Indifference Stinks During Any Season Of The Year.. Yes, At Christmas Time Too. Let's Live Fervently-Warmhearted (Prayerful), Attentively-Ardent.. Actually Authentic, And Conscientiously-Concerned For All People.

"And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel." —Matthew 2:6

Remember how the theological experts of Jesus' day, were the so-called guardians of spiritual truth in Israel.

Remember how the religious leaders wouldn’t even bother to walk a few miles to Bethlehem to go check out if the Messiah had really been born.

When King Herod heard from the wise men about a “newborn king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2 NLT), he summoned the chief priests and scribes and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem in Judea ..for this is what the prophet had written: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel’” (see verses 5–6 NLT).

They knew the answer. In fact, from the text, it almost appears like they knew it right away. So why weren’t they looking for the Messiah in Bethlehem? It wasn't far away, their city of Jerusalem over to Bethlehem. They could have gone there, but they were indifferent inside.

Some foreign dignitaries came on the scene locally from the far East, claiming to have seen a star that led them to that very area, and the One they were seeking was called a "king.”

They had inquired.

The Bible says, "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.'" Matthew 2:1-2

Did all that pique the religious leaders’ minds and curiosity? Did it cause wonder and inquiry? Nope. They didn’t have the time for that, so they didn't do anything. They simply told King Herod that Bethlehem was where the Messiah would be born.

It would appear that Herod feared Jesus’ authority. But what about these religious leaders? They already felt they knew better. They thought they knew all the answers from the Scriptures (it's certainly good to study to find out the answers), yet these folk did nothing in response. Was their studying leading them to wise applications of Scripture? Did it lead them to get right inside and have softened hearts? These men stayed cold, distracted, and indifferent. They simply stayed too busy with themselves and their Jewish hierarchy to feel concerned about Jesus and what the Father in Heaven was even doing.

After Jesus began His public ministry in the area, the spiritually dead religious Jewish leaders became His principal adversaries. Our sins (and we all have sinned) put Christ upon the Cross at Calvary. But think about how it played out. For all practical purposes on how that was carried out, these religious men were responsible for His execution. They must have felt that Jesus was a real threat to their religious structure on how they wanted things done there. How did this upstart quickly gain so much influence among the people!? These small "leaders" couldn't control Christ by fear or by anything in their world of spiritual manipulation.

What did they do with Him? They wanted to act shrewdly, practically, and politically so they sent Christ to Pilate. It was from envy they did this. They were jealous of His spiritual authority (no mere human had such authority as Christ's).

They were grumpy, grippy, too stiff, and crochety -- unflexable. God was doing a new thing in their midst according to old prophecies and they were at all not ready for this.

Most of them at least didn't even want to be. They liked things the way they were and got ticked off inside at the idea of change. Maybe not all of them were ticked, but many felt resentful about how the masses of people were excited and loved Jesus. They hung on His every word of truth taught. And the religious leaders were very jealous that He seemed to have an intimate (even blessed) relationship with God the Father that they totally lacked. What in this world is more important than having this first-hand relationship with God. NOTHING, null, nada, zero even comes close.

Q: Do you lack this intimacy with God during Christmas time? You don't have to. Do you need a second chance in this broken world when none else here feels you should have that?

Have you somehow grown cooler or lukewarm spiritually? Have you been burned by so-called Christians or leaders? Was there a time in the past when you walked closer to Jesus? Come close again! God can heal and strengthen you. Be refilled with His Spirit.

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'” Matthew 11:28-30 nlt

This Christmas season is all about a compassionate (non-indifferent kind of) God of second chances. There's only One God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

The Son of God, Jesus came here in love for us. He was born to die in your place (and in my place) to pay the penalty for our sins. You've heard this--it's true!

God isn't stiff and religious--never has been. Has dead religion made you feel bored out of your gord? It did that to me (in the so-called Roman Church) for 17 years of my life. It wasn't about a healthy relationship with God, it was more a sick-controlling situation-ship.. that kept a far away Pope happy. Just sayin'.

Ditch it, run (don't walk) to Christ in humble repentance and faith. He will forgive, cleanse, sanctify in His Word, and gently lead you to a healthy local church with real believers who will lovingly edify you with what is so..

