This morning, I can't help but think back to the Christmas that Jesus was born - to what it must have been like. Mary was probably uncomfortable - nearing the end of her pregnancy - there must have been much anticipation for her and Joseph. Today, we are full of anticipation at Christmas too but it's not for the same reason - we worry about what we are cooking, are the presents wrapped, what we will wear to a family outing, excited about seeing cousins and friends we haven't seen in awhile - the kids anticipate opening gifts, seeing their family, etc. We have to wonder - with all this anticipation - how much are we able to think about the power of what happened that first Christmas?
This Christmas, I've spent a lot of my prayer and study time reading the birth of Jesus again, the parables that he spoke while He taught on this Earth, and about his death and resurrection. During my reading, God showed me a scripture passage that I've never read before. When we read about Jesus' birth, we often read what is recorded in the gospels. On several occasions, God led me to Philippians 2:5-7 - "Have that attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and being made in the likeness of men."
You see? This scripture reminds us that Jesus didn't have to come to Earth on that first Christmas. No one forced Him....Jesus CHOSE to come down from his holy heavens to this dirty, sin filled world because of YOU and ME! Jesus CHOSE to come to this Earth to SEEK us and to SAVE us. What an awesome act of love! Without Jesus, we would have been separated from God forever - death was the ultimate end - but Jesus couldn't watch us perish - so He humbled Himself and came to our rescue. Through our belief in Jesus' virgin birth, sinless life, death, and resurrection, we have a HOPE beyond our imagination. And, that brings me back to anticipation....
On this Christmas Eve, I am so thankful that my savior CHOSE me - and today, Christmas, and everyday throughout the year, I anticipate and look forward to the awesome works Jesus' IS still doing today through His Power and Spirit in the body of Christ! The gift of abundant life that Jesus wants to give each of us is available everyday when we seek a personal relationship with Him - and it all began on that first Christmas! What a time to celebrate!
This Christmas, I've spent a lot of my prayer and study time reading the birth of Jesus again, the parables that he spoke while He taught on this Earth, and about his death and resurrection. During my reading, God showed me a scripture passage that I've never read before. When we read about Jesus' birth, we often read what is recorded in the gospels. On several occasions, God led me to Philippians 2:5-7 - "Have that attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and being made in the likeness of men."
You see? This scripture reminds us that Jesus didn't have to come to Earth on that first Christmas. No one forced Him....Jesus CHOSE to come down from his holy heavens to this dirty, sin filled world because of YOU and ME! Jesus CHOSE to come to this Earth to SEEK us and to SAVE us. What an awesome act of love! Without Jesus, we would have been separated from God forever - death was the ultimate end - but Jesus couldn't watch us perish - so He humbled Himself and came to our rescue. Through our belief in Jesus' virgin birth, sinless life, death, and resurrection, we have a HOPE beyond our imagination. And, that brings me back to anticipation....
On this Christmas Eve, I am so thankful that my savior CHOSE me - and today, Christmas, and everyday throughout the year, I anticipate and look forward to the awesome works Jesus' IS still doing today through His Power and Spirit in the body of Christ! The gift of abundant life that Jesus wants to give each of us is available everyday when we seek a personal relationship with Him - and it all began on that first Christmas! What a time to celebrate!
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