CSN Pre-Christmas Edition - LightWing Messages for 12/19/2021
The Magi and the Messiah
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had
appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)
This Sunday’s LightWing edition is focused upon faith and the existence of faith in the United
States of America in such a time as this. In last week’s edition, we dealt with the context behind the story of Hanukkah and offered the quote from 1 Maccabees 2:48, “They rescued the law out of the hands of the Gentiles and kings, and they never let the sinner gain the upper hand.” While we move forward with humility and genuine gratitude in this special time of year, in this holiday period, we need to view the circumstances of the Hebrew people within a proper perspective. At the time of the Maccabees, there was exhibited exceptional faith to preserve their religion and their culture. Yet, such faith was not exhibited at the time of Jesus’ coming.
At the time of the Pilgrim Fathers as we are reminded of during Thanksgiving, and at the time of our Founding Fathers, there was exhibited exceptional faith. The Pilgrims strove to preserve the faith of their choosing and to live in a land where religious belief could be pursued freely. Among other things, our Founding Fathers exhibited exceptional faith when they created a government, with the promise of liberty to live under a government where religious belief could be pursued freely and without persecution. Today people of faith find themselves persecuted by the United States government. So, in all seriousness, at this particular time in America’s history, people of faith need to take an honest inventory of our legitimate faith as a people – not just as individuals or denominations or separate faith traditions. We need to identify what we honestly believe in.
Do we live in a land where faith is exhibited? Or, do we live in a land where not much faith was evident, such as at the time of Jesus’ visitation? At the beginning of this month, I offered a quote from Luke 18:8 in which Jesus candidly asks his followers, “...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” This is a question for us more than for his disciples. When studying history, instead of looking at slivers of time, one can gain a deeper appreciation of a particular culture by making comparisons with other civilizations or cultures. One can truly ask what God thinks of America as culture as a whole? What degree of faith can one see on display or manifested in our nation today? Is there exceptional faith to rescue the law out of the hands of criminals and thugs, or do we always let the sinner gain the upper hand? Again, I say we need to find within what we honestly believe in, and if we need to fight for the true principles rooted in the foundations of this nation, so be it.
We’re also including in this edition a request to send a personal thank you ( below my article) to two patriots who thought more of their country and the people than they did of partisan politics.
As we are coming closer to the Christmas holiday, we hope readers will enjoy the twelve videos for today and all of the other features. Check out our Recommended Reading section, or the Around the Republic section. Our hope is to revive hope in America, and provide a call to action for all of those of genuine faith who will heed the call.
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The “Message of Light” endeavor had been part of the “David Project” that originated as a genuine inspiration from our Heavenly Father, initiated to bring Light into the dark in this time. The project developed from 2018, and as we approach our third anniversary of existence, we have formally elevated the “David Project” to the more formal “LightWing Mission,” my personal ministry, which I had announced in previous messages.
These messages are freely offered and sent to you as part of the “LightWing Mission.” Please receive today’s messages as a gift from those who care. They are only words being offered, freely; yet, some contain a deep message of faith, or a much deeper expression of heart that readers can hopefully receive into their lives. As it has been written: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 - KJV
May we humble ourselves, seek His face, seek His truth, seek His love, self - reflect upon who we are, repent and turn from our wicked ways and the wicked ways of our nation. In order to live in One Nation Under God, we need to expose and eliminate the culture of evil around us.
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Christmas 2021: Revisiting A Great Journey of Faith
12/19/21
As Christmas approaches in the year of our Lord 2021, “Wise” people await the second coming of the Messiah. They search the ancient scriptures within the Holy Bible and traditional spiritual guidance from tons of texts. Many Christians await in great anticipation the return of Christ as he promised because they recognize humanity has arrived in this period of time foretold as the “Last Days.” Yet, I would submit that as there is great anticipation, there is also much confusion over the Second Coming. There were several prophecies, and even Jesus foretold of the return of the Son of Man. But, the essence of his greatest concern, was concentrated in his question to those in his time: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8 as related in the Parable of the Persistent Widow.
I submit that although there are a multitude of reputable theories posed by any number of biblical scholars and teachers of the scriptures, “no one knows but the Father” the moment of this much anticipated return. It may be possible God will reveal pertinent information to his prophets, but even false prophets abound in this day. So, it is a time of confusion and serious uncertainty, possibly even involving struggles with doubt over the coming of the “Son of Man.” I submit that as it was in the day of the coming of the Messiah, so it is now within the realm of faith in the time of anticipating the second coming. If one considers the most outstanding faith among men in the days preceding the appearance of Jesus, a wise person would have to consider the “wise men,” or in the Aramaic and other in more appropriate translations, these Wise Men were actually called “Magi.”
