Communion

"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread." - 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." - 1 Corinthians 11:23-24

We remember how the Lord gave His flesh on the cross so that we could have life. We remember His mercy on us to take our place of punishment for our sins. We remember His forgiveness.

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:51

We remember the cup of suffering Jesus drank. We remember the blood Jesus shed for our sins.

"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." - Matthew 26:39

Jesus told His disciples to remember Him – His suffering and death - when they would take the cup of the fruit of the vine.

"After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." - 1 Corinthians 11:25

Whenever we take communion, it is a reminder not only of Christ’s death, but also of our own commitment to keep our sinful nature under control, dead to sin and alive to God.

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." - 1 Corinthians 11:26

When we repent, we crucify our flesh. When we are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, we bury our old sinful nature. Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (the sign being speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance), we receive God’s resurrecting power to live a new, holy life, ready to meet Jesus in the resurrection. (See: Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4, Rom. 6, 1 Thess. 4:13-18)

"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 11:27

We are worthy because we have repented of our sins and have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name. We are worthy by His Holy Spirit within us, the Holy Ghost.

"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." - 1 Corinthians 11:28-30

When we prepare for communion we examine ourselves. By repentance, we must cleanse ourselves of any sins we have committed and any unforgiveness we have towards others. Jesus has forgiven us – we must forgive others, not asking for justice for their wrongdoings, but rather mercy, as we have received mercy.

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." - Luke 23:34

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:59-60

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1

When we examine ourselves, we judge ourselves of any sin in us and repent of it. By godly sorrow of our sins, we are disciplined. By His mercy, we are forgiven.

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world {which lacks repentance} worketh death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10

"For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." - 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

When we take of the bread and drink of the cup, we do it in remembrance of Christ. When we remember Christ, we remember his mercy, love, and forgiveness for us. With our communion with Jesus, we are able to share His mercy and love by the gospel to the whole world.

A new year. A new calendar to open and start new. An opportunity to purpose in our hearts to live for God more than we have last year…to do more in the kingdom of God – praying more, witnessing more, fulfilling our callings.

It can be a productive time of self-examination. It can be a productive time of making things right. It can be a time of forgiveness. It can be a time of repentance and receiving forgiveness.

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:12-14 KJV

Another translation:

"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me [made me his own]. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." - Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

The Butler and the Baker and Communion

While Joseph was in prison, Pharaoh’s Butler and Baker were also cast into prison. The Butler and the Baker both had dreams. The Butler dreamed he was taking grapes and pressing them into Pharaoh’s cup. Joseph interpreted for him that in three days he would be restored to his position.

The Baker dreamed that birds ate all his bake goods that he had in a basket on top of his head. Joseph interpreted for him that in three days he would hang on a tree and die. (Genesis 40:1-19)

The Butler seems to represent the blood and Spirit of Jesus. The Baker seems to represent the body of Jesus. Jesus’ flesh hung on a tree, died, and was buried. But in three days, His Spirit resurrected Him to life.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6.51)

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."" (Mark 14:22)

"Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of (summoned) the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them." (Genesis 40:20-22)

As the fulfillment of the dreams take place in three days, Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection also take place in three days.

“Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day” (Luke 24.46)

The Butler, as the cup bearer, seems to represent the Life that is in Jesus.

"Then he (Jesus) took the cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many." (Mark 14.23, 24)

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood…" (Leviticus 17:11a)

After Joseph had interpreted the Butler’s dream, Joseph told him to remember him.

"But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house (prison)." (Genesis 40:14)

"Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.… Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him." (Genesis 40:21, 23)

Just as Joseph told the Butler to remember him, Jesus told his disciples to remember Him when they would take the cup with the fruit of the vine.

"In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”" (1 Corinthians 11:25)

Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: "I remember my faults this day." (Genesis 41:9)

For two years, the Butler had forgotten to tell Pharaoh there was an innocent Hebrew bound in prison. Then, the Butler remembered his faults.

Before we take communion, we are to remember our faults.

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28)

When we repent, we crucify our flesh, just as the baker was hung on the tree. When we apply Jesus’ blood in water baptism for the remission of sins and receive the Holy Ghost, we are restored to God, as the Butler was restored to his position with Pharaoh.

