by J. Falwell
"... for it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself." - Charles Dickens
Have you ever wondered what is was like for Jesus to leave the inexpressible majesty of heaven to come to a sin-ravaged earth to be born as a man? Even if he had chosen to be born in a grand palace, it would have paled to the perfection and sheer beauty of heaven.
But Christ chose to be born in a lowly manger. And he was born into a period of utter chaos and hatred toward Him. In fact, the evil King Herod who controlled the world into which Jesus entered was a tyrant for the ages. So consumed with power was this king that he ordered the deaths of all the baby boys up to two years old in and around Bethlehem.
So Herod, understanding that the biblical prophecy of the Christ had been fulfilled, sent soldiers throughout the area to murder innocent babies in hopes that one would be Jesus. This was not an unusual act for this despot. Herod had, according to the Jewish historian Josephus, killed off advisers, military leaders and even three of his own sons. Murder was in his blood.
However, Jesus was not subject to the evil authority of King Herod. You see, this little baby in the manger had an appointed target with death that had been prearranged before time began. Jesus was to minister on this corrupt earth for 33 years before facing ultimate rejection by those He came to save. The shadow of the Cross on which He would die eclipsed every moment of Jesus' life because it was His ultimate destiny. Herod could not prevent that God-ordained appointment. Like Herod, though, murder would soon be in the blood of many in regard to Jesus.
But let's return to the stable of His birth where we see Mary embracing her precious son, knowing that she was indeed holding the Savior of the world. Mary had been told by an angel that she would give birth to Jesus, even though she had not known a man. And He had arrived, as foretold.
Dr. Ed Hindson, dean of the Institute of Biblical Studies at Liberty University, said the Virgin Birth is a terribly important factor in the birth of Christ.
"The doctrine of the Virgin Birth is inseparably related to the concept of the Incarnation of Christ," he said. "The incarnation means that God became fully human without ceasing to be fully divine. His incarnation at once affirms both the deity and humanity of Christ."
Christ had come to the world!
And so an announcement was in order. In nearby fields, where shepherds attended their flocks, an angel directed these humble men to the stable to worship the new King. Sometime later, a heaven-placed star guided wise men to the Savior. This is significant because it signifies that Jesus was born to save all men - from seemingly insignificant shepherds to important men.
I have often imagined that beautiful star in the heavens leading the wise men to Jesus. What a beautiful picture it is. As the old song says:
Oh Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem
Shining afar through shadows dim
Giving the life for those who long have gone
And guiding the wise men on their way
Unto the place where Jesus lay
Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem shine on.
My friends, the light of Jesus shines brightly still today.
This politically-correct world turns more from Him seemingly by the day by banning His name in the classroom, outlawing His Word in the public square and frequently mocking him on television and in the movies. But our modern-day Herods cannot silence Him.
He remains the King of kings and Lord of lords and extends His salvation to all - even those who scoff at Him The Christmas story is as significant today as it was 2000 years ago.
And wise men still believe in Him!
--- Begin Message --- Title: FALWELL CONFIDENTIAL--- End Message ---
FALWELL CONFIDENTIAL
DATE: December 19, 2002
FROM: Jerry FalwellTHE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS
"... for it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself." - Charles Dickens
Have you ever wondered what is was like for Jesus to leave the inexpressible majesty of heaven to come to a sin-ravaged earth to be born as a man? Even if he had chosen to be born in a grand palace, it would have paled to the perfection and sheer beauty of heaven.
But Christ chose to be born in a lowly manger. And he was born into a period of utter chaos and hatred toward Him. In fact, the evil King Herod who controlled the world into which Jesus entered was a tyrant for the ages. So consumed with power was this king that he ordered the deaths of all the baby boys up to two years old in and around Bethlehem.
So Herod, understanding that the biblical prophecy of the Christ had been fulfilled, sent soldiers throughout the area to murder innocent babies in hopes that one would be Jesus. This was not an unusual act for this despot. Herod had, according to the Jewish historian Josephus, killed off advisers, military leaders and even three of his own sons. Murder was in his blood.
However, Jesus was not subject to the evil authority of King Herod. You see, this little baby in the manger had an appointed target with death that had been prearranged before time began. Jesus was to minister on this corrupt earth for 33 years before facing ultimate rejection by those He came to save. The shadow of the Cross on which He would die eclipsed every moment of Jesus' life because it was His ultimate destiny. Herod could not prevent that God-ordained appointment. Like Herod, though, murder would soon be in the blood of many in regard to Jesus.
But let's return to the stable of His birth where we see Mary embracing her precious son, knowing that she was indeed holding the Savior of the world. Mary had been told by an angel that she would give birth to Jesus, even though she had not known a man. And He had arrived, as foretold.
Dr. Ed Hindson, dean of the Institute of Biblical Studies at Liberty University, said the Virgin Birth is a terribly important factor in the birth of Christ.
"The doctrine of the Virgin Birth is inseparably related to the concept of the Incarnation of Christ," he said. "The incarnation means that God became fully human without ceasing to be fully divine. His incarnation at once affirms both the deity and humanity of Christ."
Christ had come to the world!
And so an announcement was in order. In nearby fields, where shepherds attended their flocks, an angel directed these humble men to the stable to worship the new King. Sometime later, a heaven-placed star guided wise men to the Savior. This is significant because it signifies that Jesus was born to save all men - from seemingly insignificant shepherds to important men.
I have often imagined that beautiful star in the heavens leading the wise men to Jesus. What a beautiful picture it is. As the old song says:
Oh Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem
Shining afar through shadows dim
Giving the life for those who long have gone
And guiding the wise men on their way
Unto the place where Jesus lay
Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem shine on.
My friends, the light of Jesus shines brightly still today.
This politically-correct world turns more from Him seemingly by the day by banning His name in the classroom, outlawing His Word in the public square and frequently mocking him on television and in the movies. But our modern-day Herods cannot silence Him.
He remains the King of kings and Lord of lords and extends His salvation to all - even those who scoff at Him The Christmas story is as significant today as it was 2000 years ago.
And wise men still believe in Him!
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