Word of the Week - Christmas (the true meaning of this day/season)
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Have you ever taken time to think about the impact that Christ’s birth had on our world? Beginning with the celebration of Christ birth on December 25th, which has culminated in the holiday of Christmas that is recognized and celebrated by most everyone around the world. It is by far the most celebrated holiday in the western world and has an unrivaled impact on our world both economically, relationally and spiritually. Further, our entire world calendar is based upon this event!!! We actually measure time BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini, Latin for “in the year of the Lord”) by this single event. Today is Dec 20, 2020 which is 2020 years and 355 days since the death of Jesus. This was obviously a major historical event that changed the world forever, yet it was such a simple and humble happening: a child being born in a stable amongst a handful of people. The most amazing part of the Christmas story is that God sent Jesus “Unto us” you and me, as the gift of all gifts. This is truly the reason for the season of Christmas, to celebrate the amazing gift of Christ unto us, all of humanity. Anyone who wants to receive this gift has access through a relationship with the person of Jesus. Jesus came as God in the flesh, and He is known as the great “I am” everything we need He desires to be for us. He is also “Immanuel” God with us who promises to never leave or forsake us. Jesus is both awesome and magnificent (the great I am) but personal and intimate (Immanuel, God with us), which makes Him our God, our friend, our comforter. 740 years before Christ, Isaiah prophesied the birth of Christ and many of the awesome characteristics of Christ:Wonderful and Mighty – In His awesome and eternal power, Jesus is King of all the heavens and the earth. He is beyond our ability to understand, which makes Him our wonderful and magnificent God almighty. His power is endless; He has been given authority over all things and literally sits at the right hand of God our Father and intercedes (advocates) for us. We will ultimately stand before Him, and He will have the final say as it relates to our eternal destiny. If we “know Him” then we will enjoy eternity with Him. “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22-23 He will ultimately return to Earth in His second coming as a mighty King with a legion of angels with a mission to reconcile the world. Whether we choose relationship with Jesus or not, ultimately we will acknowledge who He is. “It is written, 'As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God'" Romans 14:11Everlasting Father – We all desire to have a loving and caring Father in our lives to be there for us in the ups and downs of life. There is nothing like the presence of a loving father when we are struggling and need strength and encouragement. It is also a blessing to have a father who can share in our victories and success in life and who has our back no matter what the circumstance. This is who Jesus is for us, He gives us access to Father God through the Trinity and desires to be our loving “Abba” father in all circumstances of life. Regardless of the status of our earthly fathers, who are also a very important to us and our wellbeing, Jesus is there to be our connection to our everlasting heavenly father. “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'”Counselor and Prince of Peace – As our Counselor, the Lord desires to be our friend and confidant in times of need. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 The death and resurrection of Jesus gave us access to the Holy Spirit who comes as the great Comforter to give us what we need in times of trouble. As the Prince of Peace, the Lord offers us the ability to stand in peace even during the most trying times of life. One of the names of Christ is Jehovah Shalom, the giver of Peace. We all desire to have peace in our lives but it is not something we can produce in our own strength, but we can surely find peace in Christ our Prince of Peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27I pray the Lord’s grace over each of us to receive the true blessings of Christmas in Christ and remember the reason for this holiday season. “For unto us (you & me) a Child is Born”.Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!-Duane