The True Meaning of Christmas

 

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

"By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:  He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory" (1 Timothy 3:16).

 Hey Gang, I realize Christmas is over and all the packages that were wrapped neatly and under the tree have been ravaged by eager hands but, as I was researching, I came across this neat saying submitted by one Delmar Eby of London, Kentucky. It rang my bell so decided to extend Christmas thoughts and send it along to you:

 The Bethlehem Babe of the Manger became -

The Calvary Savior of the Cross, who is -

The Resurrected Lord from the Grave and is now -

The Ascended King in Heaven, soon to be -

The Returning Judge in Glory -

He became all of this so we can be -

The Reigning Saints in Glory forever!

Alleluia!  What a Savior!

 

Eby followed this with the question, "Does the commemoration of Christ's birth mean all this to you?  Or are you satisfied with a manger scene of the Babe?  For if we are locked into the manger scene and satisfied to leave Jesus in the manger, then there is no way we can look beyond the manger to the scenario listed above.   In other words, we are locked into the Bethlehem Babe of the Manger - period.”

 Delmar made a powerful point when he wrote, "All the attributes and titles given to Jesus in the Scriptures are necessary for our eternal well-being.  We must receive Jesus for who He is; 0nly then can we find the true meaning of His birth, and Jesus will become to us all that is most comforting and blessed".  

 In other words, as you look at the past year and prepare for the New Year, are you satisfied to allow it to be just a continuation of the past year, or are you filled with zeal and excitement in the many opportunities that are yours to serve the King of kings? 

 I am sure that each of you who read these epistles have your favorite Scriptures.  I certainly have mine but, also confess, as I have reached the older that dirt age my emphasis has changed.  My ears perk up when I hear Jesus saying, "Come you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt. 25:34).

 Wow, is that not awesome?  But, note what the King said are the prerequisites to inheriting the kingdom.  Yes, salvation is the foundation but note what Jesus said: "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." (vs. 40). 

 Did what?   "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; naked and you clothed Me.  I was sick, and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me" (vs. 35-36).

 Soooo,  my young friends in Christ, I close this epistle with a  promise from Yeshua Hamashiah: "Give, and it will be given to you.  They will pour into your lap a good measure - pressed down, shaken together, and running over".  Now note the next words of the Lord: "For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return" (Luke 6:38).  By whose standard of measure?  Your standard of measure!  What say ye?  Does that sound like we determine whether we will be blessed in the same measure that we give?  Wow! Awesome!   

 Blessings, Gramps

A Personal Note from Gramps

 December 15, 2015

            

The older I get the more I am convinced we can make Christmas as stressful, or as peaceful and joyous as we desire.  I do believe with the increased pace we are living today, has become more stressful for many. The holiday get-togethers, shopping for just the right gift, and the hanging of indoor and outdoor decorations all add to making the season more chaotic one.    I have to admit this year has been especially void of the true Christmas spirit, for me.   Me thinks I have let outside influences steal my joy and take my focus off the real meaning of why I celebrate Christmas. 

 

I have found I am not unique in the “older-than-dirt brigade”.  As we get older trying to come up with the perfect gifts for loved ones becomes more difficult.  This day and age when, if we want something we go out and buy it, makes it tough on those of us who do not have a clue what the needs of loved ones are.    Let’s face it folks, there are enough distractions in our world to cloud our minds and keep us from focusing on the ‘Reason for the Season’! 

 

There are two major things, and a zillion smaller ones, that sadden my heart in this so called age-of enlightenment.  One is the great multitudes of children that no longer will sit with their families on Christmas Eve listening to the patriarch of the house read the Christmas Story of how God loved the world so much He sent His only Son to come and free us from the bondage of sin.   As I sat on the edge of the beds of the multitudes of kids who have passed through my life, the “I want more than anything” theme always centered on “I wish only to be with my mom and dad in a peace and happy home”.

 

If you have had that in your life, you are truly blessed and should be abundantly thankful.

