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Greetings, dear friends & family! A precious internet friend, Marian Coffey, sent me the following Christmas letter from Jesus, which I felt is much better than anything I could write to you. Have a most blessed celebration of our Savior's birth!  Be blessed in Jesus' name, and remember: Christianity isn't about going to church; it's about coming to Christ!
Your sister & servant in Christ,  My Redeemer Lives Christian Ministry Dear Children, It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just get along and love one another. Now, having said that, let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a "holiday" tree, instead of a "Christmas" tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish; I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you, and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1-8. If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here is My wish list. Choose something from it:
 Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. Do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love. And remember...I love you!  
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Give the "Gift of Giving"!  Many of the abandoned and destitute children we're trying to help make their "homes" under makeshift lean-tos in garbage dump sites where they regularly compete with wild dogs and pigs for their daily food. Most of them have never even heard of Christmas. And for those who have, Christmas is for "other people", but not for them....While most of us celebrate the holiday with our families and friends, some of these children will be trying to find one morsel to quiet their hunger pangs. Sadly, many of them have missed so many meals that they don't know what it feels like to not be hungry! The "lucky" ones may eventually be 'adopted' into brothels or as temple prostitutes. The rest, unless rescued by the mighty hand of an Almighty God, will join the thousands of other beggars and lepers who barely survive day-to-day on the streets, eventually finding release through death — unseen and unknown by the rest of the world.... Thankfully, God has enabled five of my partner ministries* to provide a safe home, food, clothing, and an education to more than 250 orphans and abandoned children in India and Kenya. These children have either lost both parents or their mothers are too poor to care for them.  These are the truly fortunate ones; they may not have new toys to play with on Christmas morning, but they will wake up in a warm bed with a roof over their heads, at least one nutritious meal, and people who care about them.In addition to our children's homes, five other partner ministries* in India, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Zambia are regularly helping approximately 800 poor or destitute children — 20% of whom are Muslims or Hindus — in nursery and elementary schools or church outreach programs. For 560 of these children, the only meal they receive Monday through Friday is through our school ministries. (When there is no school, there is no food....)  What we're trying to do goes beyond just meeting their basic physical needs with food or clothing. Many of them have never celebrated even one Christmas, and a large number have never heard the Christmas story. We want them and their families to actually see Jesus working through us!If each person receiving this letter would give just $5, we would not only be able to provide a nice holiday meal for the children and some of their families and give each child a new outfit or shoes, but we would be able to meet all of these children's basic needs for an entire year! Use the Gift order form and share God's heart with one of these precious ones. Whether you can personally help or not, would you please post this request at your church, and where allowed, at your school or workplace, too? His purpose was you; His motivation was love!  Click here for a print-friendly copy of this article.* Contact me for a list of each ministry's name, location, and needs.  Donate online by credit card or e-check! |
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Mary had the little Lamb, who lived before His birth; Self-existent Son of God, from Heaven He came to Earth. Micah 5:2 Mary had the little Lamb; see Him in yonder stall -- Virgin-born Son of God, to save man from the Fall. Isaiah 7:14 Mary had the little Lamb, obedient Son of God; Everywhere the Father led, His feet were sure to trod. John 6:38 Mary had the little Lamb, crucified on the tree The rejected Son of God, He died to set men free. 1 Peter 1:18  Mary had the little Lamb — men placed Him in the grave, Thinking they were done with Him; to death He was no slave! Matthew 28:6 Mary had the little Lamb, ascended now is He; All work on Earth is ended, our Advocate to be. Hebrews 4:14-16 Mary had the little Lamb — mystery to behold! From the Lamb of Calvary, a Lion will unfold. Revelation 5: 5,6 When the Day Star comes again, of this be very sure: It won't be Lamb-like silence, but with the Lion's roar! Psalm 2:12 Revelation 19:11-16 Contributed by Roy Patterson, "Moody Broadcasting Network" Moody Bible Institute Back to top
