Tag Archives: Birth of Christ

Our Christmas Eve Service on YouTube

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We just finished attending our Christmas Eve service at our church, Faith Baptist Church. Thought maybe you would enjoy watching it.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-14 KJV)

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THE LORD’S BLESSINGS!

If it’s not working correctly, follow this link:
https://www.youtube.com/c/FaithBaptistWinterHaven

 

Matthew Chapter A Day – 3

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DOVE (credit: Fanpop Wallpaper)

Beginning of Matthew, in case you missed the first post. Matthew Chapter A Day – 1

Matthew Chapter 3 – Audio [Once started, go back to post to follow verses as he reads.]

Matthew 3:1-17 KJV

John the Baptist Prepares the Way
(1)  In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
(2)  And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(3)  For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(4)  And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
(5)  Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
(6)  And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
(7)  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
(8)  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
(9)  And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
(10)  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
(11)  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
(12)  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.


The Baptism of Jesus
(13)  Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
(14)  But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
(15)  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.
(16)  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:
(17)  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Good News

Matthew Chapter A Day – 2

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Beginning of Matthew, in case you missed the first post. Matthew Chapter A Day – 1

Matthew Chapter 2 – Audio

Matthew 2:1-23 KJV

The Visit of the Wise Men
(1)  Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
(2)  Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
(3)  When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
(4)  And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
(5)  And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
(6)  And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
(7)  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
(8)  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
(9)  When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
(10)  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
(11)  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
(12)  And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

The Flight to Egypt
(13)  And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
(14)  When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
(15)  And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Herod Kills the Children
(16)  Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
(17)  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
(18)  In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
(19)  But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
(20)  Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
(21)  And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
(22)  But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
(23)  And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
The Return to Nazareth
Mat 2:19  But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Mat 2:20  Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
Mat 2:21  And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
Mat 2:22  But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
Mat 2:23  And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Good News

Matthew Chapter A Day – 1

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I keep seeing the suggestion to read the Bible’s Book of Matthew during the month of December, one day at a time. Even though this is two days late, here is Chapter 1. After catching up, the others will be on the correct day. You may want to listen to the Word read as you read it. Christmas time is so busy, that we forget to remember the Real Reason for the holiday season.

Like the rest of many of you, I also am busy, and will schedule these in advance. Trust you will take the time to read/listen to the Word of God and reflect on the most important gift given to man. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the World. He is also the Creator of all these birds that we present on this blog.


Matthew Chapter 1 – Audio

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Matthew 1:1-25 KJV

(1)  The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
(2)  Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
(3)  And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
(4)  And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
(5)  And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
(6)  And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
(7)  And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
(8)  And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
(9)  And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
(10)  And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
(11)  And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
(12)  And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
(13)  And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
(14)  And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
(15)  And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
(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.

Birth of Christ from an e-mail

(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 publick 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.

Christmas Gospel Presentation

Lee’s Seven Word Sunday – 12/25/16

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Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) 2-day olds ©USFWS

FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY

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“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 KJV)

Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) 2-day olds ©USFWS

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Remember the story about the farmer who saw chickens frantically running scared around, at the beginning of a violent thunderstorm?  So the farmer tried to shoo the chickens into the nearby barn, where they all could wait out the storm quite safely.  But the chickens would not heed his helpful directions, so they continued in their group panic attack, wearing themselves out as they were frantically scurrying in circles, terrified at the noise and lightning bolts.  The man thought, “if only I could become a chicken, I could join them, and explain the way to safety – they could follow me into the barn and be safe!”

Thinking about this, later, he told his Bible teacher that he knew a little bit what God felt, when God decided to become a human, in order to secure our safety, when we were spiritually lost and confused (and living in fear of death), as sinners without hope in the world.  “But that is only a little bit comparable to what God did, when He chose to become human (as the Lord Jesus Christ) – at Christmas”, replied the Bible teacher.  “Do you mean because it wasn’t necessary for me to die for the chickens, and then rise from the dead 3 days later?” asked the farmer.  “Yes”, agreed the Bible teacher, “that and a lot more – because were you then willing to not only become a chicken long enough to get them into the barn, but also to continue being yourself — as well as being a chicken — simultaneously — forever, so that your rescued chickens would enjoy eternity with you as their Kinsman-King?”

Accordingly, as you look at the baby Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (above), ask yourself:  would I be willing to become one of them, and somehow continue to be myself (also), FOREVER, if that’s what would be necessary to save their little chicken “souls”?  CHRISTmas is huge in importance to us, of course – yet it was (and continues to be) huge to our incarnate God, the Lord Jesus Christ, too. (JJSJ)

More Daily Devotionals

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Sunday Inspiration – Christmas At Faith 2016

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Christmas Decorations at Faith 2014

“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 KJV)

Today is a little different from our normal post. Last Sunday evening we had the Christmas Cantata at our church, Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Florida. It was absolutely fantastic!

Enjoy and may you have a blessed Christmas.

“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 us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:1-2, 26-28 KJV)

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-16 KJV)

Christmas Decorations at Faith 2014

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 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.” (John 1:1-14 KJV)

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Watch other services at Faith Baptist

Faith Baptist Church Website

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“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

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More Sunday Inspirations

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O Holy Night – Card

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That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (1 John 1:1 KJV)

Please Click Here To See The Card

Here is the video they used with it:

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A friend sent this to me and I trust you also are as moved by it as I am. Tears are still flowing as I type this.

Yes, I know the Wise Men showed up later, but enjoy the video.

2013’s Christmas Day

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©©Bing

©©Bing

Well, here we are on Christmas Day, December 25th. We hope you are having a very pleasant and blessed day, as the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ’s “birthday” is celebrated. We know from Scripture that He has always been.

I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth. (Proverbs 8:23 NKJV)

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11 KJV)

The Lord chose to take on human flesh, to live a sinless life, and then die as a substitute for us and our sins on the cross. He was both God and man. What Love was shown to us by this. Salvation comes through Christ and Christ alone.

The last week or so, we have shown all the beautifully and colorfully created birds and also excerpts from our Everlasting Life Cantata. There are links at the bottom to those articles. There are some differences in the birds chosen for slideshows on the two blogs.

Today, we have the conclusion of the Everlasting Life cantata by Faith Baptist Church. Our pastor, Nathan Osborne III, speaks, prays and then the concluding finale by the choir. I trust you will enjoy it.

Lord Bless you and Merry Christmas.

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The Christmas Birds: Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus