Christmas

On the other Side the Door

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments

 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 ESV

The first people to see Jesus were Joseph and Mary. Theirs had been a long a difficult journey. They had faced the rejection, and disapproval of families and neighbors. On that final night their faith was rewarded with the sight of tiny eyes opening as Jesus came into this world. He took His first breath as they watched and He was held by Mary when He cried. Then Joseph wrapped Him in cloths and gently laid Him in the hay for His first nap!

Today, think of the Inn keeper who stood just behind the door he had closed. He missed His chance to see the birth of the Son of God. But shepherds came breathlessly hurrying into the village to see if what the angels had told them was true. While shepherds were shouting praises we have no record of neighbors just down the street joining in the crowd. That night they were next door to Jesus but missed holding his hands or kissing His cheeks.

Do you long to see the face of Jesus Christ th

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is Christmas? He could be just behind a door we ourselves have shut. Jesus is still waiting and God calls us to come and to see Him. Why not, “Come and behold Him born the King of Angels”?

 

O Come O Come Emmanuel

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Just a bit of quiet to share in the press of Christmas preparations. “Are you ready for Christmas?” is the question we either ask or receive daily in a light-hearted way. What they really want to know is, “Have you finished shopping?” While usually I would respond saying, “Not really!” or “I haven’t even started.” But lately I listened to my own words and decided I would change them. Jesus is not so interested if I have finished shopping for things. Jesus is interested if my heart is prepared to remember His simple birth. God knows I am no more ready than the sleeping shepherds who God sent His angels to awaken, but in a strange sort of way they were prepared. They were ready to leave their sleep. They were ready to leave their sheep. They were ready to see what they had never seem before – God With Us- who came not for people who were ready but to ready a people to become His! Are you ready for Christmas?  Christmas peace and blessings to you all!!

Drawing Close to Bethlehem

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And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:4-6 KJV

We cannot know from this passage if it was on the night of their arrival that Mary gave birth, but we can imagine her weariness as they plodded through the outskirts of Bethlehem. How much longer would it be till the child’s birth? Where would they stay? Who might welcome them? Who would believe the miraculous story they carried in their hearts?

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This Christmas God is also bringing you and me on a journey. His goal is for us to go where He has prepared for us to be. Like Mary you might have times when you might be wondering: Where do I really belong? But God who has prepared a place for every sparrow’s nest has also planned a place for you. When we wish to be welcomed, He reminds us in those moments that we are always welcome to come to Him. Just as Joseph and Mary could only trust God’s timing on the long road to Judea so also we must be patient as the seconds tick down on the changes that lie ahead for us. You might think that no one can know the story of your heart, but God will send angels stars or shepherds to help you as you draw closer to Bethlehem.