Unto Us A Child Is Born

Although we do not know the actual date of birth for Jesus we celebrate His birthday on December 25th. So, this Sunday, tens of millions of us will say, "Happy Birthday Jesus!"

The Christmas Story as told by St. Luke

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

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. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:1-20

Merry Christmas

Was America Founded on Christian Beliefs and Values?

Guest Post 

By Michael Blunk Th.D.

My daughter thinks I am old enough to remember the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Deep down, she secretly thinks I was there along with John Hancock and Ben Franklin. I keep insisting I am not that old!

It is true that most of America's founding fathers were Christian; even a non-Christian such as Thomas Jefferson respected the Christian faith and maintained theistic views. America was founded on principles taught in the Old Testament and New Testament; there are revisionist historians who would like to eradicate the Judeo-Christian influence from our early history, but such historians are intellectually dishonest.

In my lifetime, I have seen a decline in America's moral values. I attribute some of this to Hollywood, some to senseless politicians, and some, quite truthfully, to worthless Christian leaders who do not esteem the Bible as God's infallible word. I am a clergyman and I am ashamed to tell you there are many pastors who have been corrupted by faithlessness. They are false shepherds.

Before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, the world will steadily worsen. It is bound to happen. We are seeing our own nation going downhill before our very eyes. I hear people talking of "reclaiming America." The notion sounds good, but I have my doubts this will happen. As I read the Scriptures, I am to understand this progressive corruption of our world must take place before Christ Jesus returns.

Our problems are beyond us. No politician is capable of correcting this mess we are in. I can already hear the gasping breaths of our own dying culture. America is plummeting to the depths of degradation and I personally believe this decline is irreversible.

Sound depressing? I do not necessarily think so. Jesus is coming back. When He returns, He will fix all that is broken. I have long given up on either political party. My faith is elsewhere. I am waiting for the King of Kings to return.

Does this mean we give up and do nothing? No. About a year from now, I will vote for the candidate whom I see as the most godly. I will never vote for a candidate that supports abortion and same-sex marriage. I will never vote for a candidate that has a low regard for Israel. I will not vote for a candidate whose policies are morally corrupt.

Even if we could convince every person in America that our nation has a great Christian heritage, this would not solve today's problems. There are Christian leaders who are feverishly working to reclaim America--may God bless their efforts--but Jesus said the world will continually decline before His return. When I see our nation going downhill, this serves to remind me of my King's return!

Lament the decline of America, but rejoice in knowing our Savior is coming again. And when He returns, He will make things right once again.

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Dr. Michael Blunk is a staff writer for an apologetics ministry and serves full time as a chaplain with Wayside Christian Mission. You may contact him at; dr.michaelblunk@gmail.com

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