JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Micah 5:2.

Concerning Bethlehem, “Though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

In Matthew 2:1, this prophecy was fulfilled with the words that “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the time of King Herod.”

The town Bethlehem means “House of Bread.”  It was in this community that the Bread of Life was born.  Our hunger and thirst for righteousness is satisfied in Christ. Our celebration of Jesus is what makes the festive holiday season complete.

Micah 5:2-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Frankincense.

This was one of the gifts that the Magi gave to Jesus when they came in a spirit of worship. Matthew 2:11 says that they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Frankincense was a fragrance that burned as a pleasant offering to God in worship. In the Old Testament, it was not to be used for just any occasion. It was to be used at the altar where Moses would meet with God. The incense would be most holy. The day would eventually come when Jesus would offer Himself as a pleasing sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2 tells us that Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Discover how the meaning of the word “Frankincense” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Isaiah 7:14.

 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This was fulfilled at the birth of Jesus.

When Gabriel the angel announced to Mary that she would give birth to a son, she asked him, “How will this be since I am a virgin?”

That is when the angel explained how this would happen: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” Jesus was God’s visitation to the world. He came near to us so that we could be near to Him forever in His holy Presence.

Isaiah 7:14-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Gold.

This was one of the gifts that the Magi gave to Jesus when they came in a spirit of worship. Matthew 2:11 says that they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Gold is a precious metal referring to the royalty of Jesus. The Magi were bringing this gift to honor Jesus as their king.

His leadership has value for leading His servants to be faithful ambassadors of the living God. As the Magi demonstrated on their knees, Jesus is worthy of our honor and worship. Revelation 19 identifies Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Discover how the meaning of the word “Gold” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Isaiah 9:6.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus is God’s ultimate gift to the world. Love moved the heart of God to reach out His hand to humanity with His salvation plan. These are some of the ways we come to know Jesus when we receive His precious gift of grace into our lives.

The counsel of Jesus leads us to His truth and righteousness.

He reigns on the throne of our hearts as our King and Savior.

Jesus embraces us as God’s children in His unfailing, everlasting love.

And He fulfills our yearning for peace by restoring us to God.

Isaiah 9:6-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Immanuel.

At the birth of Jesus, the Bible records in Matthew 1:22, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet, ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’, which means ‘God with us.’

God did not keep His distance from the human experience. He stepped right into it in the form of Jesus.

Jesus did not keep His distance from our pain and suffering and grief. Instead, He stepped right into it by going to the cross.

Jesus stepped into a world that needed a Savior, and showed us how we can be with Him forever. God cares and is close enough to hear every humble prayer that reaches out to Him.

Discover how the word “Immanuel” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Isaiah 9:2.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

New hope was born for us at the birth of Christ. Jesus fulfilled this Old Testament prophecy in His ministry.

He is the great light that we need to find our way out of spiritual darkness. The message of Jesus was to repent-to turn from selfish ways and false beliefs and turn toward Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. That is where the real hope for a brighter day can be found-following in His footsteps.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Isaiah 9:2-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Glory.

This word reflects the light of God’s many attributes: His beauty, majesty, power, and purity, to name a few.

We were made to bring God glory. When our actions and attitudes reflect His character, we become agents of light to share His good news.

The light of God’s glory is brilliant, and leaves people overwhelmed with a sense of awe and wonder. When the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds at the time of Christ’s birth, the Bible tells us that they were terrified. But in Luke 2:10, the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The glory of God shines light on Jesus Christ, His identity, and His worthiness of praise. That is good news for us to embrace.

Discover how the word “Glory” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week we have another festive Praise & Worship playlist packed with songs of joy celebrating the Light of the World! Details are below for you, including songs from local churches, new artists and longtime leaders.

Merry Christmas!

