The First Christmas ‘Gift’ [v179]

JANUARY 2014

The First Christmas ‘Gift’

Last week I enjoyed a Christmas morning gift exchange with my daughter, Arielle, my son, Tyler, my son-in-law, Quinn, my “very good friend,” Michelle, and her son, Michael. Since this was the first time with us for Michelle and Michael, they experienced a bit of a special ‘tradition’ we have.

Whenever the subject of gifts related to Christmas is brought up, the “Three Wise Men” are always mentioned—probably because of the “three gifts” they brought to honor the Christ child.

[ FYI: The “wise men” were a Zoroastrian sect called “Magi”—an extremely accurate group of early astrologers. Instead of the “three” wise men, there were probably 6-12 of them, and they usually traveled in groups of 30-100 (servants, ‘warriors’ for protection—and a lot of cows and sheep). The ‘trek’ they made to Bethlehem was most likely 800-900 miles (from Persia – now, Iraq, Iran Saudi Arabia, or Yemen), and it probably took a year or more to accomplish. It’s also good to note that the wise men didn’t make it to the “stable.” (Matthew 2:11 says: “On coming to the HOUSE, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him.”) ].

Putting the details aside, I have been doing this special ‘tradition’ with my kids for about a dozen years. Originally, we all researched what each of the gifts represented back then, and what they might signify for us these days.


Of course, the simplest meaning were items which, in their experience, represented the greatest worth. All of these items were rare, precious and expensive. Whatever else we may learn from their ‘story’ in the Bible, we know that they gave their best in honor to the One they believed to be the coming King and the “Messiah.” The three types of gifts represent three ‘roles’ of Jesus:

– GOLD represented His ‘kingly office’;
– FRANKINCENSE represented His ‘divinity’;
– MYRRH represented His ‘suffering and death’;


So, I created a tradition in that I would give my kids just three gifts—one for each gift that the wise men gave. We then would each read a portion of the Christmas ‘story’, and read some details about each gift. The following is a condensed version of our readings about the gifts. Let me start ‘backwards’ with Myrrh.


Myrrh is a reddish-brown aromatic gum resin with a bitter slightly pungent taste obtained from a tree of eastern Africa and Arabia. Legend says Caspar (or Gaspar) a king from Tarsus (present day southern Turkey), brought this gift and placed it before the Christ Child. Because of myrrh’s various medicinal uses this gift represents Christ’s human nature, the “Suffering Savior,” the “Great Physician,” and the “Passion” of His death. Myrrh was an extremely valuable commodity during biblical times, and was imported from India and Arabia.

Myrrh had many uses and was used often—something very practical that probably was used weekly—something that had a very sensible application.

So, this kind of gift would be something a person could use in their everyday lives. This gift is above all PRACTICAL and USEFUL. [ I wrap this present with shiny RED paper ].

Frankincense was the purest incense. When burned it produced a white smoke which symbolized the prayers and praises of the faithful ascending to heaven. Because the ancients often burned frankincense during religious rituals, this gift symbolizes sacrifice, Christ’s divinity, His sweet savor, and His priestly role. It is also a symbol of the Divine name of God.

Tradition says that it was presented to the Christ Child by Balthasar, the black king of Saba (today, southern Yemen) [ Note: This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (700 years earlier) that gold and frankincense would be brought from the Gentiles to honor the heavenly king! ].

So, a present in this category should be an object that helps a person grow closer to God. This gift has a SPIRITUAL INTENT. [ I wrap this present with shiny GREEN paper ].

Gold was the usual offering presented to kings by their subjects, or those wanting to pay respect. It seems that the metal we know as gold has always held extremely high value (as long ago as 2,500 BC, gold was especially prized, and used as a medium of exchange). Tradition says that it was presented to the Christ Child by Melchior, probably a king from Sheba/Arabia.

So, when the Magi presented gold to the Christ Child, they were honoring Him with the very best that they possessed, and they were also recognizing that Jesus was a “King.”

Gold is one of the most desired substances in the world, so this gift is something that a person really wants—something that is HIGHLY DESIRED. [ I wrap this present with shiny GOLD paper ].


