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 25^th. 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.

“Go into the ark, you and all your household…”

                Since the beginning, God has had a tremendous interest in the family. The family was the first institution ever created, and it is the bonding nucleus for a successful society. In fact, the government and the church would not exit if there were no family.

                There is nothing more pleasing to God than to see an entire family entering through the “doors” of salvation in Christ and worshipping Him together. Noah’s ark symbolizes our salvation from the penalty of sin because Noah and his family were saved from the ravaging flood. Is our family inside this “ark” today?

“…and the Lord shut him in.”

            The doors of salvation are still open wide today, although they will not remain open forever. God shut the doors leading to the ark, and those who were out perished. Do you know someone who is “out”? The world needs to know that now is the day of salvation (2 Cor.6:2).

“Only Noah was left…”

                Who will be standing after the return of the Lord? Only the conquerors. Who are the conquerors? Those who believe Jesus is God’s Son (I John 5:1-5).

                In this world, we will be persecuted, ridiculed, and tempted almost to the point of defeat. But a day is coming when the doors of heaven will open wide and a trumpet will signal that it’s time to come home. As for the unbelievers, the doors will shut forever and they will never see God. Aren’t you glad you are “inside” today?

               A. G.

                “And the Lord was sorry…”

                The wickedness of mankind during Noah’s time was so great that God “repented” or changed his mind about having created the human race. This race that was made in God’s image was now totally depraved and evil.

                If God would take (and He does) a deep, probing look inside our hearts, would he be ashamed by what he sees? As Christians, we were created twice by God, therefore greater is our responsibility and accountability.

                “But Noah found favor…”

                The times in which we live today are remarkably similar to the times of Noah. In fact, the Bible predicts that the return of the Lord will be in a future time “just as in the days of Noah…” (Matt. 24:37). This time may be closer than we imagine if we judge by the moral decay and ever-growing wickedness of our present society.

                Nevertheless, our God will visit his people and impart abundant, overflowing grace, even amid calamity and disgrace. Just as Noah found favor in the sight of the Lord, we can receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).

                Are you going through a tough time? Do not despair. I have been there, and I know firsthand how sweet and timely God’s grace is. Better yet is the fact that Jesus knows exactly how you feel because, “he is a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity” (Isa. 53:3).

                We can live in grace because in Jesus we are more than conquerors.

                A. G.

                                      Genesis 5

                 “Lived…became the father…and he died.”

                This Bible chapter contains one of the saddest “poems” ever written. It tells us in a rather repetitive fashion that every man and woman is Adam’s lineage did three main things. They lived, had sons and daughters and they died.

                Is this a portrait of your life? Perhaps not, but maybe you know someone who right now is leading a lifeless existence. His or her life is void of hope and filled with as much excitement as watching the “motion” of a turtle.

                “Walked…was no more…God took him.”

                Here we have another poem, a more cheerful and hopeful composition. The title could be “Enoch, the first astronaut.” Enoch’s life was never boring, hopeless, or even ordinary. He “walked” with God; that is, he enjoyed a daily and intimate communion with our Lord.

                Do you walk with Jesus?

                If you do, if your life is filled with God, you are in grave danger of extinction.

                First, your old works and sins of the flesh will disappear, and then you, or at least the “old you”, will cease to exist. Christ will live in you and through you (Galatians 2:20).

                God took Enoch to heaven while he was alive. Something striking similar could happen to us soon. The Bible promises that Jesus is coming again for His Church. In a twinkling of an eye, we will be transformed and transported to heaven, but in the meanwhile God is working to make our lives as beautiful as a poem.

                A. G.

I love Thanksgiving

It’s my favorite festive day

Every day your blessings we are receiving

Every day your Name we must praise

 

I love Thanksgiving

I wish it was Thanksgiving every day

To get together with my family

And together we would pray

 

I love Thanksgiving

The weather, the meal and the break

It is the time for joy and for singing

For the wonders of your grace

 

I love Thanksgiving

My heart is filled with a happy song

For you rescued me from the storm

And you forgave all my past

Today I give you my thanks

And forever I will give you my heart

A. G.