Today is the first day of the 12 Days of Christmas. Even though in the eyes of the world Christmas is over, we understand that Christmas is a season, not day. So we continue to celebrate. We continue to rejoice. We continue to celebrate the miracle of God coming to us in the form of a Babe in a manger. We continue to wonder at the awesome truth of the Incarnation–that God took on human flesh and became Man. Continue reading
During this Advent season we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of the Savior. As we think of the true meaning of Christmas, there are so many images that come to mind: Angels and kings, stars and wise men, mangers and midnight journeys. One of the most enduring and poignant images is that of the humble shepherds of Bethlehem, men selected by the Almighty to witness the Messiah’s birth on this planet. Consider the beginning of the story as found in Luke:
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” ( Luke 2:8-12 NKJV) Continue reading
For most of us, the weeks leading up to Christmas can be hectic and stressful. Perhaps we would do well to consider the example of a pure, simple virgin who became the Mother of our Savior. Her example may serve as an antidote during this busy season.
Mary said,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him…
For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.” (Luke 1:46-50, 55 NLT) Continue reading
(This article was originally posted back in April of 2013. But I think there is truth here that deserves to be revisited. I hope you find this inspiring and helpful in your spiritual walk. – Victor)
I remember a number of years ago when we were still living in the mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania. Sue (my wife) had an appointment down in Uniontown, at the bottom of the mountain. I drove her to town, dropped her off and then went for a drive. After running a couple of errands, I thought I would find somewhere to relax and spend some time in much needed prayer and meditation. Having decided this, I drove onto the grounds of a monastery and retreat center that is located in town.
Before this, I had never explored those grounds. They are truly beautiful. This land had once been the estate of one of the local coal barons who prospered in the area decades ago. There is a stately, almost majestic quality to the landscape. Ancient trees overhang neatly trimmed lawns and dot the ridges of rolling hillocks. Scattered among these lovely old trees are a number of shrines and statues of various saints. There are also park benches placed at various spots, inviting you to stop and meditate. I took advantage of one such spot. Continue reading
Charles Taze Russell was nothing if not troubled. Much of his life was motivated by fear. It is said that as a young man he would walk the streets of Pittsburgh, writing “There is no hell!” on the sidewalks in chalk. His fear of hell dominated his thinking and profoundly affected his theology. He was also troubled by what he could not understand. What could not be discerned through human reason was unacceptable to him. For instance, the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity was nonsense to him. It is no surprise then that when he founded the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society in Pittsburgh in 1884 that the denial of hell and the rejection of the Trinity became hallmark doctrines of this organization. To this day the Jehovah’s Witnesses reject what they cannot understand or accept as rational. Continue reading
TRUTH BUILDERS MINISTRIES 