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Christmas is the time we celebrate God sending His Son Jesus into the world as a child; born to a virgin named Mary. We listen, we watch, we observe, we wonder about the message from the angels to the shepherds: "there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." But what do we do with this information that we hear in the songs and the stories of Christmas?Is there really any relevance in this 2000 year old message? How do we apply what we’ve heard into our day to day lives? What do we do with this information today, as we try to live this stuff out? What do we do with this information tomorrow as we gather with relatives only to face another Christmas of rejection, and pain, and disappointment? It seems impossible that they could ever change. What do we do with this information next week as we go back to our real jobs and our real lives with all of their trials and seemingly impossible adventures? What do we do with this information when things look impossible? When things look impossiblewe need to remember that the shepherd FOUND a babe wrapped in swaddling clothing lying in a feed trough. Did you notice that God didn't leave His message simply up to human faith? My question for you is; "How often do shepherds find the babies lying in a feed trough?"
God confirmed that born to us in the city of David was a Savior- Jesus Christ And that same God who was born as a babe in a manger is waiting to reveal Himself to us in power and wonder and awe like He did to the shepherds! Jesus walked here on this earth and revealed the manifest presence of the Creator of the universe! As Immanuel ('God-with-flesh-on')! Jesus said: "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" John 14:9 NKJV Jesus is the same God who parted the Red Sea, Jesus is the same God who closed the mouth of the lions who were ready to eat Daniel. Jesus is the same God who is abundant in mercy and grace and wishing that none would perish, giving His life to pay for the atonement of our sins. When things look impossiblewe need to remember that although Jesus came as a babe, He grew up and lived this life that we live. The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Rome: Romans 8:34 "... It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." NKJV Hebrews 7:25 "...He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them." NKJV When things look impossiblewe need to remember that the story of Jesus' birth is not just some cute story told once a year. There is healing, and power, and deliverance available to us when we call upon His Name....RIGHT NOW! We have access to this same Jesus who is interceding for us: RIGHT NOW! In the Old Testament, we find God revealing Himself through various situations. Revealing who He is and His character as Healer, Provider, All Powerful. In Luke 2:10-16, we find Him revealing that He is the SAVIOR. Did you notice in that passage in Luke that the shepherds were told that: "There is born to YOU this day in the city of David, a SAVIOR, who is Christ the Lord." NKJV Born for YOU For YOU He left heaven and was born in a manger My friend, I'm not sure what challenges you are facing today:Maybe you are in a school or a job or a family where they take the name of God in vain or you are experiencing some other difficult situation, and you say, "I can't survive here spiritually!" Maybe you're facing seemingly impossible situations that have tormented you and stolen your sleep and your health. Maybe you are facing overwhelming financial difficulties during this time of massive unemployment. Maybe you are facing the loss of a loved one through death or divorce and you can't find any hope in this season of joy. Maybe you are involved in sin, and a life style that has trapped you and you can’t see any way out of your addiction. Maybe you are dealing with loneliness that is crushing your soul. Maybe disappointment and despair have gripped you to the point that you have been wrestling with thoughts of suicide. Maybe you are simply facing the challenge of fixing a flat tire. Listen dear friends, I'm writing this article to let you know that the message that the angels brought to those shepherds centuries ago is still true today. That Jesus wants you to come to Him knowing that He longs to give you peace that only comes from a right relationship with Him: While you're in the midst of what you are going through... When you're overwhelmed by your circumstances... Jesus said: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." NKJV John 16:33 So, once again I ask the question; What do we do with this information that we hear in the songs and the stories of Christmas? To those who don't know Jesus:I would hate to think of someone going through another Christmas and not understanding why Jesus came. Jesus came to pay for our sins so that we could be forgiven and be in right relationship with the Father. THAT WAS HIS PLAN ALL ALONG. It is so easy to miss that as we sort through the bills, gifts and traditions. Simply put, Jesus is calling out for you today. But He wants so much more than just today, He wants your tomorrows and all that follows in the future. All you have to do is respond to His calling for you to turn from your ways and ask His forgiveness. He will take care of the rest. WON'T YOU ANSWER HIM RIGHT NOW? To those who know Jesus:I would hate to think of a Christian going through another day without knowing and entering into the victory and peace that comes when we call upon the Name of the Lord. "YES", He is our Savior, but He is so much more than that. And you need to remember that He is and cry out to Him. When Things Look ImpossibleWe need to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal who God is Reminding you that He is a faithful God and will come through That born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen! |
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