These Magi lived in a time of general ignorance of the public for most common people did not read. Yet, the Magi were considered learned and wise. This was also another time of great anticipation for one who would become a great king – “the one… born king of the Jews…”
They came to pursue the prophecy of the birth of a special child who could become this great king. They demonstrated incredible faith in their time to seek out and locate this special child — one to become king of the people of faith.
The Magi considered learned and wise in that day and age would be simply dismissed as some astrologers - star gazers. There was no science in such an age. However, the Magi could read, and they did apparently read extensively many ancient scriptures and spiritual texts as well as being students of the mysteries of the stars. By their studies, these wise individuals came to understand that this special child would even be more than a great king. He would be a person of divinity who could bring both great healing and peace to the entire world. Great anticipation would arise from learning this. And great hope would arise as well that the world could be made a better place through the work of such a divine individual.
This story of the “Three Wise Men” has inspired millions of people throughout the world and throughout time. Their story is more than fiction or fable. Usually, the focus of their story is upon the gifts they brought the infant Jesus. However, we are able to derive additional inspiration, beyond the material gifts that they brought, from a much broader and deeper perspective. But, only a contemporary fictional narrative describes that there were three Magi. Nowhere in the New Testament does it mention there were “three wise men.” It is assumed because they gave the three gifts to the child to be the Messiah. Aslo, one may wonder why these wise men came from such a far off place. A good journalist would wonder: Were there no wise men in Israel inspired enough by God to seek this special babe? Why were only “foreign” wise men aware of this incredible event?
Certainly, when the Magi came into Jerusalem inquiring of the whereabouts of “...the one who has been born king of the Jews…” where were the wise men of Jerusalem who had already been prepared to receive this king? If this star had been witnessed by those of a different faith, and it sparked them to travel on a perilous journey, risking their lives (read my other articles on the Magi - The Wise Men and their journey of great risk - Communities Digital News ), what inspiration visited the wise men of Israel? We learn that King Herod had no clue of this special child, and he had to assemble “...all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, and Herod “...asked them where the Messiah was to be born.” So again, a decent journalist would wonder: If these priests and teachers knew this, why did they not have similar sentiments as the Magi? This special child was to be the Messiah to their people, if not to the entire world.
Why were only “foreign” wise men aware of this incredible event and inspired enough to travel so far simply to worship this would-be king? The Magi learned of the prophesied birthplace of this “ruler who will shepherd my people Israel” and acting upon incredible faith when they “…saw his star when it rose…” packed up and made an historical journey simply to worship the newborn king. Why is it odd to wonder how it was odd that none of those in the court of Herod (except for his spies) did not join the Magi in following the star? Was it not odd that none of those priests and teachers in the high court followed the Magi to also worship their Messiah? Indeed it is odd, and it represents a conflicted faith in the people of Jerusalem, or great fear..
Amazingly, the ones in Israel who actually did seek out this special child at the time of his birth were mere shepherds. “...And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 8-12
Christians are all familiar with the Christmas story, but it usually is viewed with great nostalgia and not with a more analytical mind. Were the shepherds the only ones to whom this angelic experience was offered? We do not even consider it odd that none of those near King Herod, in the high place of government and at the center of the nation’s faith, would be called by those same angels who sincerely shared the tidings of the birth of God’s son. Again, when one views these events with more clear vision, one can revisit this time anew. The void of faith in the land of Israel only provides a greater spotlight upon the faith of the Magi. Yes, they were learned men, but also they demonstrated great faith in their dangerous journey.
Before they even reached Jerusalem, these men had been enamored with this star for at least two years of their lives, if not more. We know this because “Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.” It is why he eventually ordered his soldiers to kill all of the children two years and younger in Bethlehem. This event as well spotlights a great difference between the faith of the Magi and the “faith” of that king of Israel. Could it be that the wise men of Israel decided to follow their king instead of the newborn king? It is so. The scriptures reveal that when Jesus read the scroll of Isaiah and proclaimed, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing…” (read: Luke 4:17-30)
Today, we may look at the treachery of a king who could easily kill babies and children with serious disdain. But, do not hold onto this too long, as we live in a land that authorizes the murder of the unborn babies. Today, we may look at the barbarity of a people who sought to kill their savior with contempt, but do not hold onto this too long, as we live in a land in which many of our elected officials sought to impeach a president who was mainly typing to revive the “land of the free.” Today, we imagine America as a land of faith-filled people who cherish the freedom of religion, who cherish Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” But, are we people of faith?
If God sent invitations out to the “Wise” or enlightened people of this day in this land in order to attend the birthday of his child, and if you were one of those who received the invitation, what would your response be? How far would you be willing to travel to meet the one who would become the Savior? Your Savior? Consider how far the “Wise Men” were willing to go to honor the “King of the Jews.” It is a good standard of measurement as to whether “...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
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Christmas Card/Letter Request
Let’s Say Thank You!