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And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:16 Read: Isaiah 9:6-7 There's no one like Christ the Lord. He's the Savior of the world, the Lamb of God, the Wonderful Counselor, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. The Bible uses more than 300 names and titles to describe Him, but Jesus can no more be contained in His names and titles than the ocean can be bottled in a collection of containers, however beautiful. He is timeless and boundless, and His infinity extends through the universe into perpetual depths of forever-ness. Charles Spurgeon confessed, "I know my words cannot honor Him according to His merits: I wish they could. Indeed, I grow less and less satisfied with my thoughts and language concerning Him. He is too glorious for my feeble language to describe Him. If I could speak with the tongues of men and of angels, I could not speak worthily of Him. If I could borrow all the harmonies of heaven, and enlist every harp and song of the glorified, yet were not the music sweet enough for His praises." We've made Christmas into a complicated affair; but Jesus himself, though incomprehensible, is as simple as a humble manger and as loving as an innocent Babe. The greatest celebration of the season is simply coming with haste . . . and adoring Him. John Francis Wade by Dr. David Jeremiah, "Today's Turning Point", Copyright © 2007
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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) Back to top
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'Twas the night before Christmas and in Heaven above, The angels were watching with such intense love! For the Prize of all Heaven was coming to earth. And, a manger was chosen as His place of birth. Mary, his mother (so weary and worn), Was glad Joseph found a place cozy and warm. And now, as she labored, a new life began... Destined to bring life to each willing man. While out on the hillsides, the angels sang, "Glory!" Shepherds stood, trembling, as they heard the story. Quickly, they followed the angel's clear way... Finding baby Jesus upon the clean hay. Down from the heavens, there came a new light. A star born anew on that very night! Softly, the mother sang sweet lullabies. 'Til sweet baby Jesus closed His little eyes. Humbly, the shepherds gave worship and praise; Bowing down softly where God's baby lay. They told how the angels had spoken to them, "Joy to the world and peace to all men!" The wise men were coming, having followed the star. They were bringing the Savior their gifts, from afar. And up in God's Heaven, a great sigh was heard; As the Angels looked down on God's own Living Word. They had to come closer. They loved Him so much! Their wings swept by Him, for just one more touch. Then they nestled by legions, above His wee bed, And spread out their wings; enclosing the shed. Yes, trials would follow. A plan was engaged. But just for tonight, the angels would say, "Oh, men of earth, who struggle in vain... Seek here and find release from all shame. Peace on the earth! Oh, learn it anew. Peace! God has sent His own Son to you!" © by Joan Clifton Costner Under His Wings Back to top
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Read: Luke 2:19 Merry Christmas! Today is most likely a busy day for you. There are meals to cook, guests to welcome, places to go, people to see, gifts to unwrap, and possibly, even a few gifts to be wrapped! This holy day can certainly be hectic for all of us. Maybe your Christmas is just getting started. Or perhaps, the holiday is drawing to a close. Whatever the case, this is a moment of meditation in the midst of one of the busiest days of the year. So, In Touch wants to give you one word of counsel: slow down. For the next few moments, let the responsibilities and concerns of today slide off your shoulders. Allow the demands of family and friends to disappear. Focus your thoughts on that baby in the manger. Slow down, and think about . . . Jesus. One of the most powerful, yet overlooked, verses in the Christmas story may be Luke 2:19. Just picture it: the newborn Christ crying in the night, a new father frantically trying to provide a comfortable shelter in the unusual setting, animals rustling around, strangers interrupting an intimate moment. Without a doubt, the first Christmas was hectic, too. And yet, there was Mary, calmly taking it all in. She knew every aspect of this night was important. Yet, her total focus was on the child in her arms. She did not simply notice what was happening; she “treasured all these things and pondering them in her heart.” She breathed in the full experience and held it in her spirit. As you celebrate today, take the time to truly experience the wonder of Christmas, and ponder it in your heart as well. Back to top
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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 (KJV) Back to top
