“Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I know for many this is not the case. However, no matter your view or reason why it is, or it is not, I pray that you and your family celebrate the true meaning of this season. It is also my prayer that you will receive the peace and love of God in a new and fresh way this year! During this time of the year I always read and reflect on the accounts of the birth of Christ.
Here are a few things that was revealed to me this year:
- The Birth of Christ Proves Something Supernatural Can Come Upon Something Common and Make it Supernatural. Mary was a common maiden girl but when the Angel of the Lord overshadowed her with the favor of God; she became highly favored among all women.You and I have received Christ by grace through faith. He overshadowed us with His love and lives on the inside of us. Although we are common “flesh and blood” we are favored and blessed. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you!
- The Birth of Christ Proves God’s Redemptive Plan for His Creation. In the garden of Eden creation sinned through disobedience. God spoke and said, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; they shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise their heel.” What was sown in disobedience in the garden was going to be broken by Mary’s obedience by saying, “Nevertheless at thy word Lord.” The prophecy of the seed led to the promise of a savior! Jesus sealed that promise through His obedience saying, “Nevertheless not my will, but thy will be done.” God redeemed humankind through the seed of obedience and by an act of love.
- The Birth of Christ Proves God’s Love For His Creation. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God did not send His Son into the world to condenm us but that trhough Him we might be saved.” – John 3:16-17 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His Glory full of Grace and Truth. God revealed Himself to us through Christ. It was God’s love for His creation that sent Jesus to be born in a manger, with the purpose of dying on a cross for you and me. The wise men revealed this truth in the gifts they brought to Jesus: Gold – for The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Frankincense – for our eternal and final High Priest; giving us access to God’s merciful throne of Grace. Myrrh – this is the oil used to anoint the bodies of the dead. He came in the form of a baby… Lived a sinless life as a man… Surrendered to death and rose victorious… He is seated at the right hand of God always making intercession on your behalf… He is for you… not against you… He was born for you… He died for you… And He lives for you… He loves you!
- The Birth of Christ Proves God Doesn’t Want Anyone to Live in Fear. The first time fear was mentioned was in Genesis when Adam and Eve disobeyed. It says, “They were naked and afraid.” They hid themselves and clothed themselves with leaves from the trees; and every since that day mankind has been trying to cover themselves with man made coverings of camouflage called justification. In the Gospel accounts that record the birth of Christ it says several times, “Do not be Afraid.” It was spoken to Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah and to The Shepherds, “Do Not Be Afraid!” It was as if God was saying, “I am here now, you have no reason to fear.” God became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His Glory full of grace and truth. The truth is God’s grace was revealed and he covers us in His righteousness putting us in right standing with God. In the book of 1st John it says, “Perfect love casts out all fear.” There is no reason to hide. There is no reason to fear. His name shall be called Jesus for he shall save His people from their sin. He is Emanuel, God with us!
