27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I am thankful that we have a God who desires to be with us. He loved you and me so much that He sent His only Son to earth, to live on this planet, to encounter life as a human, but showing us how and empowering us to live life on this earth. He gave His life so that we might come to know Him, to walk with Him, and to experience His presence. He is with us, and He does not want us to miss the messages which He communicates to us - in order for us not to miss what He's saying, we have to be sensitive to the leadings of His Spirit, consistent with His Word, the Bible.
We have arrived today at stop number 13 on this year's Christmas Advent-ure series, "Destination: Bethlehem." Yesterday, we visited Nazareth, where an angel had appeared to Mary to announce to her about the child to whom she would be giving birth. We stay in Nazareth today, because in another book of the Bible, we are introduced to the man who was set to be married to this young lady. Yes, this had become a complicated situation - this man, Joseph, was a honorable man, his fiancee had become pregnant, and he was not the father.
Joseph had apparently devised a plan to try to quietly exit this situation, but God sent an angelic messenger to Joseph to alter that strategy. We read in Matthew 1:
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
Joseph needed a new strategy, and God sent the angel to speak to him - to revise his plans.
I believe that God will intervene in our lives, sometimes through a word spoken into our spirits and minds by the Holy Spirit, sometimes through the words of others, maybe even through circumstances that will teach us that our way is not the path that God would intend. I am thankful that in our lives, God will get His message across - "don't miss this," "don't miss the message that I am sending to you."
That is one of the true beauties of the Christmas season. During this Advent time of year, we have a special effort to refine our thinking and recalibrate our view of the Lord and of the meaning of the season.
Don't miss this - don't miss the meaning. Unfortunately, some Kentucky school children may be missing out on one of those Christmas traditions that underscores the true meaning of the season. And, this instance, I believe, illustrates for us how far down the wrong road our culture has gone.
The Washington Times reports on a school district in Kentucky that is being urged to reconsider after censoring A Charlie Brown Christmas and other programs by removing all references to religion.
The Alliance Defending Freedom sent a letter to the school district yesterday after Johnson County Schools officials agreed to modify the districts holiday programming in order to avoid a potential lawsuit, a move prompted by a complaint from a parent about the classic Peanuts play.
In a letter signed by two ADF attorneys, it states: "There is no violation of the so-called ‘separation of church and state’ by allowing children to learn about theater and the origins of Christmas through participating in a stage version of this beloved program that contains the same religious elements as the television version." It continued: “Given that courts have consistently held that schools may organize and sponsor Christmas programs and performances that include religious songs and study the historical origins of Christmas, there is no basis for the District’s decision to censor the religious aspects of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.'"
Superintendent Thomas Salyer, in a statement, said, "In accordance with federal laws, our programs will follow appropriate regulations.” He said, “The U.S. Supreme Court and the 6th Circuit are very clear that public school staff may not endorse any religion when acting in their official capacities and during school activities,” adding, “However, our district is fully committed to promote the spirit of giving and concern for our fellow citizens that help define the Christmas holiday.”
Obviously, this district is missing it. There is no Federal violation here. But there is a violation of the opportunities for children to hear and experience the beauty and the meaning of the Christmas story.
It seems that this has been a crazy season for A Charlie Brown Christmas. The classic television show celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, and even 50 years ago, there were concerns about the religious content. And, there was a bit of a controversy earlier this year, when President and Mrs. Obama made these comments on an ABC 50th anniversary special, according to PJMedia:
But, then things got really crazy. According to Snopes.com, the day after the 50th anniversary special, an errant report that originated last year resurfaced. It was from a website called, National Journal, and said:
Why, next thing you know, you'll be hearing about a deceased famous atheist who had filed a petition to the FCC to have religious programming taken off the airwaves, or at least curtailed. Snopes.com has thoroughly debunked this rumor. There's even a piece on the FCC website. And Snopes highlights some related information also attributed to Ms. O'Hair an attempt to remove Christmas programs, songs, and carols from public schools - well, the secularists are doing that rather diligently, but this was not part of an FCC petition.
It's so easy to get distracted during the holiday season, and even Christian believers have to watch out lest we become frustrated with these denials of the expression of Christmas. It is true that there are those who would want to scrub the acknowledgements of the significance of our Savior's birth from the consciousness of our society. But, I am thankful that the message is so compelling and God's love is so powerful that it can never be stopped - as long as His people keep speaking and living it!
