"This is the sign of the covenant…"
There is something peculiar about the game of baseball that separates this sport from every competition: signs. Have you attended a game of baseball or watched one at home? Then you probably noticed the manager and the first and third base coaches making all sorts of ridiculous signs. For the casual observer, this is a comical spectacle, but for the batter or runner, these signs are reminders that the coach is in control and that he is directing the course of the game according to his plan.
The rainbow is the sign of God’s covenant with Noah. This sign pointed to God’s promise of not sending another worldwide flood; this sign tells us that God is still in control of the universe; this sign is a public testimony that God has given humanity a second chance. What is your first reaction when you see a rainbow? Some admire the bright colors, while others don’t even bother looking up. I am thankful to believe in a God that always fulfills His promises and is always ready and willing to offer yet another opportunity to the repentant heart.
God also made a covenant with us, better known as the New Covenant, which was mediated by Jesus in His complete work of redemption. This is also a second chance, as we now enjoy the benefits of a new life and will enjoy a new home in heaven. Great emphasis is place on the fact that God wiped out almost an entire society, but let us not forget the word almost, for God gave Noah and every future generation a new beginning, a celestial sign, and a second chance.
A. G.
Nativity comes from the Lt. Nativus which means birth and we get the word Native (PEOPLE BORN IN THIS PLACE). Christmas is literally the “Mass of Christ” a Roman Catholic ritual service in which Christ is sacrificed over and over.
The actual date or day in which Jesus was born is not as important as the fact that we celebrate his birth. It was probably not on December 25th. The fact that we celebrate Jesus’ birthday means that He is alive. Dead people have no birthday celebrations.
Nativity is the birth of Christ. No one else should be celebrated on that day (secular Christmas).
Without the Incarnation (birth as a human) there is no real Crucifixion (death on the cross) or Resurrection.
The birth of Jesus changed history (B.C. / A.D.). His death on the cross changed my destination (from hell to heaven) and his resurrection has given us hope.
The real tree is not adorned with tinsel and lights. It is stained with the blood of the Lamb.
The real Santa is our Heavenly Father from whom we received all blessings and gifts.
The real Bright and Morning Star is Jesus.
The fact that we celebrate yet another Nativity or Jesus’ birthday means that He is not a baby in a manger anymore.
Mary was the mother of Jesus (humanity) but no woman can be the mother or creator of God.
Jesus was born at night and He died amid great darkness, but He was raised from the dead three days later in a beautiful Sunday morning.
If this and every year you want a real reason to celebrate this season, ask Jesus to come into your heart as He has already come into this dark world to bring light.
In a manger He laid, on a cross He died and a grave lays empty as a testimony that He is alive forever.
The worldly man never comes to Jesus; the wise men came to Jesus one time; the religious man comes to church one a year; the churchgoing man comes to church almost every Sunday; but the saved and devoted man comes to Jesus every day of his life.
On Nativity heaven came to earth so one day we can go to heaven forever
The purpose of Nativity is the Cross. The glory of Nativity is Jesus.
A. G.
