“The Christmas Story”

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© 2018 Don Pinson | [Download]
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Ladies and gentlemen, the following story is why we have Christmas:

The Christmas Story1 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away [privately]. But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for…he…shall save his people from their sins.’ Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.’ And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.” Continue reading →

“The Herald Angels Sing”

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The Herald Angels Sing 1


© 2018 Don Pinson | [Download]
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So often, at this time of year, we sing Christmas carols in our churches or at family gatherings.  Some have melodies which raise our emotions to the heights.  Others woo us into quiet meditations on the deep meaning of Jesus’ entry into this world and what His invasion into human flesh really means to us.  But the carol that does both those things for me—is Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.  Written by the great song-writing revivalist, Charles Wesley, the revelation in this hymn of what Christ did for us is astounding!  Take a journey with me as we attempt to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us what Jesus did for us.  Wesley wrote:

Hark!  The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild– God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark!  The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord:
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark!  The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Continue reading →

“The Arrival of the Lawgiver”

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The Arrival of the Lawgiver 1


© 2018 Don Pinson | [Download]
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This time of year there’s a lot of reference to the Baby Jesus in the manger.  That’s a good thing.  We think of the Christ child and hope comes to us that God literally invaded history and brought hope that there could be “peace on earth toward men of good will” (Luke 2:14).

And yet, for all this good feeling surrounding the Baby Jesus, few ever think beyond the manger.  And even of those who do think of His important life, death, and resurrection, even fewer ever come to understand His impact on all civilization; and particularly here in the western hemisphere.  Jesus was the most important Lawgiver in world history.  His influence over moral and civil law in this world makes Him, without question, the most influential person in all of history.  Yet, few law schools in America ever acknowledge His powerful impact at all.

Jesus’ birth came at a time when Continue reading →