Unto us a child is born…His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with justice and with righteousness from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this (Isaiah 9:6).
Christmas a time of celebration, of lights inside and outside, of music and decorations. A time to look outward to honor relationships with gift giving, food and fellowship. If we take a moment to look at its origin, we discover this celebration began as a service known as “Christ’s Mass” to commemorate the birth of Jesus.
The early Roman Church adopted December 25th to be the Christian alternative to the pagan winter solstice festivals of Saturnalia and the birth of the sun god Sol Invictus. Although popular pagan traditions were also adopted, this service was established to honor the birth of the true “Light of the World,” Christ Jesus. Another title given the Lord – The Word of God. If only we could keep that Christmas spirit all year long, daily celebrating the life-changing gift of God’s Word so a loving, intimate relationship with our Creator could be enjoyed and prosper as our soul prospers as we continue to walk in Truth (3 John 2).
Remembering, the Fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired than gold, sweeter than honey. Moreover, by them Your servant, O Lord, is warned. And, in keeping them there is great reward.
For who, O Lord, can understand their errors? Cleanse me from my secret fault. Keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins. Let them not have control or dominion over me (Psalm 19:9-14 NKJV).
Jesus – the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn over all creation. By Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:15-18).
Without the Word of God there would never have been a first “Christ Mass” to celebrate the Lord, Who was with God in the beginning. The Word Who is God Himself. In Christ is Life and the Life is the Light of men. The true Light shines on in the darkness. The Light the darkness could never overpower or extinguish because it did not comprehend our glorious God (John 1:1-5). Who stepped out of eternity to bless us with the gift of time and ample opportunity to seek spiritual enlightenment and choose.
Christmas a very special time to celebrate the birth of the Son of God into our world. Christmas gives us a very special opportunity to give birth or resuscitate our God-given “Identity in Christ.” Begin with any knowledge of God’s Word you may have, but don’t stop there because seeking knowledge of the Truth, The Way and The Life God bestows enables us to acquire perspectives that empower us to see God and ourselves, our relationships and the world differently because we learn to look through the lens of Love. We reach Divine Actualization – realization, actuality, life, reality, fulfillment, accomplishment, culmination, triumph – by knowing, trusting, believing God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for though He knows our potential, we will certainly discover God’s. for nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:7). Yes and Amen, all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26).
The entire message can be heard on the Podcast with the same title: Christmas a Time to Delight in the Lord.
I pray your Christmas is joy-filled and merry! And the New Year opens before you new beginnings, filled with potential and prosperity for your spirit, soul and body!
Father, I pray You stretch out Your hand to heal
And perform miraculous signs and wonders
Through the name of Your holy servant Jesus!
Thank you Father!
Acts 4:29-30