Today’s exhortation – reason for the season
Christmas has become about many things but, Jesus is the reason for the season! He is the gift God kept wrapped for thousands of years until 2000 years ago. What does this gift mean to us? He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10). He came to to heal the brokenhearted, for the recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; (Luke 4:18). He came to take away our griefs and carry away our sorrows; To take away our transgressions and iniquities and to give us peace and healing. (Isaiah 53:4-5). He also came to console those who mourn, to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3).
The custom for birthdays is that we give gifts to the person who’s birthday is being celebrated. Today we celebrate Jesus’ birthday and the best gift we can give Him is our lives. All He wants for Christmas is you! While you celebrate His birthday today, May The Lord Himself be a wall of fire around you and your family (Zechariah 2:5). If you’re by yourself, you’re not really alone because Jesus’ says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” May He wrap His arms around you and make His presence real to you. Merry Christmas!
Francis Hans-Jorie