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Tuesday, December 23, 2014
In our area local business and farm owners often use their buildings to display Christmas symbols such as this one. I am moved by the depiction of Bethlehem's star and Calvary's cross.
"Star Of Wonder"
Special Note: We
want to thank all who have financially supported our ministry this past
year. We typically see a spike in giving at the end of the year for
which we are most thankful. We realize there are many fine ministries
and causes requesting support at this time but if the Lord would lead
you we surely need and appreciate the financial support from our
readers and listeners. Our ministry (and support) is essentially comprised of half
our time to Daily
Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to
companies (of course, this varies week by week). Each of these
ministries essentially is the same as a
part-time job
for each of us (20+
hours weekly). Our goal for many
years is that each phase would provide half of our ministry expenses
and
family income. You can donate by check, online or using PayPal. If you would like to make a donation see here
for more information or donate directly online here. Thank you! Note:
We thank those who have contributed the last several weeks. Due to a
very busy schedule we are behind in our thank you's and acknowledgments.
Yesterday afternoon we attended an Amish children's Christmas program in a one room schoolhouse way out in the country. We didn't take any photos inside the packed schoolhouse out of respect for Amish ways but it was very interesting and the kids did an outstanding job under the direction of their 18 year old teacher. She has excellent control of some 25 children from 1st to 8th grade. The program began with the children singing "How Deep The Father's Love for Me" in German! We were invited to the program by our Amish friends Jesse and Anna Ruth, who have four children in the school. Afterwards little Eli James asked me, "We're we expressive?" something his teacher must have really emphasized and they sure were.
Scenes from Longwood Gardens Christmas
Last Friday afternoon we took Stephen's sister and her husband to visit "A Longwood Christmas" at Longwood Gardens, which is about an hour from us.
Here's a photo of us at the Longwood Gardens this last Friday afternoon.
They had several large treehouses on the grounds.
Stephen's sister Genelle and her husband Cesar up in the treehouse.
Of course Stephen liked the huge model train display.
Walking through the interior conservatory we had many scenes like this.
Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
“We Three Kings of Orient Are” Video Jennifer Avalon
"Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem" Video Gaither Homecoming Friends
Longwood Gardens Lighted Fountain Show Video
Longwood Gardens Christmas Transformation Video
Longwood Gardens
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. We have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services over the 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).
Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Amazon. Any orders placed to Amazon using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a 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 Amazon! Tip: If you are a regular Amazon customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop on Amazon.
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?
Here's an idea! "The Best Gift You Can Ever Give Your Parents"
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
Here's an idea! "The Blessing"
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
To receive the "Daily Encouragement" each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or through a Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
Are
our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to
consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can
continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is
accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily
Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support
of its readers and podcast listeners. See here
for more information on supporting this
ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
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.
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."
© Copyright 2014 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
<Previous Message Next Message>
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
In our area local business and farm owners often use their buildings to display Christmas symbols such as this one. I am moved by the depiction of Bethlehem's star and Calvary's cross.
"Star Of Wonder"
Note: Due to a very busy day an audio version podcast will not be prepared for this message.
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him'" (Matthew 2:1,2). "After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy" (Matthew 2:9,10).
Last Friday we visited a Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens. We purposefully arrived in midafternoon so we could see the displays in daylight then walk through the brilliantly lighted grounds at night. A highlight was the lighted fountain show accompanied by Christmas music, including traditional hymns. The lighted displays included one of the Scripturally-based symbols of Christmas, the star. Today let us consider this "star of wonder".
Contrary to traditional Christmas pageantry and artist's portrayals of the nativity setting, Scripture indicates that although the shepherds were present at the birth of Christ in Bethlehem’s stable, the wise men were not.
Careful
consideration of Scripture actually reveals that the magi (traditionally wise men) from the east who
followed the star arrived some time after Christ's birth. They had
first seen the star while in the east and had traveled to Jerusalem to
inquire regarding the exact place of Christ's birth.
Just who these magi were remains a mystery. Possibly they were among those from the Jewish line who stayed in the East (present day Iran) following the Exile or perhaps they were proselytes who were very familiar with the Messianic promise. After seeing "His star" and receiving the information that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem they went there with a specific purpose - to worship the Christ Child.