He is all for raising you up, and raising others up too. He cares about you and your friends.

Jesus wisely addressed these leaders later on, saying to them, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me’” (Mark 7:6 nlt).

These hard-hearted men had been sort of looking for a completely different type of Messiah. They were non-responsive, arrogant, and unrepentant. They had been looking for someone who would support their intricate, overly complicated, boring religious system and their preferred way of living. They wanted a more lux lifestyle and a Messiah who showed more respect towards their way of having all that. They desired to keep controlling the "ignorant commoners" of their day. They wanted a Messiah who would help them have it their way and would cater to their every vain or stupid whim.

There are a lot of people like this today. Sadly in some so-called churches. They want Jesus, but do they want the real Jesus of the Bible? They desire Christ but on their own terms. They want the kind of Christ whom they can control, the kind of Jesus who won’t challenge them or be Lord of all.

The religious leaders knew God the Father’s Scriptures (to a degree and were not humbly teachable). Yet they did not know His heart at all, and they did nothing to meet God the Father's living Savior walking before them. Please don’t completely miss the (Bible) Christ of Christmas this year, as those religious leaders did. Religion and ritual kept them from Jesus. It's really about relationships, not religion.

Is God cold, cruel, mean and/or religious? Nope, far from! Does God have callous indifference to people, or take pleasure in, causing pain and suffering?

Is there a way to overcome spiritual apathy? Why am I so apathetic about my spirituality?

Sup with this so-called “war on Christmas”? How should Christians respond?  Why are some people so strongly opposed to celebrating Christmas? 

I love Christmas time. Do you have some questions about Christmas? Does the Bible teach Christians to celebrate Christmas?

Christians should indeed celebrate Christmas, but when? I like to all year long really. Does the Bible teach Christians to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ?

What does God say about misanthropy (the dislike of humans)? What does it fully mean to be misanthropic?

Do we honor an abusive parent.. really? Sure, there are smart ways to do that. What responsibility do adult children each have regarding a relationship with their parents?

What are some appropriate reasons for missing church.. and totally missing churches that ignore the Bible (that's a good reason in itself)? What are valid excuses to miss church?

What is the significance of Laodicea in the Bible?

What is the significance of Laodicea in the Bible? What does the Bible say about the city of Laodicea?

What did Jesus mean when He said “Let the dead bury the dead” (Luke 9:60)? Are lost people really dead spiritually? Yes. Aren’t Jesus’ words “let the dead bury the dead” kind of harsh? Nope, we each have limited time to do what we are called to do, right? 

Why does the Bible tell us to not love sleep? What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:13?

Why do I have trials and pains as I seek to walk with Jesus? 

According to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, there have been more than 800,000 Christians killed in the 2010s. And that was significantly lower than the 1.6 million Christians killed in the 2000s, according to the center’s most recent report. It's been said that there have been documented cases of over 26 million Christian martyrs from AD 33 to 1900. That's a conservative number.

What does it mean that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church”?

How is Jesus different from other religious leaders? How is Jesus different from all the other supposed saviors in the world?

Why did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13–36? Why were the scribes and Pharisees so strongly opposed to Jesus?

With that stoning of Stephen - - why were the Jews allowed to stone him to death, but had to go through Pilate to kill Jesus?

How and why should we pray for our leaders? Why is it important for us to pray for our leaders?

What are the seven woes of Matthew 23? What is the meaning of the seven woes that Jesus pronounced against the scribes and Pharisees?

What does it mean to be spiritual but not religious? Why is spirituality viewed more positively than religion?

What is the significance of Jesus saying, “The blind leading the blind”? What is the meaning of Matthew 15:14?

Despite what saints or sinners do to us, or don't do for us.. how can I stay focused on Jesus (instead of on them) and increase in biblical faith? How do I participate in building real faith? How can I develop more faith and trust in God, His promises, and the entirety of His Word?

Photos by Daniel Seßler Unsplash

Have you been smeared firsthand (or perhaps secondhand), or dissed by the religious power-hungry? So sorry. Brush it off and go forward. Far worse happened to our Lord.

