Kingdom Paradigms

Christmas: Celebrating the Arrival of The King

Dr. Mike Christmas, Kingdom Paradigms ,
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2 ESV.

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Non-Jewish religious leaders from the east came looking for the new King. (Tradition always seems to show three. However the Bible says wise men without ever mentioning the number.) Their own teaching prophesied the coming of a new baby who would one day rule the world. When they arrived to Jerusalem looking for the child, the local ruler asked the Jewish leaders where the Messiah was to be born. They replied quoting the prophecy written approximately 700 year earlier from the Book of Micah that he would come from Bethlehem. Therefore, these wise men traveled to the village and found the child with mother in a home. There they showered the child with gifts in honor and respect to the new king.

Again at the end of Jesus’ life, Pontius Pilate referred to Jesus as a King and committed him to the capital punishment of death on the cross. His legal crime written for the public to witness was “King of the Jews.”

Jesus Christ was born and initially died for being a king. As he taught and Scripture reveals, he came to be King, his servants didn’t recognize him, and he left with the expectation of one day returning to fully establish his kingdom.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the arrival of humanity’s king. The Man-God. The first born of a new humanity. He is no longer a baby but a fully, empowered living eternal being who qualified to be our King. For many of us living in a democratic republic, the concept of having a king is ambiguous at best. However, when one acknowledges Jesus as Lord, one begins to fully live-out the relationship of a king with his servants. To live under a benevolent ruler makes many hunger for his return. For the many in today’s world who are upset with the current governmental leaders who fall far short from their promises, hope and a better world is around the corner.

Therefore, let’s celebrate this Christmas with joy and gratitude for all to see that we await the return of our King. The hope of mankind.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Christmas: Sacrificial Love

Dr. Mike Christmas, Kingdom Paradigms ,
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:19 ESV.

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If God became man, what would he look like? A mighty warrior with the largest army in the world? A famous person with Hollywood looks? A politician with charm and charisma? A king with vast wealth and resources?

Would you believe he already came in the flesh as the man Jesus Christ of Nazareth? Josephus, a Jewish, non-believer historian during Christ’s life wrote in his book that this man did mighty works. We are told in the Book of Colossians that the fullness of God dwelt with Jesus Christ. We read as his followers described him “a light in the world.” Other eye-witness accounts responded by emphasizing the miracles he performed that included feeding multitudes and healing deadly diseases. Others spoke about him resurrecting the dead. Then others showcased his ability to teach with moral parables that left the audience spellbound.

What the majority of writers emphasized was the unique heart of the man. He knew the evilness found in human nature. Yet he also knew the power of God to transform.

He touched the lives of the most undesirables of his time. He loved to celebrate life demonstrated through the parties and social events he attended. He surrounded himself with men and women who were not of noble birth or educationally valued. Instead he chose to surround himself with a smorgasbord of people who probably would never associate with one another if it wasn’t because of him.

Like most people who make a difference in life, his story didn’t fully bloom until after his death. There were over 500 witnesses who gave the testimony that they seen him alive after his crucifixion. He appeared and disappeared among his students and followers. His own brothers disbelieved him prior to his resurrection but changed their tune afterwards. His life was more than just being a moral teacher. The people who knew him came to the realization that he was and is who he claimed to be: The Messiah.

His life is a model of what love looks like in human form. He didn’t self-promote himself. He simply denied himself to serve His Father God. He practiced and taught what sacrificial love looks like. From washing his disciples feet to dying an undeserving death, Jesus Christ showed us what God looks like in the flesh. This Christmas is simply our feeble attempt to remember what his life means to you and me. Let’s celebrate it with him, through him, and for him. Besides, isn’t he the reason for the season?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage your Friends…Share Today’s Message!

Christmas: The License To Celebrate Early, Late, & All Year Long

Dr. Mike Christmas, Kingdom Paradigms ,

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 ESV

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It is easy to criticize the dark-side of Christmas. Who among us doesn’t get upset over the commercialization of the season. The busyness of this time of year that keeps people apart before bringing them together again. The multitude of people on the road and in stores driven to acquire their next toy or gift without mercy toward others. The battle to keep within a budget that always seems to become overextended no matter how hard we try. The list can keep on going. Instead though, let’s focus on the good side of Christmas.

Isn’t it a joy to watch the Spirit of God work this time of year?

In a recent Saturday morning prayer group, one man shared his story about shopping at Wal-Mart. He went into the store to purchase blankets that he planned to pass-out to the homeless. Based on the advertisement he saw and the limited monetary resources at his disposal, he figured he could purchase at least ten blankets. However, upon visiting the department where the blankets where kept, he quickly realized he may have to purchase less than he planned. The items that he wanted were already sold out.

However, explaining his dilemma to a nearby attendant, she told him to wait as she would check the backroom for more of the blankets that were on sale. After several minutes she returned and explained that there were a few more blankets available and also mentioned to him that if he would stop by the manager’s office, he could receive a $10 gift card to help with his purchase. So off he went to the manager’s office. Upon entering and repeating his story, the manager reached down and did not give him a $10 gift card but a $25 card. So taking the additional money back to the home goods department, he grabbed a few more blankets. Upon the checkout he found out that several of the blankets were selling for less than the advertised price. Therefore, he went back and grabbed a few more.

Long story short, he went in to purchase 10 blankets. He left acquiring 35 better quality blankets. All he could do throughout the entire process is laugh as he witnessed how the Spirit worked to change people’s hearts and events. He called it his early Christmas present to witness the hand of God at work in his life.

Christmas is the season to witness how people express God’s love through their sharing and giving. It’s as though this time of year people have the grace-laden license to magnify the spirit of giving. That being said, than please accept this message as your license to celebrate Christmas early, late, and yes, even all year long. Merry Christmas everyone!

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage your Friends…Share Today’s Message!