Jesus Christ the Lord: Matthew 1:21, 25; Luke 2:7; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:10-11; Revelation 22:16, 21 SON of GOD Psalm 2:7-12; Luke 1:35; John 3:16

2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS

His Lineage Names Monday - December 1 Son of God: Psalm 2:7-12; Luke 1:35; John 3:16 Tuesday - December 2 Image of God: Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 1:3 Wednesday - December 3 Seed of Woman: Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-23; Galatians 4:4; Isaiah 7:13-14; Luke 2:26-38 Thursday - December 4 Seed of Abraham: Genesis 22:18; Matthew 1:1 Friday - December 5 Seed of Judah: Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 65:9; Micah 5:2; Revelation 5:5 Saturday - December 6 Root of Jesse: Isaiah 11:1-2; 10; Romans 15:12 His Royal Names Sunday - December 7 Son of David: Jeremiah 23:5-6; 2 Samuel 7:12–14; 1 Chronicles 17:10b-14; Matthew 1:2:4-7/15:22; 21:9; Luke 18:38 Monday - December 8 King of Israel: Matthew 2:1-6; John 1:49/19:19 Tuesday - December 9 Lion of Judah: Genesis 49:9-10; Revelation 5:5 Wednesday - December 10 Prince of Princes: Daniel 8:25; Acts 5:30-31; Revelation 1:5 Thursday - December 11 King of Kings: Daniel 7:13-14; John 18:36-37; 1 Timothy 6:15-16 Friday - December 12 Lord of Lords: Revelation 17:14/19:16; 2 Peter 1:11 His Savior Names Saturday - December 13 Man of Sorrows: Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 26:37-39/27:46 Sunday - December 14 Chief Cornerstone: Acts 4:10-12; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6; 1 Corithians 3:11; Romans 9:33 Monday - December 15 Great High Priest: Psalm 110:4; Zechariah 6:13; Hebrews 2:17/4:14-16/6:20/7:25-26 Tuesday - December 16 Lamb of God: John 1:29; Revelation 5:8-14; 1 Peter 1:19 Wednesday - December 17 Redeemer: Isaiah 63:9; Job 19:25; Luke 1:68; Romans 3:23-24; Ephesians 1:7; Galatians 3:13; Colossians 1:14 Thursday - December 18 Savior: Luke 2:11/19:10; 1 John 4:14 His Christmas Friday - December 19 Wonderful Counselor: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 5:4; Psalm 139:1-2 Saturday - December 20 Mighty God: Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8; Colossians 2:9 Sunday - December 21 Prince of Peace: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7 Monday - December 22 Messiah: John 20:31 (niv); Acts 18:28 (niv) Tuesday - December 23 Light of the World: Isaiah 60:1; John 1:5/3:19-20/8:12/9:5 Wednesday - December 24 Emmanuel: Isaiah 7:14/8:9-10; Matthew 1:23 Thursday - December 25 Jesus Christ the Lord: Matthew 1:21, 25; Luke 2:7; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:10-11; Revelation 22:16, 21 SON OF GOD Psalm 2:7-12; Luke 1:35; John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. - John 3:16, NKJV

The gifts are stacked like a brilliantly colored box-mountain under our Christmas tree—colorfully wrapped in sparkling red, green, and silver. I survey the mind-boggling mound before me, inspecting the little tags that say “Tom,” or “Dad,” or “Poppy” (all me). I’m only somewhat interested in the other packages, but the ones I spend time shaking have some form of my name on the tag.

But, shaking provides little evidence of the likely value of the gift that hides inside. So,

I consultvalue the the giver tag tobecause identify the the giver giver. values Each me.gift is special, because each one reflects—although imperfectly—the love and sacrifice of the giver. I value the gift because I value the giver. And These aren’t “re-gifts”—the kind I might wish to give away or the kind I would hide away in a drawer. These gifts are keepers because they were purchased with me in mind, and someone who truly loves me gives them.

for every one of us—given with you in mind. Because Someone loves you. And, like our gifts The Lord Jesus came modestly wrapped on that first Christmas day—one divine gift Giver, is perfectly realized in the Gift. under the tree, the Gift is reflects the Giver. Only in this case, the reflection, the image of the

He is—for you and me. He gave because, for some unfathomable reason, He values us. He God the Father gave His own Son, Jesus, as the ultimate Gift—perfectly reflecting all

loves usIn so case much you that weren’t He gave aware—our His Son as heavenly a sacrifice Father beyond has oura gift capacity for you tothis fully Christmas, appreciate. and your name is on the tag. It’s perfect. And no one can take it from you. This Gift is a Keeper.

Your Gift is The Son Of God.

Tom Renew: I am a retired educator who spent 31 years doing a job that I truly loved and who is now thoroughly enjoying retirement as a new Grandad (Poppy). In my retirement, I am using the skills learned from a career in learning interventions and behavior management as a behavior specialst marathon and a full triathlon. My hobbiesat The includePediatric reading, Office incooking, Evans kayaking,(my wife is hunting, now my wood - turningboss). I andam awriting fitness (yes,enthusiast I’m a andRenaissance an avid runner Man). andMargaret cyclist and with I aare goal also of avidrunning travelers. a half IMAGE OF GOD Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 1:3

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. - Colossians 1:15 NKJV

The Christmas rush is on! I know many of you are still looking for the perfect gift, wrapping presents, baking your famous sugar cookies, packing the car for a long trip and wrestling with overly excited children. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Stop right where you are! Take a deep breath and travel back with me to a time when there was no hope and no celebration. I can’t imagine a world without Jesus and yet, many times I live my life as if He doesn’t even exist. A trial comes and I try to handle it on my own.

Loneliness floods my heart and instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness. into theThen smelly, He unlikelyinterrupts and my very life ordinary and fills existenceeach black that corner is mine with to Light. change His everything. love flows over the pain like a soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, He steps Jesus could have come to us in many ways, but He chose to interrupt the very ordinary with the most extraordinary. He could have chosen to be born in a palace. After all, He was a King. Yet His life on earth began in a manger housed in what amounted to little more than a dirty, smelly barn. The simplicity of His birth is one of His most precious gifts to me, and one of my most profound life lessons.

I often wish I had been there that holy night when Jesus was born, but then He reminds me that I have my own manger; my own holy moment when God became a reality to me, and I worship Him!