For some reason, after initially seeing the star in the east, it was no longer seen for a period until after they had been to Jerusalem and were on their way to Bethlehem. (Compare 2:2 with 2:9,10.)
These men were earnest seekers. They had seen "His star"
in the east. The journey from the east to Jerusalem was likely long and
hard, but they were persistent. It was the reappearance of the star on
the way to Bethlehem that prompted the response described in the KJV
when they "rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
The apparent redundancy in the English is an attempt to convey the
richness of emotion that Matthew uses four Greek words to express. The
Amplified version says, "thrilled with ecstatic joy."
Why were they filled with such great joy? After all, at this point they had not yet seen Jesus (read the text carefully). Clearly, it was the reappearance of the star that prompted their joy. It reassured them that this was the real thing and also gave them the ability to continue their journey to find the Christ child.
I believe we have here an example of how God reveals Himself to the earnest seeker. They had seen His star while in the East and then went to Jerusalem by faith. The reappearance of the star on their way to Bethlehem gave them an assurance that their seeking was not in vain!
At times the light of God's guidance is remarkably clear like His star that was initially seen by the wise men while in the east. At other times God's leading is less clear, such as when the guiding star was no longer visible. But like these wise men, as earnest seekers we walk by faith and obedience to God's Word. Then we see again the clear, unmistakable light of God's guidance as the wise men did when they saw the star a second time. Truly this is a time of great rejoicing.
Where are you today in your walk of faith? For some the answer will surely be, "I haven't seen the 'star' for a long time". Keep seeking, believing, and following. Remember this important truth: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). Let us call on the Lord to "Guide us to Thy perfect light." and may we all see the star of wonder!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light
unto my path. Help me to journey in faith when the path is dimmed or
obscured from that which You have planned for me. When I can only see
through a glass darkly, help me to trust You for what is yet to come.
May I have a believing, obedient spirit even when I don't fully
understand Your plan. For Your thoughts are not my thoughts nor are
Your ways my ways. They are higher and wiser, for they are of divine
origin, so help me to be mindful that You always know what's best and
will lead me according to Your will and Your timing. Amen.
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him'" (Matthew 2:1,2). "After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy" (Matthew 2:9,10).
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
Last Friday we visited a Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens. We purposefully arrived in midafternoon so we could see the displays in daylight then walk through the brilliantly lighted grounds at night. A highlight was the lighted fountain show accompanied by Christmas music, including traditional hymns. The lighted displays included one of the Scripturally-based symbols of Christmas, the star. Today let us consider this "star of wonder".
Contrary to traditional Christmas pageantry and artist's portrayals of the nativity setting, Scripture indicates that although the shepherds were present at the birth of Christ in Bethlehem’s stable, the wise men were not.
Careful
consideration of Scripture actually reveals that the magi (traditionally wise men) from the east who
followed the star arrived some time after Christ's birth. They had
first seen the star while in the east and had traveled to Jerusalem to
inquire regarding the exact place of Christ's birth.Just who these magi were remains a mystery. Possibly they were among those from the Jewish line who stayed in the East (present day Iran) following the Exile or perhaps they were proselytes who were very familiar with the Messianic promise. After seeing "His star" and receiving the information that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem they went there with a specific purpose - to worship the Christ Child.
For some reason, after initially seeing the star in the east, it was no longer seen for a period until after they had been to Jerusalem and were on their way to Bethlehem. (Compare 2:2 with 2:9,10.)
These men were earnest seekers. They had seen "His star"
in the east. The journey from the east to Jerusalem was likely long and
hard, but they were persistent. It was the reappearance of the star on
the way to Bethlehem that prompted the response described in the KJV
when they "rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
The apparent redundancy in the English is an attempt to convey the
richness of emotion that Matthew uses four Greek words to express. The
Amplified version says, "thrilled with ecstatic joy."Why were they filled with such great joy? After all, at this point they had not yet seen Jesus (read the text carefully). Clearly, it was the reappearance of the star that prompted their joy. It reassured them that this was the real thing and also gave them the ability to continue their journey to find the Christ child.