So then, which one was the first ‘Christmas’ gift? Was it gold, since it was mentioned first?

Well, let me suggest that the “first gift” was given before the wise men even arrived. Linus, of the Charlie Brown ‘group’, explained very well what the first Christmas ‘gift’ was:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA


Yes…I submit that the first ‘GIFT’ of Christmas was from God the Father, and was His Son, JESUS! As a result of this GIFT OF INESTIMABLE VALUE to us, EVERYONE who believes in Jesus, receives forgiveness of sins and eternal life! Oh, what a gift!


Allow me to show you, in three ways, how Jesus, the “Messiah,” came for ALL PEOPLE to be their SAVIOR:

1). Jesus is a ‘SUITABLE’ Savior for All People: Jesus died for sins. What does all sin deserve? Death! [Romans 6:23]. What did Jesus suffer? Death! He paid the penalty that all of us sinners deserve. He is our sin-bearing Savior. What He did, fits our situation. You will never meet any person on this planet whose need Jesus cannot meet. They are sinners, but He is a Savior. He, as Savior, is suitable to the desperate problem of all sinners—all of us! [Romans 3:23].

2). Jesus is a ‘SUFFICIENT’ Savior for All People: What Christ accomplished in His atoning work was sufficient for God the Father, and it was enough for all people. No other sacrifice is needed. His work alone is a sufficient atonement for the needs of any man. He is the Savior of all men, especially of believers [Romans 5:9; 1 Timothy 4:10]. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29]. Now, this is not to say that all men will be saved by His atonement. It is to say, that if they came to Him in faith, His atonement would be enough for even them. The Canon of the Synod of Dort put it this way, “The death of the Son of God is the only and most perfect sacrifice and satisfaction for sin, and is of infinite worth and value, abundantly sufficient to expiate the sins of the whole world… And, whereas many who are called by the gospel do not repent nor believe in Christ, but perish in unbelief, this is not owing to any defect or insufficiency in the sacrifice offered by Christ upon the cross, but is wholly to be imputed to themselves.”

3). Jesus is a Savior ‘OFFERED TO ALL’ People: We are called to offer and invite all people everywhere to repent and trust in Jesus Christ for eternal salvation—and, this is a genuine, bona fide offer. It is real. God truly, and really offers Christ and salvation to every person on the planet!

Jesus is suitable for every person. Jesus is sufficient for every person. Jesus offers Himself to every person! He’s for all people. He’s for those so far sunk in sin that they can barely lift up their heads for shame. He’s for the self-righteous moralists, who feel they don’t need anyone or anything. He’s for all races. He’s for all ages. He’s for all genders. He’s the Savior that God has provided, and offered to all! This is evidence of GOD’S GREAT GOODNESS!


So, how long do you have to respond in faith to the good news that Jesus Christ is Savior? Well, actually, the rest of your life. The problem is, none of us knows how long that’s going to be—we are not ‘promised’ tomorrow [Psalm 103:15; James 4:13-14].

Since we don’t have tomorrow guaranteed to us, and sin makes us ‘insane’ (suggesting that we can continue to indulge in the “lusts of our flesh” and ignore the offer of mercy in Christ, because we’ve got a long time to live)—let me strongly suggest that you make your peace with God today! Come to Jesus Christ. Trust Him. Turn from sin, and begin a life of following Him as your Savior, Messiah and Lord.


God already knows your ‘need’—and has already sent you a ‘solution’—a FREE ‘GIFT’ to boot! It is very personal, and it arrived on the very first ‘Christmas’ night. The gift has a name—and His name is Jesus!


Whatever your need, Jesus can make the difference! He is still in the business of transforming lives with His love, generosity, and truth.

None of us is perfect—we are all needy—but I know who can help you. Many of us have found that a personal ‘connection’ with Jesus, and it is indeed the BEST ‘GIFT’ we could have ever desired!

Christmas gifts, at their best, are ‘personal’. We try to find out what would really please someone we love or be something that they really need. It’s an expression that says, “I care about you enough to find out what will thrill your heart” (especially the ‘gold’ one!). Can you recall a gift you’ve received at Christmas that ‘lit up’ your eyes—and your heart? It may not have been large or expensive or flashy, but it was just perfect for you.

