Category: Christmas

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Remembering Jesus on His Birthday

For December 25, 2024
As social creatures, nearness to our loved ones is a dominant human characteristic we express particularly around the holidays. Over the Thanksgiving Holiday last year, the Transportation Security Administration reported over 2.9 million travelers screened on November 26, 2023, which was the busiest day of the year in the US, to illustrate this longing.1

In the same way we yearn to be with our loved ones, God also desires to have a personal relationship with each of us. Immediately after Creation, God demonstrated His longing for our companionship by walking with Adam and Eve in the tranquil Garden of Eden.

Although sin broke our bond with God, His love for us has remained unchanged. However, it extended beyond mere emotional feelings as He actively sought to restore our vital connection and recover a lost humanity personally.

Our Holy God, in an act of unimaginable grace, bridged the vastness of a  universe so enormous as NASA describes,

Based on the deepest images obtained so far, it’s one of about 2 trillion galaxies in the observable universe. Groups of them are bound into clusters of galaxies, and these into superclusters; the superclusters are arranged in immense sheets stretching across the universe, interspersed with dark voids and lending the whole a kind of spiderweb structure. Our galaxy probably contains 100 to 400 billion stars, and is about 100,000 light-years across.2

Yet He set His heart on reaching you and me, by entering our world as a human being. The Gospel of Luke records this magnificent event in Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV):

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!’

Beneath a wide expanse of stars, the love of God came to a serene Bethlehem stable. Imagine those shepherds, men working in the fields, unaccustomed to visions and miracles, watching the night sky as the heavens open above them, with angels proclaiming the birth of our Savior. Their world was changed forever that night, just as yours can be as well.

There lay Jesus, God in human flesh, on a bed of straw, offered as a precious gift for every one of us.

You’ve Been Invited to New Life
Beyond a mere historical event, Jesus birth symbolized the start of a new era that invites all of humanity to come to God. Before Christ, access to God’s promises was attained through rituals, laws, prophets, and priests.

Now, through faith in Christ, God’s love and forgiveness are accessible to everyone, regardless of their past.

Choosing the Lord Jesus as our Savior opens the door to a life of purpose, hope. Yet it also restores our personal, direct relationship with our loving God; a connection that transforms our lives in profound ways, unlike anything else we could ever experience in this world, as Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) declares:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Come and experience God’s forgiveness, peace, and the joy that derives from  His presence. Philippians 2:5-11 (NKJV) describes what the Lord did for us:

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A Personal Choice with Eternal Implications
There will be a day when all knees will bow and all tongues will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. The choice we make out of love rather than compulsion makes a tremendous difference.

By accepting Jesus as our Savior, we begin a heart-changing relationship with God that fills us with His love, hope, and peace. Each day there is a reason to live because we have the the assurance of eternal life with Him.

This Christmas, don’t just honor the story, welcome the opportunity. Welcome the Savior, who was born to save you and me, who walked on this earth and gave His life for us, and who is now eager to bring us into a close connection with God forever.

Open your heart and let this season be a time to discover the love,  peace, and joy that can only come from knowing the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus Christ. Won’t you welcome Him into your life today and make this Christmas a celebration of new beginnings and everlasting hope?

Happy Birthday Jesus.

What a Wonderful Savior!

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Still Counting … Still Waiting!

For January 1, 2024
The captivating message of Jesus Christ, delivered over two thousand years ago, continues to touch hearts and transform lives today:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest!” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

Our faith in the Lord leads to fulfillment and complete satisfaction, as we are forever reconciled with God.

The Scriptures attest to our obstinacy, pride, and disobedience—often with impunity. Yet God, who is rich in mercy, with His great love for us … while we were yet sinners, sent Christ to die for us. (See: Ephesians 2:1-5)

We can begin 2024 with a fresh start by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. For only He can make “all things new,” and supply us with everlasting peace and total freedom, which our sin-cursed world cannot offer (See: 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 8:36; 14:27)

Jesus creates new hearts inside His new people who are still counting the days until the glorious return He promised us:

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3 (NLT)

Won’t you begin 2024 with Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and let Him change your life forever?

What a Wonderful Savior!

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Glory to God in the Highest!

For December 25, 2023
Nothing out of the ordinary happened on that particular evening when the shepherds were preparing for the long night ahead of them. But as they were settling into the quiet of that silent, starry night, while watching over their flock—it happened.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:9-14 (NKJV)

The shepherds rushed to Bethlehem and found Jesus with Mary and Joseph in the manger, just as the angels had said. With great excitement, they went about spreading the news that the long awaited Messiah; Christ our Savior and Lord had been born. Truly, now will be a time for peace on earth and goodwill toward men; glory to God in the highest!

