The Birth of a King and the Lord of all creation

Victory Baptist Church

Once again we have come to the time of year we go crazy spending money, celebrating something we have forgotten. The world we live in has tried to get our focus on worldly things and ideas, and it seems we have forgotten  the real reason we should be celebrating--the birth and manifestation of our creator’s love for His creation. 

At the first Christmas there was no Santa clause, no Christmas tree, and there was a gift for everyone that we have overlooked. The birth of God with us (Emanuel). What has this become?

On the first Christmas, at the birth of Jesus, the word of God became flesh. The promise of God became real tangible proof. Whatever you won’t to believe will not change what truly happened that first Christmas.

The shepherds in the field were visited by the Angel who proclaimed the birth of Jesus the Christ. The telling is in Luke chapter 2 beginning in verse 10 -12 where the Angel told what had happened, as was foretold in the old testament. The Angel proclaimed that he was bringing to the world good tidings of great Joy, which shall be to ALL PEOPLE, from that point till now. The Angel continued to tell how this Event would be important to ALL LIVING PEOPLE as the Angel proclaimed that God had intervened to bring us a SAVIOUR and where HE had been born, in the flesh like man. The Angel continued to tell where this event had taken place and where to find this new born Savior. This was one of the signs given us, that they could find the child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

This in itself tells us how God humbled Himself! He was not born in an inn, but out with the animals in a manger. Why was there such a Celebrating from Heaven when this event occurred? This birth was a world changing event for all times. The life of a savior, the promise of God being manifested to the world!

God knew why it had to occur—it was God's plan to redeem mankind from sin, back to a relationship with the Creator. Still, God shows His love for us so much He sent His Word in the flesh to fulfill His promise to us and deliver us from the bondage of sin! And God made it so simple that anyone could have salvation. Man has been trying ever since to change God's promise with religion and it's rules to make it almost impossible to have salvation.

Ask yourself why was Jesus always at odds with and opposed the religions leaders of the time?  And ask yourself if it would be different now? The reason is and was religion tries to control the people with rules and laws they themselves can’t keep. Religion doesn't allow questions, just blind obedience. What is wrong with this? Should it not be okay to ask questions? This would not be bad if it leads us to salvation. But the only salvation we can get is in Jesus as a personal relationship with Jesus Himself ,which is the Word of God in the flesh.

Why is it wrong to question some of the rules and laws of religion if religion can free you from sin?

A person on their own can’t be freed from sin except through the blood of Jesus covering their sins, not by the works of the law, which means organized religion.

Why did Jesus claim to be the Way, the Truth , the Life eternal, and we get to heaven only by Jesus. Because of Jesus Holy Blood sacrifice. This is the true Savior that was born and changed the whole world with His birth, life, death, resurrection, and assertion into the place we all would like to go!

If you think you can keep the law and be accepted then you have missed the truth the whole Word of God tells us, or by abiding in a religion that you can't try in the fire, you’re in big trouble . You have heard these scriptures your whole life--did you not see the Promise of God for you personally?

The First Presbyterian Church Wishes You a Joyous and
Peaceful Christmas!

Once again we approach the coming Christmas Season with hearts full of joy. Why? Because we can again celebrate God’s Gift, His precious Son, sent to do for us what we absolutely cannot do. His blood shed on the cross did everything for us. It washed away our every sin and made us God’s dear children again. Satan’s power is broken. We will live eternally in heaven because of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. Glory to God in the Highest.

What should Christmas mean to us? 

HOPE….Jesus shared human experiences in order to show us how to live. His forgiveness gives us hope, lighting our way to God. We can share this hope with others. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

LOVE…..Through Jesus’ birth, God lovingly offers us union – no longer need we be separated from God or each other. Jesus opened the pathway to new relationships based on love and harmony with all things. He has made known to us…a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:9-10)

PEACE…..Through Jesus Christ, we’re able to experience true freedom and receive forgiveness for our sins. We’re able to be at peace with one another and with God – and to build peace throughout the world. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts….” Colossians 3:15

JOY…..The birth of Jesus calls us to a joyful new way of life. To live our faith, we’re called to follow Jesus’ example and teachings in all we do – willingly and joyfully. “Therefore,  if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Our prayer:  Eternal God, at times we are taken aback by all the absurd violence, the many wars, the human greed, the injustice and the prejudice that turns man against man and nation against nation. In your perfect world no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, there is no strength but the strength of love. Guide the nations of the world into ways of justice and truth so that all peoples may be gathered together when Christ comes to rule the earth as Prince of Peace. As your children, loving and caring for one another, may we greet with joy the coming of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Merry Christmas to All!!