In communion, we examine and judge ourselves, as the Butler remembered his faults. When we remember Christ, He is loosed and elevated in our life to a position of power, salvation, and provision, as the Butler remembered Joseph, who ascended from a place of being bound, to rule all the land of Egypt, providing for and saving the world from famine.

What is a ransom?

It is the price you pay to free someone that is being held captive. When it is someone you love, you are willing to make whatever sacrifice it takes.

We were held captive by our sins. We were faced with a death sentence.

"For the wages of sin is death..." - Romans 6:23

Satan, the Prosecutor, stands ready to accuse us of our sins.

God is Spirit. Because of His great love for us, He took on the form of flesh – “the Son of man” - and stepped in to pay the ransom for us. There is only one God. He is our Father. His name is Jesus.

"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:28

Our Father loved us so much, He was willing to pay whatever sacrifice it would take: the price of our ransom was His life blood.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." - Romans 5:8-9

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15

Because God paid the ransom of His blood for us, the devil has no power over us. God came in the form of flesh – the Son (flesh) of God – so that He could shed the blood that would set us free.

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." - John 8:36

"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." - Revelation 12:10

When we have applied the blood – the ransom Jesus paid to set us free from our sins – we are free indeed.

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:11

We apply the blood of Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name. It is by baptism in Jesus name that we are set free from our sins by their remission.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:39

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." - Romans 8:15

Jesus is the Light of the world

"A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." - Luke 2:32 KJV (NLT: He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!")

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12 KJV

The Bible speaks of Jesus being in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, which the Bible calls “the feast of the dedication.” (John 10:22 KJV/NLT)

Hanukkah is also known today as the Festival of Lights.

There is much of Hanukkah that is symbolic of Christ and of the New Covenant.

The eight holders for the Hanukkah lights are for oil (preferably) or candles, just as the lights of the golden candlestick that were in the temple were fueled by pure olive oil, symbolic of God’s Holy Spirit. The Hanukkah candles (or oil lamps) are lit during the eight nights of Hanukkah.

The Hanukkah menorah has not only eight holders for oil or candles, but also an additional holder, set apart from the rest, for the “Shamash,” or “servant” candle. The lights of the menorah are ignited by the Shamash, or servant candle. It appears that Jesus represents this Shamash or servant candle.

To be kosher, the Shamash light must be offset on a higher or lower plane than the main eight lights of the Hanukkah menorah. Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples as a servant, while at the same time He is the Mighty God revealed in flesh.

Jesus showed Himself as a servant to His disciples at the last supper.

"He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." - John 13:4-5 KJV

As God, the Creator of the universe that took on the form of His creation, He humbled Himself.

"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:" - Philippians 2:7 KJV

The Everlasting Father came in the form of man to redeem man from sin so that He could pour out His Spirit on all flesh.

"And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." - Joel 2:27-29 KJV

Jesus, the Light of the world, would pour out His Holy Spirit on all flesh, so that His disciples could be the light of the world.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." - Matthew 5:14 KJV

"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:15-16 KJV

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12 KJV

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8 KJV

"For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." - Acts 13:47 KJV

The Dedication

This year, the Gregorian calendar day of the 3rd of December fell on the Jewish calendar day of the 25th of Kislev. (In 2016, the 25th of December fell on the 25th of Kislev.) There were several events that occurred on the 25th of Kislev in Bible history.

On this day in 1312 BCE (BCE is the same as BC) the Tabernacle in the wilderness was completed (although not assembled until 3 months later - dedicated on the 1st of Nissan).

On this day in 139 BCE the Temple was repaired, cleansed and rededicated after being defiled by the Syrian-Greek king Antiochus IV and his armies, who had tried to forcefully uproot the beliefs and practices of Judaism from the people of Israel: Jewish worship was forbidden; the scrolls of the Law were confiscated and burned. Sabbath rest, circumcision and the dietary laws were prohibited under penalty of death.

All the Temple's oil had also been defiled by the pagan invaders. When the Jews went to re-light the Temple's Golden Candlesticks, they could only find one small cruse of olive oil that was ritually pure. Miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days, until new, pure oil could be obtained. It was because of this miracle that the 8-day festival of Hanukkah was instituted. For 8 nights, candles are lit to recall and publicize this great miracle. Hanukkah is mentioned in the New Testament as the feast of dedication. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication,” because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple.

