The story of CHRISTmas is about the vastness of God's love for us. I marvel at His love, because it is a love that goes far beyond anything I am even capable of understanding. The Bible says: "He who does not love does not know GOD, for GOD is love," 1 John 4:8.
What do you think of when the word 'love' comes to mind-mercy, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation, peace, charity, kindness, unmerited favour and the putting of others before oneself? The story of Israel is really our story. How many times has GOD parted the Red Sea in our lives-yet when we face another valley experience, our faith often times seems to shrink while our grumbling and worry increase? The story that always causes my heart to burn, is found in Judges 10, when Israel once again turns to idolatry. Sin brings pain. When Israel is bearing the pain of their sin, in repentance they turn back to GOD. This is the response of the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Everlasting, Mighty God of Israel-Yahweh Sabaoth, "And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel," Judges 10:16. LOVE conquers SIN.
GOD knows of our sinfulness, our struggle between good and evil, right and wrong. He knows that, '...we like sheep have gone astray' Isaiah 53:6. And perhaps, because He could bear our misery no longer, He sent us CHRIST-the Messiah!
"For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end." Isaiah 9:6-7
"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is CHRIST the LORD.'" Luke 2:10-11
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6
"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
So, as we celebrate the CHRISTmas season, let us give thanks in our heart, saying, "Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Thank you GOD for your unfailing LOVE! Thank you Father for sending the Son, our MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST!
We would also like to ask for your commitment to pray for the families devastated by the Newtown, Connecticut shootings that took the lives of 20 precious children and 6 teachers from Sandy Hook Elementary School. Please also pray for the family of the shooter, who took his life and the life of his mother.
1 comment:
THANK GOD FOR CHRIST-mas. It is my favourite time of the year. I am so grateful to GOD for JESUS CHRIST!
Your post is so true Natasha: "GOD knows of our sinfulness, our struggle between good and evil, right and wrong. He knows that, '...we like sheep have gone astray' Isaiah 53:6. And perhaps, because He could bear our misery no longer, He sent us CHRIST-the Messiah!"
PRAISE GOD!
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