‘Christ the everlasting Lord’ (Noel – E. Cash / M. Redman / C. Tomlin)
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It’s nice at Christmastime to visit friends and family to spend time with them, and to swap gifts, but this last Christmas was different, we were not allowed to mix as in previous years. We had to visit people, and drop their presents whilst ‘socially-distanced’, and basically spend time only with our immediate family.
Even so, for our family, this did not diminish from the event, and we swapped gifts, opened them, and enjoyed them.
But Christmas is not only about giving gifts to people we love or close friends. Equally it is not about eating as much food, sweets, chocolates etc. as we can; and it is not about drinking too much alcohol, either.
Each, in their own way, if moderated is enjoyable, but none are the real reason of the holiday.
The holiday is a time when we as Christians, can remember the birth of the most important person ever to have lived (in my opinion).
Jesus, who came to the earth for us; Jesus came for each and every one of us. For those that believe and follow his teachings, and also for those who do not believe or follow his teachings;
‘For this is how much God loved the world – he gave his one and only unique Son as a gift’ (John 3:16 TPT).
So, Jesus came for everyone, not just the ones who were looking to God and trying to live godly lives, he came for the murderers, the thieves, the liars etc. he came for all people.
And he came for one specific purpose, the purpose of our redemption;
‘that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16 NIV).
So our choice is simple, believe in Jesus and decide to follow his teachings, or live as we want to.
The former way, the way of following Jesus, leads to eternal life, the other way of living does not;
‘so that those who truly believe in him will not perish but be given eternal life’ (John 3:16 TPT).
If we choose to follow Jesus, then we will ultimately have eternal life, a life that will be spent with Jesus;
‘My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?’ (John 14:2 NIV).
Following Jesus has a benefit for us; we know that we will have a room in his Father’s house;
‘I go to prepare a place for you to rest. And when everything is ready, I will come back and take you to myself so that you will be where I am’ (John 14:2-3 TPT).
So, ultimately, Jesus will come back for us, and take us to his heavenly home.
In the meantime, we are not left alone to muddle through life, for we can rely on the words of scripture to guide us;
‘All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).
So, we can use the words of God to help us in our time of need, we can talk to God through prayer and ask for guidance, and (when allowed) we can gather with like-minded people to study, worship and praise together.
Christmas is a great time of year, but the greatest thing for Christians at Christmas, is remembering that the greatest gift we could ever get, has already been given, the gift of Jesus.
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Love incarnate, love divine
Star and angels gave the sign
Bow to babe on bended knee
The Saviour of humanity
Unto us a Child is born
He shall reign forevermore
Son of God and Son of man
There before the world began
Born to suffer, born to save
Born to raise us from the grave
Christ the everlasting Lord
He shall reign forevermore
Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel, Noel
Noel
E. M. Cash / M. J. Redman / C. D. Tomlin
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Lord thank you for sending Jesus, the perfect gift that we could ever want. Lord we thank you at this time for Jesus and the redemption that we can have by choosing to follow his teachings. Lord, help us never to forget the ultimate sacrifice that was made by your Son for each and every one of us.
Amen
Bobbles Stuff 