For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Tomorrow is Christmas Day, the day most of us will be waking up to find multicolored wrapped gifts lying under glowing trees. With heightened expectations, we will discover the wonderful surprises that await us in those boxes and bags; we will take pictures to savor the moments of glee; we will show our love to each other as each is given his or her gift; laughter will ensue, our bellies full of food and our bodies warmed from the fires and heaters; we cheer as our favorite football team fights the opposing team; these and other holiday traditions will be occurring. We are loved, and we show love to each other. We laugh and celebrate Christmas Day. We are thankful on this glorious day that we have something to share with others, that we can have a hope that can't be taken away...
But this day is more than the presents. This day is more than the fun and games. It's more than just a warm home, it's more than just being with one's family; it's more than so many of us from around the world celebrate it as.
Christmas. CHRISTmas.
Yes, while it many times is forgotten as just another story, the story of God becoming flesh as a small child, Jesus, is very real. It ought not to just be remembered one day out of the year, and it ought not to just be another story. It's life, the very life that is inside of each one of us...
Jesus Christ, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. God loved us so much, that he sent His son to be born of the lowliest of men, to be birthed into our world as we all are brought here. God loved us so much, that this child grew to be a King of Kings, a Man, a Human Man who would die a horrible death on our behalf. To die for our sins. And it all started on the morning of our celebrated Christmas Day...
So remember Jesus as you unwrap your gifts tomorrow. Remember and don't just remember it as a story that grows dusty with each passing year. Remember it as the life that is inside of you. Remember, because it was how God showed His love to us. You want hope this Christmas day? Well here it is, in the form of a small child so many years ago...
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:30-38
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:9-14
Want an amazing gift this year? You'll find it not under the sparkling tree, but in a manager full of straw.*
Remembering His Love,
Whitney