Christmas is all about God’s ‘GIFT’ to us, His greatest gift—his Son, Jesus. The world did not recognize this at the time, but on that night in Bethlehem something special, earth-shaking, and history-making took place—and it is still AVAILABLE TO YOU—right now…right where you are!


[ Excerpts from: Brian Anderson; Ken Larson; ]


RESOURCE:
“The Miracle Of Christmas” by John MacArthur
This little book goes to the heart of what Christmas is really about: the birth of Jesus—Immanuel, God with us, the promised Messiah—who came to save His people from their sins. It may be the biggest and most popular of all our holidays, but Christmas is in jeopardy just the same. A subtle but sure erosion is eating away the season’s true significance.

MacArthur offers this book as an antidote to two prevailing philosophies that are stealing Christmas—an effort to mythologize the Christmas story—and a tendency to secularize it. With reverence and a contagious sense of wonder, he details every biblical fact known about the birth of Jesus, stressing that “Christmas should be a time of real joy and gladness, as opposed to the manufactured sentiment and wild revelry that characterize the way the world observes Christmas.” The simple fact is: “That baby in the manger is God. That’s the heart and soul of the Christmas message.”

http://www.gty.org/products/Books/451113A

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[P.S.: If you would like to investigate what the Bible says about the incredible free ‘gift’ God is offering us, visit the following link:
http://www.4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q9_d5_1of10.html


LIFE’S DEEP THOUGHTS (v179) for JANUARY 2014
If you have a ‘neat’ story or some thoughts about an issue or current event that you would like me to try to respond to, I would be glad to give it a try…so, send them to me at: mbesh@comcast.net

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THE FIRST CHRISTMAS GIFT
As I ran downstairs one Christmas morn,
to open my gifts in a house so warm.
My mother was there, smiling at me,
She said, “Son let’s talk before you look under the tree.”

She told of a baby born long ago,
in Bethlehem, three wise men did go.
Momma told of His life, and to never forget,
the love of our God, and the first Christmas gift.

The first Christmas gift was Jesus,
He was sent down from Heaven above
to show us the way the truth and the life.
He was God’s Christmas gift to us.

I opened my presents with tears in my eyes,
for what my mother told me made a change in my life.
Now as a man, I think back of then,
of childhood days, and that first Christmas gift.

The first Christmas gift was Messiah,
He was sent down from Heaven above
to show us the way the truth and the life.
He was God’s Christmas treasure to us.
He was God’s Christmas gift to us.

[ Mike McAdoo ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw6BL70ZnYw

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THE CHRISTMAS BOX
“The first Christmas gift was a Child”…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-N1nbQGrUU#t=1h27m28s
[ Start watching at 1 hour, 27 minutes and 28 seconds, or copy the above link and paste it into your browser address area ]

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THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
[ A classic updated for the age of e-mail ].

