I've been trying to gather my thoughts on Christmas as we share Advent readings, I read this book, and carols are sung in church, our home, and in the car. I don't have the words to express what I feel when I'm alone, in the quiet, pondering the Truth of the season.
Each year, the Christmas story settles deeper into the depths of my soul, strengthening my joy, hope, and peace in my Savior. I'm so thankful for Advent, a period set aside to consider the many prophesies fulfilled in and by Christ, when we take a long, hard look at the Christmas story, awing and wondering at the way God put it all together in time and space, and the people He chose to include in the story.
This year, I find myself focused on the waiting and longing. God promised a savior as early as Genesis 3; in the midst of the curses placed on the serpent, we see a whisper of grace. God promised to do something about sin. And through the Old Testament the promises continued with increasing potency, intensifying the longing of God's people.
Then He came.
A baby. In a manger. Born among animals.
That's how God entered the world. Life and Light entered the world from His mother's womb, through her birth canal, just like us. The word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) He left heaven behind to enter the world.
A star and angels announced his coming. Wise men and shepherds came to worship Him and departed to share the news. A priest could finally rest, having seen the promised Savior.
Longings fulfilled in this babe, who would one day hang on a tree. You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
You see, at Christmas, God sets in motion His plan to rescue us from sin. Looking around, we see so many problems, so much darkness. But when we look to God, His Word, His very Son, we see that He knows and He's done something about it. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4)
This Christmas I invite you to take a look at the story. Pause in the busyness of shopping, parties, and plans and take a good look. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. (John 1:18)
Each year, the Christmas story settles deeper into the depths of my soul, strengthening my joy, hope, and peace in my Savior. I'm so thankful for Advent, a period set aside to consider the many prophesies fulfilled in and by Christ, when we take a long, hard look at the Christmas story, awing and wondering at the way God put it all together in time and space, and the people He chose to include in the story.
This year, I find myself focused on the waiting and longing. God promised a savior as early as Genesis 3; in the midst of the curses placed on the serpent, we see a whisper of grace. God promised to do something about sin. And through the Old Testament the promises continued with increasing potency, intensifying the longing of God's people.
Then He came.
A baby. In a manger. Born among animals.
That's how God entered the world. Life and Light entered the world from His mother's womb, through her birth canal, just like us. The word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) He left heaven behind to enter the world.
A star and angels announced his coming. Wise men and shepherds came to worship Him and departed to share the news. A priest could finally rest, having seen the promised Savior.
Longings fulfilled in this babe, who would one day hang on a tree. You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
You see, at Christmas, God sets in motion His plan to rescue us from sin. Looking around, we see so many problems, so much darkness. But when we look to God, His Word, His very Son, we see that He knows and He's done something about it. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4)
This Christmas I invite you to take a look at the story. Pause in the busyness of shopping, parties, and plans and take a good look. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. (John 1:18)
Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
Luke 2:14
May this be the merriest of Christmases you've ever known!
Wonderful truths and scriptural reminders. Thank you for taking time to share at this busy time if year. Love you.
ReplyDeleteit can be a busy time of year, where we miss the whole meaning of the season. thanks for the reminder and for the scripture blessing this morning!!
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