As this culture in these Western countries continues to colapse, much worse will happen to last-days Christians soon enough -- live ready. The Lord's grace will be sufficient.

Why does Paul call his difficulties in Christ a “momentary, light affliction”? What exactly is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 4:17?

How can we as believers be encourated, and not lose heart? What is the meaning of verse 16?

"Be steadfast, unmovable always abounding, excelling in the work of the Lord for you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Corinthians 15:58

“Whatever your state of mind is this Christmas, this abundant life is yours when you believe in Christ and place your faith in the God of peace—Jesus.” ~ Jack N. Graham

Please gain Christ today inside, onboard (He gets it, totally understands you. loves you and has a good plan. It happened to Him too), and He by His Spirit will give you helpful Bible knowledge, wise applications, and a heart for people as they come to Christ due to your caring influence. Don't plan on first cleaning up your life to come to God.. just come as you are willing to cooperate with His Spirit and Word.

This Fisher (Jesus) catches His fish so to speak and then He cleans them.

Here's a good Christmas report: We just saw 901 decisions made for Christ (individual professions of faith after the unique altar call)! Yes, this happened with excellence, glory to God! Worshipping Him acceptably, and boldly sharing His gospel is what this holiday is to be about!

"We never know who will walk through the doors for the Gift of Christmas (that's the name of the evangelistic production with over 1,000 volunteers in it that over 75,000 people come to experience each year..), but it’s always our prayer that they will hear the Gospel message and that by the Holy Spirit they will come to trust in the Lord. As we are celebrating with those who have made a decision, please pray for them as they begin a new life in Christ." ~Jack N. Graham

It's Christmas the time to turn to, and invite God in. There was no place for Jesus in the Inn nor was there anywhere in this world that He created. Sadly, there's been no place that worldly people would have Him except on a lonely cross at Calvary...

..and then in a borrowed tomb ..temporarily. 

Born to live here (as thee good Example, yes, as God the Son from all eternity past).  Born to teach us solid truth and how to wisely apply it.  Born to die (in my place and in yours) and to live again.. that Christ and what Christmas is about. The Bible says,

"The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.

You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.

For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.

The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!" Isaiah 9:2 (this child = mighty God. I've been collecting Christmas verses related to soul-winning below).

Photo by Gareth Harper

“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

It seems there is no room for Christ with the kings, and no room for Christ in politics or "in regal halls.

'When the Eternal bows the skies
To visit earthly things,
With scorn divine he turns his eyes
From towers of haughty kings.
He bids his awful chariot roll
Far downward from the skies,
To visit every humble soul
With pleasure in his eyes.'

'The advent of Christ would be the last thing which gay society would desire. Folly and finery, rank and honour, jewels and glitter, frivolity and fashion, all report that there is no room for Jesus in their abodes.

There is no room for Jesus in the mart or the shop (yes, for most employees they do NOT want you speaking of Him in the workplace).

'Who is Christ, that we should acknowledge him?' They found no room for him in the schools.

Too often in the priestly church, when once it becomes recognized and mounts to dignity, there is no room for Christ. I allude not now to any one denomination but take the whole sweep of Christendom, and it is strange that when the Lord comes to his own his own receives him not..

You will find that there is no room for Christ even in the inn of public sentiment, where everything else is received. Be an infidel, and none will therefore treat you contemptuously, but be a Christian, and many will despise you. 'There was no room for him in the inn.' How little room is there for Christ, too, in general conversation, which is also like an inn. We talk about many things; a man may now-a-days talk of any subject he pleases; no one can stop him and say, 'There is a spy catching your words; he will report you to some central authority.'

Seems there is 'no room for Christ in what is called good society,'" says Spurgeon

Photo by Josh Harrison

I say we make room for Him here and now.

“Joy to the world the Saviour comes,
The Saviour promised long;
Let every heart prepare a throne
And every voice a song.”

"There were other places beside the Inn which had no room for Christ. The palaces of emperors and the halls of kings afforded the royal stranger no refuge? Alas! my brethren, seldom is there room for Christ in palaces! How could the kings of earth receive the Lord? He is the Prince of Peace, and they delight in war! He breaks their bows and cuts their spears in sunder; he burneth their war-chariots in the fire." ~ C.H. Spurgeon 

Photo by Joanna Kosinska

Have you ever been excluded due to your love for Jesus -- ever suffered in His name?

