“Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” (Luke 2:20, NKJV)
The night began like any other. It is just like God to do the supernatural in everyday, natural things, right?! Shepherds were out in the fields, tending sheep under a star-lit sky. Humble and often overlooked men became the first to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth!
Terrified and awestruck, they saw the glory of the Lord light up the night as an angel declared, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to ALL people” (Luke 2:10). The Savior had come, not to a palace, but to a humble manger.
Without hesitation, the shepherds left their sheep and went to Bethlehem. They found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus just as the angel said. Their encounter with the newborn King transformed them. Overflowing with joy, they glorified God and shared the good news with everyone they met.
The shepherds remind us that this GOOD NEWS is for ALL people, regardless of status or background. Their joy did not come from circumstances but from the truth that the Savior of the world had come.
This Christmas, let the shepherds’ story challenge us! Do we eagerly seek Jesus, or do we hesitate? Does His presence fill us with joy? Are we intentionally sharing that joy with others? May we, like the shepherds, live with hearts overflowing, glorifying God, and spreading the light and hope of Jesus wherever we go.
When you think about Christmas, which parts of the Bible are your favorite? Luke and Matthew definitely top the list with their beautiful narratives. Maybe you think of the prophecies in the Old Testament that foretell the coming of the Messiah like Isaiah or Malachi? But what about the book of Revelation? If you’re like me, that book is scary and confusing and it’s NOT the first place I think of when I think about Christmas! However, over the last few months, I participated in a Bible study on the book of Revelation that has me thinking about the links between Revelation and Christmas. I’d like to encourage you to open up to the back of your Bible and spend some time in Revelation thinking about what it teaches about the character of God through wonder, warning, and worship.
First of all, the Christmas story is full of miraculous things! We must guard against a kind of boredom with the familiar story- the angelic messengers, the virgin birth, the visits of the three foreigners. These happenings should make us WONDER at the majesty and glory of God. He is revealing things about HIS character to us through these events. The second coming of the Messiah definitely causes WONDER too! Take a look at Revelation 21:9-22:21. This section describes the “wife of the Lamb…the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, arrayed with God’s glory. Her radiance was like a precious jewel, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” Revelation 21:9-11 Cleary, God’s ways are not our ways. Just like the Christmas story, Revelation continues to show us HE is transcendent, glorious and honestly, a little incomprehensible to our feeble human minds.
Next, examining Revelation at Christmas should give us a WARNING to share the Gospel urgently with a sick and dying world. From the letters, to the seals, to the trumpets, to the histories, to the bowls, to the words of woe, the theme of judgment radiates through the book of Revelation. This section makes me ask myself really hard questions like:
Who around me doesn’t know Jesus as the Savior?
Who is drowning in sin and looking for help?
Who needs help getting back on track to grow in their faith and relationship with God?
These are highly personal questions that we (me!) sometimes shy away from as being too personal or too judgy. But, I don’t want any of my friends or loved ones to be fooled by the Evil One and be “gathered as grapes from the vineyard of the earth” and be thrown “into the great winepress of God’s wrath.” Revelation 14:19 The theme of judgement repeats over and over again in Revelation. It too shows us something about God’s character- HE is holy and just. If we believe that Jesus’ first coming was prophesied, then we need to believe the prophecies regarding his second coming too and act prayerfully.
Lastly, examining Revelation at Christmas shows us how God and Jesus are WORSHIPPED in heaven and at the second coming. The phrase “fall down and worship” is repeated twelve times in the book of Revelation. Chapter 4 of Revelation gives a great description about the throne room of heaven- a majestic place filled with thunder and lightning, fiery torches, and a sea of glass. This description shows us something about God’s character too. HE is infinite, eternal, and holy. The twenty-four elders praise HIM by saying in Revelation 4:11, “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” What an excellent example to praise HIM at Christmas and all through the year!
So, y’all don’t be scared of that last book in the Bible. Open it up and draw nearer to the Holy One who not only came at Christmas, but is coming back again!
Imagine how Mary felt in the moment. The moment she was told by a *literal* angel that she is pregnant with a baby… named Jesus… the Messiah and Son of God. Mind you, she was still a young virgin and not yet married at this time either. Her first instinct may have been fear or even disbelief. She is told by the angel, “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30). Mary is chosen by God’s grace and being utilized to carry out His plan. She is reminded, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Mary decides to submit to the Lord and accept the circumstances given to her. As we know, this is just the beginning of the story.
