REVIVAL TALK

  Joy is a response   of   the heart stemming from the hope that is produced when the Holy Spirit fills us with love. ‘Joy’ and ‘grace’ are closely related in translation. We have joy because of the grace of God. When we begin to value God’s presence and promises, we are released by His love into His grace and filled with joy. This is the process of faith. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of comfort and joy. Regardless of what life brings our way, we can remain joyful and comforted knowing the Holy Spirit is with us and will supply our needs.          During the 15 th   century, a city of significance would have walls around the perimeter. Watchmen would stand guard on the walls and communicate with flags during the day and with horns at night. They were required to be skilled musicians, and often played for weddings and celebrations.          One such watchman wrote “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ” . This was a dark time for the church, but God was using a watchman to procla

Luke 2:11 – “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” When my wife and I were first dating I would bring her different gifts to express my feelings for her. I usually wrapped the gifts in the comic section of the Sunday newspaper or used some type of sales circular or printed paper. The wrapping paper was inexpensive and there were no beautiful ribbons or bows.   We are entering into the Christmas season. This is a festive time that will be filled with family gatherings and Christmas shopping for our family and the ones we love.    For many in our secular society this season has become about little more than ribbons and bows. It is about elaborate presents wrapped in beautiful paper with colorful ribbons and bows.   The first gift of Christmas was not wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bows. The first present of Christmas was a savior. In Luke 2:8-11 there is an angelic announcement, “Now there were in the same country shep

Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Tinsel is a “decorative garland material that mimics the effects of ice or icicles.” [1]    It is used during the Christmas season to decorate Christmas trees.    According to Wikipedia, Tinsel was invented around 1610 in Nuremberg, Germany.    It was added to the Christmas tree to enhance the flickering of the candles that were used to light the tree. [2] Hollywood is often referred to as Tinseltown because of the glamor of the movie industry.    Tinseltown is known for its bright lights and glamorous lifestyles. Our society tends to idolize those the world promotes as beautiful and talented. The Paparazzi obsessively follow them trying to get the perfect picture to sell to magazines and media outlets. The stark reality is that the tinsel is only outw