Contact: Tony Nassif, 818-848-7522
MEDIA ADVISORY, Dec. 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Tony Nassif, the founder and president of the Cedars Cultural and Educational Foundation:
I was about to read my Bible. The Lord said to read the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-7.
"And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 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) to be taxed with Mary his wife, being great with child. And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered and she brought forth her firstborn son ..."
This edict caused the family to go to Bethlehem thus fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2: "and thou Bethlehem Ephratah though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
The Lord rhetorically asked: "How can you apply this Scripture to your personal life?"
I replied: "It shows Jesus fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem" (Micah 5:2)
The Lord responded: "Yes but how does this Scripture apply to you today?"
I said: "I don't know"
God spoke: "I compelled Caesar to move the empire. (Upon hearing this the gentleman recalled the words in the Book of Daniel saying that God reigns in the affairs of man).
Caesar considered himself to be god. Nevertheless, I the Lord, caused him to move the empire. Why didn't I tell Joseph to take Mary to Bethlehem to fulfill the prophesy to the smallest of Judah? After all, I told him to wed Mary. I told him to flee to Egypt. Why would I move an entire empire to fulfill one prophecy to such a seemingly insignificant village?
I said: "Please speak on I'm listening."
God said: "I moved an entire empire to fulfill one prophecy to the least of the thousands of Judah. How much more will I move heaven and earth to fulfill one promise to you for whom I was crucified? "
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"He who contains all things is, Himself, contained in the womb of a virgin"
Orthodox Christian Nativity Prayer Service