Many of us have heard the Christmas story hundreds of times over the years. The most important detail of this story is the birth of Jesus, the divine King. However, we can also see such a clear example of God’s sovereignty and power through Mary’s pregnancy. This news was certainly a shock, but Mary decided to trust God and His greater plan. Have you ever received life altering news? How did you handle it? Our lives can take an unexpected turn at any given minute. We may not always see the good in our circumstances and question why God would allow such difficulties. Mary’s reputation along with her relationship to her betrothed, Joseph, were at risk due to being pregnant before marriage. Yet, the angel told her that she was blessed with the privilege of bearing the Son of God.
Sometimes we are given situations that are totally out of our control, but God is at work. God is using you to fulfill His purpose and plan, whether you see it or not. The Lord sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that you can have life on earth and in heaven if you accept Him as your savior. Life will have ups and downs regardless of who you are. Cherish those blessings and trust in the Lord’s plan because it is much greater than our own. The Christmas season is filled with so much joy; use that joy to share the whole story and the bigger picture.
Jesus, may we never get over what you’ve done in our life. The greatest gift we will ever receive.
Christmas is full of the hope our hearts long for. A child is born. To save the world. His immense love & perfectly designed timing has consistently proven His love for us. Today our lives may be filled with busy schedules, buying presents, cooking food, or running the roads from house to house. The hope is that in the mist of all that we can be reminded of how it is also filled with the reminder of goodness, and gift of Jesus. That outweighs it all.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
My hope for you this Christmas –
To know that Jesus is still the newborn King that He once was and always will be. He is still here to save us. Christmas time is the most perfect opportunity to be reminded of the hope we have in Jesus. & maybe, just maybe it can be the source of hope to someone else as they walk a journey in their own life. Through the days may you not lose sight on the one true King. If you’re waiting on an open door, an answer to a prayer, or peace in a situation.. He is your hope.
Jesus is endless love.
Jesus is endless hope.
Jesus is our greatest gift to date. The true reminder of the hope we can have.
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:7
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9
Have you stopped to consider what Jesus gave up to come into the world? He gave up all the glory and all the riches of Heaven. When He was born, He was laid in a manger. Then some of His first visitors were shepherds. The King of kings and Lord of lords was placed in a feeding trough for animals rather than a nice, pretty, luxurious baby bed. The first visitors were not the elite people from high society but people who did not have a reputation for being upstanding members of society. His birth wasn’t surrounded by all the decorations and lights we associate with Christmas. It was simple. It was a baby born into poverty.
We don’t like to think about the poverty of Jesus. We prefer to think of His glory and majesty. When we stop to consider what He left in Heaven to come into a life of poverty for our sake, it should lead us to celebrate all the more. Jesus gave up everything glorious to come into this sin ridden world and live in poverty so He could be the sacrifice for our sins. After His humble birth, poor life, and horrific death, He rose again to life and is now in Heaven with all the riches and glory. One day He will return and will reign as the eternal King in all His glory.
His lowly birth provided the glorious gift of salvation that allows us to become rich with Him when we accept His free gift. Because Jesus gave up the riches of Heaven, we can experience the rags to riches life which is the greatest Christmas gift of all. Our minds cannot fully grasp the greatness of it, and there are no sufficient words to describe it, but oh how thankful we should be at the celebration of His birth which brought the glorious gift of salvation. “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
A few months ago my husband came to me ready for major changes in our marriage. He realized the rut we had been living in and wanted to override the negative cycle. He wanted to put our marriage into motion instead of going through the motions.
My response reflected my lack of readiness.
Instead of praising God for answered prayers and stepping forward into a new season, I stalled in built-up bitterness and built new barriers of offense.
I had been praying…but I wasn’t prepared.
Together, we began working through hurts that needed healing and attitudes that needed shifting. I realized that I had been praying for my marriage to change, but I had things I needed to rearrange.
I had to make room for Him to move.
It makes me think of Mary.
Mary’s response is proof of her preparation. In Luke 1:38, she answered to the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
My response reflected my unreadiness.
Mary’s response reflected her willingness.
So, are you ready?
Are you ready for redemption in your marriage?
Are you ready for a breakthrough in your family?
Are you ready for the miracle you’re needing?
Are you ready for the prayer you’ve been praying?
Have you prepared?
Have you processed your past hurts and healed?
Have you broken down bitterness and offense?
Have you named and faced your fears?
