Christmas Day! It is here. It is being celebrated all over the world. Immanuel…God is with us!
Even though there are challenges, and decisions, and life-impacting events that are being felt and experienced at this very moment in life…God is with us! The Word even declares this reality, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (see Romans 8, v.31). With His presence and with His truth, we can be sure He is able to lead us and direct us in it all.
I love this passage found in Luke’s Gospel: “Moved by the Spirit, he (Simeon) went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God saying, ‘…my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations…” (Luke 2, vv.27-32). Simeon had words of joy. I can’t even imagine being in Simeon’s position – to behold the joy that had come into the world – once and for all. God’s Plan was being wrought out and would be, as we know, for all people.
As our hearts are full today of so many things, let’s remember the greatest gift we have ever received: Jesus! He is the greatest gift anyone can receive and He is the greatest gift we can ever give away. Remember Simeon’s words of joy and hope, and remember that the same Holy Spirit who filled Simeon also fills us when we are overfilled with joy and our hearts sing and recite His truth (see/read Ephesians 5, vv.17-20). The Apostle Paul writes: “Always thank God the Father for everything in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5, v.20).
Pray this with me…
Abba Father (Daddy Father), I thank You and receive the gift of your Son with joy, appreciation, and full humility on this Christmas Day. Thank You for loving me so completely – that You came, took on flesh, and were one of us so that I would have life and life more abundantly. May my life display Your compassion and may it bring you glory. Help me to share the light of Christ with the world, and may others see You in me. In Jesus’ Name I pray…Amen!
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