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Witness of the Stars: SERPENS and OPHIUCHUS

The Struggle with the Enemy

Here, Serpens, the serpent, is seen struggling vainly in the powerful grasp of the man who is named O-phi-u-chus. In Latin he is called Serpentarius. He is at one and the same moment shown to be seizing the serpent with his two hands, and treading on the very heart of the scorpion, marked by the deep red star Antares (wounding).

Just as we read the first constellation of the woman and child Coma, as expounding the first sign Virgo, so we have to read this first constellation as expounding the second sign Libra. Hence, we have here a further picture, showing the object of this conflict on the part of the scorpion.

In Scorpio we see merely the effort to wound Ophiuchus in the heel; but here we see the effort of the serpent to seize the Crown, which is situated immediately over the serpent’s head, and to which he is looking up and reaching forth.

The contest is for Dominion! It was the Devil, in the form of a serpent, that robbed the first man of his crown; but in vain he struggled to wrest it from the sure possession of the Second Man. Not only does he fail in the attempt, but is himself utterly defeated and trodden under foot.

Plate 10: SERPENS (the Serpent) and OPHIUCHUS (the Serpent Holder)

There are no less than 134 stars in these two constellations. Two are of the 2nd magnitude, fourteen of the 3rd, thirteen of the 4th, etc.

The brightest star in the Serpent, α (in the neck), is named Unuk, which means encompassing. Another Hebrew name is Alyah, the accursed. From this is Al Hay (Arabic), the reptile. The next brightest star is β (in the jaw), named, in Arabic, Cheleb, or Chelbalrai, the serpent enfolding. The Greek name, Ophiuchus, is itself from the Hebrew and Arabic name Afeichus, which means the serpent held. The brightest star in Ophiuchus, α (in the head), is called Ras al Hagus (Arabic), the head of him who holds.

Other Hebrew names of stars, not identified, are Triophas, treading under foot; Saiph (in the foot of Ophiuchus), bruised; Carnebus, the wounding; Megeros, contending. In the Zodiac of Denderah we have a throned human figure, called Api-bau, the chief who cometh. He has a hawk’s head to show that he is the enemy of the serpent, which is called Khu, and means ruled or enemy.

All these combines to set before us in detail the nature of the conflict and its final issue. That final issue is, however, exhibited by the last of the three constellations of this chapter. The Victor Himself requires a whole picture to fully set forth the glorious victory.

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Biblical Insights on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit

There is one God, who eternally exists in the GodHead.

  • Colossians 2:8-10
    • 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 (Jesus) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
    • And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
  • 1 John 5:7
    • For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
  • John 1:1
    • In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  •  Genesis 1:1-3
    • In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
    • And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
    • And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
      • Notice that God spoke and things were created. It was by God’s Word that everything was created.
  • John 1:3
    • All things were made by him (Jesus); and without him (Jesus) was not any thing made that was made.
  • John 1:14  
    • And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

From the above verses it is clear that Jesus is the word of God. In the beginning God created the earth with His Word. Therefore, Jesus was there in the beginning with God and He was God. Later he became flesh.

  • 1 Timothy 3:16
    • 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.

The Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) was there in the beginning as the Spirit of God.

  • Genesis 1:2
    • And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

The Holy Spirit works in many ways. Here is some Bible Studies on the Holy Spirit: Understanding the Holy Spirit: Key Teachings and Insights.

The Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove and a voice spoke from heaven when Jesus was baptized.

  • Matthew 3:13-17
    • Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
    • But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
    • And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
    • And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
    • And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Remember that God is omnipresent.

  • Proverbs 15:3
    • The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
  • Psalms 139:7-10
    • Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
    • If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
    • If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
    • Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Jesus is the Word that came out of God. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. They are all part of each other.

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Understanding the Millennium: Christ’s Reign on Earth

The Return of Christ and the Millennium


To the Mount of Olives

  • When Jesus Christ comes with His armies to Armageddon and destroys the Antichrist system, He will then
    stand on the Mount of Olives.
    • And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the
      west, and there shall be a very great valley” (Zechariah 14:4).
  • The landscape around Jerusalem will never be the same again after He comes in glory to set up His kingdom.
  • The mountain will be divided as a monument to the deliverance of the Lord.

