Tag: salvation

JESUS IS NO LONGER IN THE MANGER

There is no other time of the year quite like Christmas time. The old song sung by Andy Williams, says “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I would agree, Christmastime is truly wonderful. It is estimated to be celebrated by up to 2.3 billion people each year. Here in the United States, data shows that 93% of the population celebrate Christmas.

Christmas is also the most celebrated holiday in which people have established and follow traditions. One on the traditions that I grew up with and continue with each year, is the reading from the Gospel of Luke Chapter 2 in the Bible. Typically read prior to opening our gifts from under the Christmas tree.

This same manger scene, or nativity, as described in the Bible is often seen on Christmas cards, displayed with glowing colorful lights on snow covered lawns. It is reenacted in church programs and in homes where children often play-out the characters before their families. Most often there is a baby doll lying in a manger, or beside the manger lovingly held in Mary’s arms.  

We know this as The Incarnation. Were God, through His divine plan came into the World in the form of the man. Thereby making baby Jesus the most precious gift to all mankind. His birth, life, death, and resurrection, made a way for all (absolutely anyone) to believe in Him as their savior. If you don’t know the story beyond his miraculous birth, Jesus grew-up and lived a life as an example for us as one (who like we) can connect personally with God the Father.

Sadly, many people today still picture Jesus as a baby in the manger scene. They have not taken the time to consider why Jesus came, nor do they ponder the rest of His earthly life. Jesus is no longer baby Jesus! You see, not only did God come to us through the incarnation…not only did Jesus live a life as an example for us…but at 33 years old, He willingly died at the hands of self-righteous people and evil rulers. Why? This too was all a part of Gods plan. Jesus died as a once and for all sacrifice, allowing us unmerited grace and personal access to God.  

Perhaps you have read this Bible verse or even seen it pop-up on your TV screen as you were watching a professional sporting event. It’s John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”

The Bible also tells us that after Jesus died, He rose again and ascended to heaven, where He is now continuing to serve as our intercessor (see Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, and 1 John 2:1).

God’s love came down for us…for you friend. If you have not invited Him into your heart or maybe it’s been a long time since you have considered opening your heart to Jesus, why not do that today…this Christmas. Salvation and a life through Jesus is a gift, and all you have to do is receive it. It truly is the best decision and gift you could receive!

Also, I would challenge you… Don’t stop at the Christmas story. I remember receiving my first Bible when I was about 13. That Bible (which I still have today) had the words of Jesus printed in red. Although, I did not truly heed to these words until I was 21 years old, my heart opened up when I actually started to read the Bible for myself. So, I encourage you, read Gods Word. Whether through electronic Bibles or paper Bibles, I encourage you to pay particular attention to the red-letter-words of Jesus; they truly give us a pathway to follow in life. Read through the Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke & John). These are foundational to understanding and seeing Jesus as so much more than a baby in a manger 😊 READ THE RED-LETTER WORDS 😊

To our family and friends: We continue to be blessed this year with a loving family and God’s incredible faithfulness. We (Mark, Tracy, John & Jan) traveled to Cheyenne Wy over Thanksgiving and had a great time with Rick, Teri and family. In November we were able to get the Stuberg Fam all together for the first hockey tourney of the season (see Pic below). Celebrations start tonight with John & Jan. Followed by Christmas Eve at our house with John, Jan, Eric, Jess, Roman, Kingston & Lachlan. Then Tracy & I will be in Bismarck on Christmas Day with Alisha, Brandon, Skylee, Harlow, Cash, Pike & Honey. Returning to Oak Grove for Jana’s visit, who is coming on the 29th.

Pictured are (left to right), Skylee (17), Alisha (X), Tracy (XX), Mark (XX), Jess (X), Eric (X), Roman (14), Brandon (X). Top row: Harlow (14), Cash (13) Kingston (13), and Lachlan (10).

From our home to yours…Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Blessed by The Best,

Mark & Tracy

P.S. Please feel free to pass along this message or any one of the messages on seeyouintheriver.com They are written to encourage others, and this past year alone has been viewed by people in 69 different countries.

Christmas from Gods Perspective

The Christmas story as told from the Bible has been told in many different ways—from professionally Hollywood productions to children dressed in bathrobes on living room floors. Many times, the story is conveyed through the eyes of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, or the wise men. But have you ever thought about how God, The Father, felt as the very first Christmas was taking place? After all it was his plan being carried out, as ordinary people responded in obedience to bring about the Savior of the World. Words cannot explain the Joy He—God Himself—must have felt when Jesus was born. I was ecstatic when our kids were born. I can’t begin to understand how God felt at that moment, knowing what it meant for the future of mankind?

