News for Prayer!• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Holder & Corzine In The Hot Seat
• About the Military Bible Ban
• Keep the Internet Free
• Caitlin Halligan blocked by Senate GOP
• SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Holder & Corzine In The Hot Seat
• About the Military Bible Ban
• Keep the Internet Free
• Caitlin Halligan blocked by Senate GOP
• SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Thursday, December 8, 2011
"It is time for You to act, O LORD, For they have regarded Your law as void." (Psalm 119:126)
The Daily Brief
1. At Least 2 Dead in Virginia Tech Shooting - Fox News
Gunman Thought to Be One of Two Dead in Shooting at Virginia Tech
Two people, including a police officer, were fatally shot on Virginia Tech's campus on Thursday, according to the university. A Virginia Tech police officer was fatally shot shortly after noon during a traffic stop in the Coliseum parking lot near McComas Hall, a campus gymnasium. Witnesses reported to police that the shooter fled on foot toward a parking lot, where a second unidentified victim was found dead.
Late reports now indicate that Virginia Tech says there is no longer a threat on campus and normal activities can resume after a two people, including a police officer, were gunned down on Virginia Tech's campus on Thursday, according to the university. Read more.
- Lift up a prayer for the families of both who were killed in this tragic story today, and offer a word of quiet praise that this situation was effectively contained. Ask for a double measure of peace to descend upon the minds and the hearts of all students (and their parents) at Virginia Tech. May we all understand that we are but one breath away from eternity, repent, and find Christ as our Savior, while there is yet time. Amen.
- " . . . repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47)
2. Gingrich: "Life Doesn't begin at Conception because that would 'Open Up Very Difficult Questions" --CNSNews.com
In an interview with ABC News on Friday, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said he believes that human life does not begin at conception but at "implantation and successful implantation" because if you say life begins at conception "you're going to open up an extraordinary range of very difficult questions."
Gingrich also said that his "friends" who take "ideological positions" that human life does begin at conception "don't then follow through on the logic of" that position.
- Father, we are continually reminded of the deception and lies that permeate our society about the unborn. The door that was opened with Roe v Wade has been pervasive and unyielding. We pray that in Your great mercy there will be a wave of Holy Spirit heart change for all who seek the Presidency of the United States.
- "A Divine sentence is in the lips of the king; his mouth does not transgress in judgment." [Proverbs 16:10]
3. Air Force dumped ashes of more troops' remains in Va. landfill than acknowledged - Washington Post
The Air Force dumped the incinerated partial remains of at least 274 American troops in a Virginia landfill, far more than the military had acknowledged, before halting the secretive practice three years ago, records show. The landfill dumping was concealed from families who had authorized the military to dispose of the remains in a dignified and respectful manner, Air Force officials said. There are no plans, they said, to alert those families now. Read more. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/air-force-dumped-ashes-of-more-troops-in-va-landfill-than-acknowledged/2011/12/07/gIQAT8ybdO_story.html?wpisrc=al_national
__Father, the lack of respect and honor for the bodies of our troops is horrifying. May You search out and convict those who had anything to do with this travesty. May they come to know that You are the God of justice and truth.
- "Justice and judgment are the habitation of Your throne; mercy and truth shall go before Your face." [Psalm 89:14]
4. Documents: ATF used "Fast and Furious" to make the case for gun regulations - CBS news
In Fast and Furious, ATF secretly encouraged gun dealers to sell to suspected traffickers for Mexican drug cartels to go after the "big fish." But ATF whistleblowers told CBS News and Congress it was a dangerous practice called "gunwalking," and it put thousands of weapons on the street. Many were used in violent crimes in Mexico. Two were found at the murder scene of a U.S. Border Patrol agent. ATF officials didn't intend to publicly disclose their own role in letting Mexican cartels obtain the weapons, but emails show they discussed using the sales, including sales encouraged by ATF, to justify a new gun regulation called "Demand Letter 3".
___Lord we pray that You continue to reveal to all of America the nefarious plans of the administration to destroy our Constitutional rights. We ask that You begin to move over the Mexican drug cartels to take down both their ability to use the weapons given them in "Fast and Furious," and their desire to use violence.
