Am feelin’ grateful for Christmas. Yeah, even during these crazy times.
Remember, even in the darkest of times...God has stepped in before. I pray he will again for you and our Land.
Check it out in history. Do you remember how bad in was back then during the first Christmas? Was bad!
Such a small man, the leader Herod had so strategized -- he had planned to make the Magi tell him of the exact whereabouts of the Christ child... cuz he wanted to kill Him. Wanted to always remain in power -- didn’t have Dominion or SmartMatic. And He killed others in an effort to kill Jesus.
“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” Matthew 2:16-18
God’s Son stepped in. God’s pure Light will, and has stepped into the darkness of this corrupt world around us. In the chaos and confusion of this world, many people are lonely and afraid. God is near. Emmanuel is close to you -- confess Him as Lord.
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved..’” Romans 10: 8-10b
In our dark time, He is SO there for you. God brings Light into the darkness, and He’ll make all things brand new.
“And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19
“Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.’" John 8:12
“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:5
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.” John 12:46
Here’s a reminder that you’ve heard before -- let’s make Christmas more about his presence than about temporal presents. If stuff that soon breaks is your main focus, you’ll be let down.
Sure, before you can enjoy the peace of God, you have to have peace with God. Many don't yet know that they’re at an enmity with God.. yes, like at war with him but they can turn, surrender and believe.
What, friendship with the world is enmity with God? How do I know if I am “being friends” with “the world?”
Does it mean that if I I am friends with people who are not Christians, then I am an enemy of God? Naww. Does it mean that I should be unpleasant, unfriendly, cold and distant towards non-believers and have a “know it all,” or “holier-than-thou” attitude in order to be God’s friend? Naww.
That’s not what James meant, although it could be interpreted like that by some religious folk, which means they can’t be allowed to shake hands with unbelievers or even share a meal together, for fear of becoming “unclean.” Hey, God ain’t religious or that way. Jesus was friend of sinners like me.
Some religious people refuse to embrace modern technology, i.e., cars and computers etc. for fear of “friendship with the world.” This leads them to live apart from and “shun” contact with most other people! Jesus said Go tell. He wants us to lovingly spend some time with sinners in order to win them to Him. He did that. Just don’t spend so much time that you are pulled back down by them into a life of sin. Don’t need that. How would you be strong, spiritually healthy and help others who are somehow at war with God ..in the future?
Since God REALLY REALLY loves people and wants to draw them back to Himself to both save and help them, such interpretations would have the opposite effect, which is to push people away. It says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Let’s address the enmity, so we can help others to address the enmity they experience. Let’s get the Log out or our eye first so we can see the needs.
The Bible says..
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4
“The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, 7because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God..“ Romans 8:7 6-8
Medical science promises to add years to your life, but only Christ can have life to your years. He has come that you’ll have life and life more abundantly. Eternally!
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’“ John 14:6
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands--this is the Word of life.” 1 John 1:1
“And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.” 1 John 1:2
“And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11And if the lights go out, He’s still your light, believer. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” John 11:25
Has it been kinda bad where you are..or real bad and getting worse? No worries. He is there. Are you feeling lonely, empty, confused, afraid some, or kinda sad during the holidays? Listen, you don't have to be all alone this year (or any year). You can be in fellowship, and following close to Christ.. the real reason for the whole season.
You know how depression rates go up this time of year and there are reasons for that. Estranged loved ones or family members are some reasons.
Here’s are 10 steps to have a Merry Christmas (practical acts to combat sadness and depression during the holidays):
1.) Find someone that's less fortunate than you are, voice a prayer and do something kind for them just to help out.
Then steps 2 through 10: Repeat step one and give thanks for them.
Real Life, light and love for you. Sure, no matter where you live.. in the city, or at the sea, or in the forest somewhere.