Oh, and by the way, there is a piece on Crosswalk.com by Jason Soroski that highlights how, in A Charlie Brown Christmas, as Linus is reciting the Christmas story, he drops his trusty blanket, precisely when he speaks the words, "Fear not."
Soroski contends:
In our culture today, we are bombarded by messages, many of which are contrary to Scriptures. Some of those messages will distract us from the purity and clarity of the gospel. So, even though distractions and distortions are common in our culture, we can't miss what God is saying to us.
Joseph didn't miss it - he was in a bit of quandary: what to do about his suddenly pregnant - and unmarried - wife. And, he wasn't even the father! He wanted to make it go away, but God intervened with a powerful message that resonates for us today. He was instructed to go ahead and follow through his plans to get married to Mary. They were to name the child Jesus, because He is the One Who was coming to save. Joseph was shown that Jesus was the child about whom Isaiah prophesied: born of a virgin, to be called Emmanuel.
Emmanuel - God with us. That's what we don't want to miss. God - with Mary - as she faced the uncertainty of an unplanned pregnancy and the unprecedented occurrence of giving birth to the Savior of the World. God - with Joseph - as he attempted to maintain his honor in a circumstance that seemed less than honorable. God - with you and me - as we attempt to shine Christ's light and navigate through a world that can be troublesome and even hostile to our faith. God sent His Son to earth so that He could be reconciled to humanity - don't miss the message; don't let it be snuffed out.
+++++
We have arrived today at stop number 13 on this year's Christmas Advent-ure series, "Destination: Bethlehem." Yesterday, we visited Nazareth, where an angel had appeared to Mary to announce to her about the child to whom she would be giving birth. We stay in Nazareth today, because in another book of the Bible, we are introduced to the man who was set to be married to this young lady. Yes, this had become a complicated situation - this man, Joseph, was a honorable man, his fiancee had become pregnant, and he was not the father.
Joseph had apparently devised a plan to try to quietly exit this situation, but God sent an angelic messenger to Joseph to alter that strategy. We read in Matthew 1:
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
Joseph needed a new strategy, and God sent the angel to speak to him - to revise his plans.
I believe that God will intervene in our lives, sometimes through a word spoken into our spirits and minds by the Holy Spirit, sometimes through the words of others, maybe even through circumstances that will teach us that our way is not the path that God would intend. I am thankful that in our lives, God will get His message across - "don't miss this," "don't miss the message that I am sending to you."
That is one of the true beauties of the Christmas season. During this Advent time of year, we have a special effort to refine our thinking and recalibrate our view of the Lord and of the meaning of the season.
Don't miss this - don't miss the meaning. Unfortunately, some Kentucky school children may be missing out on one of those Christmas traditions that underscores the true meaning of the season. And, this instance, I believe, illustrates for us how far down the wrong road our culture has gone.
The Washington Times reports on a school district in Kentucky that is being urged to reconsider after censoring A Charlie Brown Christmas and other programs by removing all references to religion.
The Alliance Defending Freedom sent a letter to the school district yesterday after Johnson County Schools officials agreed to modify the districts holiday programming in order to avoid a potential lawsuit, a move prompted by a complaint from a parent about the classic Peanuts play.
In a letter signed by two ADF attorneys, it states: "There is no violation of the so-called ‘separation of church and state’ by allowing children to learn about theater and the origins of Christmas through participating in a stage version of this beloved program that contains the same religious elements as the television version." It continued: “Given that courts have consistently held that schools may organize and sponsor Christmas programs and performances that include religious songs and study the historical origins of Christmas, there is no basis for the District’s decision to censor the religious aspects of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.'"
Superintendent Thomas Salyer, in a statement, said, "In accordance with federal laws, our programs will follow appropriate regulations.” He said, “The U.S. Supreme Court and the 6th Circuit are very clear that public school staff may not endorse any religion when acting in their official capacities and during school activities,” adding, “However, our district is fully committed to promote the spirit of giving and concern for our fellow citizens that help define the Christmas holiday.”
Obviously, this district is missing it. There is no Federal violation here. But there is a violation of the opportunities for children to hear and experience the beauty and the meaning of the Christmas story.
