Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
A Life Evergreen: The Christmas Tree
Today’s Audio Devotion:
A Life Evergreen: The Christmas Tree
Joyce Kilmer was born during the Christmas season of 1886. His father (yes, Joyce was a man) invented Johnson’s Baby Powder. As a young man, Joyce married poet Aline Murray, and they had five children. The illness of their daughter Rose brought Kilmer to faith in God. During World War I he was deployed to Europe where he was killed by a sniper at age 31. If you didn’t recognize Kilmer’s name, perhaps you will recall this little verse from one of his poems: “Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.”
For centuries, families have been bringing trees indoors as part of their Christmas celebrations. It enables us to see God’s handiwork up close. Every needle and pinecone are designed by the Maker. Many theologians believe the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden—the symbol of eternal life—was emblematic of Christ. As you enjoy your Christmas tree this year, think of Jesus as both Creator and Savior, and let the fragrance of joy fill your home.
I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree…. A tree that looks at God all day, and lifts her leafy arms to pray.
Joyce Kilmer
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).