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daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
Monday,
December 23,
2019
Moravian
Star
Lititz
Moravian Congregation
"Light
and Life"
Message summary: Light and life to all He brings!
Listen
to this
message on your audio player."In Him was life, and that life was the light of men" (John 1:4).
Light
and life to all He brings!
Last
night we attended a Christmas Lovefeast Candlelight
worship service at the historic Moravian Church in
Lititz PA which was founded in 1749. The service
included a lovefeast and candle lighting ceremony.
High
above the pulpit area hung the distinctive Moravian
Star which originated in the church's boarding schools
in Germany as a geometry lesson. The 26 point star
reminds people of the "great and heavenly light from
Bethlehem's manger shining bright." Jesus, being the
bright and Morning Star is the star of promise, the
star of fulfillment, and the star of hope. Each point
of the star points to where the Light of the Word is
shining for everyone, everywhere! This star was soon
adopted throughout the Moravian Church as an Advent
symbol.
We enjoyed the cultural aspect of the service although we were not familiar with any of the music which apparently was distinctive to the Moravian Church. Though the lyrics were unfamiliar to us they certainly exalted the Lord Jesus Christ. The lovefeast consisted of a very tasty warm sweet bun and chocolate milk or coffee which was passed down each row and consumed together as the choir sang.
In most churches and settings regardless of the region of the country people enjoy the same familiar Christmas songs. After the service the Moravian Church brass orchestra played these more familiar Christmas carols outside the church.
Consider how well-loved and meaningful these Christmas hymns are even though they're generally sung during a very short season. A single line from one of these carols will illustrate for many, how well you know these songs, even though you likely didn't set out to memorize them. Consider this musical phrase, "light and life to all He brings". Many of you will identify the name of the carol from that single line. (The answer is provided by several versions of the song on YouTube video links below.)
Indeed the glorious message of the Incarnation is His incomparable blessing of "light and life to all He brings." Today let us consider the aspect of Christ's incarnation and how He came to bring "light and life."
"In Him was life." John uses the word "life" 36 times in his Gospel, more than any other New Testament book. William Barclay observes, "In a great piece of music the composer often begins by stating the themes which he is going to elaborate in the course of the work. That is what John does here. Life and light are two of the great basic themes on which the Fourth Gospel is developed and expounded upon."
Consider that, in the things that really matter, we have only two great quests in life:
One is for eternal life and Jesus provides this. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
The other is for abundant life (full and meaningful). Again, Jesus has provided this. He said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
We can sure be grateful it's not abundant life here or eternal life later! We have the tremendous blessing of receiving both when we receive Christ as our Saviour!
"That life was the light of men." Leon Morris writes, "John is preparing the way for the thought that he will develop throughout his Gospel, that Jesus is the life-bringer and light-bearer."
Today this abundant and eternal life and light is freely available to all. So many woefully reject Him; others shrug off this greatest of gifts and pay no attention, basing their focus instead upon the paltry substitutes the world offers. But the Bible declares: "Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). Have you chosen to receive the greatest gift today?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
We enjoyed the cultural aspect of the service although we were not familiar with any of the music which apparently was distinctive to the Moravian Church. Though the lyrics were unfamiliar to us they certainly exalted the Lord Jesus Christ. The lovefeast consisted of a very tasty warm sweet bun and chocolate milk or coffee which was passed down each row and consumed together as the choir sang.
In most churches and settings regardless of the region of the country people enjoy the same familiar Christmas songs. After the service the Moravian Church brass orchestra played these more familiar Christmas carols outside the church.
Consider how well-loved and meaningful these Christmas hymns are even though they're generally sung during a very short season. A single line from one of these carols will illustrate for many, how well you know these songs, even though you likely didn't set out to memorize them. Consider this musical phrase, "light and life to all He brings". Many of you will identify the name of the carol from that single line. (The answer is provided by several versions of the song on YouTube video links below.)
Indeed the glorious message of the Incarnation is His incomparable blessing of "light and life to all He brings." Today let us consider the aspect of Christ's incarnation and how He came to bring "light and life."
"In Him was life." John uses the word "life" 36 times in his Gospel, more than any other New Testament book. William Barclay observes, "In a great piece of music the composer often begins by stating the themes which he is going to elaborate in the course of the work. That is what John does here. Life and light are two of the great basic themes on which the Fourth Gospel is developed and expounded upon."
Consider that, in the things that really matter, we have only two great quests in life:
One is for eternal life and Jesus provides this. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
The other is for abundant life (full and meaningful). Again, Jesus has provided this. He said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
We can sure be grateful it's not abundant life here or eternal life later! We have the tremendous blessing of receiving both when we receive Christ as our Saviour!
"That life was the light of men." Leon Morris writes, "John is preparing the way for the thought that he will develop throughout his Gospel, that Jesus is the life-bringer and light-bearer."
Today this abundant and eternal life and light is freely available to all. So many woefully reject Him; others shrug off this greatest of gifts and pay no attention, basing their focus instead upon the paltry substitutes the world offers. But the Bible declares: "Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). Have you chosen to receive the greatest gift today?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, it is through Jesus that we
experience light and life because He came as light
into the world and provides abundant life to those
who follow Him. May we walk faithfully and
earnestly in the light of Christ so that deeds of
darkness are exposed wherever we go. May those
still walking in darkness be drawn to Your light
through Your Holy Spirit and by Your followers, in
what we say, the songs we sing, by our countenance
and by the things we do as we represent You in the
home, the workplace and wherever we go. In the
name of Jesus we pray, Amen.Tomorrow's message will express another pairing of two words in regard to Christ's incarnation. Here's a hint: "The Word became ____ and ____ among us; we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of ______ and _____." (See John 1:14)
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
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 easy 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"Thank you,
Stephen & Brooksyne
Last
week we joined with the employees of the
Smucker companies for breakfast. Before it
was all over about 40 employees sat and
ate together the Christmas treats
Brooksyne spread out for them.
Izzie
and Jay are working at a large machine
that makes components for cages and traps
at Val-Co.
You
never know what you might see here in
Lancaster County! This family is headed to
an Amish school program at a school just
over the hill. The pony was a bit
cantankerous and kept weaving all over the
road as it pulled the cart. We didn't
consider that very safe as it would cross
the yellow lines as we approached the
crest of a hill. But shortly after this
photo was taken the pony and cart got
straightened out.
We
often stop by one of our favorite local
stores, the Village Farm Market, located
in a converted steer barn along 322 east
of Ephrata, PA.
Lititz
Pennsylvania is a beautiful small
town located about 10 miles north of the
city of Lancaster. Tomorrow we will share
some more photos of our walk through town
at Christmas time. It has a classic Main
Street that seems like would fit in a
Hallmark movie.
Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Hark The Herald
Angels Sing" Video
Paul Baloche
"Hark The Herald Angels Sing" Video Traditional version
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
you, your family or
church 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 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. Here's a great Communion Hymn for Christmas (Video)
"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. Brooksyne read and wrote about the poem in this message.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
"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 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. Here's a great Communion Hymn for Christmas (Video)
"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. Brooksyne read and wrote about the poem in this message.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
Finally
today:
Last night
after the service we
went out to eat and saw
Nick Nichols, a
long-time Daily
Encouragement reader and
his family. Like most,
we are not sure how Nick
ever came across our
ministry but we
periodically hear from
him and have met him
several times. He
expresses his faith
vibrantly!
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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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 make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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 make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
© Copyright 2019 Stephen C. & Brooksyne
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