We live in ever changing times, and the older we are the more apparent this is. Some of you have come from the horse and buggy days to this. Hardly anything is the same. Some changes have been for the better and some for the worse—some are just different, neither better nor worse.

Bev and I wish for you the kind of Merry Christmas that only Christ can provide. It is with all our love that we pray for God’s richest blessing upon you and your family. Merry Christmas!  –David and Beverly Stone

“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 2:13-14)

In the year 1809, the international scene was tumultuous. Napoleon was sweeping through Austria and blood was flowing freely. Nobody was thinking about babies, but rather people were concerned with the wars and tyranny that existed. However, the world was overlooking some very significant births during that time.

That year many notable people were born: William Gladstone, destined to become one of England’s finest statesmen; Alfred Tennyson, born to an obscure minister and his wife, greatly affect the world of literacy; Oliver Wendell Holmes, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Edgar Allan Poe, who began his eventful, yet tragic, life in Boston; Charles Robert Darwin, born to a physician and his wife; and Abraham Lincoln, born in a rugged log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky.

If journalism and news broadcasts had existed in 1809, these words might have been heard: “The destiny of the world is being shaped on an Austrian battlefield today.” But in reality, history was being shaped in the cradles of Europe and America. Similarly when Jesus was born, taxation was the big news. But a young Jewish virgin woman cradled the biggest news of all: the birth of the Savior.

Even today, sometimes the biggest news is the latest product to buy at Christmas, the best vacation spot during the holidays, or the idolizing of icons that have become great symbols over the years during the season. You must remember that the greatest news of all was the birth of Jesus Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection years later. Jesus is the greatest news you could share with anyone this season.   (from Senior Living).

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). A help that is not present when we need it is of small value. The anchor which is left at home is of no use to the seaman in the hour of storm; the money which he used to have is of no worth to the debtor when a writ is out against him. Very few earthly helps could be called “very present”: they are usually far in the seeking, far in the using, and farther still when once used. But as for the LORD our God, He is present when we seek Him, present when we need Him, and present when we have already enjoyed His aid. He is more than “present,” He is very present. More present than the nearest friend can be, for He is in us in our trouble; more present than we are to ourselves, for sometimes we lack presence of mind. He is always present, effectually present, sympathetically present, altogether present. He is present now if this is a gloomy season. Let us rest ourselves upon Him. He is our refuge, let us hide in Him; He is our strength, let us array ourselves with Him; He is our help, let us lean upon Him; He is our very present help, let us repose in Him now. We need not have a moment’s care or an instant’s fear. “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”–From “Fath’s Checkbook”

…I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness…Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.–John 1:23,29

Which voice will you listen to this season?

The story is told of two young boys who were spending the night at their grandparents’ house the week before Christmas. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers. The younger one began praying at the top of his lungs: “I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE, I PRAY FOR A NEW NINTENDO…” His older brother leaned over, nudged him, and said, “Why are you shouting? God isn’t deaf.” To which the little brother replied, “No, but Grandma is!”

There are many voices this time of year who call out to us. Like this little boy, some of the voices are loud and demanding. They command attention and are seen everywhere. Some voices are quiet and less invasive. But whatever the type of voice, many are calling out to you this Christmas.

Some voices denounce the birth of Christ and seek to include all faiths, beliefs, and religions this time of year. They have a front of “peace” that seeks “unity”; yet their message discredits the very reason we celebrate Christmas-Jesus’ birth.

Some voices are more joyous, focusing on presents and cheer, but be wise to their motive. While some people will enjoy the season and promote the festive spirit displayed, they focus on materialism and promote happiness through possessions.

If you have children, you probably understand this voice best. Commercials tell them they have to have the newest and latest this time of year. Stores center ads around capturing the attention of children. Even “grown-up” commercials spew the message that if you aren’t buying a new car or jewelry for your spouse, you won’t be happy.

But there’s another voice that calls out to you this season. It’s the voice that is shown in John 1 that called people to come to Christ, understand His gift, and accept His salvation. Jesus is calling out to you right now. As a Christian, He wants you to celebrate the birth of His Son with Him. He wants you to ring the bell of Christmas and tell others of His good news.

If you’re not a Christian, God desires that you would come to Him for your Christmas present this year. He has given you something better than a new car, a diamond bracelet, or the latest gadget. His gift doesn’t come with a payment plan or a price you’ll be paying for months. In fact, God promises that His present will provide you peace of mind and eternal security.( By Dr. Paul Chappell)