It has been a long time (December 2022) since I posted a Shipbuilders Devotional. I guess there is no one particular thing that kept me from doing that - perhaps a lot of life's transitions to retirement, getting settled into a different routine, etc. But it is what it is, and now is the time.
We all know that Christmas (yes, I know it is a Christian holiday) and also for the Jewish community, sometimes coinciding with Hanukkah celebrations. Some like to celebrate / worship / admire / participate this holiday season in different ways, and some want to approach this in various ways. And rightly so, we all should.
So, changing the topic a little bit . . . I always go back to the beginning of SOS as it was and is my way of helping those get started in this hobby without all the discouragement. If you have been discouraged, no matter what the source of it is or was, we are still here to help. I apologize up front as I know I have not been as active on the forum as I used to be, and that is due to various reasons as well.
So, let's get back to this season if you will, and I might wish to be as bold here - so if you are so inclined to continue reading, I wish you would; if you wish to disregard these following words, then everyone has their own belief systems, religions, etc. But, this is something that I stand on, and I hope that you all agree . . so here it goes.
In the Bible (the one that has 66 books: (39 separate books in the Old Testament, and 27 separate books in the New Testament). I mention this to make sure we are referring to the same Bible.
I find it quite amazing that in or around 700 BC (or BCE) whichever you prefer, there was a Prophet Isaiah who actually predicted, foretold, or prophesied the coming or arrival of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus.
The actual verse is in the book of Isaiah 9:6 (Old Testament), as written as of December 7, 2025, the year 700 BC was 2,724 years ago, and this is it:
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.
Isaiah 7:14
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
and sure enough, this has come to pass.
So, what is the purpose of my writing this? We should put this Holiday season in its proper place. Yes, It is a time for sharing gifts, maybe being with family, eating, and other things, but we should also take time, even if it is just a fleeting moment as to the real reason, and that is a life-giving reason. One man, Jesus, gave his life so that we can have life, and that life being eternal.
So, I wish everyone here on SOS a very Merry Christmas and proclaim a blessing on everyone here. As for me, I know I am not perfect, I have my own personal struggles and difficulties in life - - we all do. I know my shortcomings and faults, but that does not stop me from pressing on to loving others, which can in itself be difficult at times. But, it is important.
Whatever goals you have in life, remember the main goal, and that is to care for others just as God cares about you !
Donald B. Driskell
We all know that Christmas (yes, I know it is a Christian holiday) and also for the Jewish community, sometimes coinciding with Hanukkah celebrations. Some like to celebrate / worship / admire / participate this holiday season in different ways, and some want to approach this in various ways. And rightly so, we all should.
So, changing the topic a little bit . . . I always go back to the beginning of SOS as it was and is my way of helping those get started in this hobby without all the discouragement. If you have been discouraged, no matter what the source of it is or was, we are still here to help. I apologize up front as I know I have not been as active on the forum as I used to be, and that is due to various reasons as well.
So, let's get back to this season if you will, and I might wish to be as bold here - so if you are so inclined to continue reading, I wish you would; if you wish to disregard these following words, then everyone has their own belief systems, religions, etc. But, this is something that I stand on, and I hope that you all agree . . so here it goes.
In the Bible (the one that has 66 books: (39 separate books in the Old Testament, and 27 separate books in the New Testament). I mention this to make sure we are referring to the same Bible.
I find it quite amazing that in or around 700 BC (or BCE) whichever you prefer, there was a Prophet Isaiah who actually predicted, foretold, or prophesied the coming or arrival of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus.
The actual verse is in the book of Isaiah 9:6 (Old Testament), as written as of December 7, 2025, the year 700 BC was 2,724 years ago, and this is it:
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.
Isaiah 7:14
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
and sure enough, this has come to pass.
So, what is the purpose of my writing this? We should put this Holiday season in its proper place. Yes, It is a time for sharing gifts, maybe being with family, eating, and other things, but we should also take time, even if it is just a fleeting moment as to the real reason, and that is a life-giving reason. One man, Jesus, gave his life so that we can have life, and that life being eternal.
So, I wish everyone here on SOS a very Merry Christmas and proclaim a blessing on everyone here. As for me, I know I am not perfect, I have my own personal struggles and difficulties in life - - we all do. I know my shortcomings and faults, but that does not stop me from pressing on to loving others, which can in itself be difficult at times. But, it is important.
Whatever goals you have in life, remember the main goal, and that is to care for others just as God cares about you !
Donald B. Driskell