Every year I am reminded of the very heart of Christmas -- Emmanuel, God with us. He is the image of the Most High God. He wants to be involved in the simple, ordinary hap- penings of daily life: where we go and what we do, the smile we give the hassled stranger and the patience we exhibit in the crowd of impatient shoppers, the love that prompts the secret gift and the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit.

Join me as we celebrate Him and His birth in everything we do!

Tom Renew: I am a retired educator who spent 31 years doing a job that I truly loved and who is now thoroughly enjoying retirement as a new Grandad (Poppy). In my retirement, I am using the skills learned from a career in learning interventions and behavior management as a behavior specialst marathon and a full triathlon. My hobbiesat The include Pediatric reading, Office cooking,in Evans kayaking,(my wife ishunting, now my wood - turningboss). I andam awriting fitness (yes,enthusiast I’m a andRenaissance an avid runner Man). andMargaret cyclist and with I aare goal also of avidrunning travelers. a half THE SEED OF WOMAN Genesis 3:15; Is. 7:14; Mt. 1:20-23; Gal. 4:4; Is. 7:13-14; Luke 2:26-38

When people say Mary they often think of Jesus’s mother, which she was. But was that in the beginning of time (Genesis 3: 15) when Adam and Eve ate the fruit from thein the tree Old of Testament life, God told people the serpentdid not know that He who would Jesus’ put mother ill will would between be. All his they seed knew and the woman’s seed. The seed of the woman was Jesus who would crush Satan’s head.

In Isaiah 7:14, God says that Jesus will be born to a virgin. We see that from the beginning, God has always worked things out so that his plan for the Messiah

Lord through the prophet saying, “she will bear a son and call his name Emmanuel.” Marywould was not betrothed fail. In Matthew to marry 1:22-23, Joseph. the She New could Testament have been says stoned it was if it fulfilled was found by outthe that she was pregnant and not yet married. But when Gabriel, the angel of the Lord came to Mary, he told her not to worry that the baby that was in her stomach was put there by God. Mary was also probably very excited. She was carrying the Messiah!

I look up to Mary as a role model. She must have been so scared but she still trusted God through it all. Mary obeyed God even when times were tough. That is why I think we should always be like Mary. We should always trust God through it all.

Stephanie Bland: Is the oldest daughter of Chris and Annette Bland. Her hobbies are playing sports, playing piano and singing. She also enjoys playing with her siblings, Katie and Andrew. Her mom teaches her to cook in the kitchen and she does not have a single non- Gamecock bone her body. But most importantly she loves the Lord with all her heart and soul. THE SEED OF ABRAHAM Matthew 1:1, Genesis 22:15-18 Galatians 3:16

1…the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham…” - Matthew 1:1

15 “Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: “by Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, --17blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” - Genesis 22:15-18

16 “Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.” - Galations 3:16

- trious were his known descendants, who to this day triumph in this, that they have Abraham as theirWhat father! a figure The promise, does the doubtless,“Seed of Abraham” points to make the Messiah, in history! and How the numerous, grace of the how gospel. illus the church, believers, and his spiritual seed is as numerous as the stars of heaven, and spiritual victoriesOf all the which great Zacharias blessings refers you are to inblessed Luke 1:73.with the The gift crown of the of Holyall promises Spirit, increase is the last of promise: in Thy seed, one particular person that shall descend. The apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 3:16 for he speaks not of many seeds, but of one, and that seed is Jesus the Christ.

The promised seed: what is this promised seed of Abraham, you may ask? It’s a promise that only God can make and nothing can void that promise.

We read in Gen. 22:15-18 that because of Abraham’s faith of not withholding his son, God established a covenant (promise) with Abraham. Through the seed of Abraham, Jesus came and all the nations of the earth are blessed as God promised. Some of us may be in the bloodline of Abraham but this is not the seed God was promising Abraham. God said, “In your seed all the nations will be blessed,“ not just Abraham’s bloodline. (Gal. 3:16) The Seed is Jesus Christ who came through Abraham’s Bloodline into a dying world. By putting our faith in the promised Seed—Jesus--and what He has done for us, we are adopted into the family of Abra- ham and receive all the blessings God promised Abraham by faith.

Dan Dent: retired Engineer who enjoys helping others; loves studying God’s Word and telling others what he has learned; likes camping and boating on Clarks Hill Lake with his wife of 51 years, Phebe. Dad to Rebecca and Daniel, Jr., Pa-Pa to John Dalton and Claire Vaught and Father-in-law to Glenn Vaught

THE SEED OF JUDAH Genesis 49:10; Is. 65:9; Micah 5:2; Rev. 5:5

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” - Micah 5:2

The Messiah would be of Judah’s Tribe. God spoke it. But why Judah?

Judah was not exactly an upstanding man. He was one of Jacob’s sons that sold his brother, Joseph, into slavery. Did his favor start when he discouraged his brothers from killing Joseph and instead suggested selling him? I am not convinced. After all Judah didn’t grow wiser in his later years. He was the ideal character study for a modern day soap opera. Genesis 38 re- counts a certain act of his impropriety that almost led to the killing of an innocent impregnat- ed woman…uh-em…because he either denied or couldn’t remember the act. Yikes! So, why would the Tribe of Judah be honored with the ancestry of the Messiah? Why not the Levitic Tribe or, better yet, Manassah or Ephraim. At least, then, Joseph could be truly vindicated. carpenter among the livestock. Was God trying to make a point? Could it be that He can turn somethingOur Lord certainly awful into came something from humble awesome? beginnings. Can he He make was theborn lowly to a poor,mighty unwed and theteen mighty and a lowly?

I have a very close friend who is the daughter of a convicted felon. From these humble beginnings, she married at 18. She is now in her 40’s and is one of the most encouraging and faithful Christian women I know. She has wisdom beyond her age and counsels with humility and love. In her local community, she meets once a week at the jail to offer a Bible Study group for prisoners. She has hosted recovering drug addicted teenagers in her home for months at a time as well as children orphaned by their drug addicted parents. She has been known to put herself in danger for the underprivileged and has ignored the advice of good intentioned church members who warn her not to get “too involved”. She remains convicted to do God’s work. Unlike so many, she takes no pride in her earthly lineage. Instead she only values her lineage as a Child of God. start our spiritual life. Just as the King of Kings sprung from the disaster that was Judah, the righteousNo matter springs if you were from born the heart rich orof poor,a sinner. we Wemust truly recognize understand the filthy the awesome manger where gift of wesalva all-

Heavenlytion whenever Father. we When keep I am our proud, head humble down me.with Remind humility. me that Only nothing then is I sayChrist or do exalted. will ever please you without the blood of your Seed of Judah. Help me to please you with my praise and worship this Christ- mas as I reflect on your humble beginnings. Amen

Amy Tiede: Amy is a homeschooling mother to Gretchen (10) and Elizabeth (13) and wife to Jeff (old). ROOT OF JESSE Isaiah 11:1-2/10; Romans 15:12

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.” - Isaiah 11:1-2

Last year our family enjoyed reading through the Jesse Tree devotions, the rich story of God’s plan for His people. The prophet Isaiah shared the prophecy of the stump of Jesse, indicating that this was the line that the Lord had chosen to ultimately bring forth our Savior. The stump is a sign of something that was once mighty and now is cut back to nearly nothing, a fall from glory that illustrated the broken relationship that the Jews had with the Lord.

