Remembering the Reasons We Celebrate Christmas

As we approach Christmas on the tail end of this crazy Covid year, there are many in my circle with heavy hearts. Maybe you find yourself in similar circumstances. Would you take a few minutes with me to turn our minds away from all that is going on around us and take a quick journey to what this holiday really means for us?

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (Holy Spirit) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” John 16:33

When we face difficulties and can’t or don’t know how to pray…

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Cor. 4:17-18

But now thus says the Lord……

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…..Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you… Isaiah 43:1-4

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more boldly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor. 12-9-11

He is our light in the darkness.

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. Ps. 25:8

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. Prob. 3:5-6

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face Lord, do I seek. Ps. 27:8

Show me your ways oh Lord. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me. For you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. Ps. 25:4-5

The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. Ps. 25:14

The Lord is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? Ps. 27:1

Though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. Ps. 27:3

Indeed none who wait for you shall not be put to shame. Ps. 25:3

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Ps. 23:3-6