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From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 14
My dearest darling John:
Where on earth did you find a real partridge in a pear tree? Thank you a hundred times!
All my love forever,
Lydia
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From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 15
Dearest John:
I received your sweet gift. Imagine: two turtle doves! They’re adorable. Thanks again!
Love always,
Lydia
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From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 16
Dear John:
Aren’t you the extravagant one. I don’t deserve such generosity, three French hens!
Love,
Lydia
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From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 17
Dear John:
Today I got the four calling birds. Now really, they’re beautiful, but isn’t that a bit too romantic?
Affectionately,
Lydia
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From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 18
Dearest John:
What a surprise. Today the UPS delivered five golden rings, one for every finger. Just in time, as those birds squawking were starting to get on my nerves, and I was beginning to wonder about you!
Love,
Lydia
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From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 19
Dear John:
When I opened the door today there were six geese laying on my front steps. So you’re back to the birds again? These geese are huge. Where will I ever keep them? The neighbors are complaining. Please stop.
Cordially,
Lydia
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From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 20
John:
What’s with you and freaking birds??? Seven swans a swimming. What kind of joke is this? There’s bird poop everywhere. I can’t sleep at night and I’m a nervous wreck. It’s not funny.
So stop!
Lydia
——————————————————-
From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 21
O.K. Buster:
What the hell am I going to do with 8 maids a milking? It’s not enough with all those birds—they had to bring their cows! There’s manure everywhere and I can’t move in my own house. Just lay off, smartass.
Lydia
——————————————————-
From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 22
Hey Bonehead:
What are you…some kind of sadist? Now there’s nine pipers playing—and I mean playing! They haven’t stopped chasing those maids since they got here. The cows are upset and they’re stepping all over those screeching birds. What am I going to do? The neighbors want me evicted. What were you thinking?!
——————————————————-
From: Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 23
You rotten jerk:
Now there’s ten ladies dancing. I don’t know why I say “ladies.” They’ve been fooling around with those pipers all night long. Now the cows can’t sleep and they’ve got diarrhea. The Commissioner of Buildings has subpoenaed me to give cause why the building shouldn’t be condemned. I’m calling the police on you.
——————————————————-
Lydia Zeltow lydia@zeltownet.com
December 24
Listen you “#$%&*^#”
Great—now there’s eleven lords a leaping on those maid and ladies. All twenty-three of the birds have been trampled to death in the orgy. The pipers have even started getting the cows into the action. I hope you’re satisfied, you rotten vicious swine!!!
Your sworn enemy
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Harrison Burnsley, Esq.hburnsley@burnsleyhodgkins.com
December 25
Dear Sir:
This is to acknowledge your latest gift of twelve fiddlers fiddling which you have seen fit to inflict on our client, Ms. Lydia Zeltow. The destruction of her property and peace of mind was, of course, total. All correspondence should come to our attention. Should you attempt to locate or contact Ms. Zeltow at the sanitarium where she now resides, the attendants have been instructed to have you arrested on sight.

[ Kenneth A. Larson ]

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OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER
Don’t mind the snow that’s falling
The carol singers calling
I’m just happy
To be spending our first Christmas
Together

And I’ll be more than jolly
With the mistletoe and holly
Tonight as we are counting down to Christmas
Together
Just you and me

With those jingle bells ringing
As I’m holding you near
I’ll be making a toast
May tonight be the most
Unforgettable night of the year

The sound of
Jingle bells and laughter
Will remind us ever after
Of how we spent that magical first Christmas
Together

Just you and me
Just you and me

With those jingle bells ringing
As I’m holding you near
I’ll be making a toast
May tonight be the most
Unforgettable night of the year
The year

Cuddled up and cozy
The future’s looking rosy
And I can see us spending every Christmas
Together

Just you and me
Just you and me
Just you and me
Just you and me

[ Celtic Thunder ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHLoiuBDUkQ

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OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER
It’s our first Christmas together.
Oh, my last Christmas was blue.
All alone amongst all of the yuletide and cheer,
But now I get to spend it with you.

I remember your face the first time that it snowed.
All smiles, the delight of a boy.
To know that the cold wont be braved all alone.
Hand and hand we’ll be filled with such joy.

It’s our first Christmas together.
All the fun that well get to do!
Christmas cookies and wassail and carols that well wail.
As long as I spend it with you.

Oh ice skating, Christmas lights and magic to see.
Unlike last year, so filled with despair.
All alone in the city, not wanting the pity.
Now the stockings are hung in a pair.

It’s our first Christmas together.
And, kid, you’ve no clue what’s in store.
You never would guess it but you’re the best present.
So much better than all came before!

Putting together our first Christmas tree.
To snuggle and drink hot cocoa.
And share all our dreams and Christmas memories.
To kiss under the mistletoe.

All the worries in life. All the stress and the strife.
Don’t matter when I hold you near.
I just look in your eyes, my sweet gorgeous surprise,
During Christmas and throughout the year.

It’s our first Christmas together.
And here’s to so many more.
As we grow old together no matter the weather.
Here’s to opening another door.

It’s our first Christmas together.
It’s our first Christmas together.
It’s our first Christmas together.

