THE GREATEST GIFT The greatest gift the world has known Came not in wrappings gay. But bundled up in swaddling clothes And cradled on the hay. No candles glowed, no welcome bells From lofty steeples rang, But in the sky, that holy night A choir of angels sang. 'Mid plans for gifts and food and fun And lighted trees so tall Let's not forget to honor Christ The greatest gift of all!	® Copyright 1998

LOOKING FOR JESUS Few were looking for Him When he came to earth Though down through the ages God foretold his birth There were humble shepherds Out upon the plain Happy when they heard the Angels glad refrain Wise men watched the heavens In a land afar. Promptly journeyed to Him When they saw His star. Few were looking for Him-- Is it now, as then? Who'll be looking for Him When He comes again?

What Think Ye of Christ?

Do we think of Him...

...as just a little baby

Sleeping on the hay,
Or the risen Lord of glory
Who's coming back some day?

...as just a good example

As He walked in Galilee,
Or He Who bought our pardon
When He died on Calvary?

Is He real and ever present

Or as hid by shadows dim?
Life's direction is determined
By the way we think of Him!

Luke 2:5, King James Version, refers to Mary as Joseph's "espoused wife." This wording was used because it was the custom in those days not to consider a couple married until the marriage had been consummated. Matthew 1 states that an angel appeared to Joseph and told him not to be afraid to take unto him his wife. It goes on to say that "he took unto him his wife, and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son." Jesus could not have been born of a virgin if Mary had not been a virgin when He was born!

In our day, Joseph and Mary would have been considered legally married. Let's not let a misunderstanding of Bible time customs and wording give the false impression that God condones living together before marriage!