The story of Jesus

Carol of the Heart!

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READING FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURES:

Isaiah 9:6

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

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THOUGHTS FROM TODAY'S SCRIPTURES:

Ever go Christmas caroling--on a VAN? I remember bundling up, climbing aboard a church van and trailing around the town--stopping at homes, gathering on front porches, singing our hearts out to happy listeners, climbing back on the bus and back to church for our well-deserved earthly reward—FOOD and HOT CHOCOLATE, of course! Whew! Long sentence--and lots of fun memories!

Then there was the morning I had my own personal, special delivery SOLO carol - placed in my heart by the Holy Spirit, who knew I really needed a song! It wasn't a Christmas carol you'll find in your hymn book...but turn back a few pages to "The Name of Jesus." That's the song the Holy Spirit placed deep within my heart this morning...and THAT'S what Christmas is all about!

You see, the trimmings and gifts, the shopping and food, the candles and trees, are just symbols--Christmas is celebrating the story of Jesus...when the angel told a lowly maiden, "...you shall...bring forth a son, and shall call him, JESUS." It's that Name we call upon in times of trouble; it's that Name we bless in times of thanksgiving; it's that Name that brings us love, joy, peace--and salvation.

Amidst the songs of the carolers on your porch and at your mall, let another song sing in your soul, ring in your rafters and hum in your heart--it rings TRUE--the powerful, lovely, wonderful, life-giving, all-powerful Name of JESUS! Say it, sing it, celebrate it! The Christmas Caroler from Heaven wants to place HIS song in YOUR heart today. Believe it--and be SURE He will show up on your front porch JUST when you need Him. Have a great day!

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PRAYER:

"Father, thank You for the song You've placed deep within our hearts; thank You for the faithfulness of Your Holy Spirit to start it singing JUST when we need it most. Thank You for sending Your Son, the source of that song--may we hear it and sing it every day of the year, In Jesus' Name, Amen."