- "Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity." [Psalm 64:2]
5. Lawmakers Blast Administration For Calling Fort Hood Massacre 'Workplace Violence' - Fox News
Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday blasted the Defense Department for classifying the Fort Hood massacre as workplace violence and suggested political correctness is being placed above the security of the nation's Armed Forces at home . . . the Maine Republican referenced a letter from the Defense Department depicting the Fort Hood shootings as workplace violence. She criticized the Obama administration for failing to identify the threat as radical Islam.
___Father, this headline makes us angry. To classify this massacre as "Workplace Violence" waters down the truth of the spiritual battle raging across the globe right now. We pray that You will work among the citizens of the US to place the perception of what happened at Fort Hood firmly in truth rather than these types of fiction.
- "For the Lord loves judgment and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off." [Psalm 37:28]
6. Doomsday war games: Pentagon's 3 nightmare scenarios - Christian Science Monitor
Pentagon planners have plenty to deal with these days - Iran in search of nuclear-weapons technology, suicide bombings in Afghanistan, and the final pullout of US troops in Iraq potentially leaving behind a security vacuum in the Middle East. But in war games in Washington this week, US Army officials and their advisers debated three nightmare scenarios in particular.
___Lord, as the Pentagon works to unravel the possibilities involved in things like a possible collapse of Pakistan, etc, we pray for wisdom for our military. In the scenarios planned, may they exercise mercy as well as strength in the protection of American interests. We declare Your Lordship over their actions, and pray that only You will direct their steps.
- "Give us help from trouble; for vain is the help of man." [Psalm 108:12]
7. Sebelius Overrules FDA on Over-the-Counter Morning-After Pill - AP
The nation's health secretary says young teenagers cannot buy the Plan B morning-after pill without a prescription - a surprise move overruling her own experts, who were preparing to let it be sold on drugstore shelves like condoms.
The pill can prevent pregnancy if taken soon enough after unprotected sex. Currently, only those 17 or older can buy Plan B One-Step without a prescription, if they show a pharmacist proof of age.
The Food and Drug Administration was preparing to lift that age limit and let the emergency contraceptive be sold over the counter to anyone.
___Thank You, Lord, for at least this temporary answer to prayer. We ask that You transform our culture of promiscuity to one of holiness and grace. We pray that responsibility would rule over impulse in America.
- "And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." [Romans 12:2]
8. This lunar eclipse will include an 'impossible' sight - MSNBC
Even though sun and moon are 180 degrees apart, you might see them simultaneously. For most places in the United States and Canada, there will be a chance to observe an unusual effect, one that celestial geometry seems to dictate can't happen. The little-used name for this effect is a "selenelion" (or "selenehelion") and occurs when both the sun and the eclipsed moon can be seen at the same time.
For places to the east of the Appalachian Range, this will, unfortunately, be a non-event. . . But from southeast Ontario, through the Ohio Valley and continuing south to the central Gulf Coast, the upper-left portion of the moon will begin appearing somewhat darker or "smudged" as it begins to disappear beyond the horizon. As you head farther west, the moon's entry into the much-darker part of the Earth's shadow (the umbra) will become evident at 7:45 a.m. Eastern Time or 6:45 a.m. Central. Read more.
- Once again, as millions will gaze upon this celestial event, pray that their hearts will be turned toward things eternal . . . the things that really count in life. And pray for salvations to follow . . . Amen.
- "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of The Lord is near in the valley of decision." (Joel 3:14)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Establish Your word unto Your servant, who is devoted to Your fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for Your judgments are good." (Psalm 119:40)
1. Hamas demands Palestinian elections be held in East Jerusalem - Haaretz
Hamas will only agree to hold presidential and parliamentary elections next May if voting takes place in East Jerusalem and Hamas is allowed to participate, Haaretz has learned - a condition to which Israel will almost certainly object. This puts Hamas and Fatah's agreement to hold elections in the West Bank and Gaza in a different light.
2. 'US expects direct Israeli-Palestinian talks' - jpost.com
Both the US and the Quartet expect Israelis and Palestinians to meet in direct talks and exchange comprehensive proposals there on the issue of security and territory, US Ambassador Dan Shapiro said Thursday. Shapiro, at a press conference in Tel Aviv, said that this position has been made clear to both sides.
