Jesus shows us where we are going. Church of Jesus Christ Funds Initiatives to Shelter the Homeless. Jesus’ birth brought hope. We have a choice, as it says in the book of Deuteronomy: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Just as we mourned the violence this past summer … Read More. 12:8; 5:11; Exod. He brings us hope for a better experience of life right now. Follow Bishop Ricken on Twitter, @BpDavidRicken. Let us see the events that transpired leading up to the His birth. Jesus’ life was never ordinary. Matthew. "That is what Christmas is: the birth of Jesus is the 'newness' that enables us to be reborn each year and to find, in him, the strength needed to face every trial," he said. 13:2, 12). Our hearts are saddened because of the terrible violence that struck the nation’s capital on Wednesday, Jan. 6. When he found it, he rejoiced, put it on his shoulders, and carried it home. The birth of Jesus Christ, who is God’s salvation, brought the light that offers hope to a world of despair. Separate Paths. We have received new birth into a living hope that’s real everyday. However, it wasn’t quite as expected. Send digital photos to this link. Leaving this year behind. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. The government will rest on his shoulders. Soon after Jesus was forty-days-old, His parents brought Him into the temple in Jerusalem, in accordance with the Law of Moses, to offer the appropriate sacrifice for Him as their firstborn male (Lev. As we understand God’s forgiveness, we start forgiving others. Luke, however, contrasts Jesus with Caesar Augustus. “The Incarnation is God’s decisive ‘yes’ to humanity and creation”. She teaches us the secret of growing older without growing colder. Christmas, for her was the hope of Jesus Christ. How Jesus’ birth changed the world is a highly relevant and topical discussion to have with your kids this Christmas. Readers are invited to send us their photo holding a copy of The Compass. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Luke 2:8-11 tells us that at the time of the birth of Jesus the shepherds were watching their flocks in the fields at night. 2021 Curriculum to Focus on Study of the Doctrine and Covenants. Prior to the Savior's coming, humanity was in a freefall of unrighteousness as we could not see a way to reach God. “As people of hope, we glimpse in the birth of Jesus God’s ‘yes’ to life, and the birth of new possibility, new life triumphing over death and despair”, Rev. Most people in the temple … God has created me and has redeemed me to fulfill the purpose of creating me. The Birth of Jesus. In Jerusalem, at least 40 days after His birth, Jesus was dedicated at the temple. As we see this passage, we will see God's plan unfolding, perfect, timely, and with all of us in mind. The birth of Jesus is a reminder of the hope we have in God. Prepare for the First Week of Come, Follow Me 2021 Here. After Herod died, they came back and lived safely in Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. The nativity accounts in the New Testament gospels of Matthew and Luke do not mention a date or time of year for the birth of Jesus. Talking about the birth of Jesus, being depicted by simplicity and poverty, it also exposures of the magi called the three wise men. Pope Francis has said, “Look with hope to the future, trusting in the closeness of God who never abandons us.” Jesus’ birth is a sign of hope, a reminder that God is near and will never abandon us. It was a common sight. A Dozen Ways to Use The Compass in the Classroom, May the hope of Jesus’ birth bring you peace, 2020 Christmas Message from Bishop David L. Ricken, For Ash Wednesday, Vatican asks priests to ‘sprinkle’ ashes on heads, Wisconsin bishops address concerns about COVID-19 vaccines, Mass exodus of young adults from church? If we keep our eyes focused on the difficulties, the negative things around us, pretty soon we can lose our way and we start to drown. Hope We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Please Don't Copy Or Redistribute This Content Without Expressed Written Permission.Designer Blogs. It’s living because Jesus is alive and offers to transform our hearts, minds, and actions daily. Hope is a tremendous gift. analogy you can use to help them understand the deeper meaning of Jesus’ birth. The Light of the world, the Lamb of God Here’s a good (and simple!) Christmas Eve: Jesus' birth brings hope in troubling times, Pope Francis says By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service . Pope Francis has said, “Look with hope to the future, trusting in the closeness of God who never abandons us.” Jesus’ birth is a sign of hope, a reminder that God is near and will never abandon us. All Rights Reserved. What happened as Jesus was born? Merry Christmas to all of you! Where do we go from here? I pray that Christ’s love, that burst into the world through a newborn baby so many years ago, enters into your hearts this Christmas season. This is a summary of the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus.You can read more in-depth Bible verses from the Scripture below and use the articles and videos to understand the meaning of this world-changing event in the Bible. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. In Genesis we read that God originally created a perfect world (Genesis 1:31), but it was soon marred by Adam and Eve’s sin. Not only was the birth of Jesus a miracle, but it was viewed by those who believed as the first sign from God in centuries. The highlight of Anna’s life was to meet Jesus, who represented hope for God’s people. One of the best encouragements we can give to one another is to point to our reasons for hope. May the hope of Jesus’ birth bring you comfort and peace! In 2020, 200 Pantries Receive Food Donations from Latter-day Saints. Hope is a tremendous gift. She had seen the true message of Christmas. Both Luke and Matthew associate Jesus' birth with the time of Herod the Great. By Nathan Langford December 26, … Almost 2,000 years ago a young woman from the town of Nazareth named Mary was visited by an angel named Gabriel. We all need hope, and Jesus Christ and His birth in Bethlehem give us hope. “Underlying all our strengths and weaknesses, stronger than all our past hurts and failures or our fears and concerns about the future, there is this great truth,” the pope said in his homily Dec. 24 as he celebrated the nighttime liturgy. Jesus is my hope my light my salvation my saviour… I know I believe he loves me he is always with me looking after me and taking care of every single detail of my life…the forces that are for me are greater than the forces that are against me . 