We, as Christians, are called to be a light of the world and represent the love of Christ.This Christmas season, what is something you could do to be a blessing for others and share the light of the Gospel? As you think about it, take a moment to look at the verses below and really receive the gift of what the Lord has done.
Psalm 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Isaiah 9:6-7 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. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Luke 1:76-79 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 2:7-9 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Matthew 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Matthew 2:11 And when they (the Magi) were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
John 1:14 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.
Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
II Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
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 Lord is a loving and merciful God! He saw you and me in all of our sin and shame and sent His only begotten Son into the world for our redemption! Our Heavenly Father wanted to have a relationship with us and for us to spend eternity in His presence. Even though our fate was dire, the Lord had a plan! Isn’t that just like our God? He is an on time, ever present, loving Father. Friend, I encourage you this Christmas season to really acknowledge the gift that is our Savior and the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice. Give the Lord the thanks and praise that is due! We were dead to sin but are now made alive in Christ Jesus!
Study Questions:
- When Matthew recalled the story of Jesus’ birth years after it took place, he was still shocked, amazed, and bewildered by its retelling. What experience have you had with Jesus that still leaves you astonished and in awe of who He is?
- The Magi were exceedingly rich and powerful people who influenced the masses by a single word of wisdom that fell from their lips. Knowing their weighty position and the fact that they sought out Jesus to worship Him, what does it say to you about their character? How does their example motivate you in your worship of Jesus?
- Without question, the wise men traveled many miles for many days and spent a great deal of money to search out and to find Jesus. To what lengths are you willing to go and search out and experience the presence of Jesus? As you answer, consider the stories of a blind man named Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) and a woman with a deathly bleeding issue (Mark 5:24-34).
- Has the Holy Spirit given you any specific revelations about things to come — regarding either personal situations or for believers as a whole? If so, what are they?