3. IDF strikes Gaza terror cell, thwarts attack from Sinai - jpost.com
The IDF thwarted an attack from the Sinai Peninsula on Thursday after the Air Force bombed targets in northern Gaza, killing a number of senior Hamas terrorists involved in plotting attacks against Israel. Palestinians reported that two people were killed in the attack and at least two others injured.
4. Sarkozy says anger with Netanyahu caused by France's exclusion from Shalit release - Haaretz
French President explains events leading up to his 'Netanyahu is a liar' remark, says he was frustrated by Israel's refusal to use French helicopter to transport Shalit from Egypt to Israel. Sarkozy was very frustrated by Israel's refusal, the official said, as well as by the fact that France did not get any credit for Shalit's release. He explained that France deserved to be part of the celebrations of Shalit's release since the abducted IDF soldier also holds French citizenship, as well as due to his personal efforts to secure Shalit's release.
Read more.
- Father, this article reads like a temper tantrum at a kindergarten. It makes us wonder if there is any such thing as a nation who loves Israel just because she belongs to You. We ask that you visit Mr. Sarkozy, and remove the personal agenda that makes not only him, but all the nations, so touchy about perceived slights in foreign matters.
- "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." [Proverbs 16:18]
The Daily Jot
Sounding the alarm of preparedness
In the wake of the alarm over the passage of the Defense Authorization Act of 2012, the internet has been rife with opinions on how American citizens can be held in detention with their Constitutional right to a speedy and public trial or habeas corpus suspended. That a Congressional action can trump the supreme law of the land, the Constitution, remains to be seen, but if the Constitution is suspended for whatever reason, there would be no Bill of Rights, no law except the law of power. Now many stories are surfacing that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is working closely with defense contractors to ready camps across the United States. This appears to be real, but without confirmation of intent.
Speculation is that the federal government is preparing either for huge disasters--either manmade or natural--or for the event of martial law where American citizens are rounded up and interned in concentration camps. Certainly, when the dots are connected between various actions of the Feds, there is a pattern that could be construed as preparation for very dark days ahead. In December 2008, the Washington Post reported that Pentagon officials confirmed some 20,000 uniformed troops would be deployed by 2011 to help state and local officials respond to a domestic catastrophe. Many consider this a prelude to the suspension of civil rights, others say its preparation for inevitable terrorist attacks.
A Request for Proposal by defense contractor KBR revealed by Alex Jones' Infowars.com outlines a plan where the US is divided into five regions and seeks contractors to provide fencing, living quarters, potable water, bathroom facilities, catering and more for "camps" ranging in size "from 301 to 2,000 persons for up to 30 days." This RFP is undated, but was likely distributed in November. Given that this Administration has defined conservative religious citizens as radicals, and conservatives have been characterized as terrorists by Vice President Joe Biden and others, Christian citizens have good reason for concern. We need not fear, but we do need to control what we can control.
I wholeheartedly believe Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." He is talking about food, clothing, the essentials of survival. We should, however, prepare--spirit, mind and body through prayer and the Word of God. We should also educate ourselves. Ray Gano has written a handy and practical book entitled "Survive The Coming Storm--The Value Of A Preparedness Lifestyle" that every Christian should read. When the protections of government break down, we need to be salt and light to the world. Ray has provided practical ways to survive and to lead others to do the same in the hope of the Lord.
Resources:
Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/30/AR2008113002217.html
KBR RFP for FEMA Camps,
http://static.infowars.com/2011/12/i/general/kbr-doc.pdf
Survive the Coming Storm by Ray Gano,
http://www.prophezine.com/
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Holder & Corzine In The Hot Seat
Attorney General Eric Holder and former Senator and Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) were in the hot seat today on Capitol Hill. Holder testified before the House Judiciary Committee on the Fast and Furious scandal, while Corzine testified about the MF Global scandal before the House Agriculture Committee.
Holder admitted that allowing guns to "walk" was "inexcusable" and "wholly unacceptable." He also acknowledged that weapons lost in the operation "will continue to show up at crime scenes on both sides of the border."