What purpose does a stump have? We have a stump of a tree in our backyard. It is left over from a tree that we had removed shortly after the ice storm of 2013. The tree came down with just a few cuts by the trained tree service workers. The stump remains, and even though it appears dead on the outside, there are still sprigs which shoot up. While a mighty oak tree may catch our attention and spark admiration, few would feel the same way when looking at our stump. I am sure the Israelites and the line of Jesse would never strive for or wish that their line would be illustrated as a stump. We are wise enough to know, however, that God uses that which is broken, those who are weary, and the things in our life that are seemingly unimportant. God used the illustration of the stump to promise that He would indeed bring forth life, and bring forth our Savior. A branch will grow out of its roots, and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, along with the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might and knowledge and fear of the Lord. What a glorious branch it shall be.

This spring of life which God promised will reach out, and all amongst its branches. Romans 15:12 repeats the words of Isaiah stating that “There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In willHim find the aGentiles resting placeshall hope.” This sprig that had sprouted from the stump of Jesse was not only hope for the Jews, but for the Gentiles as well. The Lord not only rejuvenated the dead stump, but transformed it into something better than it ever was before.

Kristina Transue: Is wife to John and mother to Laura, Jack, James, and Megan. She is keeping busy this year while John is serving in Kuwait with homeschooling and grad school. SON OF DAVID Jeremiah 23:5-6; 2 Sam 7:12-14; 1 Chron. 17:10b-14; Matthew 1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 21:9; Matthew 22:42-46; Luke 18:38

Mark’s gospel was likely the earliest and was written to Gentile Christians showing the many actions Each that Christof the gospelsperformed has ina specificthe presence purpose of manyand perspective people. Luke’s in relation gospel towas Jesus written Christ. to “give an orderly account” of Christ from a detailed perspective of a physician. John wrote his that by believing you may have life in his name” as recorded in John 20:31. gospel very specifically so that “we would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that Jesus Christ was the King of the Jews and the promised Messiah. He showed through Matthew however specifically wrote his gospel to the Jews. His intent was to prove not surprising that Matthew in His gospel stresses the name of Jesus as the Son of David from multiple Old Testament prophecies that had been fulfilled that Jesus was the Christ. So it is- vid, which is Bethlehem. Six times in Matthew’s gospel various people called Jesus “the Son ofthe David” very first and verse. he never Jesus denied was not the onlytitle. called Why? the son of David but was born in the city of Da

In 2 Samuel 7:12-14, the Lord God promised David that his throne would be established not for just his reign, but for eternity. This promise was one the Jewish people knew very well and anticipated the coming of the one true son of David who would be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The term Son of David was and is a Messianic title. This is why Mat- thew documented from the very beginning through the genealogy that Jesus was the son of David and was worthy of the royal lineage that he possessed.

Matthew was a tax collector who was despised in his culture yet when he saw Jesus he knew he was the one promised to the Jews and now to all people who will put their faith and surrender their lives to Him. He followed him completely and wrote His gospel so that all would know that Jesus was indeed the Son of David.

- to the SonSalvation of David? was Iffirst not, for today the Jewsis the but day now of salvation! is available Trust, to all surrender, who will trust and believein Jesus’s and sac as Johnrifice so for eloquently their personal writes sins you and will place “pass their from faith death in Him. to life”. Have you ever surrendered your life

Chris Bland: I am a critical care pharmacist at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center. My wife, Annette, and I have been married for almost 14 years and have three children: Stephanie, Katie, and Andrew. The University of South Carolina is my alma mater and I am an avid Gamecock fan. I do not do orange! Coke zero is my drink of choice and I cannot fathom how anyone can drink anything else. Teaching is my passion and I am blessed to be able to teach within my job, and most importantly for my Lord and Savior Jesus. KING OF ISRAEL Matt. 2:1-6; John 1:49; 19:19

“So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’” - Matt 2: 5-6

“Nathanael answered and said to him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” - John 1:49 “Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross and the writing was ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’” - John 19:19

Israel wanted a king. Though they had God Himself and then divinely appointed Judg- es to rule and guide them, it wasn’t enough. They wanted a physical manifestation of a brave, victorious, strong, conquering leader like they saw in their neighbors. They were warned that such a king would only end up taking from them instead of giving to them, and, in the end, they would become his servants. (1 Sam 8:6-8) They didn’t worry about the conse- quences or perhaps they believed they could control the events to avoid Samuel’s warnings. Whatever their thoughts and rationalizations, in wanting a king, they were rejecting God’s

filling ofFrom that ourrole. vantage point, we know that Christ was THE King they needed from the moment He arrived in Bethlehem. Though the crowds tried to make Him their earthly king by force, and later as they triumphantly and correctly greeted Him with shouts of “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the King of Israel,” they still did not connect what had been foretold in the scriptures and by the prophets with what was oc-

We also want a wise, powerful, victorious king to lead us and protect us from our enemies, curring before their eyes. God was giving them a real king….and then they crucified Him. look to political leaders, even though when pushed we know to admit that our real hope is notand, in like man the at Israelites, all. More often often want though, one we, of fleshas Christians, and blood end who up we rejecting and the God world as kingcan see.because We appease ourselves by praying to God about our kingdom from an attitude of ‘bless what I am we want to be our own king (or queen), ruling the ‘kingdom’ that is our lives as we see fit. We seeking to serve Him daily and craving His will and His direction for our lives. choosing so it will be profitable’ instead of truly allowing Him to be the Lord and King He is, Prayer: “Dear Lord, I seek to both verbally acknowledge you as my King and to live my life each day behaving as an obedient servant and demonstrating that acknowledgement through my actions. I pro- fess that there is indeed no king greater than You, who loves me and Whose thoughts of me are beyond measure, and Who, as my creator, has a master plan for my existence which far exceeds my own meager imagination. Thank You, King Jesus, who gives all that I need to succeed in that plan. Forgive my pride- ful ways when I remove You from Your rightful throne and please promptly convict me to regain my place at your feet. In Your Mighty Name, Amen”