Kristi Leigh

Kristi@WJTL.com

Song Title	Artist	Year
6AM
O Holy Night / Holy Forever	Garett & Kate Serban	2025
Glory In The Highest	Meredith Andrews	2020
Behold Him (ft. Kim Walker Smith)	Paul Baloche	2019
Noel (ft. Chris Tomlin)	Lauren Daigle	2015
The First Noel	LCBC Worship	2024
Prince Of Peace (ft. Nathan Horst)	Life Center Worship	2024
Light of the World	CLA Worship	2021
Adore Him (Live)	Paul McClure & Hannah McClure	2020
He Shall Reign Forevermore	Chris Tomlin	2015
JOY!	ELEVATION RHYTHM	2024
Hark	Thrive Worship	2024
Silent Night	SEU Worship	2025
Generous God (Gloria)	Naomi Raine	2023
7AM
The First Noel	Phil Wickham	2010
Jesus Here With Us	Canyon Hills Worship	2024
Worthy and Wonderful / Worthy of Worship (ft. Mitch Wong & Tiffany Hudson)	Elevation Worship	2023
Sing We The Song Of Emmanuel (Gloria)	Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Keith & Kristyn Getty	2019
Behold Him	Francesca Battistelli	2020
Go Tell It (Gloria)	Matt Maher	2023
This Is Emmanuel	Central Live	2023
Jesus Is Our King (ft. Mike Grayson of Mikeschair)	Cross Point Music	2020
Hymn of Joy (Live)	Chris Tomlin	2015
Joy To The World / Joy Of The Lord (ft. Todd Galberth)	Naomi Raine	2023
Heart Sings Hallelujah (Live)	Paul McClure & Hannah McClure	2020
Angels (Glory To God)	Phil Wickham	2024
We Have A Savior	Hillsong	2013
Hope Has Come (Behold Him)	Red Rocks Worship	2022
Behold (ft. Anne Wilson)	Phil Wickham	2024
8AM
Here I Am to Worship (More Than Life)	Maverick City Music	2021
Holy Forever (Christmas Version)	Chris Tomlin	2024
High King of Heaven / Jesus We Love You (Live)	Paul McClure & Hannah McClure	2020
When We Behold (In Excelsis) (ft. Jon Guerra)	Matt Redman	2024
Hope Has A Name	Passion	2020
Your Name (Christmas Version)	Paul Baloche	2013
Agnus Dei / King Of Kings (ft. Passion, Jenn Johnson & Brooke Ligertwood)	Hillsong Worship,	2021
Here Comes Heaven	Elevation Worship	2018
All Hail King Jesus (Live)	Jeremy Riddle	2018
A Christmas Alleluia (feat. Lauren Daigle & Leslie Jordan) [Live]	Chris Tomlin	2015
Prince Of Heaven	Hillsong	2017
9AM
O Come All Ye Faithful	Lakewood Music	2023
Behold The Savior	Meredith Andrews	2018
Saviour	We Are Messengers	2022
Light Of The World (Sing Hallelujah)	We The Kingdom	2020
Forever and Ever Amen (feat. Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham)	Maverick City Music	2021
Emmanuel God With Us	Chris Tomlin	2021
His Name Will Be	River Valley Worship	2021
Hallelujah Here Below	Elevation Worship	2018
Jesus Our Savior (feat. Brett Stanfill)	North Point Worship	2019
Holy	David Leonard	2022
Crown Him (Glory in the Highest)	The Worship Initiative	2022
Rejoice	Life Center Worship	2019
Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) (ft. Ed Cash)	Chris Tomlin	2009

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in John 10:10.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

One of Satan’s agendas is to rob the blessings of God from us. He seeks to devour us, but Jesus came to destroy the devil’s work. Jesus has the power to save us from our sins. That is because He rose from the dead. And by His grace, we can say, “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Instead of death apart from Jesus, we can enjoy life with Jesus. Walking with Him is an experience of peace and joy in His redeeming love, thanksgiving for His worthy sacrifice, and hope in His promise of eternal life. He gives us opportunities to shine His light with a thriving faith. His abounding grace and dependable Word encourage us to grow more mature, and to bear fruit for God’s glory.

John 10:10-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com