Remember this, friends, because liberals will undoubtedly claim that the violence is a reason to justify new restrictions on Second Amendment rights. But the Obama Administration, not American gun dealers, is responsible for this mess. In fact, CBS News reported yesterday that AFT agents "discussed using their covert operation 'Fast and Furious' to argue for controversial new rules about gun sales."
Meanwhile, in prepared testimony, Jon Corzine told the House Agriculture Committee that he was "stunned" to learn that more than $1 billion of investors' funds were missing. Where have I heard that before? Right -- that was Chris Christie who said he was stunned to learn just after taking office that Jon Corzine had left him with a $2.2 billion deficit.
Corzine clearly has a history of losing people's money. When Corzine says he's "stunned" by missing money, there is a bit of a credibility issue at stake here.
(Gary Bauer)
About the Military Bible Ban
What Everybody Ought to Know About the Military Bible Ban
It came as a shock last week to learn that Bibles had been banned at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The official memo, issued by the hospital's Chief of Staff, C.W. Callahan, was blunt and to the point:
"No religious items (i.e. Bibles, reading material, and/or artifacts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit."
Yet, just as soon as the stunning and disturbing news spread, the ban was rescinded.
Sandy Dean, a public affairs officer at Walter Reed, tried to explain the origin of the offensive policy. She said, "Our initial intention was to respect religious and cultural practices of our patients."
At play here is a seriously dangerous philosophy, namely that to respect the "religious and cultural practices" of one, it's necessary to ban that which is sacred to another.
Such logic has no place in the United States of America, a country founded upon, among other truths rooted in natural law, the principle of personal religious freedom. . .
To withhold that which brings hope and helps introduce a person to Him who heals, is, in my opinion, an act tantamount to medical malpractice. I am grateful that it appears cooler heads have prevailed this time.
But in the end, this I know to be true:
The very Bible that some have attempted to ban through the centuries is filled with story after story reminding us that regardless of worldly opposition, the will of God cannot be thwarted or stopped. He is on the throne. He is on the move.
And He is in control. (Jim Daly, Focus on the Family/CitizenLink) Read more.
What Everybody Ought to Know About the Military Bible Ban
It came as a shock last week to learn that Bibles had been banned at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The official memo, issued by the hospital's Chief of Staff, C.W. Callahan, was blunt and to the point:
"No religious items (i.e. Bibles, reading material, and/or artifacts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit."
Yet, just as soon as the stunning and disturbing news spread, the ban was rescinded.
Sandy Dean, a public affairs officer at Walter Reed, tried to explain the origin of the offensive policy. She said, "Our initial intention was to respect religious and cultural practices of our patients."
At play here is a seriously dangerous philosophy, namely that to respect the "religious and cultural practices" of one, it's necessary to ban that which is sacred to another.
Such logic has no place in the United States of America, a country founded upon, among other truths rooted in natural law, the principle of personal religious freedom. . .
To withhold that which brings hope and helps introduce a person to Him who heals, is, in my opinion, an act tantamount to medical malpractice. I am grateful that it appears cooler heads have prevailed this time.
But in the end, this I know to be true:
The very Bible that some have attempted to ban through the centuries is filled with story after story reminding us that regardless of worldly opposition, the will of God cannot be thwarted or stopped. He is on the throne. He is on the move.
And He is in control. (Jim Daly, Focus on the Family/CitizenLink) Read more.
Keep the Internet Free
Keep the Internet Free: Take Action to Stop SOPA, HR 3261
H.R. 3261 - the "Stopping Online Piracy Act (SOPA) - and its counterpart in the Senate, named PROTECT IP, will LIMIT Internet freedom and commerce, and will give unprecedented power over the Internet to the government and law enforcement. The legislation being debated will give Obama the power to shut down this internet, at any time, for any reason, without due process of law!
The House's Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Senate's PROTECT IP Act would censor the Internet and create massive regulations for every website that utilizes user-generated content. That means sites like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and popular political blogs will all be under the watchful eye of the federal government. And if ONE PERSON posts ONE VIDEO or ONE IMAGE that has not been properly credited; the entire internet can be shut down.
SOPA is being marked up on December 15th . . . our Internet Freedom is under assault. We must get our message to Congress IMMEDIATELY and tell them to OPPOSE SOPA! This has the potential for GREAT abuse by our government, and as freedom-loving citizens, we MUST take action now.
To learn how you can reach Congress with this message, go here.
Note: there is a fee for faxxing, but you can also send a free message by following the link provided. (Source: Conservative Action Alerts)
H.R. 3261 - the "Stopping Online Piracy Act (SOPA) - and its counterpart in the Senate, named PROTECT IP, will LIMIT Internet freedom and commerce, and will give unprecedented power over the Internet to the government and law enforcement. The legislation being debated will give Obama the power to shut down this internet, at any time, for any reason, without due process of law!
The House's Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Senate's PROTECT IP Act would censor the Internet and create massive regulations for every website that utilizes user-generated content. That means sites like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and popular political blogs will all be under the watchful eye of the federal government. And if ONE PERSON posts ONE VIDEO or ONE IMAGE that has not been properly credited; the entire internet can be shut down.
SOPA is being marked up on December 15th . . . our Internet Freedom is under assault. We must get our message to Congress IMMEDIATELY and tell them to OPPOSE SOPA! This has the potential for GREAT abuse by our government, and as freedom-loving citizens, we MUST take action now.
To learn how you can reach Congress with this message, go here.
Note: there is a fee for faxxing, but you can also send a free message by following the link provided. (Source: Conservative Action Alerts)
Caitlin Halligan blocked by Senate GOP
Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked confirmation of Caitlin J. Halligan, a prominent New York lawyer, to be a federal appeals court judge, raising the question of whether a political deal to prevent the filibuster of most judicial nominations has broken down. Democrats failed to pick up the 60 votes needed under Senate rules to break a filibuster of a confirmation vote for Ms. Halligan, a former New York State solicitor general. The vote to break the filibuster was 54 to 45 and was largely along party lines; only one Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, favored allowing an up-or-down vote on Ms. Halligan, while no Democrats voted against it. (Conservative Action Alerts) Read More
- We wish to thank our readers for responding to our urgent alert posted late last week, and asking all of you to contact your senators to block this nomination. AND for your prayers, too.
You took action in prayer and in calling; God heard and He has responded; and today we see the victory. Praise the Lord for this good report!
Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked confirmation of Caitlin J. Halligan, a prominent New York lawyer, to be a federal appeals court judge, raising the question of whether a political deal to prevent the filibuster of most judicial nominations has broken down. Democrats failed to pick up the 60 votes needed under Senate rules to break a filibuster of a confirmation vote for Ms. Halligan, a former New York State solicitor general. The vote to break the filibuster was 54 to 45 and was largely along party lines; only one Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, favored allowing an up-or-down vote on Ms. Halligan, while no Democrats voted against it. (Conservative Action Alerts) Read More
- We wish to thank our readers for responding to our urgent alert posted late last week, and asking all of you to contact your senators to block this nomination. AND for your prayers, too.
You took action in prayer and in calling; God heard and He has responded; and today we see the victory. Praise the Lord for this good report!
SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS
American Christian Life United (ACLU) choir
Please open this link to hear and see a creative video, showing us how we can still lobby for "Merry Christmas" in the marketplace . . . and then, let's do it!
After viewing this video, please share it with friends far and wide.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
The Good News Corner:
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE 'PREACHES' GOSPEL OF CHRIST-MAS
AT US CAPITOL
Dear Concerned,
Can you use a little Christmas cheer?
An amazing moment happened yesterday on Capitol Hill-and I wanted to share it with you . . .
Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner (congressman from Ohio) took to a podium on the West Lawn of the US Capitol and came very close to what many might call, "good preaching." During the official lighting ceremony for the US Capitol Christmas Tree, Speaker Boehner said, "The Christmas tree flourishes as a symbol of everlasting life, and that light and life, of course, is Christ, whose birth to Mary fulfilled a prophecy of joy and salvation."
For those of us who have worked tirelessly for years to preserve "CHRIST-mas" at the Capitol, hearing these words from the top official in the Legislative Branch of our Federal Government was just glorious! This was no watered-down, "holiday season," Washington-whispered nicety-it was the wonderful Truth about the Holy Day announced by the angels, "Today is born to you in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord!" (Luke 2:11)
The tree lighting is an annual event at the Capitol. Each year a different state is selected to contribute a tree. This year's tree is a 118-year old, 65-foot Sierra white fir from the Stanislaus National Forest in California. A school-age child is always chosen by lottery to represent the state and help the Speaker flick the switch that turns on some 10,000 LED bulbs. This year it was 7-year-old Johnny Crawford of Sonora. This is the first time, though, that anyone can remember a Speaker of the House being so explicit in speaking about the real meaning of the Christmas season.
Having been there the last 16 Christmases, I can attest that this was the most powerful, unapologetic, and accurate telling of the Christmas message I've heard from a sitting Speaker of the House. More than that, it was inspiring. Mr. Boehner is a political leader, not a preacher, but this came pretty close to a revival! I'm just grateful we heard the real Christmas Gospel preached on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Speaker Boehner deserves our thanks for speaking the truth and not cowering to political correctness. If you'd like to contact him to say thanks, you can do so at barry.jackson@mail.house.gov.
Faith and Action is here in our nation's capital to declare Truth to those in power. It was gratifying to hear one of America's most powerful leaders echoing that truth!
Your missionary to our nation's capital,
Rev. Rob Schenck
www.faithandaction.org
You can learn more about the Speaker's remarks at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Capitol Hill by visiting his blog here. The blog also features a video of the day's events . . .
Here is the text of his address:
"Though winter is upon us, the Christmas tree flourishes as a symbol of everlasting life. That life and light, of course, is Christ, whose birth to Mary fulfilled a prophecy of joy and salvation. Out in the fields where the shepherds slept, the angels broke the silence by singing, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men.' We best serve this story by serving one another . . . by showing it is more blessed to give than to receive, especially when so many of our fellow citizens are without jobs and in need. For Christmas is not a distant historical event. It is a spirit, always bringing us closer to each other and closer to the peace of which the angels sang."
American Christian Life United (ACLU) choir
Please open this link to hear and see a creative video, showing us how we can still lobby for "Merry Christmas" in the marketplace . . . and then, let's do it!
After viewing this video, please share it with friends far and wide.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
The Good News Corner:
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE 'PREACHES' GOSPEL OF CHRIST-MAS
AT US CAPITOL
Dear Concerned,
Can you use a little Christmas cheer?
An amazing moment happened yesterday on Capitol Hill-and I wanted to share it with you . . .
Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner (congressman from Ohio) took to a podium on the West Lawn of the US Capitol and came very close to what many might call, "good preaching." During the official lighting ceremony for the US Capitol Christmas Tree, Speaker Boehner said, "The Christmas tree flourishes as a symbol of everlasting life, and that light and life, of course, is Christ, whose birth to Mary fulfilled a prophecy of joy and salvation."
For those of us who have worked tirelessly for years to preserve "CHRIST-mas" at the Capitol, hearing these words from the top official in the Legislative Branch of our Federal Government was just glorious! This was no watered-down, "holiday season," Washington-whispered nicety-it was the wonderful Truth about the Holy Day announced by the angels, "Today is born to you in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord!" (Luke 2:11)
The tree lighting is an annual event at the Capitol. Each year a different state is selected to contribute a tree. This year's tree is a 118-year old, 65-foot Sierra white fir from the Stanislaus National Forest in California. A school-age child is always chosen by lottery to represent the state and help the Speaker flick the switch that turns on some 10,000 LED bulbs. This year it was 7-year-old Johnny Crawford of Sonora. This is the first time, though, that anyone can remember a Speaker of the House being so explicit in speaking about the real meaning of the Christmas season.
Having been there the last 16 Christmases, I can attest that this was the most powerful, unapologetic, and accurate telling of the Christmas message I've heard from a sitting Speaker of the House. More than that, it was inspiring. Mr. Boehner is a political leader, not a preacher, but this came pretty close to a revival! I'm just grateful we heard the real Christmas Gospel preached on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Speaker Boehner deserves our thanks for speaking the truth and not cowering to political correctness. If you'd like to contact him to say thanks, you can do so at barry.jackson@mail.house.gov.
