We have all heard the song Joy to the World during Christmas. But why should the world be joyful? Have you ever listened to the song? The Lord has come - let all the earth rejoice! Yeah! The Lord has come. It is for this reason that we all should have joy. The answer to sin and death arrived on a dark and starry night. So, the story goes.
Before the Lord Jesus was to be conceived, there was another miracle baby that would be born, and he would pave the way for Jesus Christ. This baby would be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother's womb, and he would grow up to be known as John the Baptizer. The man with the message, Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John would be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly." - Luk 1:17 NLT
John did just that by telling people to repent, for the Messiah was coming and in His hand was a winnowing fork by which He would divide the true believers from the fakes and the Church from the world. Jesus would baptize with Spirit and with fire and prepare His bride for His second coming! John was to prepare the people with the message of repentance and baptism in water so that when Jesus got there the people had hopefully ears to hear the truth that Jesus would present.
The truth of the message of Christ in Christmas is that He came out of the love of His Father, God, the Creator of all things. He came to set the captives free and give life to those who are bound in chains of darkness. The spiritual path to heaven was the path of Jesus Christ. It has not changed. The law and good works will not get you there. But your faith will produce the fruit of good works and love. By this, we will show the world who are of God.
When John's dad, Zechariah, a priest of God, was filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesied over his son. He said, 76 "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. 77 You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. 78Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace." 80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. - Luk 1: 76-80 NLT
The gift of God that is salvation through Jesus Christ came because of God's tender mercy towards His creation. For no other reason are we able to obtain salvation than that of God's love and mercy toward those chained in the darkness and destitution of sin.
We take the time in December to remember the birth of a Savior, a Man/God that came on behalf of Heaven to save all of humanity - those who would believe. We do not need to argue about the day or season because that is not the point of our celebration. How often do people celebrate an important date such as a birthday or anniversary on a different day because it is most convenient? When you do so, others don't rebuke you because you are not celebrating on the exact date - that would be foolish. It is also foolish to debate Christmas and cause division and arguments. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. - 2Ti 2:23 NKJV
Most theologians or those who study the word of God know that Jesus was not likely born on December 25th. I often think God allows this to go forth to test our love for one another. The world is familiar with Jesus and Christmas around this time of year because we drifted from the Hebrew roots of our Christianity. We can teach this truth in such a way as not to rebuke or injure people. For now, we need to be weaponized with the Spirit of Evangelism!
Jesus Christ came to earth to manifest the will of God on it. He said the kingdom of God is peace, joy, and righteousness, but it seems to me joy is not always so readily available. The traditions and expectations of man around this time of year often dissuade us from embracing joy, I have been there myself. However, if we don't have peace or joy but are always right (eousness) then we may be missing a big percentage of the benefits of the kingdom of God that is supposed to be in those who believe.
Jesus said the world will know who are His by their love, not their debates. The Church is full of arguments and strife. Sometimes the debates are worthy, but most of the time, they are simply fleshly opinions that do not bear good fruit.
Let's pray,
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son, Jesus, to live and die for the world. Thank You for Your mercy, kindness, and love that was bestowed upon us as You allowed Jesus to be sent to the cross of crucifixion. Help us to die to our opinions and arguments and lay down our swords towards one another, and strike the enemy instead! I pray that Your Spirit of holiness, peace, and joy would overwhelm the body of Christ this year, and we will put away the foolish things of our youth and pursue Jesus with passion and a pure heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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