I believe we have here an example of how God reveals Himself to the earnest seeker. They had seen His star while in the East and then went to Jerusalem by faith. The reappearance of the star on their way to Bethlehem gave them an assurance that their seeking was not in vain!
At times the light of God's guidance is remarkably clear like His star that was initially seen by the wise men while in the east. At other times God's leading is less clear, such as when the guiding star was no longer visible. But like these wise men, as earnest seekers we walk by faith and obedience to God's Word. Then we see again the clear, unmistakable light of God's guidance as the wise men did when they saw the star a second time. Truly this is a time of great rejoicing.
Where are you today in your walk of faith? For some the answer will surely be, "I haven't seen the 'star' for a long time". Keep seeking, believing, and following. Remember this important truth: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). Let us call on the Lord to "Guide us to Thy perfect light." and may we all see the star of wonder!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light
unto my path. Help me to journey in faith when the path is dimmed or
obscured from that which You have planned for me. When I can only see
through a glass darkly, help me to trust You for what is yet to come.
May I have a believing, obedient spirit even when I don't fully
understand Your plan. For Your thoughts are not my thoughts nor are
Your ways my ways. They are higher and wiser, for they are of divine
origin, so help me to be mindful that You always know what's best and
will lead me according to Your will and Your timing. Amen.Special Note: We
want to thank all who have financially supported our ministry this past
year. We typically see a spike in giving at the end of the year for
which we are most thankful. We realize there are many fine ministries
and causes requesting support at this time but if the Lord would lead
you we surely need and appreciate the financial support from our
readers and listeners. Our ministry (and support) is essentially comprised of half
our time to Daily
Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to
companies (of course, this varies week by week). Each of these
ministries essentially is the same as a
part-time job
for each of us (20+
hours weekly). Our goal for many
years is that each phase would provide half of our ministry expenses
and
family income. You can donate by check, online or using PayPal. If you would like to make a donation see here
for more information or donate directly online here. Thank you! Note:
We thank those who have contributed the last several weeks. Due to a
very busy schedule we are behind in our thank you's and acknowledgments.Yesterday afternoon we attended an Amish children's Christmas program in a one room schoolhouse way out in the country. We didn't take any photos inside the packed schoolhouse out of respect for Amish ways but it was very interesting and the kids did an outstanding job under the direction of their 18 year old teacher. She has excellent control of some 25 children from 1st to 8th grade. The program began with the children singing "How Deep The Father's Love for Me" in German! We were invited to the program by our Amish friends Jesse and Anna Ruth, who have four children in the school. Afterwards little Eli James asked me, "We're we expressive?" something his teacher must have really emphasized and they sure were.
Personal note:
Last night we received a call from a man we visit in the course of our
chaplain ministry. He had shared during our visits about a troubled son
he was praying for. Last night he called to inform us that yesterday
this son was a shooting victim and is in the hospital with critical
injuries. We will stop by the hospital this morning to seek to see him.
Scenes from Longwood Gardens Christmas
Last Friday afternoon we took Stephen's sister and her husband to visit "A Longwood Christmas" at Longwood Gardens, which is about an hour from us.
Here's a photo of us at the Longwood Gardens this last Friday afternoon.
They had several large treehouses on the grounds.
Stephen's sister Genelle and her husband Cesar up in the treehouse.
Of course Stephen liked the huge model train display.
Walking through the interior conservatory we had many scenes like this.
Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
“We Three Kings of Orient Are” Video Jennifer Avalon
"Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem" Video Gaither Homecoming Friends
Longwood Gardens Lighted Fountain Show Video
Longwood Gardens Christmas Transformation Video
Longwood Gardens
Resources
for Christmas Celebrations
Personal, family and church
(We will leave these resources posted below our daily messages through Christmas)
(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. We have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services over the 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?
Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Amazon. Any orders placed to Amazon using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a 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 Amazon! Tip: If you are a regular Amazon customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop on Amazon.
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?
Here's an idea! "The Best Gift You Can Ever Give Your Parents"
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
Here's an idea! "The Blessing"
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
To receive the "Daily Encouragement" each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or through a Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
Are
our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to
consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can
continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is
accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily
Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support
of its readers and podcast listeners. See here
for more information on supporting this
ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.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.
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."
© Copyright 2014 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA