The Word 120, Unto Us A Child Is Born!
Unto Us A Child Is Born! by Jerome Stewart 
Jesus was born into the world as God in the flesh. His arrival was prophesied in the Old Testament. Isaiah a prophet of God in addressing King Ahaz of Judah in chapter 7 vs. 14 made reference to Jesus the coming Messiah saying quote; “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Chapter 9 vs. 6; Isaiah says; “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In the New Testament Matthew chapter 1 vss. 18 and 19 says; “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” The issue with Joseph was adultery which was a capital offense under the Mosaic Law.
Vss. 20 thru 23 says; But while he thought about these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying; “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
As we celebrate December 25th as the birth of Christ, let us be ever mindful that Jesus came to earth on a business trip and His mission so that souls could be saved was accomplished.
Luke chapter 2 vs. 40 says; “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” There came a point where Joseph and Mary were looking for Jesus and could not find Him. He was only 12 years old.
Vss. 46 thru 49 says; “Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
John 3 vs. 16 Jesus says; “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Merry Christmas to Everyone!
Merry Christmas!
Every year, around the world, people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, 25 December. It’s a day – and season – filled with Christmas carols, tree decorating, gift-giving and parties. And, among all the celebrations, you may be wondering: what is the real meaning of Christmas? Or, why do we have these Christmas traditions? What do they have to do with Jesus?
Our lives, country and world are far from perfect. There are always challenges and struggles we face both personally and collectively. The good news of Christmas is that even when the world or our circumstances change – the message of Christmas is timeless. Because Christmas is about the birth of God’s Son – Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn’t change from year to year. When there is so much bad news and devastation in the world, this is good news worth celebrating!
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is more than a Christian holiday or Christian festival. It is more than an occasion to decorate our houses.
It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope and joy found in Jesus – our Saviour and friend. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, it is out of remembrance of the gift God gave us in Jesus. The gift that we are loved, are never alone and can have hope for the future.
Wishing everyone Peace, love, and holiday cheer.
Food Inspection Report
Indiana has its own Holiday Tunes
- “Indiana Christmas” by Straight No Chaser: This popular song beautifully describes longing for home, focusing on the feeling of Christmas being “real” in Indiana, with lyrics about sycamores and winter nights.
- “Christmas in Indiana” by Reggie Smith/Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: These gospel tracks evoke nostalgic, homey feelings associated with the state during Christmas.
- “Joey’s Christmas Song from Heaven” (written by Joey Martin Feek): Though performed by her daughter Indiana after Joey’s passing, this song reflects deep personal connection to home and Christmas in Indiana, as performed at the Grand Ole Opry.
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Gov. Braun Invites Hoosier Families to Celebrate Christmas with Indiana’s State Agencies
| Governor Braun reminds Hoosiers of holiday events, lights and family traditions to enjoy the week of Christmas.
INDIANAPOLIS – With Christmas just days away and many Hooiser students out of school for holiday break, Governor Mike Braun is reminding families of festive, family-friendly Christmas activities happening across Indiana this week. Indiana’s state agencies and partners are offering affordable ways for families to celebrate the season and spend time together, including through holiday light displays and seasonal programs at state parks, museums, and historic sites.
Here are some of the light displays, winter activities and holiday programs happening around the state, listed alphabetically by agency, as well as links to where families can find more events hosted by each agency in their area: |
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Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
The DNR announced light displays at a number of its parks, including but not limited to:
Other fun activities include:
Details about these activities and more at calendar.dnr.IN.gov.
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Indiana Destination Development Corporation (Visit Indiana)
The Indiana Destination Development Corporation has launched its statewide holiday campaign on its website to help families find local:
Explore activities at VisitIndiana.com/holiday. |
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Indiana State Fairgrounds
The Indiana State Fairgrounds has the Christmas Nights of Lights. This is a drive-through holiday light show open nightly Nov. 7 – Dec. 31.
Learn more at IndianaStateFairgrounds.com. |
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Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Jan. 4. Activities include:
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White River State Park
Holiday events at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis include:
Details about these activities and more are available at whiteriverstatepark.org/events/. |
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
The Story of Santa Claus, Indiana
Posted on November 15, 2018
Santa Claus, Indiana, is a small town with a big story – a Christmas Story. Visitors are curious and often ask questions that hit the heart of the tale:
How did this town get its name?
The answer to this question is the starting point to understand how a small farming settlement of German immigrants grew to attract national attention and visitors from all over the world. The town, originally known as Sante Fee, was large enough to apply for a post office in the 1850s. Their application was rejected, as there was already a town by the name of Santa Fe further north in Indiana. So now what?
The Legend
According to local legend, it was a cold December night in this small, rural area. The townsfolk were gathered in a small log church on Christmas Eve discussing a new name for their town. Several names were tossed around but nothing seemed to be the right fit. Children were running around playing while the adults were deep in discussion. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew open the church doors and the sound of sleigh bells drifted inside. The children ran to the door and shouted, “Santa Claus! Santa Claus!” The decision of what to name the town became clear. The name was accepted by the United States Post Office Department. The Santa Claus, Indiana, Post Office was established on May 21, 1856.
In The Beginning
It was in 1914 when James Martin, the town’s 14th postmaster, began mailing response letters from Santa, at his own expense, to children who mailed their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus, Indiana. Public interest took off when Robert Ripley of the ‘Believe It or Not’ featured the town’s post office and postmaster Martin, in 1930. Mail continued to arrive in massive numbers.
It Takes a Village
The world’s first themed attraction, Santa’s Candy Castle, was dedicated in 1935. This castle was sponsored by Curtiss Candy Company, the inventors of Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars. Also in 1935, entrepreneur Carl Barrett built the 22-foot Santa Claus Statue and the Santa Claus Park, which is now the location of the Santa Claus Museum & Village. Santa Claus Land opened on August 3, 1946, becoming the first themed amusement park in the world. Visitors would not find roller coasters on day one. Instead, there was a miniature circus, the House of Dolls, a restaurant, and of course, Santa Claus! In 1984, Santa Claus Land became Holiday World, when themed sections like Halloween and Fourth of July were added. And in 1993, the waterpark opened. Today, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is open from May to October and welcomes visitors from near and far. Impressed yet? There’s more… Did you know Ronald Reagan stopped by the park in March 1955? And in that same year, Disneyland opened. So that means, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari was the very first themed amusement park in the world – even before Disney – and it all started right here, in Santa Claus, Indiana! 
America’s Christmas Hometown
Fast forward to present day, Santa Claus, Indiana, is home to many Christmas-themed businesses. Attractions include the Santa Claus Christmas Store, Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop, the Santa Claus Museum & Village, Santa’s Candy Castle, and more! Many people flock to this area for the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, which takes place the first three weekends in December. During the summer and fall, families enjoy trail rides on horseback at Santa’s Stables, movie nights at the Holiday Drive-In, and tons of fun during Fall-O-Weekends. If you are wishing to bring a little magic into your family’s holiday season, visit Santa Claus, Indiana. America’s Christmas Hometown is a perfect backdrop for your family memories.