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In all the crazy, holiday rush, take time to focus on Jesus. It's important that we rivet into our heads exactly what we are celebrating. It's our Savior's arrival, not Santa's! born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Galatians 4:4 Maybe if we were more thoughtful on what God has given to us, we might be more thankful in our prayers. Maybe if we took more time to appreciate others and be amazed at the things of God, we would find more contentment amidst all the craziness during the holiday season. Maybe if we focused a little more on building relationships and restoring friendships, then we would not have so much time to focus on what we currently do not have. Maybe . . . Maybe . . . Maybe . . . NO maybes about it! The more YOU focus on YOU and YOUR life, the less God will be able to do in it. It is only when God becomes our focus that amazing things happen. It's so easy to get into the rut of selfishness. Opening one gift after another and never really being satisfied with anything we get. Why? Because no treasures, no gems, no money, no car, nothing can satisfy like Jesus. We forget to be thankful for what God has blessed our lives with. We forget to appreciate our spouses. We forget to appreciate our jobs. We forget to appreciate our health. We forget all that God has done for us. Instead, we are drawn into the lie that others don't care and that we are miserable. And then we fulfill that lie. We actually become miserable. We become hopeless. We become depressed. We become sad. If this is you, then stop it! Take your eyes off of you for a change and start noticing others around you. Start noticing the blessings that God has poured out on you. This will only happen when you allow God to be your sole focus. Got that? Your sole focus. Not a focus on what others have or what others think of you. Not a focus on what you are wearing or driving. But a focus on God and the peace and joy you get from Him alone. God has a purpose and plan for each one of us. But we must be willing to look toward Him and forget about looking anywhere else for our self worth and purpose. Let God show you how to be content and thankful as you stay focused on Him during this holiday season. Start now. It's never too late. Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a year filled with the awesome love, peace and joy that only Christ can give. Stay focused! With love from Jeanette.  aol.comBack to top
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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) Back to top
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Dec 25 My dearest darling Edward, What a wonderful surprise has just greeted me! That sweet partridge, in that lovely little pear-tree; what an enchanting, romantic, poetic present! Bless you, and thank you. Your deeply loving, Emily Dec 26 Beloved Edward, The two turtle-doves arrived this morning, and are cooing away in the pear-tree as I write. I'm so touched and grateful! With undying love, as always, Emily Dec 27 My darling Edward, You do think of the most original presents! Who ever thought of sending anybody three French hens? Do they really come all the way from France? It's a pity we have no chicken coops, but I expect we'll find some. Anyway, thank you so much; they're lovely. Your devoted, Emily Dec 28 Dearest Edward, What a surprise! Four calling birds arrived this morning. They are very sweet, even if they do call rather loudly — they make telephoning almost impossible — but I expect they'll calm down when they get used to their new home. Anyway, I'm very grateful, of course I am. Love from Emily Dec 29 Dearest Edward, The mailman has just delivered five most beautiful gold rings, one for each finger, and all fitting perfectly! A really lovely present! Lovelier, in a way, than birds, which do take rather a lot of looking after. The four that arrived yesterday are still making a terrible row, and I'm afraid none of us got much sleep last night. Mother says she wants to use the rings to "wring" their necks. Mother has such a sense of humour. This time she's only joking, I think, but I do know what she means. Still, I love the rings. Bless you, Emily Dec 30 Dear Edward, Whatever I expected to find when I opened the front door this morning, it certainly wasn't six great geese laying eggs all over the porch. Frankly, I rather hoped that you had stopped sending me birds. We have no room for them, and they've already ruined the croquet lawn. I know you meant well, but let's call a halt, shall we? Love, Emily Dec 31 Edward, I thought I said NO MORE BIRDS. This morning I woke up to find no more than seven swans, all trying to get into our tiny goldfish pond. I'd rather not think what's happened to the goldfish. The whole house seems to be full of birds, to say nothing of what they leave behind them, so please, please, stop! Your Emily Jan 1 Frankly, I prefer the birds. What am I to do with eight milkmaids? And their cows! Is this some kind of a joke? If so, I'm afraid I don't find it very amusing. Emily Jan 2 Look here, Edward, This has gone far enough. You say you're sending me nine ladies dancing. All I can say is, judging from the way they dance, they're certainly not ladies. The village just isn't accustomed to seeing such a shameless display, and it's Mother and I who get the blame. If you value our friendship — which I do less and less — kindly stop this ridiculous behaviour at once! Emily Jan 3 As I write this letter, 10 disgusting old men are prancing up and down all over what used to be the garden, before the geese and the swans and the cows got at it. And several of them, I have just noticed, are being a nuisance with the milkmaids. Meanwhile the neighbours are trying to have us evicted. I shall never speak to you again. Emily Jan 4 This is the last straw! You know I detest bagpipes! The place has now become something between a menagerie and a madhouse, and a man from the Council has just declared it unfit for habitation. At least Mother has been spared this last outrage; they took her away yesterday afternoon in an ambulance to a home for the bewildered. I hope you're satisfied! Jan 5 Sir, Our client, Miss Emily Wilbraham, instructs me to inform you that with the arrival on her premises at 7:30 this morning of the entire percussion section of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and several of their friends, she has no course left open to her but to seek an injunction to prevent you importuning her further. I am making arrangements for the return of much assorted livestock. I am, Sir, yours faithfully, G. Jacobson Attorney at Law