God so loved the world that He gave us the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, so that “whosoever will” can have the forgiveness of sin, peace with God, and eternal life by virtue of our faith in His death and resurrection. In addition, now that we are certain of our peace with God, we can also manifest peace and goodwill towards one another. In other words, since God forgives us, shouldn’t we forgive others too?

Psalm 118:22-23 (NKJV) reads, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.”

If human beings were responsible for our salvation, only a privileged few would obtain it. I’m glad that it’s incumbent upon God’s grace and our faith in Christ redeeming work on our behalf to secure it forever.

Won’t you give the Lord your heart and experience His glory, peace, and forgiveness today? He can change your life forever.

Glory to God in the highest. Let there be peace on earth and goodwill toward all humans everywhere through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen!

What a Wonderful Savior!   

And Happy Birthday, Jesus!

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The Goodness of God

April 16, 2023
The normal, day-to-day occurrences in this topsy-turvy world often obscure our ability to see clearly how good God is to all His creatures, and especially toward His beloved children.

Such was not the case for the Psalmist who observes,

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south. Psalm 107:1-3 (NKJV)

Also,

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:1-5 (NKJV)

One theologian defines goodness as: “The disposition in God to impart happiness to His creatures.”3

Another theologian makes this observation about the God’s goodness,

Goodness, in the Scriptural sense of the term, includes benevolence, love, mercy, and grace. By benevolence is meant the disposition to promote happiness; all sensitive creatures are its objects. Love includes complacency, desire, and delight, and has rational beings for its objects. Mercy is kindness exercised towards the miserable, and includes pity, compassion, forbearance, and gentleness, which the Scriptures so abundantly ascribe to God. …The love of a holy God to sinners is the most mysterious attribute of the divine nature. …God saves sinners, we are told, “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us, through Christ Jesus.” (Epj.ii.7.)4

Despite the naysayers of this modern era, God is good, and we can find examples of His goodness in the following,

      • God created us in His image with self-awareness and self-determination. We can think, reason, and we have free choice.
      • God gave us senses to enjoy this world, as He created it—very good! We can rejoice in the blessings this world offers all of us.
      • God blesses us with a reasonable portion of life, health, and strength.
      • Every day, God shows His patience and long-suffering towards, for all have sinned and come short of His glory. (Romans 3:23)
      • God is merciful and extends His love and forgiveness to us by paying our sin debt through Jesus Christ. Thus, we can be loved and forgiven.
      • We will know God’s goodness in full measure when the Christ returns for us. Then, we will spend a blessed eternity with Him, as He promised,

Jesus Christ gives us access to God’s goodness and mercy by  virtue of our faith in His supreme, vicarious, efficacious sacrifice performed at Calvary. And for those of us who trust Him, He assures us He will supply us with His eternal goodness, mercy, and glory upon His imminent return,

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3 (NKJV)

The Lord has never broken any of His promises. He is the embodiment of  all that is faithful and true. Thus, as James observes, we can know Him as the source of all that is good, pleasant, and wonderful. In Him we can find great encouragement—even in these sin-darkened days,

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17 (NKJV)

God is good, and His mercy endures forever. He especially reveals these characteristics in His longsuffering towards all who remain in pride, rebellion, and sin.

Nevertheless, He is not willing that any should perish, but that all of us come to know Him personally through repentance (from sin) and faith (toward Jesus Christ) as 2 Peter 3:9 teaches. God is good—all the time!

Won’t you give Jesus your heart today, and experience God’s goodness personally?

What a Wonderful Savior!

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Jesus Christ Rose For Our Justification

For April 9, 2023
It was early Sunday morning, the end of Passover Week, and Jesus died and was buried in the tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. Like any other Sunday morning in Jerusalem, it was peaceful and quiet with the Roman soldiers guarding the tomb to prevent grave robbers, especially the Twelve Disciples from stealing Jesus’ body. They made the tomb as secure as they could to prevent Jesus’ body from being disturbed and the news spreading that He rose from the dead.

Hardened, highly trained, competent soldiers were stationed at the tomb to guard it. In addition, a Roman seal was placed on the stone securing the tomb’s entrance to further dissuade anyone from entering it, since breaking the seal would be in strict violation of Roman law and punishable by death.

All was peaceful and quiet as they all prepared for an ordinary day. The pitch-black sky was changing into shades of orange-red, beige-yellow, and blue with the ever-approaching dawn when Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joseph, and Zebedee’s sons came to the tomb to embalm their Lord and Savior.

