God foretold His plan of salvation to the world hundreds of
years prior to Christ’s birth. We know
that Jesus’ very miraculous birth was announced by an angel, born of a virgin
in a stable, proclaimed by a host of angels and worshipped by shepherds. Later, He was brought precious gifts by wise
men traveling from afar, guided by a star.
Nativity scenes and productions depict His birth in hopes of ministering
to people all over the world.
But….what is Christmas
exactly? Is it more, God becoming
man? Christ’s birth is the fulfillment
of God’s promise made long ago to Abraham, the promise of a descendent who will
be a blessing to all the nations!
God’s vast unconditional love moved Him to bring spiritual
deliverance to people. Not just people
of Mary and Joseph’s time, not just the Israelites; but, for all people, in all
times. All of us! In order to do that, God had to journey the
path of life as we do. In our broken
heartedness, God saves us through Christ.
We celebrate Christ’s birth, but Christmas is really about Easter,
Christ’s death and resurrection.
Scriptures tell us Christ was silent throughout His trial and uttered
only a few words on the cross. When He
did speak, two of those times, He sought forgiveness for a thief and those who
put Him there. He died for a fallen
world lost in their sin and forgave them in their ignorance. Christ’s silence signifies His level of
obedience to the Father. There is
nothing “fair” about taking on the pain and suffering of anyone who deserves
condemnation. Yet Christ took it on for
all of mankind, past, present and future.
Many people today feel to keep sight of God’s gift of Christ’s
birth, they must choose. Many are torn between the holiday spirit and the
holiday message. There is no wrong in
enjoying the season and if we keep our eyes opened to how God sees things, we
will be amazed at how God takes ordinary things of this world and uses them to
guide us to an understanding of who He is.
Perhaps Christ is calling us to celebrate Christmas in the nature of His
birth, in humility and love, living for God throughout the year. Christ desires us to live a life dominated by
gratitude and love for the Father.
Gratitude for His birth, His obedience in death. We express our love for Him directly and as
an extension of grace towards one another.
Christmas is filled with so many visuals that can guide our remembrance
to the true meaning of the season and its purpose. I love seeing Christmas lights at night, but
what I love most is what it reminds me of.
Jesus is the Light of the world and we can be a light in a spiritually
dark world. I also love candy canes which
symbolize His sacrifice and our cleansing.
As the red dissolves, you are left with a white stick just as the hearts
of those who know Him as Lord are from the shedding of His blood. We put up Christmas trees decorated with all
kinds of ornaments. As you decorate your
tree remember the same baby we gaze at in a nativity is the One who was nailed
to a tree so we could be reconciled back to God. Let us hold these Truths close to our hearts
this Christmas. Let us season our
getting holding fast to God’s greatest gift of all, His only Son Jesus.
This morning my pastor ended his message sharing God’s peace is the
only peace we need. It is my prayer you
find hope in a Savior given and live in a wondrous peace each day. Whatever you may be facing this Christmas
season, may the Prince of Peace remain strong in your hearts.
He is here!
PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE
Please PRAY for those who are truly alone this season, that the Lord bring
others into their lives to ease the loneliness.
Pray for those who are homeless and on the streets as runaways. Pray for those addicted and lost in the
deceptions of this world. Pray the
convicting work of the Holy Spirit so they are able to find strength and
courage in order to make their way to a Heavenly Father, the healing He has for
them and homes that miss them. Jesus
promised to intercede when the devil comes to devour, deceive and destroy. Join Him by praying without ceasing for the lost
and the hurting.
Pray that the
hearts of people turn towards Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit. The world has become more uncertain than
ever. Matthew 24:6 repeats the words of
Christ that tells us in the end times we will hear talk of war and rumors of
war. He goes on to say that we are not
to be troubled because these things must come to pass. People go about their daily lives without
assurance, searching for comfort in a world that cannot possibly provide
it. We live in a country where churches
sit on every corner. Lexington Park
alone has nearly two dozen churches.
Bibles are sold openly and given freely.
We can pray in public establishments and speak the name of Jesus without
fear of persecution. Let us not take
that for granted but use such liberty to live out the gospel to those around
us. Opportunity to know Christ and His word
is everywhere. Opportunity to grow
deeper in faith is everywhere.
For those in
Christ, our confidence comes from knowing God’s redemption plan restores us
back to Him. It is there we find
ultimate peace in knowing Jesus brings salvation to all who will receive. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and
Life. Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God. Seek the
Way. Learn of Truth. Choose Life. Please PRAY that
people develop a hunger and thirst to know more of Jesus. Pray hearts open to hear the Good News
of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus
Christ. Pray for spiritual growth with the people of America, that they
embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him. Pray that those in Christ boldly live out
their faith for others to see, a living witness to God’s grace and mercy. May we all not just believe in Jesus, but
believe Him.
Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service
locally within your own community, fulfilling the Great Commission
through service to the poor and neglected people of our country and other
regions worldwide.
RECEIVE
the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner
He guides you in.
Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in
supporting and/or partnering in mission’s work, locally or globally.
