ExpressYourself4Him

Video of the Day: Trailer from the 2019 movie “The Best Christmas Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register. ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger,” Luke 2:1-12.

Biblical Connection:

When my 3 children were younger, Veggie Tales entertained and educated them with basic truths from the Bible. Although Veggie Tales’ popularity has faded, the Greatest Christmas Gift revisits the birth of Jesus on that very first Christmas. Since human beings tend to be distracted by the commercialization of Christmas, it’s nice to be reminded of the true reason for this special season.

The events of Luke 2 have been reenacted on numerous occasions by Hollywood. My favorite is the Bob Newhart version hosting a doctor’s conference at their hotel over Christmas. When a pregnant wife and nervous husband search for a vacancy, Bob welcomes them in as doctors are excited to help usher this child into the world. In the same way, shepherds are ecstatic about the Savior’s birth.

Closing Song:

When certain stories are told over and over again, this message may be lost in translation. Yet, when angels revealed the news of the birth of Jesus to lowly shepherds, excitement spread throughout these men. As Christmas draws near, may this same joy continue to build and grow in your heart.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1946 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” ⁴⁰ So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. ⁴¹ And because of his words many more became believers. ⁴² They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world,” John 4:39-42.

Biblical Connection:

When Uncle Billy loses a $8000 deposit, George Bailey’s Savings and Loans is in danger of going out of business. This financial strain causes George to attempt suicide, jumping off a bridge before the guardian angel Clarence saves his life. Clarence then shows George what life in Bedford Falls would have been like if George was never born. George learns the impact that he made on other people.

Jesus turned a simple conversation about water on a hot summer day into a moment of ministry for a woman looking for love in all the wrong places. When Jesus meets her family and friends, a spiritual revival breaks out in Samaria. This is the impact Jesus made during His 3-year earthly ministry. Therefore, don’t throw your life away. Rather, seize the opportunities that God gives you this Christmas to share your faith.

Closing Song:

Christmas is a time of reflection, looking back throughout the year to see where God has taken you. Instead of worrying about who got better or more presents than you, be thankful for the individuals that you’ve met in life. When you focus on the positive, you’ll have a better chance of impacting others like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “The Nativity Story”

Bible Verse of the Day:

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about^[d]: 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. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet^[e] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. ²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,^[f] because he will save his people from their sins,” Matthew 1:18-21.

Biblical Connection:

In an earlier scene, Mary mentions to Elizabeth that she is betrothed to Joseph, similar to being engaged a full year before your wedding in modern terms. According to Jewish law in the first century, Joseph could have had Mary stoned to death in public after discovering that she was pregnant. This is the complexity of the first Christmas.

An angel of the Lord intervened, changing Joseph’s mind. This change of heart saved their future marriage and protected Jesus by preventing Jewish friends from having Mary stoned. A census 3 months later further complicated the birth of Christ. Modern doctors would have not allowed Mary to travel to Bethlehem 9 months pregnant, stopping the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Closing Song:

In times of chaos, God often works behind the scenes in the supernatural realm. This is what Matthew describes in chapter 1 and 2 of Matthew, staying one step ahead of the schemes of the Devil, Ephesians 6:10-12. These are the complications that God ushered angels into action to make the first Christmas a successful celebration.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “The Polar Express”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ¹⁵ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there, Matthew 19:13-15.

Biblical Connection:

As a young boy grows older, he begins to question his belief in Santa Claus. As logic replaces his imagination, this doubting boy ventures on to the Polar Express. Destined for the North Pole, this individual referred to as Hero Boy goes on a journey of a lifetime before finally meeting Santa. instead of wanting a gift, this boy whispers into Santa’s ear, “I want to believe.” Yet, if you have ever witnessed the birth of a child, it’s one of the greatest miracles you’ll ever experience in life.

While writing today’s blog, I was staring at a fireplace filled with 9 stockings. Two for my wife and I, two each for my 3 children and their spouses and 1 for my first grandson Ezra. Next year, we’ll have to make room for one, Walker who will be my second grandson. The context of today’s passage begins with the topic of divorce and marriage. If God created human beings to marry and have children, Genesis 2:24, every newborn should be welcomed and celebrated as a gift from God.

Closing Song:

While Santa often overshadows Jesus, the reason for this Christmas season will eventually shine through. May the words of today’s song and the birth of new children into your family in 2025 bring joy to your heart this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2017 movie “The Star”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, ¹¹ “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” ¹² But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” ¹³ Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? ¹⁴ Therefore the Lord himself will give you^[c] a sign: The virgin^[d] will conceive and give birth to a son, and^[e] will call him Immanuel, Isaiah 7:10-14.

Biblical Connection:

Today’s animation provides the perspective of Christmas through the eyes of curious animals. When the Magi come to visit the newborn king, the young donkey Bo is confused. As first century astrologers, an unknown star led these 3 men to follow it until the star stopped moving, Matthew 2:9-10. This all occurred to fulfill the words of the prophet Isaish.

Like any curious soul, Jews of the Old Testament grew impatient. When Bible prophecies went unfulfilled in their lifetime, kings like Ahaz wanted a sign from God for assurance. Between the Old Testament and New Testament, God was silent for 400 years before speaking to Zechariah. This sets the stage for John the Baptist, Joseph and Mary to arrive on the scene in Luke 1.

Closing Song:

Immanuel comes from the Hebrew word meaning God with us. God became human flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit allowing Mary to give birth to Jesus. As stated in Luke 19:10, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. This is the wonder of Christmas.

by Jay Mankus