At the cross so to speak a fallen human being can gain the clear understanding that is the result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at conversion (1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14). 

Was Jesus forsaken by His Father? No, never was. Jesus (like His Father) always remains a faithful loving companion to His own, a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Did God the Father distance Himself from His own Son Jesus while Christ was dying on the cross? Nope. Did it more than likely feel like the Father forsook Him? I think it really did.

Now compare Matt. 27:46, Mrk. 15:24, Ps. 22:24, Jn. 8:29 & Jn. 16:32.

“And about the ninth hour innocent Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, KJV). This cry is a fulfillment of Psalm 22:1, one of many parallels between that psalm and the specific events of the crucifixion.

Was it the intent of Jesus, in quoting Psalm 22:1 to point His hearers, toward that Old Testiment psalm? I think so. When they read Psalm 22, they would without a doubt see the many fulfilled prophecies included in that song of David. Jesus was forgiving, loving and teaching even while experiencing the agony of the cross.. proving yet again that He indeed was the Messiah who fulfilled the Scriptures.

God the Father did NOT forsake Jesus while He was on the cross. And God won't forsake you, believer. 

Through so much pain for us. On the cross, Christ cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (See Mrk. 15:34 & Matt. 27:46 nkjv). Some would suggest that Jesus was having a crisis of faith. Actually, it was the opposite.

It was the moment when He was dying for the sins of the world, and He was describing what was happening: God the Father turned His holy face away and poured the sins of all humanity on His son, who had never committed a single sin. So Jesus cried out in anguish. Was Jesus forsaken so that we might be forgiven?.. He died that we might be.

Notice that Jesus said, “My God, My God,” which means that Jesus was crying out to the Father. In faith you and I can do the same when we’re in pain. When we’re hurting, grieving, mourning, troubled.. we should pray earnestly. We should pray when we’re happy too, when we’re sad, and when we feel confused. We should pray when we have complaints.

The Bible tells us, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (James 5:13 nkjv).

"For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.." See Psalm 22 in context, verses 1-24 esv

"You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All descendants of Jacob, honor Him! All offspring of Israel, revere Him! For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help." kjv

"He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” John 8:29 

"Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." John 16:32

Q: What does it NOT mean -- “God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us"?

- This does not mean that Jesus actually became sin itself. To posit such a theory denies all of Scripture, which clearly presents Jesus Christ as the One in whom there is no sin (1 John 3:5), who commits no sin (1 Peter 2:22), and who is holy, blameless, and pure (Mark 1:24; Acts 3:14; Revelation 3:7). For Jesus to “become” sin, even for a moment, would mean He ceased to be God.

- This does not mean that He became a sinner, not even for a moment. Jesus to this day is the wretched Friend of sinners like me. When Christ suffered in our place and died for us, He bore the punishment for our sins in His own body (1 Peter 2:24). But Jesus at no time became a sinner. He's still the Savior.

- This does not mean He was guilty of committing any sin. No one is truly guilty who has not transgressed the law of God, which Jesus never did. If He were guilty of sinning, then He would have deserved to die, but He did not deserve death on Calvary's cross. Even the religious Pharisees who were dead inside sent Jesus to the cross knowing that He was totally guiltless: “And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed” (Acts 13:28).

Jesus became sin for us, but that does not at all mean that Jesus was sin..ever, or evil, or a sinner, or even guilty of any sin.

Please muse on the second part of 2 Corinthians 5:21. It was: “So that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” That's all about imputation. You know how to impute something means to ascribe or attribute it to someone. On the cross, our own sin (yours and mine) was imputed to Christ and that's how Christ paid in full for our sin debt to God the Father.

"For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." 2 Corinthians 5:21 nlt

How holy is God? He's HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! Please read the book of Habakkuk! The prophet says to God, “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil” (Habakkuk 1:13, csb). What does that not mean? It doesn't mean that God must close His eyes or turn His back when people start to sin (he sees us and knows what we think, say and do). It is, rather, a recognition of God’s righteous character, and contextually, it's part of a larger discussion really.. of God’s personal methods in dealing with sin.

