Friday, December 22, 2017


Another photo our friend Joe Ulicny shared with us of his home built in the 1840's all decorated for Christmas. He took this photo after our first seasonal snow.
(Click on photo for larger image)

"Emmanuel"

Message summary: Jesus Christ came as Emmanuel to be with us to take care of our biggest problem and restore our relationship with God. He is surely also with us to take care of our many other problems.

Listen to our message on your audio player.

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matthew 1:23). "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).


Yesterday we were visiting with Jerry, a buyer for Kleen-Rite, a wholesale car wash supply company. He shared something he had been musing on. He pointed out how we often hear that babies do not come with an instruction manual but Jesus came with an e-manuel! Being more theologically precise, Jesus came as Emmanuel.

This was in fulfillment of an Old Testament Messianic promise, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). (Depending on the version the name is spelled Immanuel or Emmanuel). Immanuel (Hebrew: עִמָּנוּאֵל‎ meaning, "God with us"; also romanized Emmanuel, Imanu'el)

S. Michael Houdmann of the GotQuestions.org teaching site explains: "That Jesus would be called "Immanuel" means Jesus is God and that He dwelt among us in His incarnation and that He is always with us. Jesus was God in the flesh. Jesus was God making His dwelling among us (John 1:1,14). Immanuel is one of the many descriptive titles for Jesus."

We hope our readers find great assurance in the gift of the One who became flesh and dwelt among us, Emmanuel, "God with us".


In each of life's challenges, big or small, God is with us. He clears our path, sharpens our vision, renews our hope, and guides us with His right hand. Now that’s good news, dear friend!

Jesus Christ came as Emmanuel to be with us to take care of our biggest problem and restore our relationship with God. He is surely also with us to take care of our many other problems.

And now 2,000 years later we place our peace, hope, and joy in the wonderful truth that Emmanuel is with us and that He lives forevermore. “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore" (Revelation 1:17,18).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, what assurance fills our hearts when we consider the spoken promise of Jesus, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." It is in keeping with the name given at Christ's coming to earth, "Emmanuel" - God with us. You are with us before we draw our first breath. You are with us in our struggle to draw our final breath. And You are with us in all life's struggles between our first and final breath. You guide us with Your right hand, not from a distance checking in with us here and there. You are our friend who sticks closer than a brother. We thank You, Father, for Your giving and we thank You, Jesus, for Your coming. Amen.

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Tragedies are always a burden and we seek to pray and consider the plight of those who have experienced tragedies such as those in the train wreck earlier this week in Washington state. Yesterday we faced heavy traffic and saw that the traffic was being diverted from our very busy 4-lane Rt 30 to an older two lane state road near Columbia, PA. We tried to get around the mess by taking a back road to our company destination and crossed over Route 30 and saw it was completely closed in both directions. While visiting our company we heard the news that there had been a serious crash early yesterday morning with a fatality. That has a way of putting in perspective the annoyance of being stuck in the heavy traffic.

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Special Year-end Financial Appeal: We want to thank all who have financially supported our ministry this past year (and some for many years!). 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. Like many ministries, we typically see a spike in giving at the end of the year for which we are most thankful.

Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.

If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.

To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376

Please Note: We also provide this familiar option due to the convenience, for international supporters, and for those who may not be concerned regarding receiving an official tax deductible receipt. Click here to send an offering using PayPal. This will open to a page that states "Brooksyne Weber"

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"Emmanuel, Emmanuel"  Video  Studio Musicians

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"  Video   Sovereign Grace

"Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)"  Video   Chris Tomlin

"Why wasn't Jesus named Immanuel? from gotquestions.org

Finally today:

“Parking Lot”  Video  Audi Holiday Campaign Those who use YouTube know that you often have to watch an ad before the video plays with many giving you the opportunity to skip the ad after several seconds which I usually do. However this ad was worth watching (not for any spiritual benefit but because it captures the spirit of the season for many). Hope you don't run into these guys in a parking garage!!! With all due respect to our Massachusetts' friends Brooksyne noted she could see this happening in Boston!


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