Peggy Armstrong: Wife of Peter for last 25 years, mom to Taylor, Hailey, Meghan and Benjamin (and Patton and Maximus), treasurer for HPF, runner LION OF JUDAH Genesis 49:9-10, Revelation 5:5

9 Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him? 10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; - Genesis 49:9-10

5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose[a] its seven seals.” - Revelation 5:5

rules over the world, strong and brave. In Revelation 5:5, Jesus is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah.And Amazingly, to Him shall Jesus be chose the obedience to enter the of the world people. as a smallOften baby,we think just oflike Jesus a baby as a lion lion born that small and weak. Jesus rules over everybody, just like a lion does to all the animals in the plain. As Jesus went from a small little baby, to a grown man, He suffered the pain of dying on a cross, just for us.

Lion of Judah, we can be brave in our lives. Jesus cares for others, so that means we should He is just like a warrior; He fights to save our lives. He is our protector. Since He is the Lion of Judah to help others during this Christmas season. put Jesus first, others second and ourselves last. Pray that you would have the strength of the

Lydia Thomas: homeschooled and in 4th grade, plays tennis, likes to run, and likes spending time with friends and family. PRINCE OF PRINCES Daniel 8:25; Acts 5:30-31; Revelation 1:5

him lying on my right forearm with his head in my hand and his feet kicking softly in the bend of my arm.I remember He was brandholding new, our trying firstborn to open son, hisDrew, eyes in tomy see arms all thatalmost was 21 around years ago.him. I washad wouldstruck quicklywith possibility. grow to be I knew a man this who child would I was one holding day have would great definitely things in make store many for his changes life. I didn’tin my lifeknow from what that the day days forward. of life would Even thoughhold or hewhich fit on direction my outstretched they would arm, take, I knew but I knewthat he it would unfold before us as we lived each day. Since then, two more children have been born, and I thought the same with Rachel and Benjamin. As they have grown to become adults, their lives have changed ours. There are many things still to come, with the presence of possibility daily opening up in their budding lives. Only God knows our days. of Positivity. In Daniel 8:25, like his fore-runner Antiochus Epiphanes, the Antichrist that will ariseBut in for the Jesus, last days His lifeis described. was defined 25 “Through not by the his presence cunning heof possibility,shall cause deceitbut the to Promise prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.” Daniel reports that Jesus will defeat the Antichrist, who will deceive many through his promise of false security. He will even rise up against Jesus Christ, who is called “the Prince of princes.” But as scripture reveals this satanic rising, it also reveals his fall. Jesus will defeat him in judgment—and supernaturally, without human means. This defeat is still to come, but it is certain. We must never forget that our Savior is sovereign and never out of control. All authority is given to Him, and He is above all powers.

As an earthly father, I do not know what the presence of possibility holds for my children. But as the Heavenly Father, God gave the promise of positivity in Christ Jesus, the Prince of princes who is also the “God of Gods” (Dan. 11:36) and the “King of kings.” (Rev. 19:16) We can know the tiny baby we remember at Christmas was born to a life of certain- ty—to be the Sovereign ruler who is never out of control of all that He created. He is to be “the ruler over the kings of the earth…Who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” - Revelation 1:5

Chris Norris: Has been the husband of Jenifer for almost 25 years; is the father of Drew, Rachel and Benjamin; the lead pastor at HPF and the part time Fine Arts Coordinator at ACS. He really likes good food, good books, good music and laughing a lot. He grew up in Indiana, and has enjoyed traveling in Italy, India, Israel, Switzerland, England, Ecuador, Canada, Kenya and Guatemala. But his favorite thing in all of the world to see is God’s Word changing someone’s life!

KING OF KINGS Daniel 7:13-14; John 18:36-37; 1 Timothy 6:15-16

13 “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days,and they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom. That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed. - Daniel 7:13-14

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” - John 18:36-37

15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. - 1 Timothy 6:15-16

If you were to ask an atheist if they agree that people have authority over other people, they would likely concur. In Genesis 1:28, God gave Adam the authority over the creatures of the earth. The fact that we, as human beings, recognize authority is part of our nature and is evidence that we are created for worshipping God. In America, we don’t think much no single individual can have unlimited power. In a true monarchy, a king has unlimited and ultimateabout kings power. and That royalty. seems Our odd constitution to us as we provides think, “everyone a system answersof checks to and someone.” balances so that

In light of this description of authority, Jesus being King of Kings emphasizes His true and ultimate authority. Jesus, being God, answers to no one. He has been given all power and authority from His Father. The fact that he willingly chose to leave His throne in heaven to enter the world as a baby is amazing. Take the time to think about what it would be like to stand before an earthly king that had unlimited power, the power to spare or take your life. Now authority that men have on earth is only that which is granted by God. Do we respect His authoritythink about in thatour lives?God is Do infinitely we depend more on powerful His sovereign than any authority earthly to king rule that over has the ever powers lived. that All the second coming of the King of Kings. Let us submit to the authority of a loving and caring Kingcause who us worry? gave his As life we for prepare us. to celebrate the first coming of Christ, let’s also prepare for

Jesse Thomas: very happily married to Ginger and father to Jay, Lydia, and Allie. I love to spend time with the kids, both my own and in children’s ministry. I work at Plant Vogtle and enjoy running and tennis in my minimal spare time. LORD OF LORDS Rev. 17:14; 19:16; 2 Peter 1:11

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. - Revelation 19:16

As we watch the news and look at the state of the world today, it is easy to despair. Is Jesus really in control? Black Friday comes and we see the greed of the people clamoring for goods. We watch “Christmas” movies and they have nothing to do with Jesus. It’s not too hard to see why so many believers are depressed during the Christmas season instead of joy- ous. We need to be reminded that Jesus is Lord of lords.

As Lord of lords, Jesus is superior in power and authority to all the rulers of the earth. He is sovereign. Throughout history, even at the time when John penned the book of Revela- tion, many rulers, such as Caesar, were worshipped as divine subjects, but ONLY Jesus, as Lord of lords, is worthy of our worship and total commitment.

