"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us ..." (Hebrews 9:22-24)
Given the season, there appears a determination to keep Jesus as a baby in the manger -- "for unto us a child is born." (Isaiah 9:6) Still others focus on the part of the scripture that states "unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder." (Isaiah 9:6) But as we know, there is much more to this Prince of peace that is the visible image of the unseen God. (Hebrews 1:1-3) That is, He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. And that He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)
For Jesus is the Word made flesh. The same Word that was with God and was God who dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory. (John 1:1-14)
But this same Lord that is the One and Only Almighty God does not remain stagnant in showing His love for His beloved creation. Indeed, His salvation plan -- the mystery that was in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning -- so vast that no one should be lost.
This is why -- "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
This is why Jesus said that if ye have seen Him, ye have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) And why also Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30)
Because after the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared toward man. (Titus 3:4-7) God manifest in the flesh so that we could have everlasting, abundant life in Him. (I Timothy 3:16) The birth of Jesus Christ sufficient evidence to show how far our Creator would go to show His abundant love for you and I.
How wonderful His love to us!
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins."
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:18-23)
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward [men]." (Luke 1:78)
How? Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited His people; to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)
This same Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ -- He is Lord of all. (Acts 10:36) John 16:33
Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." And in another place, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
So that His peace, the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)
And, as we know, the words of the Lord are pure words as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times, and like Jesus -- never fails. Reach out to the Lord who is over us, the Head of the body of Christ church, and ask Him to come into your heart this day. Don't forget to be immediately water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- as ever individual water baptized in the new testament after the cross. (Acts 2:36-41)
And know, from this point forward, that the risen Christ desires to dwell in your hearts always. Stand in the offering plate!
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