"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter." - John 10:22 KJV [Another translation: “It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication.” – John 10:22 NLT]

Jesus compared the Temple to His body. When speaking of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus called it His Father’s house:

"And the Jews' Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

“And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.

“When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said." - John 2:13-22 KJV

Adam was in the beginning. He was the first man.

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" - Romans 5:12 KJV

Jesus is referred to as last Adam. The first Adam was defiled by sin. The last Adam – Christ - brought holiness back to the temple of man. Because of the gospel, man could once again be undefiled as first Adam was before he sinned. (John 10:22,36, Hebrews 7:26, Acts 2:38) Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. (1Corinthians 15:1-4) His body is the temple of God. When we repent, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we become a holy temple of God.

"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit." - 1 Corinthians 15:45 KJV

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" - 1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." - 2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV

In conclusion, Adam (first Adam) - the original flesh and blood temple of God - became defiled by sin. Christ (last Adam - the holy, undefiled human body of God) provided cleansing of the temple (man) by His death, burial, and resurrection.

We now may also become the temple of God (as in the beginning, before sin entered into the picture) cleansed by repentance, baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sin, and receiving the Holy Ghost (the Spirit of the Father within us).

Christ is the fulfillment of Hanukkah, which is the celebration of the re-dedication of the Temple. Hanukkah begins each year on Kislev 25. The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication."

"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." - Matthew 1:23 KJV

Our Heavenly Father took on the form of man and lived among us. Emmanuel - God with us.

Jesus told His disciple Philip, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" - John 14:9 KJV

Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, opened blind eyes and deaf ears, multiplied the fish and loaves, and calmed the storm.

Jesus explained. "The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." - John 14:10 KJV The Father within Him spoke, and the miracles happened.

A Christmas Story

What is Christmas, Mama?

Christmas is the time of the year when we remember the great gift the Lord gives to us.

God’s gift is for you, for me, and for all the world.

What gift does God give us, Mama?

The Lord gives us a gift that prophets from old time told us would come.

What are prophets?

Prophets are holy men that God speaks to. God tells them what He wants them to tell His people.

Isaiah is a prophet. God told Isaiah there would be a child born. He would be a son. He would be born a King. He would bring the kingdom of God on earth.

Who is this child?

Isaiah told us this child is Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Is this child God?

This child is God inside a human body. God began His life as a human as a little baby.

Why is He called The Prince of Peace?

God brought peace to us when He paid the price of our sins. It is a wonderful feeling when we are forgiven and have a fresh start to do what pleases God.

"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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." - Colossians 1:20 KJV

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

What is this child’s name, Mama?

This child would be named JESUS. This name is God’s name. It means “LORD Salvation”. The name JESUS is God’s greatest name because God paid the price for our sins in the name of Jesus.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV

Who is this child’s mama?

Her name is Mary.

The angel of the Lord, Gabriel, visited Mary. He told her God would give her a son. He would be God in a human body – the Son of God. The angel told Mary to name her child JESUS. He would be a King with a kingdom that has no end.

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." - Luke 1:31 KJV

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:" - Luke 1:32 KJV

"And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:33 KJV

Joseph was soon to be Mary’s husband. He had just found out that Mary was expecting a baby. Joseph was thinking of not marrying her.

While he was thinking about this, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. He told Joseph to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife. Mary was going to have a baby by the power of God’s Spirit.

He told Joseph to name this holy child JESUS: “for he shall save his people from their sins”.

"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." - Matthew 1:20 KJV

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21 KJV

Where was Jesus born?

The Lord spoke through the prophet Micah telling us that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem was King David’s home. God promised David there would be a son born from his descendants that would reign forever. This son of David would be God in a human body that would be King forever.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2 KJV

"And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom." - 2 Samuel 7:12 KJV

"He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever." - 2 Samuel 7:13 KJV

On the night Jesus was born, the angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds that were watching their flocks of sheep in the fields.

All of a sudden, the shepherds felt the glory and power of the Lord all around them and got scared.

The angel told them, you have nothing to be afraid of - you are feeling the presence of God! What I have come to tell you is going to make you very happy. It will bring great joy to you and to everyone that hears the good news I am bringing you.

