Awe yes...it's that time of year again, the time of year that seems to bless the heart of a child! Christmas for me symbolizes a much deeper meaning, so much more than what a large part of our society i feel understands it to be. I know it's cliche but it really is true...Jesus is the TRUE reason for the season! The Word became flesh and entered into our world being born as a tiny baby and given the name Jesus, also known as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, or better yet, Immanuel which means "God with us". God's greatest gift to mankind was found wrapped up lying in a manger. How profound! The promised Messiah & Savior of the world! (John 3:16)
Luke 2: 8-14 (NIV) reads,
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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."
Truly remarkable this event! It is my hope and prayer that you celebrate with us the true reason for this season, that God gave us His BEST gift in His Son Jesus! Joy HAS come to the world through Him! God modeled before us that it IS better to give than receive, and for us to capture this spirit of giving each and every Christmas, letting it in fact flow out from within us EVERY season of our lives! In addition, the peace He brings to our lives can NEVER be matched by the world or our own best efforts, will you receive Him today?! I want to encourage you to not allow the stress of the holiday's to overcome you, but rather allow this time to envelope you with the peace, love & joy of God in Christ Jesus! May God richly bless you and your family during this Christmas season and may the coming year (2010) be filled with much joy & peace!
