The Hope Of The World???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #293

As we go into the month of December, it is a month where the weather changes for many of us, a time when we think of gifts, and food and gathering of families.  But sometimes we get so caught up in the glitter of celebrations and sharing, we forget who or what we are celebrating.  I just want to start this time off clearly saying that I celebrate Jesus; His coming as a baby born of a virgin, a child who would grow to become the Redeemer of the world—for all who will respond to Him in repentance of our sin and faith/trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary!  The manger always points to the cross; so let’s spend a few minutes together looking at some of the promises that Jesus fulfilled.

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;

Behold, a virgin shall conceive,

and bear a son,

and shall call his name

Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:14 

A promise and a prophecy that Jesus fulfilled.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is, God with us.”   Matthew 1:21-23

Most who were around when these events took place had no clue, but there were those who, just like today, were listening to God!  And knew who this child was.  Are you one?  Do you know the babe born in a barn (he was placed in a manger not born in one!!  Just saying!), who went to Calvary as a man to die for you and me?  HE. Is. Christmas.!

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem,

whose name was Simeon;

and the same man was just and devout,

waiting for the consolation of Israel:

and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost,

that he should not see death,

before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple:

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,

to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms,

and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart

in peace,

according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared

before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles,

and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled

at those things

which were spoken of him.”  Luke 2:25-33

But that isn’t all, there was a woman named Anna, who also recognized the work of God in this baby boy!  A temple full of people who knew about God but missed the message!

“And there was one Anna,

a prophetess,

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser:

 she was of a great age,

and had lived with an husband

seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow

of about fourscore and four years,

 which departed not from the temple,

but served God with fastings and prayers

night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant

gave thanks likewise unto the Lord,

and spake of him

to all them that looked for redemption

in Jerusalem.”  Luke 2:36-38

Two who were looking, saw and shared what they had seen!  What have you seen?  Have you seen the Savior-King?  Do you know Jesus?  Have you seen the Redeemer, “The Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world” on that cross meant for me and you?  Or have you kept the babe in the manger?

Will you believe the promises and come to The One who came to save us from our sin; who came to give us life?  I pray that you see the real Jesus during this month of celebrating His arrival as a man!  Paul describes the import of it, may you “let this mind be in you”!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

 thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:5-11

In closing let me just add, that the question is not, “will you bow?” for the scripture clearly says that “every knee should bow”!  The question is “when will you bow”!  Will you bow before Jesus in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice at Calvary, or reject Him now, and bow before Him when He returns as judge?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“Therefore doth my Father love me,

because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received of my Father.”  John 10:17-18

He was born to die for you and me; I pray that you will come to the Savior/Redeemer/King and let Him transform your life.  He has mine; and I thank Him for it.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you didn’t stay in that manger, but you walked up Calvary’s hill to die for me!

Amen and Amen!!!