“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”– John 1:11-12)
Last Sunday I preached about “God’s Glorious Gift” and I ended the message by telling the story I read about. It took place many years ago when a package was sent from England to a South African town. The man to whom it was sent refused to pay the delivery fee and for the next 14 years it sat in the Post Office where it was used as a footstool. Finally the man died and the box was put up at auction with other unclaimed items. Out of curiosity a man bid on it and got it for a low price. When he opened it he was greatly surprised to find several thousand pounds in English bank notes. Because the man to whom it was sent refused to pay the delivery charge he missed a fortune!

We hear a lot about giving, but some folks need a lesson on receiving. Think back over your life and imagine all of the gifts you’ve ever received unopened in a huge pile. Think of all you would have been deprived of had you never opened those gifts. You could stand there starring at them, singing about them, or even take a picture of them, but none of them would be of any benefit to you- regardless of the value within. That would have been foolish. But there is something even more foolish than that.

The most foolish thing anyone could do is to refuse God’s glorious gift– His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no delivery fee for that gift. Jesus paid it all. All that is required of you is to accept the gift by faith. It is the gift of eternal life, Christ– God’s Son and man’s Savior. Jesus is God’s gift to you, yet some have gone year after year without receiving Him. That deprives you and disappoints God and determines your destiny. Why do you even celebrate Christmas if you refuse to receive God’s gift? The truth is, you can’t truly celebrate Christmas until you have received Christ. Christmas is about God coming to you, now you need to come to Him. Receive God’s glorious gift and be saved. I pray that you will do it today! — HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they  came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after  the name of his father. And his mother answered and  said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said  unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this  name. And they made signs to his father, how he would  have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and  wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.”— Luke 1:59-63

Knowing that God has a purpose and plan for each of us makes life meaningful. And the Christmas story serves as a great reminded of that fact. It teaches us is that God has a plan and that He uses people to carry it out. While Christmas centers on Christ, as it should, there were many people involved in His coming to earth. Here we are reminded of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, and his parents–all played a role and all were important. The plan was set in motion when Gabriel announced to Zacharias that he and Elisabeth would have a son and that his name was to be called John.

When the time came to name the child some of the people opposed the name. It appears that they first protested to Elisabeth and then to Zacharias. Both refused to compromise and stuck to the plan God had revealed. Considering the difficult ministry that lay ahead for John, their example was greatly needed. He certainly was told of this event and if ever a child would need a lesson in courage it was him. There is no way to over estimate the value of his parents example. All three of these were a part of God’s plan and all were willing to fulfill their role. But what about you? Are you willing to do God’s will?

Success may be defined as discovering and doing the will of God. It might be difficult and dangerous, but that doesn’t excused from duty. Doing God’s will takes commitment. There will be times when people will question you, oppose you, or try to resist you, but you must not quit. Playing our part in God’s plan is serious business and we must not fail. Whatever work He calls you to, do it with unwavering loyalty and a cheerful attitude. Do it out of love and for His glory. What you do might appear unimportant to others and you might not even see the significance of it, but it is important none the less. Do it!—HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

The word miracle is often used in connection with Christmas. There is even a movie called “The Christmas Miracle”. And it is no wonder. There were many miracles associated with the birth of Christ. There were numerous fulfilled prophecies concerning the time, place, manner, etc. of His birth. There was Gabriel’s announcement to Zechariah, the annunciation to Mary, the revelation to Joseph, and the virgin birth itself. But the greatest miracle of all is described in John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

The greatest miracle of Christmas was the incarnation– God coming to earth in the form of man! Who can understand such a thing as that? He who made all things (vs. 3) is made flesh. He who is eternal comes to earth– the Creator as a creature of His own making. He condescends to earth and communes with man as a man. Jesus said, ” he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” ( John 14:9).

John 1:11 says, “He came”. Thank God He did. What if He had not come? We would be without help or hope. But “He came” just as He promised, punctually, to the very place, and in the manner He predicted to the people He promised. “He came” to man, as a man, and for man. And in this we find the greatest Christmas miracle of all. That is why He is called “Emmanuel”– God with us! To think that God is so concerned about us, when we are so unconcerned about Him, that He would come to us that He might die for us that we could come to Him is beyond amazing. It is the glory of grace!

When you recognize the greatest Christmas miracle and receive God’s greatest gift you cannot help but to have a Merry Christmas, and joy everyday of the year. That’s exactly what God wants and I wish for each and everyone of you.–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

A SIGN FOR SINNERS

“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”- Luke 2:12
An old medieval legend tells the story of an infidel knight who denied and defied God. He went out into a field dressed for combat to challenge God. Throwing his glove down on the ground, as challengers did in that day, he cried out toward heaven, “God! if there be a God, I defy thee here and now to mortal combat! if thou indeed art, put forth thy might, of which thy pretended priests make such boasts”. As soon as he spoke he caught a glimpse of a piece of parchment fluttering down from the sky, falling at his feet. Picking it up he found these words inscribed on it, “God is love!” Overwhelmed by the experience he broke his sword in surrender, kneeled upon it, and consecrated his life to God, the Deity he had just defied.
Although just a legend there is a lesson in it for us. The coming of Christ was a sign. It was God’s answer to man’s doubts, God’s response to man’s defiance, God’s solution to man’s dilemma. Out of the great depths of God’s loving heart He sent His own dear Son, the proof of His love. Rather than respond to man’s doubt, disobedience, and defiance with swift and sever judgment God spoke these words through the angel, “...Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good 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. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”- Luke 2:10-14
That dear friend is amazing grace! God isn’t looking for a fight with you. He is looking for faith from you. He sent His Son into the world to redeem you that you might be reconciled to Him. Then, being at peace with God you can enjoy the peace of God. As you celebrate Christmas never forget that it is the sign of God’s love for you. – HDS 
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”— Rom. 15:13

Strange how we can hear a song all our life and then suddenly one word or phrase jumps out at us and impresses our heart as never before. That’s what happen to me this week when the words “a thrill of hope” from “O Holy Night” caught my attention. That started a landslide of thoughts. While Christmas is thrilling to a lot of folks, especially children, it is a task to others. For them it becomes a burden rather than a blessing. That’s why we need to keep our focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It inspires hope!

If the world needs anything it is hope. I’m not talking about wishing. I’m talking about the hope that is mentioned in the Scriptures, that speaks of absolute assurance, confidence, expectation, a firm conviction that our desires will be met. At this very moment there are those who are wondering where their next meal will come from, how they will pay their bills, or if God will heal their body, restore their marriage, or bring their wayward children back home. They are terrorized by fear and in need of hope.

The good news is that, although the character of the world won’t change, we can live in hope. Regardless of our circumstances we can know that our sins are forgiven, our home is in heaven, and that the grace of God will help us until we get there. Is that not thrilling? So as you worship our soon coming King and look forward to that “new and glorious morn” when He will reign over all the earth– rejoice! Remember, we are able to live in hope because Jesus came, was crucified, buried and raised from the dead. May that thought thrill your heart as never before! My prayer for you is what Paul expressed in Rom. 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost”. You don’t have to live without hope any longer! Christ is our hope (1 Tim. 1:1) and that gives us help and happiness!—HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346