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"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall
conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
(Isaiah 7:14)
It's the most wonderful time of the year, or is it??
By: Pastor L. R. Simas, Sr.
12-07-09

We've once again reached that time of the year when we offer gifts and
goodies to our friends and families. It's a joyous time and a time of peace
and good will towards men. A time when we want the best for those we
hold dear and care greatly for. Right??  Some folks will attend what is
referred to as "Midnight Mass" others will lift a glass and toast the season.
While these are all good things to do, are they done in (or with) the right
spirit ? How about the heart?? Is it also abiding rightly with the Lord??
We hear the sounds of folks saying "gee, I hope I get the item I have been
asking about." Some of us will be thrilled with happiness and some shall be
disappointed. Some folks will get what they wanted and still others will not.
What are your thoughts, hopes, and desires?? Remember it's the most
wonderful time of the year!!
Things are not so for some folks. Remember a young virgin woman
brought forth her first born son?? His name was Jesus. He would live an
extraordinary life and do much for the people of his time.
The prophet Isaiah had much to say of this lad (see Isaiah chapter 53) and
how his life would turn out. Once this child grows to manhood things take
a dramatic turn. Most everyone knows the story and maybe even how it
arrives at its end. Ah! But there are those of you that may not! It is to you
that this item has been directed.
Are you aware that the date we use was not the actual birth of the
Saviour?? However, as the saying goes, "it is what it is". Some say that
"Jesus is the reason for the season." Be that as it may, I'd like to have folks
think about the reasons behind God's coming to earth in the form of man
and yet still being God, Jesus.
The Bible says, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a
son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is,
God with us. (Matthew 1:23) Moreover Peter states of Jesus, "Neither is
there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) The Bible also
says, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was
manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto
the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:
16)
Jesus came to earth to accomplish one thing and one thing only, that being,
to give himself as a perfect sacrifice to reconcile mankind back to God.
Making it possible for man to obtain heaven by his own choice. Once that
was accomplished, we have the ability to believe what Jesus did, accept his
one time sacrifice, and remember Jesus is the only way to heaven! Jesus
said, " ...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me." (John 14:6)   
Christmas is most often celebrated by putting up a tree and giving and
receiving of gifts. Which in and of itself is not a bad thing. However, have
you considered that if you put your faith in that, the Bible has something to
say about trees, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being
made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on
a tree:" (Galatians 3:13) Also have a look at the following, " And if a man
have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and
thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the
tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged
is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy
God giveth thee for an inheritance." (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)
The Song "Jesus paid it all" by Elvina M. Hall and John T. Grape, seems
apropos to what Jesus (of his own will) gave for the world! It follows then,
that we should listen to the message (or gospel) as given by the Word of
God. The most memorized verse is God's gift to mankind as Jesus spoke it:
"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. For
God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not
condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he
hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-
18)
Many will read this and will give it the importance it deserves (in their
opinion) none! They shall continue in the rudiments and traditions they
have believed in all of their lives. May I suggest that you read this message
and if God peradventure will open your heart. May you receive the grace
and be drawn unto the Holy Spirit’s wooing and make a decision that
matters for a lifetime, even eternity. Have a look at what Paul warned the
people of his day and may you too take his advice. "Beware lest any man
spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men,
after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth
all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:7-8) It is my prayer
that this Christmas might be the most joyous time of the year for you and
yours. That you might believe that Jesus is whom it is that makes
Christmas and everything else possible. May you find He who is the best
gift the world has ever been given!!
In keeping with the last few writings and or messages, please take the time
to see what the verses say in the bible you might be using. I pray that the
Holy Spirit will show unto you that there are differences and you might
discover them. Remember Jesus died for you, will you live for Him?? All
praise and glory be to God, Amen!!

Please feel free to e-mail or write at the address below. With love in Christ,
whose servant I am and yours too,
Pastor Popeye
pastorsimas@hyannisbaptistchurch.org
Or write snail mail at:
Hyannis Baptist Church
Po Box 34
West Hyannisport, Ma.
02672-0034
Psalms 12:6-7 and Ephesians 3:8
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