We are excited to announce that the final version will be released sometime today, 12.24.15. For now though, here is the chapter entitled, The Christmas Story.This is the Last Chapter we will be posting before "Reflecting Christmas" is released.
We pray that your Christmas will be Merry and Bright and that the coming year will bring great tidings of Joy. Thank you for your prayers and support during this process. Our prayer for this project has always been that you, our readers and followers, would find this eBook informative and encouraging. Blessings in Christ.
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The Birth of Jesus Christ is, of course, the real reason we remember the Christmas season and encompasses every aspect that has been placed forth as a “Reflection of Christmas.” His life for many has been, and still is, the foundation of their faith and gives them the courage to keep going. The world we live in today has lost sight of this aspect of Christmas in too many ways to count. Each day there is something else that can potentially distract us from remembering the true symbol of Christmas, the true purpose of our lives. While many will disagree, as believers we cannot stand by and let this story fade away.
PHOTO CREDIT: www.davetieche.com
We tend to get so wrapped up in the details of the holiday season that we forget to stop and reflect upon why it is so important for us to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Remembering the birth of Jesus Christ as a foundational aspect of our faith is the most important aspect of “Reflecting Christmas” because it is what living in faith is all about, being an example of love to others and bringing the light back into this broken world.
The only way the world as we know it will see the healing it so desperately needs is through coming to and knowing Christ. It isn’t going to happen overnight by any means, but it can start with each of us. Each one of us can have our own unique way of Reflecting Christmas. It doesn't have to be the most amazing thing in the world; all it takes is a commitment to grow in God. As we grow in Him, He will use that growth to influence others. The Biblical Christmas Story includes so many fantastic elements to remind us to live our lives as a reflection of Christmas and encourage us when we doubt our ability to do so.
PHOTO CREDIT: survivingchurch.org
Think about the Shepherds that were watching their flocks in the night that were visited by a herald of angels who sang beautiful songs of worship. Think about the Star of Bethlehem that led the three kings a few years later so that they could give their gifts of Christmas. Even though it’s not as biblical as you might think, remember the little drummer boy who drummed a special song for the Savior of the world.
Each of these elements of Christ’s birth can influence us today. The shepherds, simple and strong, can remind us that humility is a form of wisdom. The angels, beautiful and glorious, can remind us to offer praises to our king. The star, bright and colorful, can remind us that God will always direct our path. The little drummer boy, small and seemingly insignificant, can remind us that there is something each of us can offer the world in spite of where we’ve come from. So you see, there is so much about reflecting the Christmas spirit each day that we can apply to our lives.
There is so much that you can offer this world. Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to go forth and do so. Embrace a symbol of Christmas with every day you are given and begin to bring healing to this broken world. It won’t be easy, but I promise there will always be hands above that will guide you each step of the journey. As you embark on this journey, refer often to the biblical account of Jesus’ birth and remember the lessons you’ve learned about Reflecting Christmas in your life.
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The Birth of Jesus Christ
Luke 2:1-20 ESV
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” 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 among those with whom he is pleased!”
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Blessings in Christ and thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"
Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),
M.E.
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