In recent years I have become a compulsive researcher. I spend many hours seeking that one pear- of-great price that is hidden in the words of those who have had victory over the alligators, to share with you who avail yourselves to the Gramps Morning Messages.  I found the following pearl in a devotional that I read to my bride each night before we cash it in for the day. 

 

I believe it is the finest gift I can give to you this Christmas.  The writer began by saying, “I would like to share three passages that help focus our attention on the true reason we celebrate Christmas – Jesus come to earth!”  The first reason we celebrate Christmas is John 3:16; the words Jesus spoke to Nicodemus: “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.” 

 

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world and perfect fellowship between God and humankind was broken.  Jesus came to remove the barrier between God and humanity by dying on the cross and making salvation possible for those who turn from their sins, place their faith in God, and follow daily in obedience to His Word.   We celebrate Christmas because Jesus came into the world to make reconciliation between us and God possible.  Wow, can you say Hallelujah for that this morning?

 

The second passage that helps our focus is John 10:10 where Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”  Jesus came that we may discover the life that God intends for all who follow Him.  A life that experiences the virtues of the Spirit (Galatians 2:11-23; 2 Cor. 6:6-10; Eph. 4:2; 5:9’ Phil 4:8-9 and Col. 3:12-15).  Which comes through a relationship with Christ and a surrendering of our lives to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  We celebrate Christmas because Jesus came so that we might receive all that God intends for our lives to be.

 

The third passage is John 14:1-4; “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

 

Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension to heaven gives us, as believers, the hope of eternal life with God.  We celebrate Christmas because Jesus came that those who place their faith in Him will live with God forever. 

 

We celebrate Jesus’ birth because it honors the Savior who came into the world.  Several thousand years ago, the angels proclaimed this great news to the shepherds.  This news brought with it the message of hope, peace, and salvation for the world.

 

We, as believers, have the opportunity of pointing others to the good news of Jesus’ coming and the difference it can make in their lives.  The world needs to understand that Christmas is more than programs, parties, and presents.  Our world must be guided to the truth that the true meaning of Christmas is found in the birth of Jesus and the difference His coming has made on the world.

 

So my friends, my challenge to you his Christmas Season is to turn off all the electronic devices and gather your loved ones together and share the story once again that Jesus loved you so much He came to die on a hideous cross so that one day you can be with Him for all eternity in the that place He has prepared for His children.                              Blessings, Gramps

Are You Giving Gifts That Have Eternal Value

 

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

 “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

 Hey Gang When was the last time you shut down all the things that cloud your mind from looking at the more important things of life?  Gar Trusley, who did time studies for corporations, identified the three top things participants would do if the doctor said, “You have one month to live”. By a large percentage, those he studied said, “Seek the Lord- make sure they were in good relationship with the Lord, make sure they were in right relationship with spouse and family, and repair all the breaches that might exist between them and their neighbors.

 It was interesting to note that, when he asked them to list the ten things in which they tended to invest their time and energies, these three things were are the bottom of the list. Soo, they knew that the things that brought real joy into their heart was not ‘making a buck’, climbing the corporate ladder or becoming something super special in the eyes of man!  

 A recent study discovered that, in our culture, suicides are increasing by leaps and bounds (2015)and, each year, depression is the number one plague among a growing number.  As we move God further from the life of our country, despair and hopelessness grow in equal proportion.

 We go to great pains to fill that vacuum that is just the size of God in our chest cavity.  We just experienced another ‘Black Friday’ –which began on Thanksgiving.  The world's retailers spread the good news that they have the very thing that will fill that vacuum.  People lined up hours in advance to make sure they were the first in line to purchase that aphrodisiac that would give them a moment or two of joy.  

    

I vaguely recall a song of years long gone, which told us that we seek the things that give us peace in all the wrong places.  I believe the Psalmist knew something about that when he wrote these words: “But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.  For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:11-12).