Characteristics of the Kingdom Age

  • Jesus Christ Will Be King of the Earth
    • And the LORD shall be king over all the earth; in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one (Zechariah 14:9).
  • He Will Rule on the Earth for a Thousand Years
    • Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).
  • Judgment of the Nations
    • The nations of the world that have blessed or persecuted the Jews, especially during the Tribulation, will then be judged.
      • Matthew 25:31-46
        • “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
        • 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
        • 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
        • 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
        • 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
        • 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
        • 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
        • 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
  • God’s People Will Rule with Christ
    • Revelation 20:1-6
      • And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
      • And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
      • And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
      • And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
      • But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
      • Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
  • The Capital Will Be Jerusalem
    • The nations will come there annually to worship the Lord.
      • Zechariah 14:16-17 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
  • Satan Will Be Bound during this time
    • Revelation 20:2-3 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

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Visiting the old castle

This is part two of the story: Life in a submarine: Deep water

After the storm at sea, we were all glad to be on dry land. After one day of rest, we went to visit our grandparents. Our Grandparents live in an old castle. The castle has 3 floors plus the attic. When we got to the castle. Our Grandparents. Welcome us with hugs, kisses, and lunch. Then we talk a little bit about what happen last time we were together.

Then we had to go meet Pastor David Campbell. So, we said our goodbyes and jumped into the rental car. Pastor David, and his family were aways so nice to us. When we got to the church, we saw Pastor David and Mrs. Campbell. Pastor David had two kids of his own one was around Joy’s age and her name is Fiona. The other was around Mark’s age, and his name is Patrick. Well, that is how many kids he had last time we were here. When we all got out of the car, we saw that Pastor David was holding a baby! “Pastor David has a baby!” Danny said loudly as he ran around in the grass. “Yes,” Little Danny, “I do.” “What is the baby’s name our mother asks?” “His name is Jack,” said Mrs. Campbell. Now that we have said our hellos, I think I know two people who want to see their friends. Danny, Joy, Mark, and I knew who Mrs. Campbell was talking about, Fiona and Patrick. They are in the back waiting on you guys. So, we ran to the house near the church where the Campbell’s live to play with Fiona and Patrick and their 2 dogs. While the grownups went inside the church to talk about next Sunday. After a while of playing, Mother and Father said it is time to go back to the castle to eat Dinner.

When we got there, grandma had made a shepherd’s pie. Grandma’s shepherd’s pie is so always so good. So, we ate our dinner. Our grandparents insisted on putting us up for the night. They put us children in the old children’s room. Maybe it was just Mark and me, but we couldn’t sleep. We kept hearing something.  “Rebecca” yes Mark, “I hear something do you?” “Yes, Mark I do it is at the door.” Mark and I walked to the door to open it. When we opened the door, we saw our grandparents’ dog Honey. “Look Rebecca it’s only Honey.” “Okay now we should go to sleep Mark tomorrow is Saturday than its Sunday.” So, we went back to sleep.

When we woke up in the morning, we woke to the singing of birds, and the sun coming through the window. Honey was at the foot of the bed. “Good morning, Rebecca,” said Joy. “We are waiting on you so we can go down together.” “Okay let me get my clothes on.” So, I hurried to put my clothes and shoes on. After that Danny, Joy, Mark and I walk downstairs to the kitchen. “Go on and sat down kids eat up then you may explore the castle grounds.” “Okay grandma.” “Where mom and dad?” “They went to the stores for food for the sub. They will be back in an hour. Now eat up.” “Okay grandma.” So, we hurried and ate so that we could go exploring.

The castle has so much to explore. A few visits ago, Joy found a secret room where Mark found an old tea set. Another time, Danny and I found an old picture of our great, great, great okay let just said really great Aunt Mary and Uncle Eric Brennan. So, we don’t know what we will find next.  But sometimes we don’t find anything. Like today but that’s okay.

After mom and dad got back the day went by so quickly, but it was fun too. Soon, it was dinner then it was bedtime. When we woke up the next morning it was Sunday. So, after breakfast, we got ready for church. When we got there, Dad went with Pastor David, and we went with Mrs. Campbell.

When everyone got there, Pastor David introduced us to everyone. Then our dad started to preach and just guess what he preached about. He preached that we all need to keep our faith in God so even if the water gets too high, keep your faith. Everyone loves the story dad told them.

