Jesus, The Light Of The World

The birth of Jesus brought life and light to a dark world.

John 1:4,5 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.

The lost world tries to quench the Light, to prevent it from shining:

• The Light that has shone brightly from eternity past
• The Light that gleamed in Bethlehem's manger
• The Light that shone for thirty-three years while Jesus walked this earth 
• The Light that flickered briefly at Calvary but blazed forth at the entrance to an empty tomb 

That Light will continue to light the pathway to eternity for all who follow Him.

Acts 26:18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Mercies

As I ponder the beauty of the birth of Christ, I'm reminded of the bounty of His blessings.

Our salvation is a wonderful gift, far more than any of us deserve, and yet God continues to bless us. Mary mentions the everlasting mercies of The Lord in her song.

Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Jesus would soon be born to bring deliverance to men, but His saving grace wouldn't be limited to those of Mary's day nor did it end at His death.

We live in a dark, sinful world, but the grace of God is still offered to all who believe with all their heart that Jesus is the risen Son of God.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord

The Christmas season is filled with songs that celebrate the coming of The Lord Jesus. None are more beautiful than Mary's song of praise.

Luke 1:46,47 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify The Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

She continues to sing of the wonder of God's mercy and grace, overwhelmed that He chose her to become the mother of Jesus.

If we take time to reflect on the mercies of God, we will rejoice. After all, who are we that the King of glory is mindful of us?

We had nothing to offer Him, and yet He miraculously came to earth for us. From the manger to the cross, our Savior was the greatest gift heaven had to offer.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

And The Word Became Flesh

Christmas is filled with many distractions. Between personalities, presents, and practices it's easy to forget the reason.

Considering the Babe in the manger created the universe makes Christmas more amazing.

John 1:1,3,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . . All things were made by Him and without him was not anything made that was made . . . . . And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.

The One Who made it all controls it all. Born into poverty over 2,000 years ago, the long-awaited Messiah was rejected by His own. His horrible death on a cross was the sacrifice for the sins of humanity. That's why He came.

Jesus loves you and me. Trust Him.

The Gift Of Peace

So what do you want for Christmas? That question gets harder for me to answer as years pile up behind me. My closets and drawers bloat with gifts from years past. I have been blessed.

There are people who have everything except for peace. I wish I could gift-wrap it and give it to them for Christmas, but i can't. 

Real peace can only be found in The Lord Jesus Christ when one believes on Him. 

The angels spoke of peace when they announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds.

Luke 2:13,14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Jesus spoke to His apostles about peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

Laying Aside The Glories Of Heaven . . .

The night Jesus was born in Bethlehem was unlike any other in human history. The great I Am laid aside the glories of Heaven and came to earth as a humble servant.

A mighty angel appeared to shepherds with a remarkable message of hope, life, and salvation.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ The Lord.

The precious Son of God--The Messiah, The Savior, The King of kings-- wasn't born in a palace, but in a smelly stable alongside barn animals. He wasn't wrapped in velvet like a prince but in rags of a common man.

The Jewel of Heaven made Himself poor so that we, through His poverty, might be made rich, so that we might identify with Him. It would be easier to approach a baby in a manger than a king on a throne.

Who Is This Jesus?

We who know Jesus celebrate His birth during the Christmas season. The world reacts in a different way. Either they ignore Him outright--refusing to say "Merry Christmas" or to use His name at all. 

We give gifts because Jesus was the greatest gift ever given, yet, most people have no idea Who He truly is.

The prophet Isaiah identifes Him quite well while prophesying about His virgin birth in Bethlehem.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.