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Here is an e-mail from a real estate company in Portland, Oregon. It's good to know the reason for the season.
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HANDEL'S MESSIAH or ... ?
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the
government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be
called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no
end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order
it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time
forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will
perform this." [1]
These verses, which remain with us today, unchanged, were written
over 2,600 years ago. The first part announced the birth of one who
would come, and did over 1,900 years ago, whom the world has
remembered and celebrated for over the centuries, the celebration
being called Christmas. Handel's Messiah, first performed in 1742,
puts gloriously to music what we read in those verses.
The second part will commence, at that instant in history, upon the
return of that very same one, known as "Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace", and thereby
establish his direct and physical worldwide reign, by His own hand
and none other, "from that time forward, even forever." [2]
At that time and moment it will be said, "The kingdoms of this
world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and
He shall reign forever and ever!" [3]
"Today" is the appointed time for each one who hears and understands,
to individually prepare for that time. God "designates a certain day,
saying in David, 'Today,' after such a long time, as it has been said:
'Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.'" [4]
But rather --
"... that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and
believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved.
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with
the mouth confession is made unto salvation." [5]
This, therefore, is the original, true and everlasting message of
the season named "Christmas". As will always be true throughout the
ages, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." [6]
And the heavenly host said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, goodwill toward men." [7]
Happy Holidays to All.
--
[1] Isaiah 9:6,7
[2] Isaiah 9:7
[3] Revelation 11:15
[4] Hebrews 4:7
[5] Romans 10:9,10
[6] Hebrews 13:8
[7] Luke 2:14
New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
David Hindman, Copyright 2000. All rights reserved.
Permission granted to distribute, in full only, with complete
attribution. Questions to dhindman@netbox.com.
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Ummm..., forgot the link... :-)
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3a346b291072.htm
Merry Christmas!!
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
It is said that Handel reportably told some friends, when he was writing the Messiah, it was as if the hand of God was directing his hand in writing this music.
How wonderful to have felt the hand of “God” ! up-on himself !!!!!! \vvv/