John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I love Christmas; it is the time that we, as Christians, celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This is the one day that the world shuts down, which is celebrated by most of this world. This should be a time to worship in reverence and awe what God has done for those who call on the name of the Lord.
This year for most it’s different. Out of caution, people are not gathering the way they may have in the past.
Social distancing.
Masks.
It’s different… But the one thing that we have to keep first and foremost in our minds is that God is still in control. Our faith needs to be that He is working all things out.
Romans 8:28 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
With every day that passes, we are getting closer to His return.
For those who believe, we are called to keep our eyes focused on the things to come, not on the cares of this world.
We are simply passing through.
Colossians 3:1-4 NLT
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
If we allow ourselves to be sucked into the virus, the politics and everything else that takes our focus off what we have been called to do, we will be with out the joy that God has promised us.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
For those who don’t know Jesus Christ as their Savior and whose hope is in the things of this world, there will be a lot of anxiety and fear. Their hope will be placed in the wrong place and will end in only death in the end anyways.
But for those who believe and put their hope in Jesus Christ, “death is gain.”
Paul realized this when he wrote this:
Philippians 1:21-24 NLT
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
This doesn’t mean that we throw caution into the air, and disregard the guidance that we are given with regards to being safe. We are called to submit to our governing authorities. The only time we do not is if they tell us that we can not worship God.
I say all that to say this:
“Stand Firm,”, get into God’s Word and start to understand the truth of His Word.
Live in Him and serve those around you.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Son.
Thank You for sending Him to this world to die for our sins. A price we were not equipped to pay.
I pray that You are changing hearts and minds, and that You are giving those who are to be saved the faith to accept Jesus Christ.
I pray that You continue to give me the desire to grow closer to You and that my life is a reflection of Your light in me.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
