Dec 25, 2011

Joy to the World.


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Luke 2:10-14  (KJV) 

 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.   12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.   13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Christmas day is a great day of celebration for Christians all over the globe.  Even those who do not believe in Christ, inadvertently celebrate His birth in that they use Christmas as a great commercial time.  We walk in stores and hear Christmas carols being sung and it brings joy to many that hear them. It is a day associated with joy and happiness and excitement.

But the truth that millions miss, is that the birth of Christ was heralded by the angels with tidings of "great joy" and "peace on earth and good will towards men"     Christmas  signifies God's heart of good will towards all mankind and His desire to fill them with peace and joy. 

2 Corinthians 5:19 (AMP)

19 It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).

That's the good news.  God is not mad at the world but has forgiven them through Christ and restored them to favor with Him.  Favor is undeserved and unmerited. We were cut off from Him but He has restored the connection and granted us access through Jesus' birth and death. 

That's the true meaning of Christmas.  God came down in the form of Jesus and made a way for us to come back to Him.   All we have to do is acknowledge Him and accept what He has provided for us.  Then turn around and start living for Him and allowing Him to fill us and lead us and guide us for the rest of our lives.

It's a great live of surrender to Jesus.  Not a dull life as some would suggest, but a life filled with adventure, love, peace, joy and provision.   It's a life filled with victory after victory, free from the condemnation that comes to those who do not accept His love and salvation.

So, Christmas day and the baby in a manger is a special day to all those who would embrace the provisions that were provided for the world.   Jn 3:16  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." 

Have a blessed Christmas and my His love, peace and joy fill you to overflowing.

Gil & Loraine Howard-Browne

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