2:1–12 ; God warned the Magi not to return to Herod to tell Him where the King of the Jews was born. Sauca writes. 2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Let the grace of the Holy Spirit flow into your mind and heart, and then share your reasons with others. If we keep our eyes focused on the difficulties, the negative things around us, pretty soon we can lose our way and we start to drown. Ask your kids how things look different when they put on a pair of 3D glasses to look at a picture. Hope for a better reality now, and for the future. It goes without saying that the pandemic has affected all of our plans this year, and, unfortunately, Christmas is no different. Your email address will not be published. This living hope is the hope and promise of eternal life (Titus 1:2) through Jesus Christ, “our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1). The birth of Christ is a gift from God that brings people hope and courage in troubled times, Pope Francis said Christmas Eve. Luke 2:22–38; In Bethlehem, Magi from the east visited Jesus and brought Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. He told a parable about a shepherd who had 100 sheep and left the 99 to search for one that was lost. 3. And yet as he recounts the story of Jesus’ birth and the courage it inspires, he let’s go of his security blanket, needing nothing more than the Christmas story to give him the hope of security. Copyright © 2019 The Compass News, Inc. All rights reserved. This is a message of hope for the hopeless. New Youth Magazine Will Reach Teens in 140 Countries . But as followers of the Lord, our lives should … … His birth brings the hope of eternal life. December 25, 2020 ; The birth of Christ is a gift from God that brings people hope and courage in troubled times, Pope Francis said Christmas Eve. — Hebrews 6:19–20 The first-century symbol of Christianity was an anchor, not a cross. How did the birth of Jesus bring hope to the world? A Message from the Primary General Presidency. Jesus brings us hope too. Jesus’ Birth Came after 400 Years of Silence from God. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. remember and give thanks for the most wonderful gift, When Loving God Is Hard, He Gives Me Strength. Karl Rahner states that the authors of the gospels generally focused on theological elements rather than historical chronologies.. Take some time this Christmas season to reflect on your reasons for hope. Not so fast. It brings the hope and promise of an end to the evil plaguing this world. We begin to serve our families, our neighbors, and even strangers on the street in his Spirit's strength. The Birth of Jesus. This was the message delivered to the shepherds — “For unto us is born this day in the City of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11). Intro: A common passage used at Christmas, our text tells us about the birth of Jesus Christ, and His birth has brought hope to millions. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. But as followers of the Lord, our lives should not be like that. Share this: Print; Email; Facebook; Twitter; Google; Post navigation. This, friends, is a way to build up each other and build the church. Young Mary (still a virgin) and Joseph, her betrothed, marvel at the shepherds’ report. Jesus’ Birth: A Rescue Mission; Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus emphasized searching for and rescuing lost sinners. 2020 Christmas Message from Bishop David L. Ricken from Diocese of Green Bay on Vimeo. His government and its … By Nathan Langford January 9, 2021. He brought them freedom from the power of sin, which is much bigger and better. 2 (This was the first census that took place while [] Quirinius was governor of Syria. The story of Jesus’ birth is known as the Nativity, where angels greet shepherds watching their flocks and lead them to the side of the infant King Jesus, resting in a feeding trough. “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” . Read Luke 2:1-19. He sets his story of Jesus’ birth against a far broader canvas of the Roman Empire, with the coming of God’s Empire in the baby Jesus to save the world. Jesus didn’t bring them freedom from the Romans, like they thought. As the reality of Christ’s sacrifice penetrates our hearts, we lay down our selfish desires. Choose life, that you and your family may live.”. We have hope because Jesus came as a man, lived, died, and rose again. The birth of Christ is a gift from God that brings people hope and courage in troubled times, Pope Francis said Christmas Eve. No room for Jesus? Life From These Ashes. “Underlying all our strengths and weaknesses, stronger than all our past hurts and failures or our fears and concerns about the future, there is this great truth,” the pope said in his homily Dec. 24 as he celebrated the nighttime liturgy. By Nathan Langford January 2, 2021. Year of birth Nativity accounts. But not everything has to be the same as it always was in order to enjoy the depth of what happened on Christmas night, when Jesus was born. Jesus’ Birth Brings Hope . What's new? First, God told His parents to take Him to Egypt for several years because Herod, the king of Judea, heard about His birth and wanted to kill Him. Critics of theism in general, and of Christianity in particular, have likened belief in God to belief in Santa Claus or the tooth fairy. They came from the West and the East as seekers of the new born King bringing him distinctive, gracious gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh. 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