Among the reforms Josiah instituted during his reign, possibly the most important was when he restored the celebration of the Passover. The ultimate Passover Lamb would be Jesus whose sacrifice on the cross atoned for our sins completely.

Who is crowned king of a nation at the age of eight? What king begins seeking God as a sixteen year old and then enacting major reforms at the age of twenty? His name was Josiah, the last good king of Judah.

God used King Jehu to execute His vengeance on the family of the unrighteous kings who preceded him. Even so, Jehu himself will one day stand before God to be judged. So will each of us. For those in Christ, Jesus was judged in our place.

Paul instructed Timothy about those holding seats of power: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority..."

Jesus was and is THE RESURRECTION and THE LIFE! He is God! The ultimate resurrection He promises is a forever one! "Yet shall he live!" "Shall never die!"

The Word of God is how we know about God's requirements for holy living and about how Jesus Christ came to save those who believe. To be People of the Book, we must accept God's word as inspired, inerrant, infallible, and relevant.

In Luke's second chapter, the story of What happened that first Christmas is wonderfully told. But then we have the Why of Jesus' coming, and that's actually the more important story!

The light of the glory of God, the Messiah, who would shine upon Israel and all the nations, was foretold and promised by the prophets of old. And then He came quietly and subtly.

So how should Christmas be celebrated? Together! As a unified body. Harmoniously. How should the Christian life be lived out? The same!

God the Son came to earth to save fallen man and restore Him to God--the incarnation mission is revealed! In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul sums up our only fitting response, "Praise God for this incredible, unbelievable, indescribable Gift!"