Hope is found
Luke 2:10
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people"
Hope the anchor for our soul
I never had a true appreciation for the nativity scene that is Christmas until recent years, this year in particular. I knew exactly how the story went, but never really took the time to get to know the one it's about. Yet in doing so, marked the greatest adventure of my life. You see Jesus isn't just some random guy the Roman's killed one day. He gave up everything that was his Godly power and came down to earth to live a life of serving not a life of honor. You see this whole testimony of Jesus is exciting because I don't believe people truly comprehend what he did. Picture it. A King, when you think of the word King, where does your mind take you. Here's what I've got: a palace, huge banquets, expensive jewels, clean and properly dressed. But not this King. No. This King, although he deserves riches. Came to earth as a pauper. Mary and Joseph weren't well off people. They weren't celebrities. They were humble commoners, who no one really knew, trying to get through one day at a time and survive. Why? Why would a King, the son of God do such a thing. Love is the answer suitable. I don't know much about your experience in life. But I do know what it's like to be looked down on as worthless and not good enough. Thinking about it, if the son of God took a high position on this earth. Anyone beneath that status, would never feel like they could live up to it. And Jesus knew we couldn't. But yet out of love he came as a dependable baby, to some unknown commoners in the runt of Israel.
Micah 5 verse 2 (nlt)
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.
Be encouraged because though he deserved greatness, fame and riches. He was and is so pure and righteous. Yet through grace, mercy and pure love he came down to earth to grow up knowing he would die a sinners death. Many may think why is God so mean, I know I have at one point thought of that question. Why would God sacrifice his son, no one in their right mind would send their child to die for the entire world who if we are being honest with ourselves, alot don't deserve it. But it wasn't until my eyes were opened to it, did I realise Jesus wasn't forced. God didn't hold a weapon up to him and make him do it. No. Jesus surrendered his will to restore the relationship between us and the father God in heaven. You see, before Jesus, in the old testament. The Jews had to sacrifice animals to have their sins forgive. As no amount of soap was going to clean sins away. But those animal sacrifices weren't good enough. Yet there was no one or nothing pure enough and without evil to do the once and for all sacrifice. The way I see it, and don't quote me or take it as biblical fact. Unless God confirms it. But the best way I can explain what Jesus did was, a relationship between a child and their parent. Any child would do anything to make their parent proud or happy. And what would make God happy. To be reconciled with his creation. You see for those of you who don't know. When God made the earth, he didnt just stay in heaven. He walked on earth with Adam and Eve in the garden.
Genesis 3 verse 8 (nlt)
When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees.
God really did want to be reconciled with his creation. But sin built a blockade.
Sin is a horrible word. A word that makes anyone uncomfortable and immediately get defensive. I've never sinned. I'm a good person. That may be so, you may be a lovely person. Who has never committed a crime or any kind. Yet we all at some point either told a lie, even if that's a white lie. Or reacted in some sort of way to anger. Hurt someone with words or in our thoughts. And yes our thoughts count to God. In his point of view, you thought it, you've done it. Wow. How many of us would cringe to that thought. I know I do. If we just look at those points alone, it comes to reason if it wasn't for Jesus we may as well give up. But that's the good new. The good news Jesus tells us to spread throughout the world. What is this good news. The good news is that, that little baby born that we see in plays at school or hear about at church. Was the beginning of the greatest love story ever told. That baby grew up to pay the ultimate price for me and you. So we can walk and experience a powerful relationship with the creator of heaven and earth. To set us free from the bondage of sin, pain. We all may think we are free. But thousands: if not the entire world gets weighed down at one point or another by the past, whether that be by our mistakes or others whose caused us great pain. And Jesus dying on the cross, taking all the worlds sin on his shoulders. Means we can leave our burdens of the past at the cross. Letting go of its shame and its pain. And learning to trust that he who began the good work will not stop until completion.
Let's pray.
Father thank you for your love. Thank you for the willingness of Jesus to come down to earth and die a sinners death so we can be reconciled to yourself and build a relationship with you through forgiveness and faith. Thank you for your grace; mercy and great patience. Without it where would this world be. Help me grow in learning to trust you. Help me understand you, Jesus and the holy spirit better. Help me see who I am through your eyes and live a life you meant of love. Praise your name. In jesus name amen
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