It seems that this has been a crazy season for A Charlie Brown Christmas. The classic television show celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, and even 50 years ago, there were concerns about the religious content. And, there was a bit of a controversy earlier this year, when President and Mrs. Obama made these comments on an ABC 50th anniversary special, according to PJMedia:
Michelle: “For half a century, people of all ages have gathered around the TV to watch Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the gang, teach us the true meaning of Christmas.”...
Obama: “They teach us that tiny trees just need a little love, and that on this holiday, we celebrate peace on earth and goodwill toward all.”
Michelle: “Because, as Linus knows, that’s what Christmas is all about.”Well, there were those that rightly expressed concern over the statements.
But, then things got really crazy. According to Snopes.com, the day after the 50th anniversary special, an errant report that originated last year resurfaced. It was from a website called, National Journal, and said:
The Federal Communications Commission, acting on an executive order issued by Barack Obama, fined the ABC television network for airing A Charlie Brown Christmas, because several overtly Christian references were found to be “potentially damaging, offensive and exclusionary” to non-Christians, according to a Commission spokesperson.And, the rumor-busting website published this report from a website called Revive America, which likewise got it wrong:
A Charlie Brown Christmas, a recent holiday tradition with strong Christian undertones, celebrated its 50th Anniversary on ABC Family last night ... Before the opening scene and after every commercial break, ABC Family used a disclaimer warning audiences of potentially “offensive and dangerous” religious content found in the dialogue of the program, similar to the disclaimers seen on adult shows that warn viewers of graphic content or strong language. The disclaimer in question for Charlie Brown read: “WARNING: This program contains strong Christian messages and may be offensive to some viewers. Viewer discretion advised.”Again, false. There was even a bogus website that was cited in the bottom left hand corner.
Why, next thing you know, you'll be hearing about a deceased famous atheist who had filed a petition to the FCC to have religious programming taken off the airwaves, or at least curtailed. Snopes.com has thoroughly debunked this rumor. There's even a piece on the FCC website. And Snopes highlights some related information also attributed to Ms. O'Hair an attempt to remove Christmas programs, songs, and carols from public schools - well, the secularists are doing that rather diligently, but this was not part of an FCC petition.
It's so easy to get distracted during the holiday season, and even Christian believers have to watch out lest we become frustrated with these denials of the expression of Christmas. It is true that there are those who would want to scrub the acknowledgements of the significance of our Savior's birth from the consciousness of our society. But, I am thankful that the message is so compelling and God's love is so powerful that it can never be stopped - as long as His people keep speaking and living it!
Oh, and by the way, there is a piece on Crosswalk.com by Jason Soroski that highlights how, in A Charlie Brown Christmas, as Linus is reciting the Christmas story, he drops his trusty blanket, precisely when he speaks the words, "Fear not."
Soroski contends:
Looking at it now, it is pretty clear what Charles Schultz was saying, and it's so simple it's brilliant.
The birth of Jesus separates us from our fears.
The birth of Jesus frees us from the habits we are unable (or unwilling) to break ourselves.
The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to Him instead.Well, that's interesting, isn't it?!? Now back to Joseph and the concept of the meaning of the message.
In our culture today, we are bombarded by messages, many of which are contrary to Scriptures. Some of those messages will distract us from the purity and clarity of the gospel. So, even though distractions and distortions are common in our culture, we can't miss what God is saying to us.
Joseph didn't miss it - he was in a bit of quandary: what to do about his suddenly pregnant - and unmarried - wife. And, he wasn't even the father! He wanted to make it go away, but God intervened with a powerful message that resonates for us today. He was instructed to go ahead and follow through his plans to get married to Mary. They were to name the child Jesus, because He is the One Who was coming to save. Joseph was shown that Jesus was the child about whom Isaiah prophesied: born of a virgin, to be called Emmanuel.
Emmanuel - God with us. That's what we don't want to miss. God - with Mary - as she faced the uncertainty of an unplanned pregnancy and the unprecedented occurrence of giving birth to the Savior of the World. God - with Joseph - as he attempted to maintain his honor in a circumstance that seemed less than honorable. God - with you and me - as we attempt to shine Christ's light and navigate through a world that can be troublesome and even hostile to our faith. God sent His Son to earth so that He could be reconciled to humanity - don't miss the message; don't let it be snuffed out.
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