The Reason for the Season:The Birth Of Christ (Luke 2:1-20)

 We sometimes get so caught up in the busy holiday season that we forget what we are truly celebrating in Christmas, the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Take a moment and remember the story of Christ in the King James version of the Bible…

¹And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

 ²(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 ³And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 ⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 ⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 

⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 ⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 ¹⁵And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 ¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 ¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 ¹⁸And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

 ¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

 ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

How do you know when God speaks to you?

How do you know when God speaks to you? Reach Magazine TV host J.O. shares his personal advice below on how to recognize when God is talking to YOU. 

Imagine yourself blindfolded in a room; now imagine you have to recognize your mom’s laughter. Would you be able to do it? If your answer is yes, then in the same way you’d be able to recognize if God spoke to you. 

Have you ever had a thought that made you smile, or you told yourself ‘I love you’, ‘you’re amazing’, if so, well that’s God.

We don’t normally pat ourselves on the back, so when you have that positive reassuring voice in your head know that it is a message from the higher power.

“He speaks differently to everyone, some people think they have to hear His voice and have a back and forth conversation, but that’s not the case. Sometimes He can speak to you through a thought, a person, a book, a sound, or a smile,” says J.O. 

The same way you’d recognize your mother’s voice behind the blindfold is the way you recognize God’s voice, by getting to know Him. 

J.O. recommends you read the bible, “the more you are on the word, the more He will speak to you. If you’ve ever had a thought that made you smile, listen; it’s God.”

Thoughts on true friendships

It’s a fact that Reach Magazine TV host Sherrie Marlene loves God and reads the bible on a daily basis.  Whenever she finds a scripture that really hits home, she wants to share it with her friends and family to bring a little light to someones day. Since all of you reading are her extended family she wanted to share a scripture that caught her eye.

Proverbs 27:6 “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

“I feel it’s a person’s responsibility to be completely honest with a friend. A person should always have a friend’s best interest at heart, even if it causes an uncomfortable situation.  You never want to be the person who tells a friend what they want to hear (essentially lie to them) to avoid hurting their feelings, this could lead to potential disaster depending on the severity of the situation.  Remember, “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips” (Proverbs 24:26). “A kiss on the lips” is a lot better than a slap on the face, which a lie tends to feel like!.” ~ Follow Sherrie Marlene on Twitter!

Can You Be Cool and Still be Down with Jesus Christ?

Can you be cool and still be down with JC? Of course you can! There is no rule saying that as a Christian you have to live under a rock and isolate yourself from the world. 

Being down with Jesus Christ doesn’t mean you have to give up your interests in pop culture. It’s quite the contrary. The reality is you have to deal with the spiritual and secular world on a daily basis. A Christian is someone who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ. To be cool is to be aware or show involvement in new trends or styles.  A Christian can definitely fit into both categories with no problem. 

Reach Magazine TV co-host J.O., a born again Christian, says “I’m still gonna kick it with all my homies on the block but my actions gotta show something way different than what they are used to seeing.”

Many people have their own image of what a Christian is supposed to be and how they are supposed to act. Just remember, all individuals are different and yes this includes Christians.

In today’s society young people have to adapt to a variety of situations.  In the words of J.O., “Christians are called to be chameleons, we are called to blend in, but not sin.”

We can all be up on the latest fashions, sports, and music and still go to church, read the bible, and praise the Lord.  There is a misconception that Christians must forfeit being cool in order to serve God, but that is not the case. 

 Many celebrities like Beyonce, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Common, and Ving Rhames have a strong belief in Christ.

A word to the wise;  hold strong to your faith in all situations and around all types of people- that will make you cool and down with Jesus Christ.

THE WEEKLY WORD

Reach Magazine TV will be bringing you inspirational bible verses to help strengthen your faith.  The hosts of Reach will share bible verses that have guided them through their spiritual journey.  The Weekly Word is intended to help you make it through your week on a positive note. So get ready for word!

 Philippians 1:6     

“There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that GOD who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.”

J-Love’s Thoughts on Philippians 1:6

“It gives you the confidence to know that even when you fall short, when you make mistakes, when you don’t live up to what you feel the model is of perfection or being a good Christian quote on quote, you didn’t start the work. God started the work in your life, so he’s faithful to himself to finish it, so you’re ok, it’s a journey. Enjoy the ride.”