The Miracle of Christmas

Christmas Day is a day we set aside to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, who came for the purpose of giving us Life Everlasting. For some, Christmas is also a time to give and receive gifts from family & friends, and to feast on bountiful food around the table. For others it may be a lonely time due to various circumstances. If you know someone that is spending Christmas alone, if possible invite them to your home to enjoy some company, and to take part around the table for some delicious food. But most importantly, keep Jesus in the celebration - He is the best gift of all - He is the Messiah - The Savior of the world. "Share the gift."

Share His Mission: When Jesus became 12 years old, He understood His Mission on earth; when Jesus was about 30 years of age, He began to proclaim the Good News. The Scriptures tell of the many rejections that Jesus endured during His time of ministry on earth. Why? Because some didn't believe that He was the Messiah, and others bullied Him and falsely accused Him.

Jesus is the reason for Christmas. Jesus' story is the best story ever told because His story conveys His love for us, and expresses how much He understands our circumstances. I've heard some say, "But He is God, so how can He know my pain?" Have you read His story? If you have, then you know that He suffered much, and far more than we can ever imagine. Philippians 2, "Christ's Example of Humility." "Let each of you look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" Philippians 2:4-9 (ESV).

Yes, Jesus loves us, and He understands our journey on earth.

And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth - John 1:14 (ESV). Jesus left the splendor of Heaven knowing His destiny - that is love! I wonder how I would have felt if I was living during the time of Jesus' time on earth? Imagine walking alongside of Him; hearing His voice live; having eye contact and touching Him. However, I can't imagine witnessing His death on the cross. Praise God - He is Alive!

Will you receive His love without performing or doing anything you can do for Him? Try to envision God's love for you out of sheer joy over your presence with Him. He loves you, desires you, values you, and is emotionally attached to you. God is all- powerful, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and worthy to be praised!

Merry Christmas!
Pat Spies

Women's Ministry Volunteer
DIGGING DEEPER

James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (ESV). The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (NKJV). The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (NIV). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] (Amplified).