The angel told the shepherds they would see a sign. They would find Jesus wrapped up snugly and lying in a manger.

Why was Jesus in a manger, Mama? Is a manger what animals eat out of?

Yes. God told us that animals know who the farmer is that feeds them and they know that they find their hay in the manger, but God’s own people do not know who He is and that He cares for them.

God, our heavenly Father, made Himself as a baby and was born our Savior. God knew that He would be rejected by the leaders of His people. He knew that they would not recognize Him as their Savior in a human body. The manger is a sign to show the world Jesus is God.

What happened next, Mama?

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid." - Luke 2:8-9 KJV

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:10-11 KJV

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." - Luke 2:12 KJV

"The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass (donkey) his master's crib (manger): but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." - Isaiah 1:3 KJV

Suddenly the sky was filled with angels. They were praising and giving God glory for the peace He was bringing to earth between Himself and man. Because of God’s great gift, we can have a close relationship with Him again, like Adam and Eve had back in the Garden of Eden. God was going to save us from our sins that had caused separation between us and God.

The shepherds were excited to go see the Savior that everyone had been waiting for!

They hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger, just as the angel of the Lord had told them.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:13-14 KJV

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:15-16 KJV

When they saw Jesus in the manger, the shepherds went and told everyone everywhere, The Lord has come to save us!

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:17 KJV

"And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ... And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." - Luke 2:18, 20 KJV

As Jesus grew, from a child to a man, He spread His love telling people everywhere about His kingdom. He went about preaching and healing sick, blind, deaf, and lame people.

Jesus chose twelve men to follow Him. They are called disciples. Jesus baptized His disciples, and all those that came to Him, in Jesus name.

When we repent and are baptized in Jesus name, our sins are washed away.

Many people heard this message and began to follow Jesus. They knew Jesus is the way to heaven.

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized." - John 3:22 KJV

After doing many miracles and preaching the gospel, God gave the greatest gift He could give: He gave His body on a cross made from a tree to pay the price of our sins.

Did God die, Mama?

The body that God lived in died on a cross. His disciples buried His body in a tomb. But that is not the end of the story!

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree…" - 1 Peter 2:24 KJV

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself…" - Colossians 1:20 KJV

On the third day, God brought His body back to life.

An angel at the grave told His disciples Jesus had risen from the dead!

Because Jesus is God, He is alive today and forevermore.

"And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him." - Mark 16:6 KJV

Jesus then spent 40 days with His disciples. He told them He was going away to heaven, but He would come back and fill them with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" - Acts 1:3 KJV

"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." - Acts 1:4-5 KJV

When we are sorry for the wrong things we have done, and we love Jesus with all of our heart, we can receive God’s special gift of His Spirit in us.

When we are baptized in water in Jesus name, all the things we are sorry for are washed away. We are clean from all of our sins. We enter into the kingdom of God.

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

Jesus told His disciples to tell everyone the good news of His gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins He was buried, and on the third day rose again!

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15 KJV

What shall we do, Mama?

Peter explained what to do on the Day of Pentecost when Jesus first poured our His Spirit.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:39 KJV

We can worship and pray to Jesus and receive His gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost! We can get baptized in water in Jesus name and have all our sins washed away!

This gift is for you, for me, and for all the world!

Mama, now I know what Christmas is –

It is the time of year we remember the birth of Jesus and the great gift He gives to us – peace, His Holy Ghost, and a place in His Kingdom!

The Light

Jesus is our heavenly Father that robed Himself in a human body, to bring His mercy and love to the world. He came to save those that were in the darkness of condemnation from their sins.

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12 KJV

The light of Jesus appeared to Paul. Paul became a preacher of the gospel to the Gentiles.

"Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." - Acts 26:17-18 KJV

The gospel brought the Gentiles from the darkness of condemnation into the light of God’s mercy by the forgiveness of their sins by repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV

By their obedience to the gospel, the Gentiles also became God’s chosen people.

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar ["(God's own) possession"] people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8 KJV

How do we obey the Gospel to become children of light?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

Church!!

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:30-33 KJV

JESUS brought His kingdom on earth. Isaiah prophesied of this.

"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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:7 KJV

Jesus would establish His kingdom on earth by the gospel. (His death, burial, and resurrection).