What about the sins that were placed on Jesus at the time when He died on the cross?

Did God the Father glance away when they were laid on Him? 

Did the Father forsake His own Son Jesus? No, and the union with Jesus was not broken.

"He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]." 2 Corinthians 5:21 amp

Simply put, without Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, no one would have eternal life. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He's the only way into God's holy Heaven. 

Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it” (Matthew 7:13–14 nlt).

God said, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deuteronomy 30:19 nlt).

Not only does God the Father tell us what our options are, but He also gives us the answer.. "Choose life." But remember, it is a choice. God offers it as a gift.

Many Americans miss it by thinking that, since Christ died for the sins of the world, everyone will go to heaven one day. This is incorrect. The atoning substitutionary death of Christ must be personally applied to each heart, in much the same way that the blood of the Passover had to be personally applied to the door (John 1:12; 3:16-18; Acts 2:38). Before we can become “the righteousness of God in Him,” we must exchange our old sin nature for His holy one. , but we must receive that Substitute personally by accepting Christ in faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Luke 19:10 "The Son of Man has come to seek and to save people who are lost"

Matthew 1:20-25 amp "But after he (Joseph) had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. *21 She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The LORD is salvation), for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet Isaiah: BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL”--which, when translated, means, “GOD WITH US.” 24 Then Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and he took Mary to his home as his wife, but he kept her a virgin until she had given birth to a Son [her firstborn child; and he named Him Jesus (The LORD is salvation)."

Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."

Zechariah 9:9 (nkjv) "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey."

John 3:16 “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.”

John 8:42 "Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.'"

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

*Matthew 2:11 “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Gold cuz Christ is King of Kings. Frankincense cuz Christ is our High Priest. Myrrh a perfume, cuz it was used to anoint dead bodies, typifying Jesus' death to save us from our sins)

Titus 3:4-5 "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy."

Philippians 2:8-10 “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”

Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”

Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

"For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (net Bible) God made a promise and kept it. LOVE keeps promises. I run out and ask for more love.

Titus 3:3-7 (niv) At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

John 1:12-13 "But to all who have received him -- those who believe in his name -- he has given the right to become God’s children -- children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God."

Luke 2:13-17 "Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!' When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord has made known to us.' So they hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger. When they saw him, they related what they had been told about this child.."

Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Titus 3:4-7 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Timothy 1:15-17 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Galatians 4:4-5 “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”

Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

2:10-12 “But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for ALL the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'”

Luke 2:17-18 "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."

John 3:16 “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.”

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Red is the color of Christmas and do ya know why? Man, all need to know why!

Sure, He was born to die on Calvary's cross for you and for me.  So RED, it's the color of Christmas!  It's not because of Santa’s clothes, bulbs, or Rudolph’s shiny nose, but because of the shed-blood of Jesus for us.. so that we could enjoy a white Christmas not just keep dreaming about one ..yeah. Come as you are to God even now.  Be washed -- become white as snow.

It's what I read, said and explained to my grandson Heath at the table this year, God's words..

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 

This is why there’s zero reason for believers to fear (instead of reason together) at Christmas time (or at anytime) like those of the world often do!  We can turn, trust, approach by God by faith to apply the bloodshed of the Cross and then live fear-free ever holiday season!  I say we live with the holy fear (respect) of God instead of with any other kind.   

Are you afraid, all alone and lonely at Christmas?  You don't have to be for another minute!  Say NO to fear at Christmas! To loneliness too (click).  

Did ya know that in 2020 there were over 600 million web-searches worldwide in the YouVersion Bible app.  And what was the number one underlined verse in this whole e-Bible globally?  This verse, Isaiah 41:10.  Yeah, globally there’s been an 80% increase in searches in the Bible during 2020, and the answers people are looking to address shows us that there's a whole lot of people that are experiencing fear ..even during this Christmas season.  Did you know there are 200 people in Bible who are said to have been afraid. True.  But perfect love casts all angst und furcht aus / out.  God tells us this... 