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No one can fracture a Christmas carol better than a kid. Sing along with these new takes on old favorites: Olive, the other reindeer. Frosty the Snowman is a ferret elf, I say Sleep in heavenly peas In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is sparse and brown You'll go down in listerine Oh, what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay Come, froggy faithful You'll tell Carol, "Be a skunk, I require" (Yuletide carols being sung by a choir) Good tidings we bring to you and your kid Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly We three kings of porridge and tar On the first day of Christmas my tulip gave to me Later on we'll perspire, as we dream by the fire. He's makin' a list, chicken and rice. Noel. Noel, Barney's the king of Israel. With the jelly toast proclaim Back to top
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Little Johnny returned from Sunday school with a new perspective on the Christmas story. He had learned all about the Wise Men from the East who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus. He was so excited that he could hardly wait to tell his parents. As soon as he arrived home, he immediately began, "I learned all about the very first Christmas in Sunday School today! There wasn't a Santa Claus way back then, so these three skinny guys on camels had to deliver all the toys! And Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with his nose so bright wasn't there yet, either, so they had to have this big spotlight in the sky to find their way around!"
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9. Well, well, well... 8. Boy, if I had not recently shot up 4 sizes, that would've fit. 7. This is perfect for wearing around the basement. 6. Gosh. I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season, though. There are lots of unexplained fires. 5. If the dog buries it, I'll be furious! 4. I love it — but I fear the jealousy it will inspire. 3. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program. 2. To think — I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity. And the Number One thing to say about a Christmas gift you don't like.... 1. "I really don't deserve this."
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"Now You are releasing Your servant, Master, according to Your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of your people Israel." Luke 2:28-32 (WEB)
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Christmas Jokes What's red and white and gives presents to good little fish on Christmas? Sandy Claws. Why does Santa have 3 gardens? So he can ho-ho-ho. Why was Santa's little helper depressed? Because he had low elf-esteem. What happened when Santa's cat swallowed a ball of yarn? She had mittens. What do you call it when your Christmas tree explodes? A tannen-bomb. (tannenbaum) What's red and white and red and white and red and white? Santa Claus rolling down a snow-covered hill. Where did the mistletoe go to become rich and famous? Holly-wood. Why did Frosty go to live in the middle of the ocean? Because snow man is an island. What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Snowflakes. Back to top
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Christmas Crafts & Pages to Color Click on an image to open a page for printing it full-size.  .... ....  .. .. .. .. Coloring pages provided by All about Coloring andThe Holiday Spot Visit these sites for lots of fun themed activities! Back to top
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A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "What was Jesus' Mother's name?" One child answered, "Mary." The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus' Father's name was?" Another child said, "The Verge." Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?" The little one said, "Well, you know they are always talking about The Verge 'n' Mary."
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God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law Galatians 4:4 (KJV)
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has a vision for a great Christ awakening and revival around the world, and a passion to help bring this about, directly or indirectly, irrespective of national boundaries, languages, denominations, or ethnic, racial or social/economic castes or classes. We are a non-denominational, Christ-centered Free Church Ministry and Missions Society. In accordance with IRS Code § 508(c)(1)(A), all donations are tax-deductible. National Association of Evangelicals United Christian Ministries International Scripture taken from: King James Version (KJV), Copyright © 1990 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. New King James Version (NKJV), Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. New International Version (NIV), Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society World English Bible (WEB) Copyright © 2007. My Redeemer Lives Christian Ministry™. All rights reserved. |
