and rejoice as they
continue to build a Christian home. They have a daughter who is almost
two and are expecting their second child. Video "Hope Has Hands" This is the signature song in the musical. These words really touch our hearts! A young friend of Ester's, Renee' Buckwalter, has the solo in this song. Video
"Mary Did You Know"
This song has been very popular the last several years and is a
powerful theological presentation causing us to consider just how much
Mary was aware of her Son's significance. VideoOur church building, although built in 1878 has had some rennovations through the years and is overall in remarkable shape. The sanctuary does not feel old at all (at least to me). However the lower level has a very low ceiling and due to the duct work I avoid it as much as possible since I've bumped my head numerous times! An interesting feature is a huge attic that people used to stay in for extended meetings with mutiple churches involved. I doubt if you could find too many people interested in sleeping there in our current age!
Here's an interesting presentation concerning "The Star Of Bethlehem"
Every function takes workers. These folks represent the millions serving Christ unheralded in local churches all over the world.
Coal Delivery
Our coal was delivered today.
Here's a photo collection for the terminally curious.
Our coal was delivered today.
Here's a photo collection for the terminally curious.
We use Pennsylvania anthracite coal to heat our home.
The delivery man had to get up in the bed of the truck as it was being unloaded. He has a hard job!
Anthracite is a hard coal that burns clean and efficiently.
The delivery man had to get up in the bed of the truck as it was being unloaded. He has a hard job!
Anthracite is a hard coal that burns clean and efficiently.
The coal slides from the truck down the chute into the bin. The four tons I had delivered filled the bin and should last well into next year's heating season. I take the coal into the house in two large buckets once a day and fill a hopper behind the stove. From the hopper the coal is slowly fed to the fire. I also have to empty the ash pan and dispose of the ash daily. The stove essentially heats our entire home with a little electric heat assist on really cold days.
Inside the stove the coal on the burner plate is white hot.
Roxie and Dottie enjoy laying in front of the stove.
When it's really cold Brooksyne enjoys working in front of the stove.
She regularly expresses appreciation for this warm spot in our house!
She regularly expresses appreciation for this warm spot in our house!
Resources
for Christmas Celebrations
It is our desire to share online resources that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season. We will continue to post these resources through Christmas Day. As we find additional material that we believe will be a blessing we will add it to this list as well.
Christmas Memories Here's a collection of Christmas memories sent in by daily encouragement readers several years ago, along with an opportunity to share your own story.
"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 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?
Daily
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. Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?
"The Best Gift You Can Ever Give Your Parents"
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
"The Blessing"
Send
a message to Stephen &
Brooksyne.
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Text only version for printing: To make a text only version for printing (without photos or any of the supplemental materials)
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5) Print!
Text only version for printing: To make a text only version for printing (without photos or any of the supplemental materials)
1) Open the basic text editor that comes with all computers (known as wordpad, textpad, etc.) You can also use a program like Word and select paste text only.
2) Select and copy the text from the portion of the message you want to print.
3) Paste into the text pad. (The photos won't show up but you will have a brief text description of the photo which you can delete or just ignore.)
4) Format if you desire (change font, increase or decrease size, etc.)
5) Print!
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."
Daily
Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com
©
Copyright 2009
Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
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