God raised Jesus from the dead and placed Him over all things (see Ephesians 1:22- 23). Before Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. This is what Paul was expressing in his letter to the believers in Philippi (Philippians 2:9-11). The kings and the peasants, those that think themselves wise and the ignorant, the religious and the atheists, all will bow before Him. Because Jesus is Lord of lords, we must be faithful servants, submissive and obedient to Him. If Jesus has absolute authority, then He has absolute authority to save us, and give us eternal life.

Because He is Lord of lords, who saves us and gives eternal life, we praise His Name forever. Since Jesus is Lord of lords, He has absolute power to follow through on His promises. Here are some promises to his children that can bring us joy this Christmas season…

He has the power to forgive our sins (Matt. 9:2) He is always with us and we are never alone (Heb .13:5) He will raise us on the last day (John 6:40, 47) Jesus will return a conquering King (Rev. 19:16)

Prayer: Jesus, You are Lord of lords, sovereign God, and the only One worthy of praise. Your lordship leads me to bow gladly before You today, and every day. It feeds my hope that You will always be with me as You stated. I pray You would help me to lay down my idols and exalt You above all.

Craig Williams: Christ follower, husband of one wife, daddy of three, pastor, and friend. I like mountain biking, playing tennis, reading books and spending time with my family. MAN OF SORROWS Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 26:37-39/27:46

tempted by Satan. He was revered and then despised and rejected. Those that loved Him He was born fully flesh. He was led into the desert, fasted for forty days and was notmost cry misunderstood out for mercy, Him,this God-man denied Him, once and a babe betrayed found Him.wrapped The in flogger’s swaddling barbs clothes, ripped lying flesh in afrom manger. His frame. Nails pierced His hands and feet. A spear thrust into His flank. Yet He did

What then could be so great a task, so foreboding as to cause the Son of the Most High - plating the task He required the company of friends. In prostrate prayer He sought reprieve fromGod to His be Father. filled with Yet submittingsorrow and to grief? the will His of grief His wasFather, severe He wasto the faithful, point thisof death. Holy InfantContem so tender and mild.

Isaiah foretold His plight. Jesus, Man of Sorrows, would atone for the entirety of man’s sin in the last beat of His heart and release of His breath. Realizing separation from the Fa- ther for the sin of the world He cried out, “Eli Eli, lema sabachthani?” Meaning “My God, my watched and angels sang. God. Why have You forsaken Me?” This utterance from the lips of the One whom shepherds What a cry of sorrow, my God my God…to be valued yet abandoned, forsaken. But, God, unwavering in His faithfulness answered the cry of His Son. Psalm 22 begins “Eli, Eli,

“You have answered Me…You who fear the Lord, praise Him...For He has not despised nor ab- lema sabachthani?” and concludes, “It is finished.” But what is finished is an answer to the cry, to Him, He heard.”(Psalm 22:21-24) So on the third day, He arose from the grave, victorious overhorred death the thisaffliction Child ofwho the is afflicted called Wonderful, nor had he Counselor, hidden His Mighty face from God, Him; Everlasting but when Father He cried and Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas!

Tom Dykes – Tom is a member of the HPFellowship Core Plant Team, in charge of screens for Sunday service and a member of the Worship Choir. He enjoys tremendously the opportunity to address the body on Sundays with a predictable greeting, “Happy Sunday everybody!” followed by a chat! In his spare time, he is husband to Kristen; father to Henry, Harry, Willie and Charlie; and a Urologist at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. CHIEF CORNERSTONE Acts 4:10-12; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Romans 9:33

How many of you have ever started what seemed to be an ‘easy’ home improvement project? Then you find out several hours or days later that when you went below the surface of the project, it wasn’t an easy ‘fix’. Sometimes it might even involve a whole new sub floor or worse. In Why ancient did that times, happen? buildings Often were times, often it is built because from the stone. foundation The most of the important house is stone flawed. in and i t set the level, angle, and outer dimensions of the entire building. All the other stones werethose setbuildings in place was from the this cornerstone. one stone. It If was it was the notfirst set stone correctly, to be laid. the wallsIt was would put on lean the corneror fall. The cornerstone could not be a freshly cut, untested stone that might fracture under the weight of what it was to support.

Thus, we see Jesus as our cornerstone. He is the basis upon which our entire belief system must rest. He sets the very foundation for us to build our lives upon. He has been churchestested and must won’t also fail be as built our upon firm thefoundation. Cornerstone If we so choosethat they to will build stand our strong.lives on any other foundation, the walls will become weak and misaligned and cause the structure to fall. Our In Psalm 118:22, we read the prophecy about Jesus being the ‘stone that the build- ers rejected’. The Jews that He came to save rejected Him as their king. Even today, Jesus continues to be a ‘stumbling block’ to many people who reject Him. The majority of mankind today refuses to recognize the solid foundation that God provides for them. They choose to build their lives on other things and then wonder why the walls of their lives are falling down around them. Jesus becomes a stumbling block rather than a sure foundation.

When we have Jesus as our Cornerstone and sure foundation, then we can use His Word, the Bible, as our book of building codes. We then need to live in obedience and in a way that pleases God. Let us be a people that build our lives upon Jesus, our Cornerstone, and lead others to do the same.

Melissa Stoltzfus: is married to her amazing husband, Wayne. They have 3 grown sons. She is on a new journey to get healthy and reach her goal of losing 140#. Her hobbies are crafts, sewing, and her new business

endeavor, Origami Owl jewelry. GREAT HIGH PRIEST Psalm 110:4; Zechariah 6:13; Hebrews 2:17, 4:14-16, 6:20, 7:25-26

What is the significance of Jesus being called Great High Priest, the title given Him in the words.Hebrews So 4 forpassage? this title Well bestowed let’s start upon with Jesus, significance; Great High what Priest, is it? what Significance is the meaning is the behindquality ofthese being words worthy that of is attention so important, or having so worthy importance. of our attention? Significance is the meaning found was given to help us understand God’s standard and His holiness, and to show us that we need toNow be pure we needfrom sinto recall to come some before things Him. from Since the no Old one Testament. before Jesus Remember was sinless, that God the pro law- vided people with intercessors, the priests, and someone, the high priest, who was permitted to approach Him. Since the penalty for sin is death, God provided for the priests and high priest of old to be made “pure” temporarily through the covering of sin by the blood of animal

sacrifices.Next we go to the New Testament. Jesus became a human being, experiencing our temptations and struggles. But unlike every other person who has lived, is living, or will live, He went through His earthly life completely obedient to God the Father, being sinless throughout. Hence He was pure and worthy to go before God the Father as man in addition substitutionto His privilege acceptable to do so tothrough God the His Father deity. for Jesus our choseatonement. to die a human death to fulfill the sin penalty for us, sacrificing His blood to cover our sin. Being sinless, he was the only human God did not have to provide a way to provide atonement for our sin, as evidenced by His committing the rebellious angels to hell with no provision of a savior. But through His Son, Jesus, He did. And now we have a High Priest worthy of standing before God the

Melchizedek, He is making intercession for us always. And since Jesus is also King, He rules asFather leader as ofa fitting our physical mediator. lives And as well since as Jesus our spiritual is eternal lives, and unifyinga priest accordingboth aspects to the of our order exis of- tence.