So often, conservatives get caught up in negativity, railing against the far left who are trying to destroy our freedoms. Perhaps more positivity is in order, encouraging one another to do the right thing in our fight for the Constitution and defending our nation.
The political spectrum is long and varied. In order to make headway in protecting the America we know, it will take people, who don’t always agree, to come together when they can and appreciate one another when that happens.
Two Democrat senators have just withstood enormous pressure from those in their political party to pull back on the spending that would take our nation so deeply into economic crisis that bankruptcy could loom large in our future. Senators Joe Manchin (WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) have held the line, recognizing that the Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” legislation will add $3 trillion to our debt and discourage investment in our economy by raising taxes.
I propose that we should acknowledge their courage and say thank you to them both. Specifically, in this season, I think we should flood both senators with Christmas cards saying thank you for standing up and doing the right thing for America. Below are their mailing addresses:
Senator Joe Manchin, III
306 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Senator Kyrsten Sinema
317 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
My cards are Christian, cordial and show sincere thanks for their courage and effort.
Let’s make some deposits into their emotional bank accounts. We need them to continue to find the courage to protect us from economic disaster.
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Onward and Upward!
From Enya: O come, O come Emmanuel - 12/6/2012
From Dutch Sheets Ministries: Life, Liberty, and Penumbra | Give Him 15: Daily Prayer with Dutch | Dec. 16, 2021
From Home Free: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem Ft. The Oak Ridge Boys and Jeffrey East - 12/21/20
From FOX News: Pentagon orders company to stop making faith-based dog tags - 12/19/21
From Songs of Praise Big Sing: We Three Kings of Orient Are - Dec 14, 2008
From OANN TV: Mexico City resumes Christmas festivities after 2-year lockdown | One America News Network - 12/19/21
From Andrea Bocelli: Andrea Bocelli - Angels We Have Heard On High by Andrea Bocelli - posted 10/22/2015
From John Anderson (Australia): The Federal Religious Discrimination Bill | Mark Sneddon & Sarah Irving-Stonebraker - 12/13/21
From Suzy Nash: A Baby Changes Everything Suzy Nash- Faith Hill - 11/16/2017
Uncommon Knowledge (w/ video): It Could Have Been Worse: Kim Strassel and Ross Douthat Review 2021 - 12/15/21
From My Faith Votes: A Conversation with Tim Barton: Is America still a Christian Nation? - December 2021
From Ray Charles "America The Beautiful" - performed with friends in 1991
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Podcast - From Dinesh D'Souza: THE REAL FREELOADER Dinesh D’Souza Podcast Ep240 - 12/17/21 - In this episode, Dinesh considers Elizabeth Warren's accusation that entrepreneur Elon Musk is a "freeloader" to ask, who's the real freeloader? Dinesh offers eight separate reasons to think that we are, under Biden and the Democrats, experiencing the Sovietization of America.
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American Minute by William J. Federer - American Minute for December 19 - On this day in 1777, the Continental Army set up camp in Valley Forge. Soldiers died at the rate of 12-per-day because of the lack of supplies and the freezing cold.
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Recommended Reading…
From The Epoch Times: Efforts to Stop Biden's Vaccine Mandate for Private Businesses Reach US Supreme Court
From The American Mind - Salvo: Morbidly Misleading Statistics - The American Mind - 12/17/21
From The Epoch Times: Christian Ministries Ask Supreme Court to Block OSHA Vaccine Mandate - 12/19/21
From American Greatness: More Americans Than Ever Before Have No Religious Affiliation - 12/15/21
From The Christian Post: Pastor hails victory as court throws out $21K fine for holding worship service for homeless - 12/19/21
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What affects one, can affect all!
News From Florida -
From FOX News: Ron DeSantis: Floridians know there will be no lockdowns - 12/19/21
News From Maryland -
From FOX News: Maryland Gov. Hogan not considering lockdowns amid rising COVID cases - 12/19/21
News From Pennsylvania -
From The Epoch Times: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ends School Mask Mandate - 12/12/21
News From South Dakota -
From FOX News: Gov. Noem knocks Biden's Christmas warning to unvaccinated Americans - 12/17/21
News From Texas -
From FOX News - Tucker: Gov. Abbott: We are building the border wall - 12/17/21
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Recommended Resources - follow the links…
Excellent Election Education Resource: US 2020 Election Fraud at a Glance
Excellent Non-Partisan Election Resource: Election Integrity Project California
Excellent Citizen Comprehensive Resource: David Horowitz Freedom Center
Excellent Citizen Activist Resource: Precinct Strategy: Home
Excellent Christian Homeschool Resource:
https://ed-exit.com/
SIGN UP> Join with Students For Life: Sign the Moral Outcry Petition to have your name filed with the Supreme Court
SIGN UP> From The Heritage Foundation: Oppose Biden's Unlawful Vaccine Mandate!
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