The Father robed Himself in flesh and blood to take our place, facing judgment and justice for our sin. God established His kingdom with judgment and with justice by the death of this child that was born, this son that was given, which is the Father’s body, called by the Father's name JESUS. (Luke 11:2, John 5:43). God’s human body that He dwelt in was of the lineage of king David. God’s kingdom of peace would be everlasting.

The Father brought peace between mankind and Himself by the holy sacrifice of His body. (Acts 20:28, Hebrews 2:14-15).

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them" - 2 Corinthians 5:19a KJV

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself" - Colossians 1:20a KJV

What is His kingdom?

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." - Romans 14:17 KJV

How do we enter His kingdom?

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

We enter the kingdom of God by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and by Spirit baptism by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance. (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6). This is our peace with God.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21 KJV

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV

Jesus Our Horn of Salvation

Zacharias prophesied of Christ when his son John the Baptist was born.

"And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people," - Luke 1:67-68 KJV

God overshadowed the young woman Mary making Himself a body so He could visit His people, dwelling among them. God did this so He could shed His own blood for the remission of their sins and redeem them. (Acts 20:28, Leviticus 17:11, Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 9:22)

"And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;" - Luke 1:69 KJV

Horn: of an ox, a goat, or a ram. It is a metaphor of strength and power. The first mention of the Hebrew word for horn is Genesis 22:13, when God provided Himself a lamb for a burnt offering to take the place of Isaac, who was offered by his father Abraham when he was being tested by God.

The shofar, which is a ram’s horn, is used as a call of repentance and a reminder of the love of God for His people. It is a symbol of the ram that replaced Isaac on the altar as a sacrifice. A ram is a male sheep.

There is another Hebrew word for ram’s horn, “yovel.” This word is the same Hebrew word for Jubilee: “the Jubilee year, the fiftieth year of the Shemittah cycle, during which all properties return to their original owners and all slaves are freed (see Leviticus 25:8-16).”

Jesus is the horn of salvation. He is the power of salvation. Jesus is God our Savior. The ram that took Isaac’s place as a sacrifice is a metaphor for Jesus. Jesus (the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world hung on a tree) took our place as a sacrifice, just as the ram (a male sheep caught on a tree) took Isaac’s place as a sacrifice. Jesus is our Jubilee. We were slaves to sin and Jesus sets us free. (Hebrews 2:14-15, Acts 20:28).

We claim the freedom Jesus purchased for us when we turn our back on sin by repentance, our sins are buried with Jesus when we are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and we are filled with the power of Jesus to overcome sin when we receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. Jesus sets us free from sin.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

In the beginning of the nation of Israel, God was their King. After the years of the judges and at the time of Samuel, the last judge, the people decided they wanted a king like the other nations.

Samuel was not happy with the people, and went to the LORD.

"And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." - 1 Samuel 8:7

God told Samuel to warn the people of all the problems they would have if a man was their king instead of God.

"Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles." - 1 Samuel 8:19-20

As many years went by and kings came and went, none could be a substitute as God for their King.

Then "the fullness of time" arrived.

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." - Galatians 4:4-5

Just a short time after Israel’s covenant of the law with God at Mt. Sinai, there was the first sin of the Jewish people as a nation with the golden calf. Israel needed a Redeemer.

Now, in the fulness of time, God Himself would pay the price of sin with the shedding of His very own blood.

The Lord overshadowed a young virgin, causing her to conceive. This baby boy was God in flesh, the Redeemer.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

"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." - Matthew 1:23

Not only did God come as Redeemer: He came as King.

The wise men from the east came seeking this King,

"Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." - Matthew 2:2

God would once again be King of the Jews. This time, God would be the King that every eye could see. He would be the Righteous Judge. He would go out before His people, and fight their battles. God, as the Lamb of sacrifice which taketh away the sin of the world, is this King. His name is JESUS.

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14

Isaiah 9:6 Part Four

"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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

In the Garden of Eden, man had communion with God. Because Adam disobeyed God, communion with God was broken, and sin entered into the world. Man no longer had peace with God.

God looked for a man that was without sin that could restore the communion that was lost in the garden, but there was no man without sin. Only the Father Himself, robed in a sinless human body, could pay the price to restore the peace that was lost.

