One of the Best Each week we provide you with one of the week's most thought provoking articles.
Joy to the World!
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:9-14)
One that calls for a Response Each week we take a meaningful quote, tie it to scripture, and leave you with a take-home.
Rick Hampson of USA TODAY said: In his classic short story, The Gift of the Magi, O. Henry makes an observation that seems apt this year: "The poorer you are, the more Christmas does for you." So on a Christmas marred by seemingly bottomless recession at home and seemingly endless war abroad, it seems fair to ask: Who today are the magi? Who are the wisest? They are, no doubt, among those determined to have a merry Christmas. According to a new USA Today/Gallup Poll, more than three-quarters of the 93% of Americans who observe Christmas say they expect this one to be as happy as, or happier than, those past. …That optimism begets generosity. … Who are the magi? They're the ones who've tried to make this blue Christmas bright, not in hopes of receiving, but through plans to give — sometimes to their closest loved ones, sometimes to strangers, sometimes anonymously. … They're the ones who, often because of their own trials, approach Christmas most thankfully and thoughtfully. They're the ones who make Christmas Christmas.
God says:"An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us." (Matthew 1:20-23).
The Jerusalem Connection says: Both Christmas and Hanukkah are about miracles. These celebrate God's miraculous provision Christmas, a provision of a substitute Lamb for our sins, Hanukkah, a provision of Spirit-given oil for our continuous worship. Both are from Yahweh-Jirah God, our Provider. Both Christmas and Hanukkah serve to remind us that, whatever our needs, "God's grace is sufficient, His power is made perfect in our weakness." (I Corinthians 12:9).
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Video Message from Jim and Patty Hutchens wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all our Friends
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The Jerusalem Connection International serves as an advocate for Christian Zionism. Our mission is to inform, educate, and activate support for Israel and the Jewish people. We accomplish all aspects of our mission to actively advocate for the continuity and strength of a strong Jewish state of Israel primarily through the publication of our magazine, The JerUSAlem Connection, and also through our ministries in Israel and advocacy work in the U.S. Blessings, Rev. James M. Hutchens, Ph.D. Chaplain (Brigadier General) US Army (Ret.) President: The Jerusalem Connection Int'l
Joy to the World!
Rick Hampson of USA TODAY said: In his classic short story, The Gift of the Magi, O. Henry makes an observation that seems apt this year: "The poorer you are, the more Christmas does for you." So on a Christmas marred by seemingly bottomless recession at home and seemingly endless war abroad, it seems fair to ask: Who today are the magi? Who are the wisest? They are, no doubt, among those determined to have a merry Christmas. According to a new USA Today/Gallup Poll, more than three-quarters of the 93% of Americans who observe Christmas say they expect this one to be as happy as, or happier than, those past. …That optimism begets generosity. … Who are the magi? They're the ones who've tried to make this blue Christmas bright, not in hopes of receiving, but through plans to give — sometimes to their closest loved ones, sometimes to strangers, sometimes anonymously. … They're the ones who, often because of their own trials, approach Christmas most thankfully and thoughtfully. They're the ones who make Christmas Christmas.
Video Message from Jim and Patty Hutchens wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all our Friends
Make a Year-End Tax Deductible Gift to The Jerusalem Connection
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