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also prepare for what Jesus came to do: Heal. Restore. Save. Make a way. Redeem.
I think we can all agree when I say the holidays bring some amount of stress.
Whether it’s stress about buying gifts, hosting a bunch of people, making a lot of food, or even just seeing certain family members – it’s stressful.
But the holidays weren’t meant to be stressful, they were meant to be the most joyful season of the whole year.
Let’s go back to this! I hate to say the classic saying, but, remember the reason for the season!!
Christmas and Easter are probably the easiest opportunities for Christians to share the Gospel. Everyday is an opportunity don’t get me wrong, but these holidays are literally celebrated by most Americans across the world, and half of them don’t even understand the full context behind them. So why don’t we tell them? It can be awkward, and it can be scary, but it is worth it.
This holiday season share THE story.
Praise your savior this holiday season by sharing His story.
Christmas is the time of year that we set aside to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Take a moment and think about the word Savior. The definition of Savior is a person who saves someone or something from danger or destruction. Jesus came to earth to die for you and me. He came to save us from the danger and destruction of our sins. He died so that we could be declared righteous in the eyes of a Holy God.
“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14
Before the foundation of the world God had already set in motion a way for us to be made holy and righteous. A way for salvation that we would never be able to do on our own. Jesus is the miracle we celebrate every Christmas. He came to give us hope and joy through salvation. He came to show us just how much love the Father has for us.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16
The hustle and bustle of Christmas can sometimes distract us from this truth. This can also be a time of discouragement and sadness for people, especially if they don’t know Christ. We get so caught up in our own celebrations and gatherings that we forget to show the love of Jesus. Jesus came as a servant to bring love and peace to earth. He showed His love by taking time with people. He cared for the sick, poor, and the sinners. He fed thousands and even washed His disciples feet. Jesus cared for the lost and wanted all to come to salvation. He was truly an humble servant!!
As we celebrate our reason for salvation this Christmas, I think we should seek and pray for the Lord to lead us in our service to others. We need to step away from our own selves and be humble servants just like Jesus.
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross! Philippians 2: 5-8
Can you imagine how stressed Mary must’ve been whenever it was time to give birth to Jesus? I’m sure she was unsure, scared, maybe a bit frazzled…. And then to make things more complicated, there was no room for them.
Luke 2:6-7 tells us “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
There wasn’t a guest room available for them? Where was Mary supposed to deliver her baby boy? Can you imagine the panic? Can you hear the “what are we going to do?” that Mary asked Joseph. Do you think Joseph was cool, calm, and collected? Or was he panicking as well?
There was not room for them, but there was a stable nearby…. I do not think it was a coincidence that the stable and manger were there.
God knows the end from the beginning, and He made sure there was an enclosure nearby for Mary to deliver the Messiah in. The manger being there was not a coincidence.
There are plenty of examples of this throughout the Bible. Another example is Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus. God made sure the tree was there long before Zacchaeus would climb it.
As we go through life, we often wonder if there is a way… or if God will make a way. Whatever season you’re in, regardless of the situations you may go through, God makes a way. Our God is the God who parts waters, extinguishes fires, provides mangers, and plants trees. He heals cancers, sicknesses, provides, and protects. No miracle is too big for God.
God will make a way when there seems to be no way.
As we come into this week of Thanksgiving I want to encourage each of you to truly reflect on the time you give to praising and worshiping our Lord! The holidays can get so busy that I think we can sometimes lose our fellowship with the Lord, but really praise and worship are a daily essential in our christian walk.
“I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:4
When I think about how faithful God is to me, I can’t even comprehend not falling on my knees and lifting my hands in praise to Him, but I will confess that there are days that my praise and thankfulness are not what they should be. In times of busyness, like during the holidays, I find my focus can be filled with anything but genuine praise. It is times like this that I need a heart check because true worship comes from the heart. When I get distracted with the worldly side of the holidays I lose my fellowship with the Lord.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13
How encouraging though, to be reminded that even though I may get distracted, God is still faithful. He is always willing and ready to give us mercy and grace. He forgives us when we get busy and too invested in things of this world. Thank God that we have the Holy Spirit to draw us back and remind us that God is worthy of our praise and thankfulness!
So I just want to encourage you this holiday season to stay in the word, pray without ceasing, and be obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit! As soon as your eyes open every morning take a moment to praise and thank God for His blessings. Even during hard times we need to trust that He will care for us and sustain us and all of our needs.
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.” Psalm 100:4
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