The History behind the Hymn For countless Christians around the world, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” signals the beginning of Advent. It was first published in 1744 in Charles Wesley’s Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord, a little collection so popular that it was reprinted 20 times during Wesley’s lifetime. This hymn is now sung…….Read More
Daily Devotionals for ADVENT 2022 Heritage Baptist Church, Perry, Georgia Wayne J. Edwards, Pastor Come, thou long-expected Jesus! Come, thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire…….Read More
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FROM OUR HERITAGE FAMILY IN ENGLAND October 13, 2022 “Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8, The Fernandez Sisters and Mrs. Linda Edwards in Bournemouth, England, May, 2022 Dear…….Read More
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In John 17:3, Jesus made one of the most astounding statements in the Scriptures. “This is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God.” God created mankind to know Him, enjoy Him, and appreciate Him. God created our hearts with a “God-shaped vacuum” that can only be filled with Himself. Sadly, the…….Read More
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THE GREATEST LEGACY PARENTS CAN LEAVE THEIR CHIDREN While our children are the hope of the future, parents are our children’s only hope for the present, and it is time today’s parents assumed their position. The Scriptures are clear: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward.”…….Read More
Celebration (RE-LIGHT ALL FOUR CANDLES AND THEN LIGHT THE WHITE CANDLE IN THE CENTER) Our waiting is over – Christmas Day is here. As we relight the three purple candles and the pink candle, we now celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior and Lord. The first purple candle was the Prophecy candle, the candle…….Read More
Adoration (RE-LIGHT ALL FOUR CANDLES) In Isiah 52:7-10, the prophet wrote, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices…….Read More
Read Matthew 2:19-21 Each person in the Christmas story had to decide what to do about the Messiah who had come. While they certainly did not understand it all, Joseph and Mary loved their new baby, and they risked their own lives and everything they had to protect Him. When the Shepherds heard the angelic…….Read More
Read Luke 2:1-20 Of all the characters in the Christmas story, the shepherds were the most amazing to me. Why? Because shepherds were outcasts among the people they were considered “unclean” and therefore not welcome in the temple other than to bring the lambs to be sacrificed. But God used these “smelly people” as the…….Read More
Read Zephaniah 3:14-20 In this obscure passage from Zephaniah, God made an incredible promise to His people when He said: “I will bring you home.” Of course, contextually, he was referring to the days of King Josiah in Judah, but if we allow them, they can give us a fresh promise from God today. And…….Read More