Submitted by Toni Werk, 

First United Presbyterian Church
of Malad Clerk of Session 

The Christmas season is truly a wonderful time of the year

President David Jensen, Malad Stake

All of us have memories of celebrating Christmas when we were young. I have always been intrigued by the innocence of toddlers and young children when it comes to Christmas. It is my observation that most young children are drawn to figurines of the nativity sets, especially the figurine of the “Christ child”. Many have observed the “Christ child” being removed and being carried around or the pieces of the nativity arranged differently. When asked why the figurines have been rearranged the child suggests they wanted to put Him in the middle so everyone can see the Christ child.

Little children can teach us much regarding Christmas. Years ago as Krishele and I were having a family home evening we ask our young daughter what song she wanted to sing. She said “The little Lord Jesus”. Both Krishele and I were not aware of such a song by this title. It wasn’t until later that we realized she wanted to sing “Away in a Manger”. She seemed to understand the true focus of Christmas -the little Lord Jesus.

On that first Christmas night…As Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem they found no room in the inn for Mary to bring forth her firstborn son. Everywhere around them was full and no one seemed willing to help them They didn’t try to make room. Do we turn Him away because we have no room in our lives.

Do we make room in our lives for the Savior? What can we do as families and individuals to make room for Jesus? Shepherds left their flocks by night and came with haste to seek the Christ Child. The shepherds came seeking the Good Shepherd. Our lives are filled with many good things that keep us busy; keeping us from seeking the Good Shepherd. What can we leave behind to seek this Jesus. We have responsibilities and duties, but what can we do to simplify our life and to seek this Jesus?

Wise men from the east also came seeking the Christ Child. Following the star in the heavens brought them to the true light of the world. Each of them had a gift that they desired to give to the Christ Child. What gifts can we offer to our Savior? Each of us have been given gifts and talents from our Heavenly Father. Could we give some of our time to our Savior?

At this Christmas time and throughout the year, may we be mindful of the gift of the Christ Child to us from our Heavenly Father, for His life, and His atoning sacrifice. May we not only remember the gift that was given to us but may we remember the Giver of the Gift. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 )

Our Savior invites us to come. He will meet us where we are. Come unto Jesus. Come as you are, come and see, come and adore him, come and behold, come and abide and come follow Me.

“And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen.” (Ether 12:41)

I testify that “The little Lord Jesus” is indeed the Savior of the World, the Living Christ, the

Prince of Peace. At this Christmas time may we become more like a little child. May we be a little more kind, more loving, more forgiving and more Christlike. May this be a joyous

Christmas for us all and may we see the goodness of God in our lives.

Thanks be to God for his priceless gift of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ.

Much Love and Respect,

David R. Jensen

Merry Christmas!

St. Paul Mission

For those of us that have been given the opportunity to continue to be blessed with the gift of life, we ponder on what our life has become.  Christmas time is a time to reflect back on what we have or have not done to better the lives of our fellow man. The gift that we receive from God in the form of the Christ child is the greatest gift known to mankind.  A Savior comes to us giving each of us the hope of eternal salvation.  We in turn are called to follow our Saviors lead by sharing our many blessings with those around us. For by giving we receive our greatest gift. It is not all about monetary gifts that matters most.  A friendly greeting, acknowledgment of others around us. Simple things that let people know that they matter. Small things done with great love as St. Teresa of Lisieux would do.  These are what each and everyone of us can give as our gift to one another. It comes with no cost.  Share the love of Christ with those that surround you. Not only your family but those who deserve it the least. Our Savior let’s us know that the true gift is not just caring for those we love but caring for those who show the world no love.  We all know someone out there that meets that criteria.  It may even be you or me . There is no better time to change our ways than Christmas time. May God continue to bless our community with faith, love and hope .

Deacon Art Martinez