Daily Thought for Friday, December 23rd

December 23, 2011 

The Real Reason For the Season

(Happy Birthday Jesus)

Today’s Thought:

“Hark the herald angels sing,

Glory to the new-born King;

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled. ” – Charles Wesley, (lyrics from ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’)

Today’s Quote:

“It was the winter wild

While the Heaven-born child

All meanly wrapt in the rude manger lies.” – John Milton

Today’s Question:

“Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?” – The Bible (Proverbs 30:4)

Today’s Bible Verses:             Isaiah 9:6  &  Matthew 1:18-25

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“It came upon a midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth

To touch their harps of gold;

Peace on the earth, good will to men

From Heaven’s all-gracious King –

The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels sing.” – Edmund Hamilton Sears (lyrics from ‘It Came Upon A Midnight Clear’)

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeart

Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

- Henry Longfellow (lyrics from ‘Chrisms Bells’)

The sights and sound of Christmas are everywhere.  May we not get so distracted by the pretty paper; the glimmering candles; the glowing lights; the decorated trees and all of our activities that we forget to celebrate the real reason for the Christmas Season.

God gave the gift of love and life by sending Jesus to be born of a virgin, laid in a manger: so he could grow up to die on a cross to pay the price for the sins of folk like you and I.

‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season’ and ‘You can’t (or at least you shouldn’t) have Christmas without Christ.’

“Happy Birthday Jesus

I’m so glad it’s Christmas

All the tinsel and lights

And the presents are nice

But the real gift is You.

Happy Birthday Jesus

I’m so glad it’s Christmas

All the carols and bells

Make the holiday swell

And it’s all about You.

Happy Birthday Jesus.

Jesus, I love you!”

- Carol Cymbala (lyrics from ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’)

Today’s Prayer:

Father thank you for the Christ of Christmas.  Because of your gift of love that first Christmas so long ago, my life has been forever changed and will never be the same..

“God bless us everyone!.”

- Charles Dickens (from ‘A Christmas Carol’ spoken by Tiny Tim)