This child that would be born, the body of the Mighty God, would be called the Prince of Peace, for God would make peace between Himself and man by the blood of His cross. God would reconcile us back to Himself. He would pay the price of sin that separated us, so that we could receive the gift of His Spirit, and have communion with Him again, as Adam and Eve had with Him in the Garden of Eden.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:" - Colossians 1:20-22

The next verse says we are reconciled back to God IF we continue in the faith and are not moved away (backslidden) from the hope of the gospel.

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:23

What is the hope of the gospel? By repenting of wicked works we have done, being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and being filled with His Holy Ghost, we will have eternal life with Jesus in heaven.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

Isaiah 9:6 Part Three

This son, the everlasting Father revealed in flesh, would be given the Father’s name that is above every name, “JESUS.” For by His name JESUS, God brought salvation to the world.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

"I am come in my Father's name" - John 5:43a

"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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9:6 Part Two

The Everlasting Father would come to earth born as a child. Even though the world was made by Him, the world would not recognize that Jesus is the Father revealed in flesh.

"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." - Matthew 1:23

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." - John 1:10-11

God came unto His own, and He was not received, even from His birth. There was no room for them in the inn.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." - Luke 2:7

"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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9:6 Part One

In the Garden of Eden, man had communion with God. Because Adam disobeyed God, communion with God was broken, and sin entered into the world.

God looked for a man that was without sin that could restore the communion that was lost in the garden, but there was no man without sin. Only the Father Himself, robed in a sinless human body, could pay the price to restore the peace that was lost.

Isaiah prophesied of His coming.

"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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh part 3

What is frankincense?

Frankincense is a white resin burned as fragrant incense. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 30:34 when the LORD told Moses to make a perfume, pure and holy, to put before the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle, where the LORD would meet with him. The frankincense along with three fragrant spices, was to be only for the LORD; anyone that would make the perfume for themselves to smell were to be cut off from his people.

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: and thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy: and thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy. And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD. Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people." - Exodus 30:34-38 KJV

From these verses it appears that frankincense as one of the three gifts of the wise men to the young child Jesus was symbolic that Jesus is the LORD incarnate.

Frankincense was also placed on meal offerings to the LORD.

"And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon: and he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: and the remnant of the meat offering shall be Aaron's and his sons': it is a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire." - Leviticus 2:1-3 KJV

As the remnant of this offering with frankincense was for the high priest Aaron and his sons, it points to Jesus being our High Priest, bringing the offering of His own blood to atone for our sins.

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." - Hebrews 9:11-12 KJV

Frankincense was also placed on the shewbread, which was placed in the holy place by the altar of incense and the golden menorah. The shewbread was renewed every week and would be eaten by the priests. It is said that the frankincense gives the shewbread a bitter taste.

Here we see the frankincense pointing to the bitterness of suffering of Christ, the Bread of Life that was offered for our sins.

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:51 KJV

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. ... Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." - Matthew 16:21, 24-25 KJV

Jesus experienced the bitterness of extreme pain and suffering of lashes and then crucifixion. We are to follow Him, as the priests would eat the shewbread with the bitter frankincense, and crucify our sinful nature with Christ.

"Knowing this, that our old man [our old sinful lifestyle] is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6 KJV

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 KJV [Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. NLT]

We do this by covenanting with Jesus.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh part 2

Myrrh was one of the three gifts given to Jesus when He was a young child from wise men when they came to worship Him as King of the Jews. (Matthew 2:11).

While gold spoke of Jesus’ Kingship, myrrh spoke of Jesus’ anointing and death.

Myrrh was used in the Old Testament in the holy anointing oil used to anoint the tabernacle and the priests. (Exodus 30:22-31). Jesus spoke of His body as the tabernacle (temple). (John 2:19-21). Jesus is our high priest. (Hebrews 9:11-12). As an antiseptic, myrrh was used in embalming. Myrrh was used to anoint Jesus at His burial.

A woman anointed Jesus’ body with ointment. The Greek word for “ointment” is a root word of the Greek word for “myrrh.” Jesus said she did this for His burial, and wherever the gospel shall be preached, what she had done would be told. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.” - Matthew 26:7

Jesus said of the woman,

“For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her." - Matthew 26:12-13 KJV

Nicodemus brought myrrh to anoint Jesus’ body for burial. This is the same Nicodemus that was a ruler of the Jews that Jesus told must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:1-21).

