"WHAT CHILD IS THIS?"
Dear Pilgrims, Patriots, and Friends,
Back in March of 1972, my wife and I gave our lives over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Recognizing my passion for the work of the Lord, even as a new believer, the family that discipled us in the Lord introduced me to the founder of a Bible college who encouraged me to attend its two-year program. By the providence of God, I enrolled and soon discovered that one of the Bible teacher's specialties was Bible prophecy — something of which I had no previous knowledge as a "baby" Christian.
It was under his tutelage that I received my first introduction to the prophecies of the first and second coming of Christ. I was amazed at all the Old Testament prophecies relating to the birth of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ, and their fulfillment by His first coming. Consequently, Christmas took on a whole new meaning for me. From that time on, even before our children came along, a new family Christmas tradition was born — that of recounting the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ, alongside the reading of the New Testament account of the birth of the Christ Child. And thus the true meaning of Christmas was not lost in all the tinsel of the season.
Along with family traditions, Christmas reminds me that we can trust the Lord because He always keeps His promises. With over 300 Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ — and a good number of them fulfilled upon the moment of His birth — wouldn't you say that His is truly a birth-day to celebrate with gratitude to our Heavenly Father? Thanks be to God, for... "Not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed" (Joshua 23:14).
I realize the celebration of Christmas is expressed in a multitude of ways in Christendom. However, I pray that no matter the involvement, or the lack thereof, that this will be a season of redemption — a season of redemption of unsaved loved ones and redemption of the time, prophetically, with your families. My holiday challenge to you, dear friends, is to search the Scriptures and look up all the prophecies of the first coming of Christ, and to read them with your family throughout the Christmas holy day season. Jesus is prophetically the reason for this holiday season.
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) |
Oh Come Let Us Adore Him!
In Christ the Lord,
and Mantle Ministries
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