The tomb was sealed and the soldiers were prepared to defend it with their lives. …then it happened,

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” Matthew 28:2-7 (NLT)

Some have wrongly speculated that the Disciples overpowered the battle-hardened, Roman soldiers and stole Jesus’ body. This is absurd. Others have wildly conjectured that the women went to the wrong tomb and that mass hysteria ensued about Jesus’ resurrection followed.

However, these flawed theories cannot adequately explain why the New Testament account of the resurrection has never been discredited, nor do they explain how the testimonies of those who claimed to have seen Jesus have not been refuted, as this author notes,

The empty tomb is that silent testimony to the resurrection of Christ, which has never been refuted. The Romans and Jews could not produce Christ’s body or explain where it went, but nonetheless, they refused to believe. Not because of the insufficiency of evidence but in spite of its sufficiency do men still reject the resurrection.5

In addition, over the past two-thousand years there have been untold numbers of people around the world—like you and me—who have met the Risen Christ and have accepted Him personally. Those of us who know Him have had a complete spiritual overhaul that cannot be explained either.

Thus, Jesus Christ is the “First Fruits” of a new way of living both now and forever,

Christ’s resurrection was not simply a coming back from the dead, as had been experienced by others before, such as Lazarus (John 11:1–44), for then Jesus would have been subject to weakness and aging and eventually would have died again just as all other human beings die. Rather, when he rose from the dead Jesus was the “first fruits” 2 (1 Cor. 15:20, 23) of a new kind of human life, a life in which his body was made perfect, no longer subject to weakness, aging, or death, but able to live eternally.6

Jesus says in John 20:29 (NKJV), “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We are blessed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ because,

      • He proved emphatically that He is Savior, Lord, and God.
      • We know that He is the only Mediator between God and humanity.
      • We know that His sacrifice for our sin—past and present—has been accepted by God.
      • We are guaranteed a true, lasting intimacy with our loving Heavenly Father.
      • We know that Jesus Christ lives amongst and within His people by the power of the Holy Spirit who preserves and keeps us until the glorious day when Jesus returns for us.
      • Thus, we know that there is life beyond the grave and that we can live with Jesus Christ forever in Heaven.
      • We have the ultimate victory over sin, death and the Enemy (Satan) because of our sincere, penitent faith in Christ alone, (not our works).

An old familiar hymn expresses how the resurrection of Jesus Christ is yet a blessing to His Believers today, and how it can be a blessing to others as well,

                He Lives
Alfred H. Ackley (1887-1960)7

I serve a risen Savior; He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

In all the world around me I see His loving care; And though my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading, thro’ all the stormy blast; The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice O Christian, lift up your voice and sing; Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the king! The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find, None other is so loving, so good and kind.

Chorus:
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

Jesus says in John 16:33 (NLT): “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Our Christian faith can transform a sin-cursed humanity as we enter into the presence of the Living God. Then, changed human lives can think, speak, and act in ways that improve the welfare of others without being motivated by race, gender, culture, social status, or political affiliation. Such is our glorious, eternal destiny,

We don’t have to be victims of our glands. We are not automations or victims. We are free to make choices, whether noble or ignoble. To live for money, power, or pleasure is to die one day and leave it all behind. Indeed, to live for anything except Christ will mean reaching the end haunted by guilt and despair.8

Contrary to popular belief, people can change the world for the better—one person at a time. Jesus paid the price for our sin so that we can share in the perfect joy that was set before Him. It is His most exhilarating joy that captivates our hearts and minds today as we receive His unfathomably precious gifts of forgiveness and freedom from sin, because Jesus Christ possesses all power, in Heaven and in earth—to forgive our sins. (Matthew 28:18)

The Greek word used for forgive is aphiemi (Strong-863), which means to let go, send away, to cancel, or to pardon.9 Thus in Christ, our sin nature is canceled, let go, sent away, pardoned, and forgotten forever. In fact, our sins no longer define us. Instead, God defines us by His great salvation,

Through his life, death, resurrection, and exaltation, come deliverance from the guilt and power of sin and the gift of new life through the indwelling Holy Spirit. So the believer is saved by Christ’s work on the cross (Acts 4:12); he is being saved now by the work of the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier (Philippians 2:12) and he looks forward to completed salvation in the life of the age to come (1 Thessalonians 5:9, 1 Peter 1:5).10

Here, God looks beyond our past to extend us, a people in need of restoration, His mercy.

Now, because He lives, we can become new creatures with a glorious destiny that will never be taken from us. Won’t you give Jesus your heart today and experience His power to transform your life forever?

Jesus Christ is risen. …He is risen indeed!

What a wonderful Savior!

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