 This week between Christmas and New Year's has special potential
to be an intentional pause in the calendar. Downtime. A week-long chance to revel in the grace and ongoing presence of our Savior during last year and fully submit the New Year to Christ for His purposes and plans. As we look back, we know, He has been faithful, and as we look forward, we know, He will always be. May these unique days allow you to shed your worries, and be enveloped in worship of our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ. Have a blessed New Year. 
John 10:27-30 We follow in the footsteps of those first “men of old” – both the shepherds and the wise men. They knelt at His side and worshipped Him looking forward to His life and redeeming work. We kneel at His throne and worship Him looking back on His finished work of salvation. And during this season with the bustle and busyness, it is important to slow down and worship Christ again “as with gladness” of “men of old”. That Baby born in a manager is the Gracious God, the heavenly King, and the Holy Jesus – the One Who Saved His People, you and me, from their sins. How can you worship God in a special way today?  Revelation 3:20-21 Christmas changed the world forever. It changed eternity forever. And it can change where you spend eternity for forever. All of us were separated from God by our sin -- Jesus Christ was born to bridge that gap. He threw open heaven’s doors to whoever believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior. As Revelation tells us, He stands at our heart’s door and knocks waiting for us to invite Him in. Today is the day to invite Jesus into your life to have His way more fully and pray that many (especially those you know) will grasp the wonder of Christ this Christmas and be changed forever.  Revelation 19:11-16 Every year brings its own version of “hate is strong”, and some years, evil looks unstoppable – like the Civil War of Longfellow’s day. This feeling of defeat can be even more overwhelming in the shadow of Christmas. Like the poet, looking at the lights and presents, many people experience doubts and depression instead of hope and joy. It’s human. But in those moments instead of focusing on the trappings – it’s time to lift our eyes to Jesus because Christmas is about Him, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. His authority is absolute and His power unchallengeable. He is truth. His victory is certain. And even when we do not feel it, His loving hand and gaze rests on us to comfort and guide us in the way we should go. 
  John 3:14-21
(The story that Jesus is talking about with Nicodemus is in Numbers 21:4-9.) The third verse sounds a lot like a verse we know. For God so loved the world…that is the reason behind Christmas. Just like in Numbers, we are righteously under the punishment of God. We are dying and have no way to save ourselves. But God has provided. The bronze snake on a stake in the Old Testament is just a picture of the Son of God hung on a cross in the New. But the premise is the same: Lift your eyes, believe God, and be saved. How will you ring the bells for Jesus this season?
 Luke 2:8-20
If you know this carol, you know the Christmas story. This season let’s go beyond knowing, and instead, “Come and see.” Come and see this thing which the Lord has made known to us! That first Christmas only a handful of people were “in the know” and each one of them was chosen and informed by God in a special way. You have been chosen by God and informed in a special way too. This divine revelation has been made to you – because God chose you. Your Bible sits in your hands because God is informing you. Next time you hear or read the Christmas story, take time to think: God has chosen me to hear this!  Hebrews 10:3-7
The poor shepherds knew He was the Savior. The wise men knew He was King of the Jews. Mary knew He was her son. Joseph knew He wasn’t his. But they must have all wondered: What was He going to do? Why was He born? We know He was born to live a sinless life, teach a few short years, be nailed to a cross to die in our place, and rise from the dead. But the Scriptures say: He had come to do the will of God. Can you say the same about your life? For Deeper Thought… How is bringing a gift different than making a purchase? What gift are you bringing to Jesus this Christmas? 1 Peter 1:13 This carol, in particular, focuses on the peace of the season. Its tune calms our hearts. Its words remind us of the hope, joy, and peace of Christmases past. But peace is often elusive especially at this time of year. Family drama, money problems, the frantic to-do list, and the tight schedule all add to our stress. But all those things will change. They are temporary. Our peace is from Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. He never changes. He is eternal. He is our peace. Today, what is one thing you can do to purposefully accept the peace of God?  |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
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