And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:8-15
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29
“For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Heb. 2:16 – 18
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb. 4:15-16
Christmas is a time to reflect on the wonder of God’s love for YOU. His love isn’t arbitrary or some trite platitude. He loves you right where you are. So much so, that He left the perfection of Heaven, was willing to be born in a dark cave where cattle were kept, and joyfully endured all the pain of this life – and then to die – for YOU!
This is true love – to be willing to lay down one’s life for another….
Do you feel rejected at this time of the year? Jesus endured the rejection of the rulers, the crowds around him, his neighbors, his family, and even one of his closest friends! So much so, that he was killed. He understands your pain, and He is with you if you have trusted Him with your life. You are never alone!!! NEVER!!! He loves you more than anyone else in this world, and more than you could ever know. Let Him heal your heart today.
Do you feel shame at this time of the year? Painful memories of how much you have failed and fallen? Is guilt overwhelming you? Jesus has been there, too.
2Co 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Jesus came to wash that away. The blood that He spilled is what can make you pure and holy! Imagine walking away today clean and pure! This, again is why He came. Trust Him today that He can make you clean. He died for you, that you can be whole! More than that, He came back to life, so that you can live! Forever! With no pain or shame or guilt! What a gift for this Christmas.
Do you feel needy this time of year? Wondering how you are ever going to pay the next bill? Wondering if you will ever get a job? The only security we can truly know is that God is in control. He is our provider, and our sustainer. When we are afraid, He says “don’t be…Trust ME.” I know this is hard, especially now, but just think for a minute. Has He ever let you down before? He is there. He was homeless himself. Went from owning everything to possessing nothing! And He will restore all of it in the end. You may not have the home of your dreams right now, but you have the home of His dreams waiting for you in Heaven some day.
Do you feel joy at this time of year? He has been there too. He went to weddings and banquets; saw the joy of people being healed and restored. Can you see him dancing with the lame man who got up and walked for the first time? Looking at creation through the blind man’s eyes after they were restored? He rejoices with those who rejoice! Don’t forget to praise Him more!
So, as you ponder all these things, please know more than anything else how much you are loved and cared for by God – He made you – knit you together – put you right where you are now, so that you might turn to Him – He loves you and wants to have a right relationship with you, and He made that possible by giving you everything He had. I hope you have a very merry Christmas, and this year, you’d be reminded that Jesus really is the greatest gift ever given. Receive Him today.
I know this is a little early, but I hope it sets the right tone for the season. May God bless you richly this Christmas.
Tagged: Christianity, Christmas, Faith, Forgiveness, God, Jesus, Love, Spirituality, Trust
