Water Cooler 12/21/18 Open Thread - TGIF, Christmas Miracles!

Hello RedStaters, and Thank God it’s Friday! Actually the last Faith Friday Water Cooler pre-Christmas, and we will not let the opportunity to share Christmas Miracles pass unrealized! May you all not only know the peace and joy of this season, but bring that peace and joy to someone else who needs it. And really, we all need it!

The Original Christmas Miracles (Luke 2:1-20):

The Birth of Jesus Christ
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.[c]

The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[d]

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Footnotes:
Luke 2:2 Or This was the registration before
Luke 2:5 That is, one legally pledged to be married
Luke 2:7 Or guest room
Luke 2:14 Some manuscripts peace, good will among men

In this section of the Gospel of Luke are fulfilled many many predictions regarding the promised messiah, the Son of God.

The Star of Bethlehem

You’ve heard of the Star of Bethlehem, which led the wise men to the baby Jesus. Over time people have speculated that this may have been a shooting star, a comet, a supernova, or other such real astronomical event; or that this is a myth and nothing really happened. But we don’t have to speculate – the puzzle has been solved and there is evidence outside the bible for a real and amazing event that was seen over 2000 years ago and correctly recorded. This video will show you the full list of facts that describe the event and show that event using available computer software. It gives you enough information to recreate it for yourself if you see fit. This hour video is well worth your time.

A “Jews for Jesus” Testimony

This week I came across the Jews for Jesus website, and some testimonies therein. I LOVE testimonies, and have read a few over the last few days. I think these also qualify as Christmas miracles – here’s a favorite, Stan Meyer’s story. It is amazing to see how God moves in events in our lives and these stories have clear evidence as well.

A Miraculous Healing

I saw and flagged this story earlier this week. An 11 year old girl is diagnosed with an inoperable and incurable brain tumor. The doctors follow through with radiation in the hopes of slowing progression, only to be baffled when all traces of the cancer are gone.

Porch Pirates?

While not quite miraculous, this bit of Christmas Engineering allowed one engineer to have quite a bit of fun at the Pirates’ expense. Enjoy: