TUESDAY, December 23rd, 2008

Hey Guys! I am up here in Jacksonville! I am having a great time with my family! It is cold here and we are just relaxing around the house today! It is alot of fun! I have a prayer request for you to pray about, but I cant be specific right now... so just consider it an unspoken and I will tell you how to pray when I get home! I miss you guys! Be faithful in the Holidays and into the New Year. Love you all!!!

Matthew 1:

16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 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.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

What a neat passage! verse 23 says: a virgin shall be with child and they shall call his name Emmanuel!! WHICH MEANS: GOD IS WITH US!!!

Can you believe that! Our Creator God came to be with us! IN THE FLESH! Thank you God! One fear around this time of the year that I have is that the true meaning of Christmas can easily become very cliche or "boring because we always hear it"... That is unbelievable, but it happens every year with some people! The wonderful story of Christmas becomes something that we read over and over without even thinking about it!! IT is DANGEROUS to take what Christ did for us for granted! Lets remember this Christmas season to really think about what it means for Christ to come into the world to live and then DIE for us and for our sins! When you think about that it almost takes away the Christmas fuzzies, but it gives so much more back~ It gives us a wonderful relationship with Christ, and it gives Eternal life!!!!

Merry Christmas!