Merry Christmas!

      Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all our readers!

     Happy Birthday Jesus!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6-7

Don't Leave Christ Out Of Christmas

   Well, it's that time of the year again! A time of joy, singing, giving gifts, receiving gifts, and worshiping the birth of Jesus Christ. It's Christmas! What is your favorite part of Christmas? Is is the gifts? The good ole' home cooked food? Is it the weather? The decorations? Or is it the true message of why we celebrate Christmas? I have to say I like it all! But sometimes we are all guilty of getting caught up in other things that we forget about what we are celebrating. So what is the true meaning of Christmas?
   Christmas is all about a celebration of God sending his one and only Son to earth! We pretty much all know the story but hers a summary to refresh your memory. 

                            Mary, a young virgin, was engaged to a man named Joseph, a carpenter. Mary soon conceived a Son by the Holy Spirit who the angel said was to be named Jesus. Mary was troubled by what the angel had told her but she believed the angel and trusted in the Lord. Later on, Joseph and Mary would travel to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus had declared a census to be taken. While there Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, because there was no room for them anywhere else. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and placed him in a manger. The Savior had come to the world.

   Christmas is Jesus' birthday. How would you feel if someone just forgot you birthday? Ignored you? Didn't even think about you until they were sitting church and the preacher was preaching about it? I wouldn't like it. This is the celebration of when Mary gave birth to the Yahweh who came to save the whole world! Who would later perform miracles! Heal hundreds! Feed by the thousands! Die on the cross for OUR SINS! Why would we not celebrate his birthday?

   Don't leave Christ out of Christmas. You can celebrate the other aspects of Christmas but just don't let it out shadow God. Merry Christmas!

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."

Luke 2:10

We Are The Future

     Imagine yourself ten years from now. Where do you see yourself? Some see themselves in the military, while others see themselves as a stay-at-home parent with children and a loving spouse. One might imagine themselves running a small business, and another might imagine themselves as the star of a professional sports team. I see myself in a college going through veterinarian school. Think about were you see yourself in the future.
     We have all heard adults say to us that we are the future. Teenagers, like myself, just shake our head trying to push the thought out of our mind. The idea of moving out, paying our own expensive bills, finding a job, managing our money, and surviving on our own does not really sink in until you walk across the stage to accept your diploma and graduate from high school. Then you are there! We are the future business leaders of America. We are the future political leaders. We are the future medical staff. WE are the future.
     Many adults today have never heard of or do not believe in Jesus Christ, much less teenagers. As the economy worsens and puts stress on American citizens, more turn away from God. Our church attendance numbers are slipping. People turn to drugs, alcohol, and other things to make things "better". Does this have an effect on upcoming generations? Well of course it does! We as Christians have to strengthen our faith, be a good example, and stick with God if we want to have a better future. One day we will be making the calls and decisions. We can make a difference on this Earth. It all comes down to that one simple statement that says : WE are the future.


For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11