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us..” 1 John 4:18-19

In such rude surroundings in a stable and placed in a borrowed manger cuz who'd go out and buy one for a baby? (borrowed manger at the beginning borrowed tomb at the end.. that didn't turn out to be the end).. He's the only one among all those who've been born who chose where he'd be born.

Think about it, without Christ’s…

- virgin birth none of it happened, but it did happen with some eye-witnesses.. His

- virtuous life (so selfless, no sin),

- vicarious death,

- victorious resurrection and soon

- visible coming again... soon!

The first Christmas was very unusual to say the least. 

With Jesus (divesting himself), God became one of His own creatures. An event unparalleled, unheard of with no precedent!

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words.”  Give thanks “for his indescribable gift.” For his “inexpressible gift.” For his “unspeakable gift.” See 2 Corinthians 9:15

I mean with the birth of Jesus there in Bethlehem.  Bible promises were fulfilled.

Q: What’s the distinctive Christianity has no other world religion has? A: The Trinity. And do you see the Trinity at the first Christmas?  The Bible says, “’How can this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit (that’s the third Person of our Triune Godhead) will come upon you, and the power of the Most High (that’s our Father God) will overshadow you.  So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God (that’s Jesus the second Person of the Godhead). Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month..”  Luke 1:34-36 

“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, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” John 1:16

Christians of every century have accepted the teaching of the virgin birth as they should, the doctrine is an essential.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit." Matthew 1:18 esv

An early Church Father named, Anselm,* once said there's four different ways that God makes a man. He’s done it before.  

1 - By the law of natural generation meaning from the union of a man and a woman which produces a child.

2 - By His own creativity without the agency of either a man or a woman.. like when God made Adam, and then from Adam God took a rib and created Eve.

"So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him. And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.” Genesis 2:21-23 

3 - By a miracle like with Isaac when his parents who were way beyond the age to have a child.

4 - By God the Holy Spirit impregnating a virgin without any help from any man.. that he created. Yes, a child born of a woman without a man even involved. Jesus was begotten of the Holy Spirit, not from Joseph.

If we can accept this as authentic believers do accept this, then of course we can accept the teaching of the virgin birth as God wants us to. Sure like everything in the Bible cuz it's all true!

Man, how can we ever explain all there this virgin birth first Advent mystery, I sure can’t do that. But we can be sure of this.. the incarnation was necessary for our salvation.

“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. For verily he took not on [him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:14-17

Yes, if we accept this as sound believers always have, then we can also accept the doctrine of the Virgin birth.

Now some people call that birth “miraculous” but it's way more than merely miraculous. What happened with Isaac was merely miraculous, but this was deity coming down to the human level.

Jesus had to become a man in order to free mankind from the power of sin and death. The sinless Son had to make atonement for our wrong-doin's.

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:19–20; Luke 9:57–58).

He, Christ, started out being placed in a borrowed manger (first birthday, cuz nobody in their right mind goes out to buy a manger for their baby), and he ended up his life be placed in a borrowed tomb.

He owns it all but there was no room for Him.. He get's rejected at an inn. 

“Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” For.. “There was no room for him in the inn.” T he caravansary in Bethlehem was crowded with merchants and travelers and the very best that the world could offer God’s Son was in a stall in a stable. There was no room for Him when He came from the bosom of the Father; no room for Him during the years of His earthly ministry of healing the sick, feeding the poor, lifting the fallen, saving the sinful, always loving and always giving; He was crowded out.

It would appear as we read the gospels that He spent most of His nights in the open air. “Foxes have holes ..but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” 

Yet it was His world by right of creation. “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made.” For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” He came to His own—His own world—and His own received Him not. And after all these centuries of Gospel light, of Bible preaching and of sound education, He is still “despised and rejected of men.” Will you apply the blood by faith and be cleansed?  He is still seeking to enter homes and hearts.  How few there are who welcome Him!  Will you invite Jesus in? 

1. Why is the Virgin Birth so important?

Why could Jesus not be born of a human father?

2. Is “virgin” or “young woman” the correct translation of Isaiah 7:14?

Is Isaiah 7:14 even intended to be a Messianic prophecy?

3. What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?

Is the Roman Catholic understanding of the virgin Mary biblical?

