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&
Brooksyne Weber
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Friday,
December 16, 2022
The magnificent Star
Barn in Elizabethtown, PA
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
"The
Life-bringer
and the
Light-bearer"
Message
summary: Light
and life to
all He brings!
"In Him was life, and that life was the light of men" (John 1:4).
One of our area's newer attractions is the Star Barn property in Elizabethtown, PA about five miles from us. It has been developed in the last ten years by David Abel, a Christian businessman, around an iconic barn we drove past on the way to Harrisburg which was in rapid decay. The barn was disassembled and moved to David Abel's property and carefully restored. Now, of course among other hosted events, it is a popular wedding venue.
There
are many
activities on
the property
during the
Christmas
season
including a
Christmas
Light
Drive-Thru,
Christmas
Dinner and
Show at The
Star Barn
(photo above),
the National
Christmas
Center museum,
train ride and
Christmas
Village, where
we plan to go
tomorrow.
Most
importantly
there is a
very
purposeful
effort to keep
Christ in
Christmas, an
expression of
Dave's faith
and one
unmistakable
feature is how
bright it is
with all the
lights, an
expression of
Christ being
"the light of
men".
Indeed the glorious message of the Incarnation is the incomparable blessing expressed in these words "light and life to all He brings". Do you recognize the Christmas carol this phrase is found in? Today let us consider the aspect of Christ's incarnation of how He came to bring light and life.
Indeed the glorious message of the Incarnation is the incomparable blessing expressed in these words "light and life to all He brings". Do you recognize the Christmas carol this phrase is found in? Today let us consider the aspect of Christ's incarnation of 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 on
which he is
going to
elaborate in
the course of
the work.
That's just
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:
Consider that, in the things that really matter, we have only two great quests in life:
One
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).
The
other is for
eternal life
and Jesus
provides this.
The Bible says
this in its
most familiar
verse, "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).
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 Savior! We have both abundant life here and eternal life later.
"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.
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 Savior! We have both abundant life here and eternal life later.
"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 His
greatest gift
today?
Be
encouraged
today, (Hebrews
3:13)
Stephen
and 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 being
known for our
acts of
kindness
rather than
deeds of
darkness. May
those still
walking in
darkness be
drawn to You,
our
Life-bringer
and
Light-bearer,
through Your
Holy Spirit
and by the
testimonies of
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.
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 being
known for our
acts of
kindness
rather than
deeds of
darkness. May
those still
walking in
darkness be
drawn to You,
our
Life-bringer
and
Light-bearer,
through Your
Holy Spirit
and by the
testimonies of
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.Today's
Suggested
Music and Supplemental
Resources
"Light
Has Come"
Video
The University
of Mobile
Outstanding!
"Hark
The Herald
Angels Sing"
Video
Reawaken Hymns
A
pot-bellied
stove in Star
Barn is one of
the many
examples of
the old-time
ambience.
The
Christmas meal
is held on the
second floor
of the massive
Star Barn in a
beautiful
setting. This
photo was from
we went with
Convene, a
business
group, several
years ago.
Click
to enlarge
The
steam train at
the Star Barn
property in
Elizabethtown,
PA
A
nativity scene
in the Star
Barn
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Special
Year-end
Financial
Appeal
We
want to thank
all who have
financially
supported our
ministry this
past year (and
some for many
years!). Like
most
ministries, 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 you would
like
information
about making a
donation to
our ministry
see here.
In considering support we are so pleased when we hear from you, our readers, that our messages are a source of teaching and encouragement to you. We also urge you to consider the mission aspect of these daily teachings that are freely available and read by many all over the world.
To
donate
directly
online
click here.
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open to a page
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designates the
offering
to: STEPHEN
&
BROOKSYNE
WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING
IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY)
In considering support we are so pleased when we hear from you, our readers, that our messages are a source of teaching and encouragement to you. We also urge you to consider the mission aspect of these daily teachings that are freely available and read by many all over the world.
To
donate
directly
online
click here.
(This will
open to a page
that
designates the
offering
to: STEPHEN
&
BROOKSYNE
WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING
IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY)
If
you desire you
can also
donate
directly
through PayPal
using this link.
This will open
to a page that
states
"Brooksyne
Weber". We
keep this
option
available due
to the
familiarity,
convenience,
for
international
supporters,
and for those
who may not
need an
official
receipt. You
can also set
up for
recurring
donations.
Thank
you,
Stephen & Brooksyne
Stephen & Brooksyne
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).
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Wordpress
iHeart
radioPermissions: 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."
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