Faith and Action is here in our nation's capital to declare Truth to those in power. It was gratifying to hear one of America's most powerful leaders echoing that truth!
Your missionary to our nation's capital,
Rev. Rob Schenck
www.faithandaction.org
You can learn more about the Speaker's remarks at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Capitol Hill by visiting his blog here. The blog also features a video of the day's events . . .
Here is the text of his address:
"Though winter is upon us, the Christmas tree flourishes as a symbol of everlasting life. That life and light, of course, is Christ, whose birth to Mary fulfilled a prophecy of joy and salvation. Out in the fields where the shepherds slept, the angels broke the silence by singing, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men.' We best serve this story by serving one another . . . by showing it is more blessed to give than to receive, especially when so many of our fellow citizens are without jobs and in need. For Christmas is not a distant historical event. It is a spirit, always bringing us closer to each other and closer to the peace of which the angels sang."
Worship with Us Today!
Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above
by Leigh Nash
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above sung by Leigh Nash from the album, Hymns And Sacred Songs. The lyrics of this song were written by Charles Wesley.]
Verse 1
Praise the Lord who reigns above
and keeps His court below
Praise the holy God of love
and all His greatness show
Praise Him for His noble deeds
Praise Him for His matchless pow'r
Him from whom all good proceeds
Let heaven and earth adore
Let heaven and earth adore
Chorus
Praise the name of Christ
Celebrate and lift Him up high
Praise the Lord of life
We'll sing the story of honor and glory
and Praise the name of Christ
Verse 2
God in whom they move and live
Let every creature sing
Glory to their Maker give
And homage to their King
Hallowed be Thy name beneath
As in heav'n on earth adored
Praise the Lord in every breath
Let all things praise the Lord
Let all things praise the Lord
(Repeat Chorus)
Bridge
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
We'll sing the story of honor and glory
and Praise the name of Christ
Verse 3
Praise the Lord who reigns above
and keeps his court below;
praise the holy God of love
and all his greatness show;
praise him for his noble deeds,
praise him for his matchless power;
him from whom all good proceeds
let earth and heaven adore.
Verse 4
Celebrate th' eternal God
with harp and psaltery,
timbrels soft and cymbals loud
in this high praise agree;
praise with every tuneful string;
all the reach of heavenly art,
all the powers of music bring,
the music of the heart.
Verse 5
God, in whom they move and live,
let every creature sing,
glory to their Maker give,
and homage to their King.
Hallowed be thy name beneath,
as in heaven on earth adored;
praise the Lord in every breath,
let all things praise the Lord.
Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above
by Leigh Nash
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above sung by Leigh Nash from the album, Hymns And Sacred Songs. The lyrics of this song were written by Charles Wesley.]
Verse 1
Praise the Lord who reigns above
and keeps His court below
Praise the holy God of love
and all His greatness show
Praise Him for His noble deeds
Praise Him for His matchless pow'r
Him from whom all good proceeds
Let heaven and earth adore
Let heaven and earth adore
Chorus
Praise the name of Christ
Celebrate and lift Him up high
Praise the Lord of life
We'll sing the story of honor and glory
and Praise the name of Christ
Verse 2
God in whom they move and live
Let every creature sing
Glory to their Maker give
And homage to their King
Hallowed be Thy name beneath
As in heav'n on earth adored
Praise the Lord in every breath
Let all things praise the Lord
Let all things praise the Lord
(Repeat Chorus)
Bridge
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
We'll sing the story of honor and glory
and Praise the name of Christ
Verse 3
Praise the Lord who reigns above
and keeps his court below;
praise the holy God of love
and all his greatness show;
praise him for his noble deeds,
praise him for his matchless power;
him from whom all good proceeds
let earth and heaven adore.
Verse 4
Celebrate th' eternal God
with harp and psaltery,
timbrels soft and cymbals loud
in this high praise agree;
praise with every tuneful string;
all the reach of heavenly art,
all the powers of music bring,
the music of the heart.
Verse 5
God, in whom they move and live,
let every creature sing,
glory to their Maker give,
and homage to their King.
Hallowed be thy name beneath,
as in heaven on earth adored;
praise the Lord in every breath,
let all things praise the Lord.