What a Great High Priest! Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

WayneStoltzfus: Married to the amazing Melissa, celebrating 35 years in February of 2015, and father to their three adult sons – Jeff, Andrew, and Matthew. He has electrical engineering degrees from University of Delaware and University of Florida, focusing on machine control & information systems and robotics. He retired from Procter & Gamble after 30+ years of engineering work in various kinds of assignments in several product areas and locations. He is now six+ years into his second 30-year career serving within HPF and The Gideons, helping his three sons and two daughters-in- law, completing house renovations, and traveling with his sweetheart. LAMB OF GOD John 1:29; Revelation 5:8-14; 1 Peter 1:19

Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. - John 1:29

Can you imagine a world without sin? I can’t, but in the beginning it was, and it was good. When Satan and sin took over this world everything changed. Adam and Eve no longer had the wonder of communing in the Garden with their God, the relationship of the Father with His son and daughter, the beauty and order and rule of the Garden and all that is in it. Sin separated the human race from its creator; the creation from its God. And, sin continued throughout generations, to today, tomorrow and until the Second Coming of Christ.

But, God loves us so much that he cannot stand the separation. He provided a way to restore that relationship. In Leviticus 5:6, God told Moses “As a penalty for the sin they have committed, they atonement for them for their sin.” must bring to the LORD a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering; and the priest shall make payment or restitution. “The wages (punishment) of sin is death..” (Rom 6:23.) For us to be restored in a rightWe relationship may not understand with God, ourthe sinsystem requires of animal the death sacrifices, of an innocentbut we can victim, understand a substitute. the concept The sac of- rifices of the Israelites pointed to the time when God would provide another innocent victim to be the life.”supreme (John and 3:16) final sacrifice for all sin – past, present and future. In His great mercy, God sent His own Son to be the sacrificial “lamb” so that “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting hope, “…for all have sinned… “(Rom. 3:23) but Jesus was without sin (Heb. 4:15.) “The blood of goats and bullsThe and sacrificial the ashes lamb of a hadheifer to besprinkled perfect, on unblemished, those who are without ceremonially defect. Jesus unclean was, sanctify and is, ourthem only so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from the acts that lead to death so that we may serve a living God!” (Hebrews 9:11-15)

As one last plague for Egypt, before God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, God planned take the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of their homes. This was a sign that theyto kill were every to firstborn be “passed of bothover.” people The destructive and animals. plague He commanded would not touch the Israelites the Israelites. to kill aThe lamb Passover to eat, was to be celebrated each year as a seven day feast and is celebrated even today.

to the slaughter,Interestingly, and like Jesus a sheep was crucified that before during its shearers the Passover. is silent, He so became he opened the oncenot his for mouth. all offering “ (Isaiah for 53:7)our sins. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led

Even in heaven, Jesus is known as the Lamb. In Revelation 5:8-14, the voices of many angels encircle His throne with the living creatures and elders and say “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” Then every creature in heaven and on earth is saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Barbara Paulos: Wife to Keith, for 26 years; 3 daughters, 2 sons, 3 grandchildren; Instructional Technologist at SRS; Can’t wait to stand before the throne praising the Lamb! REDEEMER Isaiah 63;9; Job 19:25; Luke 1:68; Romans 3:23-24; Ephesians 1:7; Galatians 3:13; Colossians 1:14

What a friend we have in Jesus, what a powerful hymn. I often think of Jesus as my friend. As a young teenager in youth group, my leader would encourage us in a visualization prayer where we would meet up with Jesus at a favorite spot and just talk to Him. I still recall the spot that I would meet my friend in this type of prayer. It was along Hamlin Beach on would talk with Jesus, and it was wonderful to know that He was my friend. Lake Ontario, NY. There, a small collection of rocks jutted out into the water. In that spot I Scripture tells us He is our friend. But I have many friends, and I myself am a friend to many. Scripture tells us that He was able to discern the will of God, but so were many prophets. Scripture tells us that Jesus suffered, wept, and felt the pain of this world. Many of us suffer. The one quality that Jesus possesses, the one trait that no one else on earth can claim, is that of Redeemer. I have wise friends to suffer through life’s sorrows with, but I have

Inno Himredeemer. we have No redemption redeemer exceptthrough Our His Redeemer. blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace - Ephesians 1:7

Who else can I turn to, who else knows my every sin and yet still calls me His own? Who can I turn to for salvation, for restoration? I can only turn to Jesus, my Redeemer. And how does my Redeemer accomplish this task? He does it with love and mercy. Isaiah writes:

In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. - Isaiah 63:9

Many people will ask what makes this Jesus so special. They will write Him off as a easy box to put Jesus in. They do not understand that everything in His life was done so that wegreat may man one or day a historical have life figure,more abundantly.or a great humanitarian He came to this who world encouraged as our Redeemer,love. That isas the no all others, and allows us to call upon Him as not only our Lord, but also as our Savior. Jesus isone our else Redeemer. ever has. The redemptive power of Christ’s blood and sacrifice set Him apart from

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people,” - Luke 1:68

Kristina Transue: Is wife to John and mother to Laura, Jack, James, and Megan. She is keeping busy this year while John is serving in Kuwait with homeschooling and grad school. SAVIOR Luke 2:11; Luke 19:10; 1 John 4:14

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. - Luke 19:10

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14

What do you think what it means to be a savior? Does it mean that someone saves you from life-threatening situations like a superhero? Saviors are people usually known by heroic actions like superheroes saving people from bad guys or maybe like the armed forces protecting freedom. There’s one man that was not popular but is known for saving us from Hell. Jesus.

