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The book of Isaiah was written during the reigns of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, all of whom successively ruled the southern kingdom of Judah. During this time politically, both Israel and Judah had reached incredible wealth and power. Unfortunately, they also had declined spiritually, giving in to division, idolatry and immorality.
Christians have the God-given right to share the message of Jesus Christ, the God-given responsibility to hold forth the Word of life.
Both in the flesh and in the Spirit, Jesus did not measure up to the Messiah that the people were expecting. Jesus literally became a stumbling block in all areas for many of the people of Israel.
Since the spiritual condition of humankind hinged on the life and ministry of Jesus, God took great care in announcing through an angel the birth of John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus' ministry.
The Bible is made up of 66 individual books, written by 40 different writers, over a 1600 year period, all with one Author, God Himself. Each book has a distinct Messianic undercurrent, often in surprising locations.
Even with tremendous opposition and persecution, Christians in Thessalonica were able to stand strong in their faith, bringing joy and peace to Paul, their spiritual father.
Hosea ministered to the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. By outward appearances, Israel was doing well. But just below the surface, spiritual and political unrest and anarchy were brewing.
Over the years, listeners and singers alike have noted that I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day is at once both joyful and mournful. The words to the song were written in just such a setting, by the beloved poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Even the skeptics cannot deny that the Christmas season is different from all the others. No matter what style of music a person may choose to enjoy the rest of the year, the traditional Christmas Carol breaks through the musical preferences and barriers, to be universally recognized as the most beloved music of all people and of all time.