 Soooo,my young lassies and lads, am I saying the giving of material gifts is wrong?  In no way! But, keep in mind that gift will be probably be forgotten in due season but the intent behind the gift will never be forgotten.  God’s Gift to us, His only Son, is eternal.  Be sure and share this will  with all of your family and friends;  His return, to claim His own, seemingly grows closer each day… as seen by what is happening daily in the world.

 Blessings, Gramps

"Greetings Favored One, the Lord is with You."

 

Friday, December 11, 2015

  “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one!  The Lord is with you”   (Luke 1:26-28).

 Hey gang:  Are these not amazing words that get your heart to pumping?  The Christmas story begins with an experience that is beyond description to our human minds.  Gabriel, an angel who stands at the Throne of God, was sent to tell a young lassie that she was the “favored one” who would be the mom to the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

 All you mom’s out there, when you learned for the first time that you were with child, how did you feel?  Now, keep in mind she was a virgin, betrothed, but not married yet. Imagine the torrent of feelings that must have surged through Mary’s heart at that moment.

 Then the angel spoke, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call Him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever and His kingdom will have no end” Verses30-33. 

 The Catholic Church refers to Mary as ‘The Queen of Heaven’ and has placed her on the same level as deity; however, Protestants tends to place her in what might be called the ‘second class coach of the gospel train’.  We need to rethink both, and be mindful of the role that Mary played in the Christmas story. 

 God did not give her divinity, instead He used her obedience to give Christ humanity!  Note Paul’s words in I Timothy 3:16: “This is the mystery of godliness, that Jesus Christ is entirely God and thoroughly man” (Hainley rendition).  And how did this happen? Through the young woman’s pregnancy and pain of labor.  

 Mary’s response to Gabriel foretells her important place in the gospel story: “And Mary said: ‘My soul exalts the Lord; my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.  For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond slave. For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed’” (Luke 1:46-48).

 As we begin the countdown, before we celebrate the birth of God’s Gift – “His only begotten Son” who came to earth for the specific purpose of giving His life a ransom for you and for me - make sure your honor and worship and praise is for ‘Jesus, the Reason for the Season’.

 Blessings,  Gramps

 

 

 November 27, 2015

They Will Know That I Am the Lord!

 “Therefore, I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1).

 Hay Gang:  There is no question that our nation is a mess and getting messier each and every day and it appears, at this moment that, if God does not intervene in a mighty way, soon the days will continue to get darker. But!  Neat word “but” God’s Word is very clear and filled with words of encouragement and reasons to be thankful.  I would guess that each of you had a good meal, in fellowship with loved ones, and in a warm house; something that many brothers and sisters in Christ did not have this Thanksgiving Day.

 The days are growing darker but there are some things the world cannot take away: Jesus Christ is same today as He was yesterday and He continues to stand at the door of our hearts asking permission to come in and sup with us.  The gift of Jesus Christ, His death on the cross and His resurrection to redeem you and me has not changed one iota.  Is that not awesome?

 In Ezekiel thirty six, verses twenty one through the end of the chapter, we read that our God is a sovereign God.  I have a hard time with that word, sovereign, because we have no role models in our lives that qualify as sovereign. My dictionary tells me that sovereign means “having supreme rank, power, authority, greatest is degree, utmost and extreme.”   Isaiah eleven, one through nine, give us the description of such a person. We read in Luke 1:30-31, who this person is: “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus”.

 In the world in which we are living, in the insanity by which we find ourselves encompassed, we must remind ourselves that our sovereign God is above and beyond all the craziness.  Again I emphasize that our God does not change! He remains a steady anchor! He is our refuge and strength!  Under His wings we have protection.

 It was recently reported that the number one mental health issue today is anxiety and fear.  (written 10 years ago!)  Being the nervous type, if I did not believe God was sovereign, I would be “fit to be tied and locked away.” I would be going to bed each night unable to fall asleep. I would be going crazier by the day, with no end in sight to my despair. Instead, I go to bed each night and Awake the next morning with a song of thanksgiving on my lips.

