Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good yes He is good and worthy of our praise. On this day before we celebrate Christ’s birthday I’m asking each of you to do a random act of kindness today for a total stranger. It will make you feel good and it will shine the light of God all over the place.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I pray for safe travels for all those who will be going to be with families to celebrate the birth of Christ; to share gifts, love, and happy times. I pray that in those families, that anyone who does not know the Savior would hear His voice and accept Your gift of salvation in Him. I pray that the festivities and times of remembrance will lift up the Savior, giving honor, praise, and worship and that people will be drawn to Him. From the Babe in the manger, to the Sacrifice on the Cross, the the Savior at Your right hand, JESUS, my loving and perfect Savior, endured. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. Thank You with love and gratitude from my heart. In JESUS’ name I pray, Amen.
Let’s eat.
Story of A Candy Maker
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. – John 3:16
I’m sharing a story that I read about a candy maker in Indiana who wanted to make a candy that would be a witness of his faith. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy-white to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church and the firmness of God’s promises.
The candy maker made the candy in the form of a “J” to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also be thought to represent the staff of the Good Shepherd with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs that, like all sheep, have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging JESUS received, and by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
The candy became known as the candy cane-a decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there.
During Christmas, do you reflect on the real meaning of the season? It is one season we can use like no other to bring the focus on Christ. Ask God to give you opportunities to share Christ with someone this Christmas.
Quote of the Day
A Christian may for many days together see neither sun nor star, neither light in God’s countenance, nor light in his own heart, though even at that time God darts some beams through those clouds upon the soul; the soul again by a spirit of faith sees some light through those thickest clouds, enough to keep it from utter despair, though not to settle it in peace. In this dark condition, if they do as Paul and his company did, cast an anchor even in the dark night of temptation, and pray still for day, God will appear, and all shall clear up, we shall see light without and light within; the day-star will arise in their hearts.
Richard Sibbes
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REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
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James H. Taylor Sr. – Kankakee City News has published my Daily meal message for a decade.