[ Music and lyrics by John Raymond Barker ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF22Z27mewo

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THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
He was just a baby
The only son of man
They all came to see Him
Three wise men to Bethlehem

Baring gifts that could not compare
To the gift of eternal life
That our Savior gave to us
That first Christmas night

Don’t you know the angels were singing
‘Cause they knew all the joy that He was bringing?
Oh, I wish I could have been to there
To witness the birth of Christ
And feel what they felt on that
First Christmas night

It must have been a wonderful thrill
To watch Him take His first breathe
And to see His mother Mary hold Him
Close to her chest

How she looked, she looked in His eyes
What it must have been a sight
Wish I felt the love she felt on that
First Christmas night

Don’t you know the angels were singing
‘Cause they knew all the joy that He was bringing?
Oh, I wish I could have been to there
To witness the birth of Christ
And feel what they felt on that
First Christmas night

Oh, why can’t I feel what they felt
On that First Christmas night?

[ Doug Stone ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niCcJeknenI

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THE FIRST CHRISTMAS GIFT
The first Christmas gift, came from above.
Wrapped in starlight, tied with love
Given with joy, a sweet baby boy
A gift for you and me.

Jesus was born,
when the world needed love.
Someone to show the way
So God gave us all His only Son,
On that first Christmas day.

Only a few, really knew.
This child so helpless and small,
Would one day be for you and me,
The greatest gift of all.

[ Lon Gary ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no5WRn5T7lY

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CHRISTMASNITE
[ Parody of “Kryptonite” by Three Doors Down ]

I took a walk around the world to see your promise sign
I left my buddies laughin’ somewhere in the sand behind
I watched the world look to the dark light of the moon
I see another light in few….yeah
I walked the world, looked to the stars, light up the moon
After all I knew it had to be somethin’ ta do with you
I really don’t mind not havin’ my old friends
As long as you’ll meet me in Bethlehem

If I’m a crazy man
will you still call me through the sand
If I’m a wise man, well then
you prepare the gold in my hand
I’ll keep your light in sight
in my search for you
it’s like Christmasnite

You called me strongly from the east
but still Lord Jesus, I’m no king
You took this planet by surprise
whenever you came down
you stunned all them in Bethlehem
I caught your beacon to these men
I picked it up and took my map and started out

If I’m a crazy man
will you still call me through the sand
If I’m a wise man, well then
you prepare the gold in my hand
I’ll keep your light in sight
in my search for you
it’s like Christmasnite

If I’m a crazy man
will you still call me through the sand
If I’m a wise man, well then
you prepare the gold in my hand
I’ll keep your light in sight
in my search for you
it’s like Christmasnite..yeah

If I’m a crazy man
will you still call me through the sand
If I’m a wise man, well then
you prepare the gold in my hand
I’ll keep your light in sight
in my search for you
it’s like Christmasnite

Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.

[ ApologetiX – “Keep The Change” album ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsQbdeGym_k

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THE REAL SIN SAVIOR
[ Parody of “The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem ]

May I have your repentance please?
May I have your repentance please?
Will you tell Him “Save me” and please stand up?
I repeat… will you tell Him “Save me” and please stand up?
We’re gonna have to prophet here

Y’all act like you never seen a nice person before
You oughta hope in the Lord
Your panting tongue is just thirstin’ for more
You started lookin’ around searchin’ cause you’re
Uncertain you’re sure you know where you’re goin’ eternally
If you return to God… ah, wait, no, wait, we’re sinning
We couldn’t get saved with the things we did, can we?
And Dr. J. says—nothing you did is such a grave sin
It costs you salvation

Ha Ha ” Heavenly livin’s above every man
“Chick-a-chick-a-chick-a he’s crazy!
I’m sick of them ‘born agains’
Walkin’ around askin’ if you know God ” speakin’ of You Know Who
Yeah, but there’s no proof though”

Yeah, probably got a couple of you who think I lack proof
But no worse than what’s goin’ on in America’s classrooms
Sometimes I wanna get on TV and just spread the truth
But can’t—but the school can tell me we come from evolution
“My mama was a fish—my mama was a fish”
“And if we’re monkeys you might as well forget original sin!”
And that’s the message that we deliver to little kids
And expect them not to question on their own if God exists

