A Dark Shadow over the Manger!

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Posted on: Dec 14, 2011

Jesus is the only baby ever born to die!  Even in the joy of His birth Simeon prophesied of His death and said to Mary:

³⁴And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; ³⁵(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.  (Luke 2:34)

This sword that will pierce Mary's heart is that moment when she stands at the foot of the cross and sees her son dying.

Thoughts to Be Developed

• The shadow of the cross across the manger.
• The sanctity of life. Every baby conceived is born to live.
• The death of the innocent children in Herod’s rage. Opportunity to deal with the fact that bad things happen to good people. If applicable the loss of a child or loved one.
• Nothing takes God by surprise. He knew the cross was ahead.
• The Message of the Manger—Redemption!

Just some thoughts.  Would love to hear from you.

Your friend,

Kemp

About Our Chairman

Kemp Holden and his wife Carol were married in 1964 and formed a powerful ministry team preaching the gospel not only in the United States but soon their passion for missions would take them to the island of Jamaica where they founded and built a church and a school on the north coast. Soon after returning to the U.S., they felt God calling them to Fort Smith, Arkansas where they built Harvest Time Tabernacle. They watched those small beginnings grow to one of the largest churches in the region with not only a local focus but a global impact. After 38 years as senior pastor, having mentored his successor, Pastor Marty Sloan, he led the transition and passed the baton to the new senior pastor. Pastor Holden now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Harvest Time where he and his family attend.

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