We've entered a season of what should normally be true thankfulness and celebration ... in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. As followers (disciples) of Christ, we may be facing some uncommon struggles due to this, along with a host of other potential troubles, this time around. Things may appear darker and harder, but if this is what you're seeing and experiencing, ...as you might have guessed if you know me at all, I have a message for you...
Jesus is still on the throne.
I'll let you in on a little personal secret - I think the calendar - holiday date organizers, messed up. I've thought for a long time that Thanksgiving should actually follow Christmas. Why? Simple - because when Jesus came down He made everything possible for us. Prior to His arrival, we really had no hope - no real reason for joy because our destiny then was a horrific death and eternal separation from Father God. And if that thought doesn't get you right in the giblets, take a minute and think about that... ...Kinda makes what's happening now seem pretty small doesn't it? In the end, which lasts forever, we win! - we've already won, because Jesus came down.
We may be distanced from each other and suffering from severe hug deprivation, we might be suffering from financial struggles or even worldly ruin, or physical ailments and politics may be causing us severe frustration,... but compared to what we were facing before Jesus came down, our current troubles, whatever they are, pale by comparison. Through Jesus, we've got this! In His strength and righteousness we'll live to see eternity and be allowed to stay in His presence forever. This, whatever we're dealing with, is a moment in passing. It's nothing we won't overcome in the end, ... because Jesus came down. Now check me here - isn't that real reason for Thanksgiving?
Given the truth, we have nothing to fear and in truth, nothing of real value can be taken away from us - We're children of the Most High God. Our eternal destiny is sealed in Christ. We always have hope and peace that can't be taken away from us, regardless of what's going on around us because of who we have inside us - unless we allow it to be taken away.
Because it's dark out there, because it's tough, we have a greater responsibility to shine - we've been given a great opportunity to shine brighter than ever by keeping our hearts and our celebrations faithful to our faithful God. People will wonder why we can be so happy and content and what it is that we have to celebrate... When they do, don't be bashful - Tell them that Jesus came down!
"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”" Luke 2:8-14 (NLT)
Celebrate the greatest gift we couldn't and never should have expected - the arrival of a divine and eternal pardon that we could never deserve. If you lost your Joy - find it! If your peace has been taken - take it back! But don't miss this opportunity to both celebrate and give thanks to our Lord for what He has given us! ...
... AND SHINE!
"No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NLT)
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