A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
Tuesday,
December 24,
2019
Christmas
Eve
This
lighted life-sized manger scene is at the main
intersection in Lititz, PA*
"Full
Of Grace and Truth"
Message summary: J.B. Phillips says, "The Christian faith is founded upon a well attested, sober fact of history; that quietly, but with deliberate purpose, God Himself has visited this little planet." Praise God for His life-changing visit!
Listen
to this
message on your audio player."And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
"Merry Christmas Eve" was our blessing this morning from Mike Stike, the announcer on WDAC, our local Christian radio station. Of course music this morning has been all about the birth of Jesus Christ!
Power packed phrases from familiar Christmas songs can tell the Gospel story in very few words. Consider the familiar stanza from Charles Wesley's hymn: "Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see, hail the incarnate Deity, clothed as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel." Each of these four phrases from the second verse of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" represent scores of Bible verses presented by numerous writers, but especially those of the apostle John in chapter 1, verses 1-18.
The Gospel of John does not have a Christmas story we normally read on Christmas morning like Matthew and Luke, chronicling the human dimension of Christ's birth. But John 1 is a powerful Christmas story.
John, the last living of the twelve disciples, wrote his gospel late in the first century. He had been among Christ's closest disciples and friends. He had heard the wonderful teachings and witnessed the great miracles. He had seen Christ die on the cross and had fellowship with the risen Lord. He had been there when Christ ascended back to the Father. And now for some sixty years he had been obeying the great commission before putting his account down in writing for subsequent generations, including those of us alive in 2019.
"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us". This phrase sums up John's Christmas story. Up to this point in his gospel John had not used the proper name "Jesus Christ" and does not do so until the seventeenth verse, after which he never again used the phrase "the Word" in reference to Jesus. That first Christmas morning the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. That's the heart of the Christmas story.
"And we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father". John saw in Jesus far more than others which saw in Him only Joseph's son, the carpenter. His vision was sharpened by the eternal glimpse He had of God's only begotten Son. He was numbered in the inner circle of three, along with Peter and James, who witnessed God's glory in special ways such as the Transfiguration. "His glory was spiritually discerned - the glory of surpassing grace, love, tenderness, wisdom, purity, spirituality; majesty and meekness, richness and poverty, power and weakness, meeting together in unique contrast; ever attracting and at times ravishing [those who] followed and forsook all for Him" (Jamieson, Faucet & Brown).
"Full of grace and truth". The Greek word for "full" conveys replete with and covered over. A few verses later John personally testifies of this grace, "And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace" (John 1:16).
Let's
consider that phrase "grace and truth". Theologian
J.C. Ryle eloquently writes of the grace and truth
that came together in the person of the Lord Jesus
Christ: "This constant undivided union of two perfect
natures in Christ's Person is exactly that which gives
infinite value to His mediation, and qualifies Him to
be the very Mediator that sinners need. Our Mediator
is One who can sympathize with us, because He is very
MAN. And yet, at the same time, He is One who can deal
with the Father for us on equal terms, because He is
very GOD."
This season we join hundreds of millions of believers around the world reflecting on this wonderful truth over nineteen hundred years after John wrote his account. We believe that the Word did become flesh. As J.B. Phillips says, "The Christian faith is founded upon a well attested, sober fact of history; that quietly, but with deliberate purpose, God Himself has visited this little planet."
We remember and thank God for this glorious visit. Praise God for His life-changing visit! I again proclaim my decision to serve this great God who "became flesh, and dwelt among us" and who indeed is, "full of grace and truth". Won't you join us?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Jesus, thank You for clothing
Yourself in flesh and making Your home among
Your own creation. You are both God and Man,
completely divine and completely human. Rather
than coming to us only through written precepts
and the revelation of Your Word, You came to us
through a Person's life, something people could
tangibly see, physically grasp and personally
identify with. You revealed the divine nature
and perfect will of the Father through the
Person of Jesus Christ. Grace flows through You
in those whose lives are spiritually transformed
and the lives of those who experience miracles
and healings. Thank You for emptying Yourself
and taking the nature of a servant as You walked
in truth and obedience, knowing that it would
lead to death on the cross. We praise You,
Jesus, for You are exalted to the highest place.
We believe with joy-filled hearts that You
became flesh and lived among us, and You are
indeed full of grace and truth. Glory to God in
the highest! Amen.
This season we join hundreds of millions of believers around the world reflecting on this wonderful truth over nineteen hundred years after John wrote his account. We believe that the Word did become flesh. As J.B. Phillips says, "The Christian faith is founded upon a well attested, sober fact of history; that quietly, but with deliberate purpose, God Himself has visited this little planet."
We remember and thank God for this glorious visit. Praise God for His life-changing visit! I again proclaim my decision to serve this great God who "became flesh, and dwelt among us" and who indeed is, "full of grace and truth". Won't you join us?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Jesus, thank You for clothing
Yourself in flesh and making Your home among
Your own creation. You are both God and Man,
completely divine and completely human. Rather
than coming to us only through written precepts
and the revelation of Your Word, You came to us
through a Person's life, something people could
tangibly see, physically grasp and personally
identify with. You revealed the divine nature
and perfect will of the Father through the
Person of Jesus Christ. Grace flows through You
in those whose lives are spiritually transformed
and the lives of those who experience miracles
and healings. Thank You for emptying Yourself
and taking the nature of a servant as You walked
in truth and obedience, knowing that it would
lead to death on the cross. We praise You,
Jesus, for You are exalted to the highest place.
