Good morning my friends, December 13, 2005 Two Bethlehems Read: Luke 1:26-35 The power of the Highest will overshadow you. —Luke 1:3 The birth of Jesus Christ was unlike any other. Mary's was an "other world" conception. The angel told her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you" (Luke 1:35). The child conceived in her was from outside our world. And it had to be so, because the boy born to Mary was Immanuel, "God with us" (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). The baby born in Bethlehem was of heavenly origin. God had entered the earth in the form and nature of Mary's little son. He came into the world from above, and His incarnation made possible our redemption. Now think about it. Our own new birth—our regeneration—comes from outside the world. Jesus said that we are born again "of the Spirit" (John 3:3,7-8). Our salvation is not from an earthly source, but from God Himself through Jesus by means of His Spirit. In a sense, then, our heart becomes a "Bethlehem stable," a place where Jesus comes into the world. We open the door to Him by faith, and He is born in us by the blessed Holy Spirit. We make Him known to others by His power in us. He affects every aspect of our lives. We are a "Bethlehem," His place of entrance into today's world. —Dave Egner Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. —Crosby Christ was born here below that we might be born from above. Peace and blessings to you, Kathy Martin

God Bless Kathy and Thank you again for sharing an important message. Blessings,

Hello Kathy, Thank you for those beautiful words ! Keep up the great work my good friend. respectfully,

Hi Kathy, What a powerful post this is. Thank you so much for sharing it. I am posting a poem here that I posted on my forum last night. I wrote it over a year ago, but just wanted to share it here. This time of year brings up all sorts of reflections for me about how God has dealt with us. He loved us so much...that he sent the beloved Son to be a propitiation for each and every one of us. He paid the penalty, & I'm so blessed to know Him. Thank you friend for speaking & posting the truth on your forums. EVERGREEN A holy night…a lowly birth, Incarnate sprinkling…came to earth. Born in lowly cattle shed…the Shepherds come and bow the head, The cattle groan with throaty voice… As angels sing…and men rejoice. His everlove is evertrue…and makes Its’ home inside of you; it flows Like a mountain stream…yet grows As tall as an evergreen. Cheryl Ellen Baxter