For years, when the kids were young, I would put up some type of ribbon for the children to not cross until we were all out of bed. Even though they aren’t so young anymore, this will be our last Christmas in this home and I was feeling a bit nostalgic.
“No Peeking”.
Anticipation, Peace, and Joy
Afraid, weak, and loneliness.
These are a mixed bag of emotions, but they are one often felt during this season of the year.
This morning I woke up, noticed the sky was becoming lighter, and got a giddy feeling inside. I felt like a child on Christmas morning. Wait! It IS Christmas morning. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!
I thought about all the boys and girls elatedly getting out of bed, filled with much anticipation to see their presents under the tree. My children are older now, and would most likely sleep until noon if it wasn’t for loved ones coming for breakfast around ten o’clock. Oh how I remember those late nights, wee into the morning, preparing those gifts from “Santa”, and then only to be awakened by children filled with expectation before the sun would even begin peering through the sky.
For years the story of Jesus’ birth has been told. In Isaiah 9:6, nearly 700 years prior (if I paid attention to the preacher in the Christmas Eve service correctly) until the actual event, this story was foretold.
This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Can you imagine the anticipation? My children don’t have to wait one year to possibly receive a gift they just know is coming. These people were waiting for 700 years! This foretold gift did finally come, and there was no “possibly” about it, it did happen!
Right now I sit quietly in my comfy chair in the peacefulness and quietness of my home, enjoying a little one-on-one time with my precious Savior. On the contrary to what others may think, or as it may be depicted on social media, my life is far from perfect. I could name off various events that have happened in my past and present that would just make one shake their head and put me on the top of their prayer list, but through it all, and I mean ALL, my Heavenly Father consumes me with such peace.
Not only did my thoughts this morning go to children filled with anticipation, but to those who are in disarray right now. Maybe this is the first of many Christmases without a loved one (oh how my eyes are filled with tears now as I just typed those words), Maybe you’re having a difficult financial time in your life and your feel disheartened because you are unable to provide a “joyous-commercialized-toy-filled” Christmas for your little ones. Whatever the intention of your feeling of distress may be, know/be filled with the confidence/find comfort in the confirmation that Jesus Christ, who was born this day, is the Prince of PEACE. Glory! I quickly recall the overwhelming feeling of peace that God filled me with when my mother-in-law passed away. Yes, tragedy happens in our lives, but we must choose to grab ahold of the peace, love, and comfort that the Prince of Peace has to offer.
Notice that Jesus isn’t only the Prince of Peace, but the Wonderful Counselor and Powerful God. If you are one feeling lonely, disheartened, and weak today, talk to God. He’s here for you. He will listen to you and hear your heart. And if you listen carefully enough, The Counselor will give you the best advice and all the wisdom one could imagine. He will hold you up and give you strength.
Oh what joy! Immeasurable joy! You know how I mentioned the story of Jesus’ birth was foretold 700 years prior? Well, it did happen. Dr. Luke recounted this spectacular event so eloquently.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Woohoo! Here I go again feeling all giddy inside. An angel said, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Then, it was as if all the other heavenly beings just couldn’t stand it anymore and had to join in…they didn’t just say, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” no way…they said and sang it with much admiration for The One True King.
Today, on this day that we celebrate our Savior’s birth, I pray that you will be filled with immeasurable joy. Much peace and joy that can only come from God.
Is God “pleased” with you? Have you invited Jesus Christ into your heart? What are you waiting for? The greatest gift you can give yourself, and it doesn’t cost you a dime because Jesus has already paid the price for you, is for you to ask Him into your heart.
Happy Birthday, Jesus! And I hope you just may be having a Happy Second Birthday yourself, by being born again spiritually.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