"And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury." - John 19:38-40 KJV

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh part 1

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." - Matthew 2:1-2 KJV

The three gifts that the wise men brought Jesus spoke of His identity, His mission, and His future.

One of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus was gold – gold for a king.

"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." - Matthew 2:3-6 KJV

The prophet Micah foretold of the Messiah – the LORD manifest in flesh – coming out of Bethlehem to rule Israel.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2 KJV

Isaiah prophesied this king would be the Mighty God, born as a child, to rule and reign upon the throne of David.

"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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

Gold for a king – and Jesus is King of kings – reigning forever!

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:30-33 KJV

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14 KJV

All the fullness of the Father was within the body of Christ. (Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:8-9) From the womb He was holy and without sin. (Luke 1:35) Throughout His life He was in all points tempted, yet remained without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

The way Jesus in the body of human flesh was able to live in this world with all its temptations, and still remain holy and without sin, was by the power of His Spirit, the Father within.

While the body of Jesus was born from Mary's womb as the Son of God, the Father gives us power to BECOME sons of God when we are born AGAIN.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:10-13 KJV

We become born of God when we are born of water and of the Spirit. (John 3:3, 5) We are born of water when we are buried with Him by baptism, the name of Jesus called upon us, His precious blood washing away our sins through His name. (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 22:16, Matthew 26:28, Acts 2:38, Revelation 1:5) We are born of the Spirit when we are filled with the same power that gave the body of Christ power over temptation and sin. We receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as His Spirit gives us utterance. (Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, Acts 2:38-39, Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6)

When we have the Spirit of God within us, we have the Father in us. (John 14:23, Matthew 10:18-20).

Just as Christ is the temple of God, we become the temple of God when we are born again of water and of the Spirit. (John 2:19-21, 1Corinthians 3:17, 2Corinthians 6:16, 1Corinthians 6:19) Because we have come out from among the world and been born again, the Father receives us as His sons and daughters and dwells within us. (2Corinthians 6:14-18, 1John 2:15-16)

When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus answered,

"Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…" - John 14:9 KJV

With the name of Jesus upon us, and the Father within us, we have the power to overcome and live a holy life. We have become the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17) Are we able to say, When you have seen me, you have seen the Father? (Acts 1:8)

How did the King of glory arrive to dwell among His creation?

He came born as a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger, no room in the inn, but instead born in a shed made for animals.

Jesus revealed Himself as our Savior that brought salvation through humility.

"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." - Philippians 2:7-8

Jesus is our example, for we too, as a follower of Christ, are to humble ourselves.

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." - James 4:10

Just as Jesus humbled Himself and died on a cross, we are to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. We become dead to sin by repentance, humbling ourselves before the Lord. When we are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, the Lord lifts us up, filling us with the power of His Spirit to live a new and holy life in Jesus. (Luke 9:23, Rom.6:1-6, Acts 2:38)

"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." - Matthew 23:12

This is the greatest act God has done, redeeming mankind through humility, making Himself in the form of a man to shed His blood for the sins of the world.

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:9-11

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." - 2 Corinthians 5:19

"Who is the image of the invisible God…" - Colossians 1:15

"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain…" - Revelation 5:6

Because God’s greatest act was not the creation of the universe, but rather His humbling of Himself to be born a man to be a sacrifice for our sin, He sits on His throne in heaven as a Lamb - Jesus Christ the righteous.

The Manger

The word “manger” is mentioned three times in Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. In Luke 2:12 it says it is a sign!

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ... And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ... And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:7, 12, 16

According to Thayer’s Lexicon, the word "manger" is compared to “crib.” "Crib" is found in Isaiah 1:3.

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." - Isaiah 1:2-3

“Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” - the “master’s crib.”

Rebellion brings spiritual blindness. Israel would not recognize their God had come to bring them salvation.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." - John 1:10-11

“There was no room for them in the inn.” The world does not have room for a Savior that requires repentance for salvation.

Yet the shepherds “came with haste” and found Him! The Lord revealed Himself to the shepherds – the pastors of the sheep, those whose lives are dedicated to the Chief Shepherd.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:12-13

How do we receive Jesus into our life?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39