So when God created the world, he gave us free will. We had the choice to love Him or not. So you’re probably wondering why he didn’t force us to love him. Well, it wouldn’t be called love if He forced us to love Him. We still sinned and He loved us and because of that love, He sent his Son. He wanted to give us a second chance because He loved us. We know this is true. Since He loved us, He wanted to save us. Jesus is not a superhero but he is a Super Savior.

Merry Christmas

Harry Dykes - Is a 7th grader at Evans Middle School. He has enjoyed playing football and now basketball for the Knights. Favorite subjects in school include Social Studies, Science and PE. He is brother to Henry, Willie and Charlie and loves to be part of Nerf wars in the backyard. He dreams

for him by the basketball hoop. of one day playing basketball for Duke University. If you cant find him, look WONDERFUL COUNSELOR Is. 9:6; Mt. 5:4; Ps. 139:1-2

Click, choose your channel. Click, talking heads are everywhere. Click, everyone is an expert making claims based on their age, experience, education or persuasion. Click, another market seemingly cornered by the acquired knowledge of a particular - ing to identify, to be known and seen, understood and explained. We collect opinions, cut and pastetopic. Click,thoughts, another pin insight,on Pinterest another and brilliant pen notecards quote and the we counsel click, flip necessary and turn tothe traverse dial search this earth, this town, this community, this family, one more week, one more day. These patterns

infiltrateBack the then culture though, of the there common was era,that circaone guy2014. who, when he had a craving for wisdom.... just asked. Remember Solomon? He was lacking in many things and wisdom was at the top world would not help him grow a Godly kingdom. So he decided to obtain this divine ability of the list. Oh, he knew things, plenty of things. Yet also, he knew that all the knowledge in the generously and...it was just given to him. A certain occupation, education, popularity or in- cometo navigate was not life even in true a prerequisite. wisdom by actually Just that asking of knowing the only He, One who who was can the andsource, does God. dole (James it out 1:5)

You understand my thoughts from afar. - Psalm 139:1-2 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise up. The Resource for the kind of counsel that enabled life to be preserved and a stolen baby to be rescued under Solomon’s reign came from someone whose knowledge could only be described as wonderful. Too wonderful....because He searched and He saw. El Roi searched into the desperate hearts of two disputing mothers and saw the counsel that Sol- omon needed. That unusual and extraordinary wisdom would be used to save a life, bring about justice and glorify the Counselor through the heart of an earthly king, simultaneously! What an indescribable gift of miraculous counsel...and all that king could do to receive it was

Ceaseask the striving One true and God know whom that he I ambelieved God. - hadPsalm it to 26:10 give.

Wonderful counsel since before Christ, has been made available to us for the asking in 2014 A.D. No clicking necessary. Isn’t this just another miraculous reason to celebrate Christ at Christmas?

For unto us a child will be born, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest Isaiah 9:6

on His shoulders, and His name will be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR...

Shannon Williams: Is a stay-at home mom, desperate for God and saved by His ever-present grace. She is married to Craig and they have three precious gifts, Mac, Isaac and Brittany-Joy. MIGHTY GOD Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8; Colossians 2:9

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. - Isaiah 9:6

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,”[a] says the Lord,[b] “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” - Revelation 1:8

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; - Colossians 2:9

Without Jesus, we are nothing.

With Jesus, and because of Jesus, we have the only way our sins can be forgiven.

Through Jesus, we get to heaven.

With the birth of Jesus, God took on the form of a human. Jesus was not a person with divine

Father and Prince of Peace, as is written in Isaiah. In Colossians, Paul writes: For in Christ all thepower. fullness Jesus of was Deity GOD. lives Hein bodilywas and form. still What is Wonderful this means Counselor, is that all Mighty of the powerGOD, Everlasting and might

Weof GOD all give was thanks in Christ’s to God human when body. times are good. We as Christians give thanks to God for Jesus. - performedWe acknowledge were examples the Might of of his GOD might, because will weand have Grace. many examples of this might. GOD cre ated the work. GOD parted the seas. When GOD was in human form, all the miracles Jesus his might and grace gave us everything who is Jesus. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says The Lord GOD. We should honor the One who through Is the Lord your beginning and end?

Hayden Rourke: Is 12yrs old. He is a 6th grader at Augusta Christian School. Hayden likes Jiu-Jitsu, air soft and loving God. PRINCE OF PEACE Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7

- ter and stay in our hearts, we will live the peace only Jesus can give us. The best example of peacefulIt is theliving will would of GOD obviously for us to be live that in ofpeace. our savior. If we allow There the are Holy many Spirit’s examples work ofto thisen throughout the Bible. From just the way He spoke, to His actions, and to His prayer, it was obvious He wished everyone love and peace. Jesus saved a woman from being stoned to

death byJesus simply is often demanding called the that Prince those of without Peace. sin He cast desires the firstfor us stone. peace of God not peace of

16:33 to expect tribulation and trials in James 1:2. Peace doesn’t always equal easy. Jesus this world. Worldly peace is nothing more than a break from conflict. Jesus tells us in John no reason to fear the present or future. promised us help at those difficult times when we call on him. Peace through Jesus gives us

Now may The Lord of peace Himself continually grant you a peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all. - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Paul tells us in Philippians to turn our worries into prayers. Praying gives us peace. Peace

Icomes think fromwhen knowing we worry; GOD we is should in control. just stop and pray.

Now the God of peace be with you all. - Romans 15:33

Bud Rourke: Has worked for CSX for 18 yrs. and is a Train Engineer. Bud enjoys reading the Bible, Jiu-Jitsu and spending time with his family. He’s been married to Rhonda for 17years and they have a 12 yr. old son Hayden. MESSIAH John 20:31 (niv); Acts 18:28 (niv)

A certain man named Apollos was strong in faith with Christ even though he knew only of the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila found out about Apollos they went to him and told him that Jesus was the Messiah. When they told him this, he started trying to share about Christ just like me. I can apply this to my life by sharing the truth no matter what happens. Apollos shared and preached to the Jews that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was the Messiah. - Acts 18:18-28

In John 20:31 it says that if you believe the words that are written in the Bible that you can have life in Jesus’s name. Messiah means a king who will be sent by God to save the Jews. Some of the Jews still did not believe even when Jesus came to earth and shared about himself. Because the Jews did not believe Jesus was the Messiah the message was given to the Gentiles too. I am a Gentile. So if some of the Jews had not believed, then I would not have been saved by Christ.

