Some memories never leave you.

30 years ago, I quickly grew to detest my 12^th grade English teacher. She challenged us to think…and seek the deeper meaning in the great literary works of the ages.

Now, I consider her one of the greatest teachers of my academic career.

Three decades later, the Holy Spirit has taken the gift she implanted and taught me to seek the deeper things of God.

On the surface, our world has few reasons to celebrate this holiday season. With Christmas just days away, it’s clear there is little "peace on earth."

From Bosnia to Afghanistan and the Sudan to the Middle East, the seas of humanity are raging.

Underlying every conflict are the dissatisfaction and restlessness common to the human condition.

No greater symbol of this discontent is the cancellation of Christmas festivities in the birthplace of our Lord…the little town of Bethlehem.

Authorities in the Holy Land had expected a huge influx of tourists to mark the millennial celebrations but renewed fighting sparked by the Al Aqsa intifada have now made that impossible.

And so, the Church of the Nativity is virtually empty.

What a perfect picture of the human heart. Until Jesus Christ is reborn within each of our lives, the manger is empty. But his presence can turn any squalid stable into a royal palace and light the darkest corner of our beings. Upon His arrival, the angels still rejoice.

Only when the Prince of Peace comes into power and possesses His kingdom within, can we know real peace. And the joy of His presence is a gift that stays with us turning every day into Christmas.

One day soon, the prophets assure us that the One who has been barred from his own hometown will return to reclaim His world. Indeed, all the signs pointing to the Second Coming of Christ are falling right into place.

Blessed are those who receive Him as little children. Because the giver of eternal life, Jesus Christ, remains the greatest Gift of all.

Best wishes to you all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Web Today.

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