After the service as we were walking to the car, we ask the Campbells to please join us for lunch at the castle. They said yes. So, we all were walking to the car when we heard a meow Joy and Fiona look around then Joy saw it 4 little kittens and their mother in a basket near the church. “Dad, Dad come look!” Dad went over where Joy was. Can we keep them please?” When Danny, Mark and I saw them we start begging, too. “No!” our dad said firmly. When Dad said that we move to let our mom to see them. Then we remind mom that she wants a cat or two. Our dad looked for help from Paster David. He said sorry we have too many pets with 2 dogs. “Mother, Father ” our dad said to our grandma and grandpa, “Help”. Paster David asked, “What are you guy going to call your new pets?” Thank a lot for helping to remind us of names. Look at this. It’s a note. It says to whoever finds this please take care of the kittens and their mother. Their names are Little Peep, Sunrise, Rose, Molly and Mary Ann. Little Peep is the black one with blue eyes [boy]. Sunrise is the yellow one with green [boy]. Rose the one that one just like her mother [girl]. Molly the one that look like just like her mother but with a white chest [girl] and their mother Mary Anne with Green eyes.

Lift to Right side. Little Peep, Sunrise, Molly, Rose, and Mary Ann

Mom, can we keep them? Absolutely yes!” What?” Our father said. Come a long children let’s put the basket in the car and go. After we got to the castle we ate lunch. Then baby Jake sat down to play with Honey and us children went the children’s room with the kittens, and their mother. Fiona and I would keep them, but you heard what our dad said. Thanks Patrick. “Rebecca” “Yes, Fiona do you think you dad will let you keep the kittens?” “I hope so”. Why don’t you children ask him yourself? Dad? “Your mom talked me into it.” “Thank dad” “You guys are welcome.” After that it was time for Fiona and Patrick to go home. That night at dinner Grandma made cupcakes that looked like kittens. Grandpa made some cat toys out of some rope for the kittens. Soon, it was bedtime. So, we made the kittens and their mother to lie down in the baskets.

Before we left Dublin to go to Iceland [Reykjavík] Fiona and Patrick ran up to us. We are so happy you guys are still here. We know you have a cat tower, food and treats, but here are some toys. Thank you so much Fiona and Patrick. See you when come back to visit. Rebecca, Mark, Joy, Danny, it’s time to go. “Goodbye.” “Goodbye Fiona and Patrick.” And that’s the story of how our family grew.

A work of fiction written by Bell

 Reykjavik pronunciation guide /ˈreɪkjəvɪk, -viːk/ RAYK-yə-vik, -⁠veek; Icelandic: [ˈreiːcaˌviːk]

Poems and stories by Bell

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The Battle of Armageddon

The Battle of Armageddon

  • The valley of Jezreel or Esdraelon is located west of the Jordan River and east of the Mediterranean Sea.
    • The Battle of Armageddon will be fought in this area.
  • The name “Armageddon” is taken from the strategic military city of Megiddo, which was the fortified chariot city of Solomon.
  • Armageddon, it has been said, “will be the battleground for the greatest blood bath the world has ever seen!”

144,000 Sealed

  • The Antichrist, with the false prophet, will rule the world with an iron hand for three and a half years. He will extend control over the political, religious, and economic life of the world.
  • God will preserve 144,000 believers during this time. He will deliver this remnant, who will be hidden from the destructive power of the Antichrist.
    • Most believe that the 144,00 will be Jews who turn to Jesus during this time.

Preparation for Armageddon

  • The Jews will be a thorn in the flesh of this world leader. He will be able to break the will of the other nations but not them.
  • He will determine to destroy them and will gather his leaders and armies together for this purpose.
  • At this time the Lord will intervene with a heavenly army.
    • Rev 19:19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army
    • Rev 16:13-14; 16 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty… And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

Armageddon Closes Out the Tribulation

  • This battle will be the end of the Tribulation. It will be the final attack of the Antichrist against God and His people.
  • The cup of God’s wrath will be full at this time, and He will personally come to end the wild and savage earthly reign of the beast and his system.
  • After this battle Jesus will set up the millennial reign on earth (one thousand years of peace).

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:11, 14, 16).

  • And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge, and make war
  • And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean
  • And he had on his vesture, and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS

The Judgment of the Beast and False Prophet

  • Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

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The Children’s Six Minutes: The Christmas Tree

THE CHRISTMAS TREE by Bruse S. Wright.

For a few years I lived in a country where “December is as pleasant as May.” The weather was warm all through the year. The ground was never frozen, for there was never any frost. I never saw a snowflake in all the years I lived in the tropics. The trees were trees of the hot climate, mostly palm, bamboo and acacia trees. When Christmas drew near, I thought the day would be a very dreary day, and wholly unChristmaslike because there would be no snow, and we would be without our accustomed tree.

A few days before our first Christmas in the tropics a friend said to me, “I am sending a tree down from the mountains for your children.” In due time the tree arrived. You can imagine the joy of our entire household when they looked upon a genuine, evergreen, Christmas tree. We set it up in our big “sala,” that is our living room, and there it remained for many days, the delight of our eyes.

The tree of the Christmas season has some specifically Christmas messages. First, it is evergreen. That reminds us of the eternal Saviour, “the same yesterday, to-day and forever.” At the very tiptop of the tree we place a star. There it shines, high above all else, reminding us of the higher, holier life to which we are summoned. The star beckons us to loftier aspirations. Christ came down from heaven. He became one of us, sharing our human life. But he is ever above us as well as with us, luring us on to the life of God. The Christmas tree is ablaze with lights. Jesus brought light into the world. How dark the world would be without him! About the base of the tree, and suspended from the branches are many gifts. They are tokens of the love and esteem we hold for each other, and remind us of God’s great gift of love, Christ himself.

MEMORY VERSE, John 3: 16

“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.”

MEMORY HYMN

“There’s a song in the air.”

This post is included because it is in the original book by Bruse S. Wright.

THE CHILDREN’S SIX MINUTES by Bruce S. Wright

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The Gift of Salvation: A Christian Perspective

Everyone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

  • Romans 3:23-25
    • For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
  • Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
  • Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
  • Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Salvation Topics for Bible Study

  • Who can have salvation
    • Who Shall be Saved: The content discusses salvation, emphasizing that merely believing is inadequate. True salvation requires repentance and a relationship with Jesus. This results in the adherence to Biblical teachings.
    • Salvation offered for all: God forgives everyone, regardless of their background or past. Judging others is wrong; we must teach God’s word to all, focusing on the heart, not appearance.
  • How to obtain salvation
    • How to be Saved: The content outlines a path to salvation through admitting sin, believing in Jesus, confessing Him as Savior, and departing from evil while studying the Bible.
    • The Significance of Jesus’ Blood for Salvation: Jesus’ death was necessary for the forgiveness of sins, as Adam’s disobedience introduced death. His pure blood provides eternal redemption, replacing temporary animal sacrifices and restoring our relationship with God.
    • Understanding the Cross: Salvation and Redemption Explained: The content emphasizes Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, showcasing faith, salvation, reconciliation, and the transformative power of His resurrection for believers.
  • Baptism
    • In what Name to Baptize In: The church must unite in faith, focusing on Jesus, rather than dividing over baptismal phrases and unnecessary legalism.
    • Key Bible Verses Discussing the Concept of Baptism: The Bible discusses various aspects of baptism, including its significance, methods, and prerequisites, emphasizing its role in salvation and spiritual rebirth.
    • Should We Call God by His Hebrew Name?: The discussion emphasizes that while addressing God in Hebrew can be meaningful, it should not be mandated for salvation; God understands all languages and knows our hearts.
  • Other information
    • Once Saved Always Saved?: The content discusses the permanence of salvation, emphasizing the necessity of a relationship with Jesus and warning against willful disobedience and turning away from God.
    • God’s Plan of Salvation: Past, Present, Future: The content outlines God’s faithful plan for humanity’s redemption, demonstrating His purpose through scripture, history, and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ’s work and future promise.
  • How to tell others

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The Prodigal Son

THE PRODIGAL SON

A certain man had two sons, and the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the portion of thy wealth that would fall to me at thy death.” He did so, and a few days after the younger son gathered all his wealth together and journeyed into a far country. There he met with evil companions, and wasted his money in riotous living. When he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land, and he began to be in want of bread to eat. So he went and hired himself to a man of that country, who sent him into the fields to feed his pigs. And he was so hungry that he would have been glad to have eaten the coarse food such as the swine eat; but no one gave it to him.

His sufferings brought him to his senses, and he thought how foolish he had been, for he remembered that his father’s servants had food enough and to spare, whilst his father’s son was perishing with hunger. He said, “I will leave this land and go to my father and tell him how I have sinned against heaven and him. I will tell him I am no longer worthy to be called his son, and will implore him to make me one of his hired servants.” And he arose and went towards his father’s house, but when he was still a great way off, his father saw him, and was sorry for him, and ran and embraced him. Then he told his father how he had sinned and had lost his title to be called the old man’s son, but the father was so glad to have his son come back repentant, that he told his servants to bring the best clothing and a ring to put on his son. And he made a great feast, and they were merry, for he said, “This is my son that was as one dead to me and is now alive again; he was lost and is found.”