Of course they’re gonna wonder if the Lord’s fake
By the time they hit fourth grade
They got the Easter Bunny and Santa don’t they?
We ain’t shinin’ examples
Well some of the scandals are caused by people posin’ as evangelists

But if Jesus loved His enemies and Pharisees
Then there’s no reason that you can’t get another chance and believe
But if you feel a slight chill—I got the anti-freeze
This is not a fantasy—it’s important and it’s free

I’ve sinned greatly, but Christ’s for real, baby
It’s a wonder He saved me and just didn’t hate me
So won’t you tell Him “Save me”
Please stand up, please stand up, please stand up
Yes, I’ve been crazy, yes, I’ve been real shady
Always wanted Him to save me, but just didn’t say it
So won’t you tell Him “Save me”
Please stand up, please stand up, please stand up

Will Smith don’t gotta discuss the Christian path to salvation
Well, I do—it affects him and affects you too
You think I give a care if he likes my parodies
Half of you kiddies won’t even look at me, let alone stare at me
But J., what if we pray? Wouldn’t we be weird?
Why? Would you guys reject Christ just to fit with your peers
So you can live in fear for the next 60 years
This ain’t imaginary better get prepared

The price of sin yes it costs us dearly with death first
And when that part is over if you ain’t saved it gets even worse
Little chance they’ll put me now on MTV
Yeah, it’s true, but I think he’d scare all the kids—ree ree!
I said now’s when they oughta know and John 3:3
It shows the whole world how they need born again to be free
I’m singin’ you little girls and boys spoofs
All you do is ignore me
Though I have been sent here to inform you
And there’s a million of us just like me you judge like me
Were just like triple fudge ice cream; we’re just quite sweet
You watch Saul in Acts 9:3
You just might see you’re just like him—You’re not fightin’ me

I’ve sinned greatly, but Christ He still saved me
From a hundred temptations and death, sin and Hades
So won’t you tell Him “Save me”
Please stand up, please stand up, please stand up
Yes, my sinned shamed me, yet I’ve been healed lately
God the Father forgave me from messin’ with Satan
So won’t you tell Him “Save me”
Please stand up, please stand up, please stand up

I’m like a breath mint you listen to but I’m only givin’ you
Things you thought about in your head with my religious group
The only difference is I got the call to say it in front of y’all
And I don’t gotta be Paul—the Book I quote has it all
I just get out a Bible and read it and whether you like it you need it
As sure as I can see that better than 90 percent of you happen to doubt me
Then you wonder how can kids give up their values I tell you it’s funny

Cause at the place I’m goin’ when I’m buried
I’ll see the only person in the world I know who’s worthy
He’s the first and last and I’m J. Jackson I’m the worst
And I’m a jerk and Jesus knows that but my braggin’ wasn’t workin’
And every single person needs a sin savior urgently
You could be working on a burglary or sittin’ in a nunnery
Or keepin’ part of the law perfectly screamin’ “I don’t sin that much”
Puttin’ Christians down sayin’ “It’s just a crutch”

So if you’re still waiting please stand up
Cause this wonderful singer’s time is eaten up
And it’s time to get off your behind and out of the row
Come on down—now is your chance—how do I know?

I’ve sinned greatly, but Christ He still saved me
From a hundred temptations and death, sin and Hades
So won’t you tell Him “Save me”
Please stand up, please stand up, please stand up
Yes, my sinned shamed me, yet I’ve been healed lately
God the Father forgave me from messin’ with Satan
So won’t you tell Him “Save me”
Please stand up, please stand up, please stand up

I guess there’s a sin Savior for all of us
“Let’s all stand up”

[ ApologetiX – “Keep The Change” album ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCWUHZxdpcw

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DEEP THOUGHT:
“The three wise men saw the light and followed it. They are rightly called wise!”
[ Author unknown ]

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Hope you enjoyed some of these insights—share them with your friends and colleagues—so we can have a larger ‘pool’ to receive from, and more to share with! Also, remember to include your name as the “source,” if some of this wisdom is of your doing—I would like to give credit where credit is due!

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route” [Matthew 2:1-12].

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“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!.”
[Matthew 7:11]

Mark

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