I recently read a statistic finding that 90% of Americans say they celebrate Christmas. Also, that 95% of Christians say they celebrate Christmas. I wasn’t too surprised that 10% of Americans don’t celebrate Christmas. I live and work in a major city where there are people of multiple ethnic backgrounds and other religions. But the lingering question for me was why, if you were a professing Christian, would you NOT celebrate Christmas? Especially that 5 out of every 100 Christians, do not celebrate the birth of their savior. How can that be? After all, the greatest event in the history of the world is the incarnation as God became man in the birth of Jesus.  

Upon further investigation, there are a few reasons why some Christians are not celebrating Christmas.

One argument against Christmas is that the traditions surrounding the holiday have origins in paganism. Bells, candles, holly, and yuletide/yule decorations are mentioned in the history of pagan worship, but the use of such in one’s home certainly does not indicate a return to paganism. While there may be pagan roots to some traditions, there are many more traditions associated with the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of the Savior of the world in Bethlehem. Bells are played to ring out the joyous news, candles are lit to remind us that Christ is the Light of the world (John 1:4-9), a star is placed on the top of a Christmas tree to remember the Star of Bethlehem, and gifts are exchanged to remind us of the gifts of the Magi to Jesus, the greatest gift of God to mankind.

Another argument against Christmas, especially having a Christmas tree, is that the Bible forbids bringing trees into our homes and decorating them. The passage often cited is Jeremiah 10:1-16, but this passage refers to cutting down trees, chiseling the wood to make an idol, and then decorating the idol with silver and gold for the purpose of bowing down before it to worship it (see also Isaiah 44:9-18). The passage in Jeremiah cannot be taken out of its context and used to make a legitimate argument against Christmas trees.

The Bible does not indicate that we should celebrate Christmas as a Holy Day (As with other Jewish Holiday’s I’m guessing??), nor is Dec the 25th the accurate day of Christs birth. As it is true that the Bible does not give clear direction as to whether Christmas is a holiday to be celebrated by Christians, there is certainly nothing wrong with celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. Also, the fact that the Bible doesn’t give us the actual date of Christ’s birth, is not proof positive that God didn’t want us to celebrate the birth of His son as the most important event in the history of mankind.

Christmas is nothing but a commercialized holiday that draws people away from the holiness of Christ. I would agree that Christmas is overly commercialized, and that Santa and his reindeer do sometimes seem to take center stage. But there are also many Bible believing Christians all across the globe who do celebrate Christmas and see the occasion as an opportunity to proclaim Christ as “the reason for the season.”

The bottom line: There is no legitimate scriptural reason not to celebrate Christmas. As well, there is no biblical mandate to celebrate it, either. In the end, of course, it is a personal decision. So, back to my original question: What is God’s perspective of Christmas? Here are some further questions to ponder:

1) Do you think God appreciates it when we celebrate His ultimate gift to the world? And do you think He works in us and through us when we give and receive (whether through a gift, special time with family and friends, sharing meals, and celebrating)?

2) Do you believe God works on hearts especially at Christmas. Does he delight in manger scenes, Christmas songs, and bright lights? Does He pay attention to children laughing and enjoying Christmas treats and feeling the love of family and friends as they gather together for special meals and games?

3) Does He delight in special outreaches to the poor and needy in the Christmas season? What about the smiles and greetings given freely as people say “Merry Christmas” to strangers in the street.

4) Does He enjoy reenacted manger scenes played out by our children dressed out in bathrobes and paper-towel beards? Is that precious to Him, even though it may not all be done exactly correct?

5) Does God feel honored as we gather in churches and our homes as we recount the Christmas Story?

6) Is God expectant and are the angels waiting in anticipation to celebrater the multiplied hearts, lives and families that will and accept Jesus—the savior of the world—this very Christmas season?

Yes, yes! I believe he does delight in all of these things and more. People become aware of the story of Christs birth more so at Christmastime than at any other time of the year. Interestingly, Google reports that the word “church” is the top word searched for during Christmas and Easter of each year.

Of course, it is important to separate the reality of Christmas from the clutter.  Not everyone who comes to the party will be there for the right reason, but that is not reason to cancel the party. Christians all over the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas, let’s let our love shine brightly as we celebrate with one another. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

How about you? Do you have joy? Do you have peace in your heart? Are you right with God? Friend, that is why Jesus came. No matter where you are in life or what you are going through, God has not turned His back on you. His arms are wide open to you. The Bible states in Rev 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” That door is your heart. Will you let Him in? You too can celebrate Joy that is unspeakable and peace that is ever lasting, and you too can embrace the true meaning of Christmas.

From our home to yours—Merry Christmas!

Blessed by The Best,

Mark & Tracy

*As always, If you have further questions or comments, we would love to hear from you.