4. Do the narratives of Jesus’ birth contradict each other?

Are there contradictions between the accounts of the birth of Jesus in Matthew and Luke?

5. Why did God choose Mary?

Does the Bible say why God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus?

6. Why wasn’t Jesus given another name?

If Immanuel (Emmanuel) was to be the name of the promised Messiah, why was His Name Jesus instead of Immanuel?

7. Did Mary have other children? How many children did Mary have?

Did Mary have other children after Jesus?

8. Was Joseph married before Mary?

Was Mary Joseph’s second wife? Did Joseph have a wife a children before he married Mary?

9. What is the Annunciation?

Why is the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary known as the Annunciation?

10. What is the Immaculate Conception?

Was Mary sinless? Why do Roman Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception of Mary?

11. What does it mean that Jesus is God with us?

What does it mean that Jesus is God with us? What are the practical implications of Jesus being God with us?

12. Is there any validity to the Zeitgeist movie?

Did Christianity copy its beliefs from other world religions? Is Jesus a copy of other gods or mythological beings?

13. What does Immanuel mean?

What is the meaning of the name Immanuel? In the Bible, is Immanuel a name or a title?

14. Why was Jesus born in a manger?

Why was Jesus born in a manger? What should we learn from the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth?

15. What is Mariology?

Are Christians to “venerate” her or any other mere human?  Nope.  Should we pray the rosary or talk to dead saints? Nope.  And we don’t really need any idols.  So, is the Roman Catholic understanding of Mary even biblical?  Is Mariology something a Christian should study? Venerate means to worship and Mary said she needed a Savior which would be she is a sinner. We are to revere to Lord – why even call a pastor a Reverend? Don’t do that. Our society sure lacks holy fear, respect and reverence for God, venerate, worship, adore mean to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully.

She was indeed godly and blessed but by her own admission Mary also needed forgiveness. “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’” See Luke 1:46-55

16. When were Joseph and Mary considered married?

When were Joseph and Mary considered married? Were Joseph and Mary married before Jesus was born, and if so, when?

17. Is Mary the mother of God (Theotokos)?

Since Jesus was God, and Mary gave birth to Jesus, doesn’t that make Mary the mother of God? Nope. Who lived first? God always was when Mary was just an idea in His mind.

18. Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah?

Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? What are some of the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament?

19. Is Jesus a myth? Is Jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient religions?

Is Jesus the same as Horus or Heru, or Mithras, and Osiris?

20. Is Jesus God in the flesh? Why is it important that Jesus is God in the flesh?

How can deity and humanity be merged in one person?

21. Who was Joseph, the father of Jesus?

What can we learn from what the Bible says about Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus?

22. What happened to Mary biblically?

Where is the last mention of Mary in the Bible?

23. What does the Bible say about the angel Gabriel?

Quite an angel was he!

1. Is praying the rosary scriptural?

Is praying the rosary scriptural? Was it really helpful? Naww, my whole family used to do this. Made my mom happy. I say go straight to God the Father through Jesus the Son with whatever you need.  He delights to answer every prayer with Yes, No, or Wait.  Are there any aspects of the Rosary prayer that do not agree with the Bible? Yep, like the form prayers directed to saints like Mary.

2. Are apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God?

Why does Mary have such an important role in the Catholic faith?

3. What are prayer beads? Is it okay to use beads while praying?

What are prayer beads? Is it okay to use beads while praying? What is the origin of prayer beads?

4. What is a novena?

What is a novena? Is the Roman Catholic practice of praying novenas biblical?

5. Got some questions about prayer and simply praying?

God, I love you and want to know, follow and love you better. Please help me.

6. Here are some questions from Catholics and about Catholicism

Got some Catholic Questions? An honest look at Catholic theology from a Biblical perspective.

7. Not going to slight any Catholics (as a child I was raised in this Roman organization), but is the Catholic Church a separate religion or a division of Christianity?

*Who was Anselm of Canterbury (1033—1109)? Anselm was born around 1033 into the family of a Lombard landowner of Aosta, in the Piedmont regions of Northern Italy.  He is called a church father who liked to study truth.  Some call Anselm one of the most important Christian thinkers of the eleventh century.  Perhaps, not sure if he was.