THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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It was his first day on the job as a cement truck driver. The engine in the truck was constantly misfiring, and he had a flat before reaching the first construction site. When he finally got there, the crew chief was unmerciful and fiercely chided him for being late. Then, when he backed up to dump the concrete, the truck got stuck in the mud.
Finally, he returned to the yard that evening, and began washing the truck down. He got inside to wash out the concrete, but the hose looped around the lever that turned the mixer on!
A few moments later another worker saw the mixer running and turned it off. He was quite surprised to see the bruised, battered driver exit the mixer covered with wet cement.
The new driver was obviously a new convert to the meaning of Murphy's Law: If any thing CAN go wrong, it WILL!
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Luke 2:1-6
1 And 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.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And 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:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
(KJV)
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We always look forward to Christmas with anticipation, excitement, and joy. It's good for us to remember that the FIRST Christmas was the result of many hardships.
The FIRST Christmas found a man made speechless because his aging wife was pregnant and he couldn't really believe it.
The FIRST Christmas found another man about to divorce his "espoused" wife because she was pregnant with a child he didn't father.
The FIRST Christmas is about a woman, nine months pregnant, making a journey on horseback because of tax laws.
The FIRST Christmas is about a man and his wife trying to find a motel room, and only finding a stable.
That FIRST Christmas is so beautiful because the hardships suffered demonstrated the faith and love of the people God used. That FIRST Christmas is so beautiful because God "confounded" the wisdom of the world with "simple" things.
Indeed, let us look forward to Christmas with anticipation and excitement! For Christmas means that the hardships of a few brought victory for many!
Love ya,
Bruce
mcge3582@bellsouth.net
http://www.linktojesus.org
True faith never gives in, never gives up, and always gives out!