But the elder son was very angry, and would not go in to the feast, but said to his father, “Lo, these many years have I served thee, and never offended or disobeyed thee, and thou hast never made a feast for me and my friends; but now this thy other son has come back, that has wasted thy wealth in riotous living, thou hast made a great feast for him.” And his father said, “Son, thou art ever with me, and all I have is thine. It is right that we should make merry and be glad, for this thy brother was as one dead to us and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

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The Children’s Six Minutes: The Best Word

THE BEST WORD

What is the best word! I think I can hear each of you as he answers. One says “Mother is the best word.” Another says, “Father.” Still another, “Daddy.” A fourth one answers, “Home.” Now I hear a voice that says, “America.” Another voice shouts, “Friend.” Yes, there are many, many words to which we might rightfully give the title “best word.”

But for this season of the year, and for this particular Sunday, there is one word that stands out from among all the others. That one word is “Christmas.” To-morrow will be Christmas day. I think this word “Christmas” is the best word because it includes all the other good words.

In your home you have a rug. There are many colors in that rug, yet it is all one fabric. The many colors are skillfully woven and beautifully blended to make the one fabric. Think of this word Christmas as a rug, made up of many words of many colors. We see in this rug the word “mother.” What would Christmas be without mother! We see also the word father, and the words sister, brother, grandfather, grandmother, aunt, uncle, friend, home. Then clearest of all in this wonderful rug is the word Christ. Christ is Christmas. Yes, Christmas is the best word for it gathers within its meaning all other good words.

“This happy day, whose risen sun Shall set not through eternity; This holy day, when Christ, the Lord, Took on him our humanity; For little children everywhere A joyous season still we make; We bring our precious gifts to them, Even for the dear Child, Jesus’ sake.”

MEMORY VERSE, John 1: 4

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

MEMORY HYMN

“Joy to the world!”

THE CHILDREN’S SIX MINUTES by Bruce S. Wright

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What Does Christmas Truly Mean Beyond Santa?

The Visit of the Shepherds

In all the big cities people are hustling and bustling to get ready for Santa Claus but are they ready for Jesus to come I am asking you? What is Christmas all about? Is it the tree and Santa Claus or is it Jesus Christ I am asking you?

I will tell you what it is all about. On Christmas we remember the very first Christmas when Jesus came as a Baby. On that Christmas it was a silent night and a holy night that’s the night Jesus came. There was no room in the inn so Jesus the son of God was born in a manger in Bethlehem so long ago, there in a manger. In the same country shepherds abiding in their field, keeping their flocks by night had an Angel of the Lord come upon them. They were sore afraid the angel said unto them, Fear ye not: for, unto you and all people too is Christ the Lord, Emmanuel. You will find the babe in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. They found the baby just as the angel said. On that Silent night and Holy night that’s the night Christ the holy one, came.

This is the true meaning of Christmas. So, when it’s gets close to Christmas eve, please stop a minute and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Remember the Silent night and holy night so long ago in the Manger in Bethlehem with Jesus Christ, the Holy one came. To set us free from our worldly sin.

Bible verses

  • Isaiah 9:6-7
    • For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
    • Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
  • Luke 1:26-56
  • Luke 2:1-22
  • Matthew 2:1-23

Word Meaning

  • Christmas
    • Definition
      • a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday
    • Etymology
      • Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ’s mass
    • First Known Use
      • Before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at
  • Hustling
    • Definition
      • To crowd or push roughly 
      • To convey forcibly or hurriedly
      • To urge forward precipitately
      • To obtain by energetic activity —usually used with up
    • Synonyms of hustling: as in rush
  • Bustling
    • Definition
      • a bustling market
      • bustling streets
    • Synonyms of bustling: full of lively activity: busily astir

Things to ask yourself

  • In all the big cities people are hustling and bustling to get ready for Santa Claus but are they ready for Jesus to come?
    • I don’t think they are ready for Jesus maybe Santa Claus but not Jesus.
  • What is Christmas all about? Is it the tree and Santa Claus or is it Jesus Christ?
    • I think people knew, but I think they forgot what Christmas is all about.

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