Please Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Christmas Season!

08 Dec 2024 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Luke 2:14.       Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And the days are running fast ahead. Can you imagine it’s already the 8th of December, a month that began just a few days ago? (smile) It’s also the Second Sunday of Advent, our season of waiting for the birth of Christ, and His eventual Second coming in all His glory. And today we light a second purple candle that signifies our hope in Christ. And as this commentary tells us: ‘Hope has two meanings in the Bible: First, Tikvah, depicts the sense of eager anticipation or waiting. The second, Elpis, is used when explaining a sense of confident expectation based on certainty.’ 

And are we ever waiting with a sense of eager anticipation, with a sense of confident expectation, based on the certainty that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is coming back, because He promised it, and He never reneges on His promises. So, today, we’ll open our session of fellowship in the Lord’s sanctuary with this popular Christmas Hymn, ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful,’ an adaptation of a Latin hymn ‘Adeste Fidelis,’ written sometime in the eighteenth century by author(s) unknown. 

The song deals with the biblical story of the birth of Christ and the shepherds to whom the angels made the first announcement of His miraculous birth, and then their going to Bethlehem to adore their new-born, Saviour. However, in these current tremulous and turbulent times, the hymn signifies and celebrates our coming together in worship to adore the LOVING blessing of Jesus, as He sacrificed Himself for our salvation. So, knowing all that, let’s raise up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a rich, scintillating, heartfelt, up-tempo version of the song. 

Singing: ‘O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels! (Chorus: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.) God of God, light of light, Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; True God, begotten, not created: (Chorus) 

O Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above. Give to our Father, Glory in the highest! (Chorus) Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv’n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.’ 

Wonderful friends, wonderful! Heaven certainly knows that we appreciate Jesus’ birth way back then, as He came to provide forgiveness and salvation for us, something that no one else could do! And at that time, because of a decree from Herod that all the world should be taxed or registered for a census, it meant all the men going to their hometowns. Consequently, Joseph and a very pregnant Mary, Jesus’ parents, were forced to travel to Bethlehem because he was of the line of David. 

The Bible tells the story thus: ‘And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished (completed) that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger (feed trough); because there was no room for them at the inn.’ (Luke 2:6-7) Can you imagine that, the Lord allowing His Son to be born in a stable and placed in a feed trough as His cradle? That was the very essence of humility, which came to be Jesus’ trademark. 

And the scholars tell us that swaddling clothes were bandage-like strips of cloth wrapped around an infant to ensure that the limbs would grow straight. Not to swaddle a child would be a form of abuse (Ezek. 16:2-4) This wrapping would aid the shepherds in identifying Jesus. 

‘The Bible then continues: ‘And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon (stood before) them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore (greatly) afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David (Bethlehem) a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (feed trough).’ Luke 2:8-12) 

Now, that sudden appearance of an angel with such news would have been enough to frighten even the most  courageous of men, but to mix it up even further, the Bible continues: ‘And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’  (Luke 2:13-14) There again, can you imagine a host of heavenly angels coming down to earth and singing before you? But remember, nothing’s impossible for out great God! But the Lord’s birth and the praise of the angelic host signified that peace and goodwill were being brought to earth for all men to enjoy…if they desired it. 

The Bible then says: ‘And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which the Lord hath made known to us.” (Luke 2:15) Obviously their inquisitiveness or curiosity was greater than their fear. ‘And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all that heard it wondered (marvelled) at those things which were told by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.’ (Luke 2:16-20) 

Yes friends, from the very beginning the Lord intended His Son to be a lowly born human being, although He was indeed great and mighty in His own right. And yuh see whom He chose to be the first to receive the news; lowly shepherds watching their flocks in the night. That again speaks of the low-level introduction that the Lord desired of Jesus and His birth. And for all the things that He has done for us, appearing in the flesh as a man, we certainly ought to be joyful and triumphant, adoring Him with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds! 

Yes! For He’s the True God, born of a virgin, begotten, not created, the Word of the Father, God of God, light of light and so many other things, that it would take us all day to name them! (smile) But friends, let’s enjoy this Christmas season, as we remember that Jesus is the reason for it, not the festivities surrounding it! Much LOVE!

… at Christmas time…it is essential that we remember Jesus…and what His birth signified…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 January 2018 Psalm 104:24.

04 Jan 2018 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 104:24.   O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

So how shall we begin this morning eh friends? I guess by giving the Lord much thanks and praise as we ought to, as is our bounden duty! 

First of all let’s thank Him for the life we have this morning, for bringing us through the past night of darkness into the bright sunshine of Jesus’ day. Let’s thank Him for all that He’s done for us during the past year and all the good stuff He has planned for us in this new year. 

Ah friends, without God’s grace, mercy and LOVING-kindness we’re nothing, and can do nothing worthwhile. Let’s remember that and keep coming to His throne in humble prayer to get all of our daily needs, for that’s the storehouse from which they all emanate. 

Have you ever wondered how this great universe is so self-sufficient? The earth just seems to stand suspended in space; the seasons roll around on time without any timekeeper; rains fall, the sun shines, the moon does it’s thing, the winds and the seas do their thing too, all without any apparent outward help. 

Birds, insects and animals have their food provided for them and keep on in an unbroken cycle. Humans are born, live and die, and the world continues moving and functioning in perfect harmony…without any apparent outward help. Yes my people, Planet Earth functions so harmoniously because of the wisdom and strength of Almighty God who made it and all therein. 

The only time when stuff gets screwed up on earth is when we humans, supposed superior beings, get involved and throw God’s perfect timing off. But have no fear, despite our foolish and mindless messing with His perfect universe, He is still in total control of it. 

No wonder the psalmist declares so profoundly in our Bit: ‘O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.’ 

Oh friends, the works of our great God are indeed manifold; plentiful, various, different, but all fine tuned to the nth degree, because our God isn’t only a Jack of all trades, but more importantly, a Master of them all! 

Thus, when dealing with the problem of idols in Israel, which were only the work of cunning men, the prophet Jeremiah could unequivocally proclaim: ‘But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God; and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. 

Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his discretion (understanding). 

When He uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth for the wind out of his treasures.’ (Jer.10:10-13) 

What a mighty God we serve my people! The ONE and only true and Living God! And Jeremiah was so convinced of his words that he uttered them again in Chapter 51:15-19, when talking about the Lord’s judgement on Babylon. 

Meanwhile listen to Cousin Sol’s take on the subject. ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths (deeps) are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.’ (Prov.3:19-20) 

Ah friends, if you’d only sit and ponder the miraculous spectacle that is the earth and all that moves within it, you’d realize that it would take an awfully mighty, wise and powerful Being to put it all together so seamlessly. And that being is our great God Jehovah! Give him much praise and thanks! 

And Job says it thus: ‘He (God) is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? Which removeth the mountains, and they know not; which overturneth them in his anger. Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble. Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars…

Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not. Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder (prevent) him? Who will say unto him, What doest thou?’ (Job 9:4-7,10-12) 

Now that’s a very good question my people? Who will say unto Almighty God, what are you doing eh? Nobody in his right senses! But we are wise enough not to question God, instead we’ll serve and worship Him in all goodness of heart and thus enjoy His awesome blessings. Let’s tell it to the world friends, let’s declare our Thursday Blessings and let them know how the great God we serve rewards those who faithfully serve Him. 

As one now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! 

I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and everyday! Amen!’ 

Oh my people, in 2018, this Year of LOVE, let’s go out and share those blessings with the less fortunate nuh, for that’s what Jesus desires of us! Much LOVE!

…walking closely with Jesus…means sharing whatever He’s blessed us with…