We believe with joy-filled hearts that You
became flesh and lived among us, and You are
indeed full of grace and truth. Glory to God in
the highest! Amen.
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 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
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
Christmas
Greetings from the Star Barn.
( Click to enlarge)
( Click to enlarge)
Our
Christmas greeting to our readers:
We're enjoying a busy Christmas season
and will continue our activities tonight
with the Christmas Eve service followed
by our visit with the Lapp family.
Christmas is a lot more fun where
there's a house full of excited children
so we will be just as excited to share
together the good things of the Lord and
watch our Amish "grandchildren" open
their gifts. Included among our gifts
are books which the children enjoy as
they are avid readers.
Since I was a young girl I often heard the expression, "If I were the only one who needed to be saved I still believe Jesus would have come to earth and died for my sins." That always got to me since it very much personalized the salvation experience to my heart helping me to recognize God's immense love just for me, unknown as I am, with my life being insignificant to most.
Perhaps true, perhaps not,
but this one thing I do know. I sure
wouldn't want to be the only one who was
saved because of Christ's shedding His
blood for my sins. It would be a very,
very lonely Christian walk, for some of
the greatest joys of being a believer is
the fellowship and kindred spirit I
enjoy with those of like faith. When
going through difficulty, how many of us
have said, "What would I do without
Christ?" or "What would I do without the
family of believers?"
Stephen and I can adapt
that phrase to express our greatest
appreciation and love to you, our
faithful dailyencouragement readers. We
have met so many fine people from all
walks of life and from all regions of
the world and we are better for it in
our spiritual walk and social life. We
always enjoy your feedback and your
stimulating comments that affirm or
challenge us to think further on a
subject matter. We're even glad for
those of you who take the time to let us
know a link is broken or a date is
wrong, etc. If our messages were
prepared for a blank screen and we
didn't know any of you who read or
benefit from our efforts, it would
certainly be less fulfilling.
So we want to wish each of
you a blessed Christmas. We are praying
for those whose Christmas will be unlike
any in the past due to the heartache you
are presently experiencing, and for
those who suffers from significant loss
in your life. May our faithful Lord meet
you and bring a deep settled peace in
your heart as you reflect upon Him as
the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the
Prince of peace, the everlasting Father.
Since I was a young girl I often heard the expression, "If I were the only one who needed to be saved I still believe Jesus would have come to earth and died for my sins." That always got to me since it very much personalized the salvation experience to my heart helping me to recognize God's immense love just for me, unknown as I am, with my life being insignificant to most.
Strolling
through downtown Lititz after attending
the Moravian Love Feast Sunday evening.
Take notice of the candy cane tree where
the candy canes are hanging upside down,
the gumdrop tree and various other
confections.
Striking
window Greens accented with gold, silver
and bows.
Stephen
always makes sure we visit the caboose and
train station.
The
Moravian Church in Lititz, PA
Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Somewhere In
Your Silent Night"
Video
Casting Crowns
"Peace On
Earth" Video
Calvary Church worship team
from this year's Christmas
service
"I Call Him
Lord" Video
Collingsworth Family
Memories of
Christmas (Part 1 of
2) Audio
This morning Focus on the
Family broadcast with
touching stories shared by
listeners.
"All
Is Well" Video
Point Of Grace I
(Brooksyne) love this song!
Ester and I volunteered at
the Point of Grace Concert
last Friday evening and got
a photo with Shelly, Denise
(from Oklahoma) and Leigh (L
to R).Heather, who is no
longer with Point of Grace,
sings "All Is Well" in a way
that sinks deep into my soul
and brings tears most times
I listen. Michael W. Smith
wrote this song in 1989 and
it is the theme of Frank
Peretti's touching
children's book written in
1991 "All Is Well, The
Miracle of Christmas in
July". I was so touched by
the book that a friend and I
scripted it for a Christmas
drama at our church in
northern Pennsylvania
shortly after it was
written. Parents and
Grandparents, this is a good
book for your children to
enjoy and appreciate the
goodness of those who give
toward the less fortunate.
It features a mother (either
widowed or her husband left
her) and her young daughter.
* Regarding the
Lititz manger scene:
From our local paper: 25
years ago the Square in
Lititz did not resemble the
silent setting for a
peaceful manger scene.
Residents marched about
waving signs while drivers
honked in support of a
demonstration that was part
of a seven-hour vigil in
response to the American
Civil Liberties Union’s
request that the traditional
Nativity in the square be
removed. The ACLU cited a
Supreme Court ruling, but
residents decided that "this
was one manger scene that
was not going down without a
fight." And so the scene
remains and here's the story
(pdf).
Here's an interesting
perspective by
singer Wayne Watson
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).
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.)
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. We do
request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription
information intact.
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