Messiah is a powerful word. Messiah is all of me. Even though I do not always have my every thought on the Messiah, whatever I am doing I would not be able to do without my Savior. Because He is my Savior, I am going to try and share more about Him to the people around me.

Katie Bland: Is the middle child of the Bland family. She enjoys ballet, gymnastics, and playing the piano. When she is not reading or playing the piano, she is turning somersaults through the entire house. In her free time she likes to read and eat. She does not like to go to sleep.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD Isaiah 60:1; John 1:5; 3:19-20; 8:12; 9:5

Sometimes it’s easier to let God’s Word speak for itself:

“And God said let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.” - Genesis 1:3,4

“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”- John 1:5

“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” - 1 John 1:5-7

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” - John 3:19-20

But there was and is hope:

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” - Matthew 2:10

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” - Isaiah 60:1

And Christ, while he was in the world said:

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” - John 9:5

“Then Jesus spake again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” - Matthew 8:12

And now that He has returned to the Father, we:

“…are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16

“But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, ‘Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.’ “ - Ephesians 5:13,14

Wayne Brunkhurst: grew up in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, not far from where the other Wayne (Stoltzfus) is from. He has been a translator at Ft. Gordon

and history and genealogy. His grandfather, Don Joiner, was a pastor, and that since same June grandfather’s 2013. He enjoys wife’s walking father and was hiking, one too, golfing, A.D. Houghlin. reading, cooking EMMANUEL Isaiah 7:14; 8:9-10; Matthew 1:23

The name Emmanuel is brimming with hope and promise. When I think about the separatesignificance occasions, of Emmanuel, Chris and my I acted,first thoughts sang, laughed automatically and cried go as to we a performedvery special in time“Two in from my Galilee”.life when It I is had a beautiful the privilege Broadway-type of portraying musical Mary thatin our tells church the love Christmas story of Pageant. Joseph and On threeMary and the birth of the Messiah. The phrase “Emmanuel, God with us” was an essential line used over and over as Mary and Joseph realized the full implications of what that really meant. I says to Joseph, “Do you think that people will understand that our little Jesus is al- we have beencan still waiting remember for? Just the thinkfinal linesof it, inJoseph, the play. generations Mary is holdingof our people the newborn have been baby waiting Jesus and wondering, “Where is God?’” Then Joseph answers Mary, “And He is here.” That was the powerful message of Two from Galilee. The King of Glory became God With Us so that we could be made the Sons of God.

What does Emmanuel really mean to you and me this Christmas season? Inherent becoming FINITE, of the promised Messiah who is both divine and human, fully God and fullyin the man. name The is thename great Emmanuel mystery emphasizesof the one who the nearnesswas revealed of God. in the God flesh, came of to the live INFINITE with us so we could live with Him. The name Emmanuel speaks of the incarnation of Christ, God in

Deity,the flesh. Pleased Charles as Man Wesley’s with menChristmas to dwell, Carol Jesus “Hark our the Emmanuel.” Herald Angels In Jesus, Sing” God explains became the a mantrue inglory order of theto save name the in world the second not from stanza. the outside, “Veiled inbut flesh from the the Godhead inside. see; Hail the incarnate dwell with his people. He was with his people Israel, Moses, and the three Hebrew boys in Even in the Old Testament prior to Christ’s birth, we see that the heart of God was to us whenever we feel abandoned or alone and in whatever circumstances through which we arethe going.fire. He He is has our promised Emmanuel, to neverGod With leave Us, us at or every forsake stage us. of He our has spiritual promised life. to God be withis with us until the end of the age. We need to remind ourselves the truth that if our God is with us, who could stand against us? In your daily experience, do you know Jesus as Emmanuel, God with You? How was “God with you” today?

Jenifer Norris: Is a wife to a pastor who has books and notes in every

college students whose empty rooms make her cry at least once a week. nookHer 8th and grade cranny son of keeps the house her running because to he football has no andoffice. basketball She’s a mom games to twoand chorus concerts all year, which she loves. She’s happiest when everybody in her family is home for a few days. JESUS CHRIST THE LORD Matthew 1:21-25; Luke 2:7; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:10-11; Revelation 22:16/21

Advent Devotional guide, I again realize that He is inexhaustible! The dictionary says that a nameWhen is “a wordI think or of set all ofthe words names by of which Jesus athat person we have is known, briefly addressed, studied this or season referred in thisto.” With all the different names that have been given, we understand more of who Jesus is by understanding the many-faceted aspects of descriptions those names bring. Each name gives another level of comprehension.

But of all the names given Him, I believe that the greatest name is “Jesus Christ the Lord,” as it most adequately represents who He is in history and for all of eternity. In Peter’s great sermon recorded on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, verse 36 says, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” named His Son Jesus (Yeshua=Yahweh is Salvation), as shown in Matthew 1:21, “…you shall call His name This Jesus, name for wasHe will given save by His God people to specifically from their represent sins,” but His also Son. Christ God (Greek=Chris had not only- purpose of God—the redemption of mankind. However, it is in the name The Lord (Sovereign Ruler),tos; Hebrew=Meshiakh; which gives His name Anointed), the great which status was of a Philippians title for the 2:9-11 One who, “9Therefore existed forGod the also great has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The name Jesus, a common name in 1st century Palestine that was given at His earthly birth, is not the highest name. The title Christ, given because of His descriptive role, is not the highest name. The designation “The Lord,” is the name that is above every other

Thisname—the Christmas highest Day, possible I pray you name remember for the Sonthat of Jesus God. Christ He is The LORD! Lord is not best represented by a cradle or even a cross, but with a Crown. He was not subservient to death, as He defeated death, hell and the grave, conquering sin as our Savior. The Gospel teaches the Preexistence,

Incarnation, Humiliation, Crucifixion, Ascension and Exaltation of Jesus Christ The Lord. O COME, LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD!

Chris Norris - Has been the husband of Jenifer for almost 25 years; is the father of Drew, Rachel and Benjamin; the pastor at HPF and part time Fine Arts Coordinator at ACS. He really likes good food, good books, good music and laughing a lot. He grew up in Indiana, and has enjoyed traveling in Italy, India, Israel, Switzerland, England, Ecuador, Canada, Kenya and GuatemalaBut his favorite thing in all of the world to see is God’s Word changing someone’s life!