One of my favorite books is Max Lucado’s little book, Cosmic Christmas. I have used these quotes from that book before, but some things are just worth repeating. Hope you enjoy them as we near the Christmas Season.
Behold the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, God with us. Matthew 1:23
The King walked over and reached for the book. He turned it toward Lucifer and commanded, Come, Deceiver, read the name of the One who will call your bluff. Read the name of the One who will storm your gates. Satan rose slowly off his haunches. Like a wary wolf, he walked a wide circle toward the desk until he stood before the volume and read the word: Immanuel. Immanuel? He muttered to himself, then spoke in a tone of disbelief. God with us? For the first time the hooded head turned squarely toward the face of the Father. No. Not even You would do that. Not even You would go so far.
You've never believed Me, Satan.
But Immanuel? The plan is bizarre! You don't know what it is like on Earth! You don't know how dark I've made it. It's putrid. It's evil. It's...
It is Mine, proclaimed the King. And I will reclaim what is Mine. I will become flesh. I will feel what My creatures feel. I will see what they see.But what of their sin?
I will bring mercy.
What of their death? I will give life. Satan stood speechless. God spoke, I love my children. Love does not take away the beloved's freedom. But love takes away fear. And Immanuel will leave behind a tribe of fearless children. They will not fear you or your hell. Satan stepped back at the thought. His retort was childish.
Th-th-they will too!
I will take away all sin. I will take away death. Without sin and without death, you will have no power.
Around and around in a circle Satan paced, clenching and unclenching his wiry fingers. When he finally stopped, he asked a question that even I (Gabriel) was thinking.
Why? Why would You do this?
The Father's voice was deep and soft. Because I love them.
Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado pages 22-26
Thought for the week: 3 Ways It's All in a Name
If your name is on the building, you're rich; if your name is on your desk, you're middle-class; if your name is on your shirt, you're poor. Rich Hall
Funny for the week: "Ten Commandments"
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five- and six-year-olds.
After explaining the commandment to "honor" thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"
Without missing a beat, one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill."
He’s on to something………Chaplain Barnes
Last week’s answer:
12. There was snow that First Christmas:
a. Only in
b. All over
c. Nowhere in
d. Somewhere in Israel
e. Mary and Joseph only “dreamed” of a white Christmas
This week’s question:
13. The wise men stopped in
a. To inform Herod about Jesus
b. To find out where Jesus was
c. To ask about the star they saw
d. For gas
e. To buy presents for Jesus
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