 Why? Because God is sovereign! It is our sovereign God who puts men and women in power and removes them from power.  I peeked- history is going to end exactly as God has determined it will end.  Look again at Ezekiel 36:22 “Thus says the Lord God, It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went”.  Do you think that applies to America as well?  I suspect that it does.

 Deterioration and decay is not new; it has been with each generation since Eve took a bite out of the apple. American culture has been decaying for more than a half-century and has reached the point of moral bankruptcy. Our value system has run amok. Isaiah 5:20 says:

 “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Is this not where America is today? Morals once cherished have been placed in the trash heaps.  Faith in the God of the Bible is ridiculed. And yet, I still have hope!   Why? I have read the final chapter.  “That God loved me so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on a hideous cross that I might be freed from the bondage of sin and at that moment when I said, “Lord I commit my heart and soul to you”, my name was recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life and I will one day be included in the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.  (read Titus 2:11-15) 

   I believe one day, very soon, Abba Father will say to Son, Yeshua, “Go for it”.  Go and bring Your Bride home.  Wow, come Lord Jesus!  Oh, keep in mind when He does come, the door closes.  Make sure your witness is strong today.

 Blessings,  Gramps

What Is Your Security?

 

November 17,2015

 “God is our refuge and strength, (Can you yell at the top of your lungs in this day of woe, AMEN TO THAT!) A very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear”   (Psalm 46:1-2).

Hey Gang:    The question was posed to the woman who had just won the lottery: “What had changed in her life.”  She responded, “I used to worry about where I was going to get my next meal, now I worry that someone will come and steal my next meal!”  It is a known fact there are more nervous breakdowns and suicides directly tied to financial issues than any other. 

According to the financial gurus of our world today, the news is gloomier than being “up the creek without a paddle”.   But I have also discovered there are two schools of thought when it comes to what folks in this world put their faith in.  There are the John Paul Getty’s who, all though they are among the richest in the world, when asked, “How much more do you need?” Answer, “Just a little more”.

It is said of one who, on the day of his burial, as his hearse was passing by spectators on his way to the final resting place, two old coggers were sitting on a bench; one turned to the other and said, “I wonder how much he left behind?”  The other answered “All of it!" 

In our world today we have mega ways to place our security in the inventions of man.   There are bank accounts, precious metals, insurance policies, health care plans, retirement funds, financial investments – these are things in which many people place their trust.

Some may invest in high fences, aggressive watchdogs, or elaborate alarm systems to protect their properties.  Still others may stash away a stockpile of survival items or build a bomb shelter.   The Psalmist gave us a better way that also provides peace of mind: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8).

But regardless of all human precautions, the world can offer nothing that is absolutely secure:  the economy may collapse, causing money, banks, and businesses to fail; insurance plans may be inadequate; company may go bankrupt; earthly assets are vulnerable to theft, deterioration, earthquake, flood or fire;  we can be robbed or swindled;  Identify thief is a major industry.

 Jeremiah addressed this very issue when he wrote, “True security is found in looking upward to Someone in whom we can safely place our confidence.  That Someone is our unchanging God, who is our solid rock and Refuge, our ever present help in time of need.   Our confidence should not be in ‘uncertain riches, but in the living God’”.  (I Timothy 6:17).

We don’t have a clue what the bankers of the world have up their sleeves, or what the future holds, but ,as children of God, we trust  the One who holds the future in His hand.  We do not need to live in the grip of fear, worry, or anxiety.  With the assurance of God’s loving care, we can have calm serenity and deep, settled peace as we face what lies ahead.  With our trust in our great Protector, we have all we need to be truly secure in life and in death.    He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

And know this my young friends, “Treasure in Heaven” Matthew 6:20 is the only investment that is safe and sound, sure and secure”.

Blessings,  Gramps  Psalm 90:17